Up late, at 7:30 (6:30 after setting the clock back. Continuing to steam for Boston at 14 knots. Skies overcast (a for-runner of hurricane Dennis, or just local weather?), wind somewhere at 8 knots. Calm sea, the kind we prayed for on summer weekends in southern New England.
I didn't catch our geologist speaker's pitch a few days ago on Inuit culture, so I watched a bit of it on channel 29 before going up for first breakfast.
8am, relaxing in the Lido over a cup of coffee, while reviewing our shipboard account. Prior to embarkation each passenger must register a valid credit card. The cruise company immediately places a $1000 hold on this card, to cover anticipated shipboard charges.
It's hard to believe how we could accumulate over $1100 in charges, just sitting watching the world spin by. Most of it ($770) is the $22 per day daily gratuity for the help. Why this is levied as a separate charge, instead of being built into the overhead, is a mystery to me. Tradition, I guess. Most of the rest is Kathy's daily drink, plus a few miscellaneous charges such as SD cards and Internet service.
It's a constant battle to keep from charging stuff to the room. They make is so easy! The most egregious example is the opportunity to charge as much as $1000 per day in the casino. I haven't investigated their policy, but it is my guess that they check your registered credit card limit at embarkation, and cut your gambling off at that limit. I must report that Kathy has been scrupulously careful about this booby trap. It's not easy for her, because she loves to gamble so much.
8:30 and the southern tip of Nova Scotia is in view on the far horizon.
1pm. Our morning was filled with fun activities like a disembarkation lecture, and a session on backing up and sorting photos.
Room Boys Displaying Towel Creatures
Deck Crew Wishing Us a Fond Farewell
Proper Way To Fold A Napkin
(What Everyone Needs To Know) NOT!
Wind is variable at 3 knots, seas placid. This is the calmest I have seen on this trip. The skies have cleared for a bit, so Keith ran out and took a photo.
“Blue Skies, Nothing But Blue Skies, Do I See”
Lunch was a mixed theme buffet by the pool, featuring carved lamb accompanied by a diversity of ethnic dishes. All topped off with an excellent blackberry - blueberry crumble, a la mode.
The kitchen staff also displayed their creative and artistic talents with food.
Eiffel Tower Crafted With White Chocolate
Bread Artist Displays His Masterpiece
Bread Animals
Fruit Artists Display Their Skills
This Watermelon Looks Just Too Good To Eat
Our captain was just on to announce that Denny has spluttered out, and is no longer a hurricane. Our next question is, will we be able to get home before it rains.
This afternoon promises to be the most fun we have had so far. It's time to pack. Our luggage must be outside the cabin by 1am tonight. Not wishing to stay up that late, we shall pack this afternoon, except for the carry-ons.
4pm, all packed, and in the Crow’s Nest for Kathy's daily double. Except it won't be a double today, since we are not in port. Must run. Kathy is expecting me to play cards and chitchat with her, and she is worth the effort.
7pm, our last supper aboard is done, and Keith is showered & in bed. Kathy is in the library puzzling, and e-mailing. We are meeting the pilot boat at 4:30am tomorrow morning. Keith hopes to be in the Crow's Nest for the sail-in. I hope it's not raining. The weather here, 130 miles east of Boston, is starting to cloud over and look threatening. Wind is still light at 8, so the ride continues smooth.
Stay tuned.
