May 11, 2012 At Sea

May 11, 2012 At Sea

The seas are calm and sunny skies. The temperature is very mild, in the mid-70s. We had a quick breakfast and the did a short session at the bridge lecture in order to get to our ship's bridge tour. Evelyn and I had done this before on the Golden Princess but it was the first time for Don and Myrna. We were met and escorted to the bridge where the junior officer of the watch, his name was Sabastiano was our tour guide. He spent about 25 minutes explaining the various equipment that is used to navigate and maintain the safety of the ship. He was very young and to Evelyn and Myrna seemed quite handsome. The captain Carlo Servillo came in a we chatted with him for about 15 minutes and then took pictures. I think one of the primary duties of the captain is PR and the ability to speak easily, he made us feel welcome and we all enjoyed the conversation. Later on when we met him again at the captain' s welcome aboard party her did remember us. It is always a great privelidge to be invited to the bridge. After 9-11 security became a major issue and all regular bridge tours were discontinued.

We had lunch in the dinning room. Both the service and food were good. I have been very impressed with the crew and staff. Everyone one is very accommodating and friendly, even the staff at the front desk.

We played bridge again and didn't do well, we came in last. We need to play better between the two of us each one thinks the other one is making the mistake.

We went to Friday night services. The service is always conducted by a passenger, although the ship provides the wine, printed sabbath prayers ( that were donated by a passenger on a previous cruise ) and a very good challah bread. It was conducted by a gentleman from Brentwood who we met on the last cruise six months ago.

It was formal night so we were all dress up, Don and I in tuxes and the ladies in dresses.

After dinner we attended the Captain's welcome aboard party and then stayed on for the show which was a variety show by the cruise on board entertainers singing and dancing to songs of the 50's and 60's. One of the better shows.


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Hal