Day 128, Sailing toward Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The Mariners Recognition event was held in the Queens Lounge today at 10:30. There were probably about 150 in attendance and it appeared to be limited to people with at least 100 sea days or at the Bronze Level. As we entered the lounge we were greeted by the Captain, Hotel Director and the Cruise Director followed by some other officers, whom I didn’t recognize.

We found an open seat and I grabbed a Bloody Mary from a passing waiter. They were also serving some very nice appetizers and offering Champagne, Mimosas or water. You could also order anything else and they would bring it to you from the bar. Judy ordered a Ginger Ale. After about 10 minutes Gene started the presentation by recognizing the members of the Presidents Club followed by those individuals achieving a new level of Platinum, Gold or Silver for the first time. There were only a handful of people called up in these categories. Finally everyone at the Bronze level was recognized as a group. Afterwards, we were invited to have photographs taken with the Captain and Hotel Director if desired. We were sitting close to the front and were able to get our picture taken quickly and then head to the dining room for the Mariners Brunch.

The Mariners brunch was open to everyone – 1 star and above – and there was a long line leading down the stairs from deck 5. People who were in the Queens Lounge were allowed to enter the dining room on Deck 5 and then down the curved stairs to Deck 4. We sat at a table for 4 with a very nice couple from Vancouver BC, who were originally from the Netherlands. A couple from Houston sat at a table for 2 that was so close to our table that the 6 of us were able to have a pleasant conversation.

We had two choices for starters, Cold Soup or a Seafood Cocktail. Our choices for entrees included, Yellow Sole, Short Ribs or a Vegetable Quiche. The only dessert option was a Carmel Crème pie. All the food was very good. Champagne was served along your choice of soft drinks. Gene and the Captain spoke for a few minutes, proposed a toast and then excused themselves to other duties.

Everyone had different opinions about the show from the night before. A few people walked out after the first dirty joke while most people stayed and enjoyed the show. Shayma got funnier as the show progressed. We heard that the earlier show was even more risqué and that many people got up and left when they realized that she was going to do an adult show. What surprised most people was that there wasn’t any indication that this show was going to have such adult themes. If they indicated in the program that she would be doing an adult show, I don’t think there would have been as much of an issue.

This afternoon we finally had enough people for a Texas Hold’em game after they lowered the price to $30. I didn’t get any cards and finished in the middle of the pack.

Judy went to the gym for the Pilates class with Jake. She’s done the Pilates machine off and on for years, but this was her first time doing the floor work. With the ship’s movement it was more of a challenge, but she enjoyed the class.

Tonight was the last Gala night and our table was hosted by the Spa Manager, Laurissa.   She has been on many different cruise lines and we enjoyed hearing her stories about life on different ships and working on ships for such an extended period of time.

The menu featured Surf and Turf – Lobster Tails and Filet Mignon – which was ordered by most of us and was very, very good. The menus were back to the foldable square versions where you order everything at the same time.

Tonight was “Mexican Casino Night” in the casino with everyone dressed in themed costumes and the casino decorated appropriately.

Tonight’s show was encore performances by Ventriloquist Dan Horn and Pianist Juan Pablo Subirana. Dan Horn displayed excellent technique as a ventriloquist, and he introduced new characters. Juan Pablo Subirana followed with an outstanding show which featured one of the HAL dancers as well as a musical tribute to the USA to celebrate his becoming a USA citizen. He is from Cuba but now lives in Miami, which he jokingly called the ‘Capitol of Cuba’.

• Dan Horn
• Juan Pablo Subirana