Journal - Grand Asia –Australia Cruise
Wow – were finally here…on the ship! The trip we have been preparing for, planning and worrying about has begun with a delicious glass/es of champagne. With traditional pre docking procedures over - we all assembled into the Lido lounge to await our room destination. While we sipped and ate some salad, all the friendly staff started to work their magic and we were welcomed and pampered lavishly. However, due to massive amounts of champagne we neglected to take many pictures.
As we settled in and did some unpacking we found our accommodations to be fairly spacious and quite comfortable. At 5:00pm we took our champagne to the rear of the ship to watch as Seattle became a dot on the horizon. Then it really sank in – 69 days and nights on a ship!!!!
At our first dinner we met our fine wait staff and sommelier. We had a sumptuous meal and shared many toasts and realized how tired we had become. So off to our humble cabins we went. Soon however, we were tossed around like the salad we had for lunch. A fine little storm had struck the ocean and 20 ft waves (at least) were crashing around us everywhere! In the morning after a rock and roll sleepless night, the onslaught continued. We all actually made it to the gym after breakfast and did some cardio but Hank and Robin did not fare so well. Wandering around the ship we notice a stark absence of passengers so one can only assume that this “ocean motion” affected quite a few. So we spent the day as much as possible trying to stay stable and well rested. The wrist bands, green apples and bonnine helped a lot.
We made it to dinner with limited appetites but we did get to meet the other foursome at our table, friends that came together from Arizona and share golfing and travel. Part of the extras we received so far, besides the continuous onslaught of wild animals protecting our beds (and a koala hanging from a picture) we also were graced with a beautiful leather journal and card case. We’ve been told that there are many more gifts to follow! Yahoo!
Day 3 was much better and the waves were nearly manageable. The weather was still sloppy but we were able to work out and travel around the ship getting our sea legs and locating the hot spots. It was also formal night so we got gussied up and had some cute pictures taken. Dinner was steak and lobster among other delights and it was all delicious. The show was a fantastic opera singer who also did a great version of Roy Orbison! Awesome show!
Day 4 & 5 – We had some sun for a minute but now the high seas are back and we are handling it better. Ok not so much. The wind has begun to buffet the ship with amazing agility. We spent some time on the computer organizing our excursions and planning our shore days. While we were on the computer, Robyn and Ryan called and we got to skype chat for a few minutes. How great to see their sweet faces! As we worked the as the waves grew higher and higher bouncing off the sides of the ship. The captain explained that we were trying to take a more northerly route to get around the wind and waves which would put us closer to the International dateline sooner but expect continued rough seas. So we went from Tuesday, Sept. 27 to Thursday, Sept. 30. No Sept 29th.
To hear about the FABULOUS 50TH Birthday party – see Robin’s description below….
Stay tuned for more adventure…..Maryann
Hello everyone!
Yes Mark did turn 50 although he fought the process all the way. Originally, we were supposed to skip the day all together as we were crossing the Int’l. Dateline. So he would technically not have a birthday. However, due to the crappy weather the captain took us another route and we lost the 29th of September instead. Poor Mark! Mark finally gave me a moment to put some plans together (he was gambling and won!). I was able to contact staff and friends to help set up a party at the Crows nest.
The evening started with Martinis at the Nicoletti’s where we toasted and snapped confetti poppers, then on to the dinner where the wait staff sang HB with our other tablemates and brought a cake – again we popped the confetti, which was also like a fire cracker. After dinner we got to attend a 40’s and under party at the Crows Nest which worked perfectly into my plans except for all the balloons and streamers which was a giveaway to Mark. Fortunately he wasn’t paying attention. Several lemon drops later we, with our 8 friends, moved to the party center with the streamers and once again sang HB and had yet another cake. The drinks were 2 for 1 at the bar so we then had more martinis and shots! Why Not! At midnight Matt the DJ joined our party. Then the dancing started – including Mark!!! We began easy with YMCA and moved to heftier stuff like Beyonce but the best is when we all (including Mark) did the Hokey Pokey! Yep we have the pictures to prove it. So after this I don’t remember much but there was tequila and a table. Judge for yourself – the pictures don’t lie.
All in all everyone had a great time – Mark especially! Mark would like you all to know that he was surprised and grateful to have you all join him in the celebration of his birthday via your cards. So it seems It’s OK to turn 50 but we really missed having Beezoo and all of you with us.
We are headed for dry land tomorrow – thank god! And it is now October 1. Mark’s real birthday. We are going to a great restaurant for dinner tonight and yes – yet another cake!
XOXO Robin
