Saturday, December 7. At 7:00 A. M O on Saturday, my sister, Doris drove us to the Cruise Connection pick up point (McDonald’s on Cattleman) where we started our Caribbean Cruise. Unaccustomed to rising so early, Dennis was “off” most of the day, unable to sleep on the 4-hour bus ride to the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Epic. Boarding was easy and we soon were in our balcony stateroom. While Dennis napped, I toured the ship, joined in the open-deck festivities, and worked out in the gym, which was empty during the afternoon. That night, we attended the Blue Man Group show. Since we saw this show are the same transatlantic crossing in April, we did not expect to enjoy this presentation as much as we did the first time. What made it different were the kids in the audience, who laughed, giggled, and begged to be chosen for participation in the show. After the show, we had a late-night meal and returned to be rocked by the ship’s gentle sway and the ocean sounds.
Sunday, December 8. This morning, I went to the gym while Dennis slept in. I did about a 15-minute workout with weights followed by enough time on the exercise bike to burn off the caloric equivalent of a slice of bread or a glass of wine. After breakfast, we lounged on deck, then sat in the outdoor jacuzzi, talking with fellow travelers. I marveled at how relaxed I was. One gentleman told us he as about 270 days of cruising, but not all with NCL. Had he been “traveling like a Norwegian” all those days, he would be a gold star member. This title has many perks, including free booze. Guess loyalty to one cruise lines pays off.
Around 4 P.M., the captain announced that the crew had extinguished a fire on the 14th deck, complimenting their skill and rapid response. He then stated, “You SHOULD NOT, CANNOT, MUST NOT, MAY NOT, WILL NOT, SHALL NOT throw anything off the ship. The fire was caused by a cigarette that was casually thrown off one of the higher decks.” With all the cameras on the ship, I wonder if they caught the person who cautiously tossed his butt overboard and threatened all our lives.
This evening we attended the Cirque de Soleil Dreams and Dinner show. Though the food is mediocre, the performance is outstanding, probably one of the best acts I have seen. Dennis was chosen for audience participation. He had to ring bells with five other guest when the MC pointed at him. Those who know Dennis understand that Dennis has no sense of rhythm, making for a lot of laughs. There is one sexy scene with an acrobat in the bathtub—use your imaginations. One women juggled a cello, a female contortionists did amazing things is a super-sized champagne glass, acrobats, clowns, and muscle-men all worked to delight us. I have no sense of balance, and am amazed at what these people can do on a rocking vessel.
After dinner, I challenged Dennis to a Scrabble game. I won the toss and went first. Unfortunately, the only double value word I could make was the single-letter word “I.” In the end Dennis won, 198 to 194. Since he wanted to relish his win, the rematch will not be until tomorrow.
During the night, we turned our watches forward an hour. I was surprised that we had traveled this far east. The stormy seas kept me awake for most of the night. The boat would crash into a wave with a loud TWANG that reverberated throughout the ship like a frisson running down its spine. Around 7 A.M., the exhaust fan cover fell with a loud metallic clang onto the shower floor. From that point one, I was awake, though I would have liked to sleep more: my body an hour behind. As I age, I am not a flexible to time changes, and probably more rigid in a lot of other ways.
Monday, December 9. Quiet day at sea. Worked out for a while, and then relaxed for the remainder of the day. I finished one mystery thriller (Desecration by J.P. Penn) and started another. I have missed reading for pleasure; there is nothing like escaping to a world created in the author’s mind. Isn’t it strange that I am a nonfiction writer, but enjoy reading fiction the most?
After supper we watched an improv comedy routine that was not very funny. Back in the room, I slaughtered Dennis in a Scrabble rematch. Guess we’ll have to play one more game.
By 8:15 we were cued up on the pier in St. Thomas for the Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel to St. John. Even though it was raining, the trip was not canceled. The all-female crew on the Adventuress was strictly business as we set sail. They explained how to use the on-board toilet: “If it doesn’t go through your system, if won’t go through ours.” Once everyone was geared up and trained, we jumped into the blue-green water to see sea turtles, sergeant majors, gar, other tropical fish, sea urchins and a little coral. Dennis and I agree that the fish are more plentiful and varied in Cozumel, Mexico. I think the waters are warmer there too.
