I need to learn to count, there are actually 10 place settings at our table and not 12 as previously reported. Two more spaces filled last night by sisters from somewhere in the USA, they did say but I have to confess it didn’t stick so I will ask again tonight. I am finding we are needing to remember so many names on this cruise and I am struggling a bit at the moment.
The whole cruise has very sociable atmosphere to it and more so than any we have ever done. We have encountered so many friendly people and I know it’s only 2 nights we have been on board but does seem much longer.
So this morning we awoke to clear skies as we cruised along the east coast of the north island towards our next port which is Napier.
Breakfast was taken in Tuscan Grille where I took the opportunity to chat with the Captain’s Club Hostess about the Captain’s Club Cocktail hour, she supplied me with the information that when there are less than 500 qualifying members onboard they revert back to unlimited drinks and use a cordoned off area of the Sky Lounge for the venue.
This morning at 9:30 we attended the Cruise Critic meet and mingle and it was great to put faces to the many names I have been chatting with over the last 18 months. From there it was straight up to the Solstice Deck for some well earned R & R. We stayed there until just before midday when it clouded over and yes you guessed it, the rain returned. At least we have now seen some sunshine.
Thinking the Oceanview café would be heaving we had our lunch in the dining room which was equally as busy but much less of bun fight. We ended up being seated next to some fellow Cruise Critic members so spent much of lunch chatting with them which we enjoyed.
Nicole has also been impressed by the amount of gluten free options that are available on this ship. Below is a photo of the dessert selection in the buffet this afternoon.
The rain eased off around 2:00 and the clouds remained but you could still feel the warmth of the sun coming through. We spent much of the afternoon just wandering around the ship before stopping for some mid afternoon in the buffet.
Sitting out the back we were lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the ship. It’s very difficult to capture the little beggars on film but I did manage one or two fairly decent shots from 14 decks up.
Tonight is the first evening chic night of three on this cruise so I will sign off early to get ready.