LEAVING THE AMAZON

After five consecutive port days, we left the Amazon River, passing by Macapá as we headed across the Amazon bar toward the Caribbean Sea.

World cruises have a lot of sea days, about 69 on this cruise, which is a little more than half of the 128-day cruise.  For the next three days, we were able to relax and enjoy the many amenities offered on the Zuiderdam, as well as take part in some special events.

17 Jan 24

FLOWER ARRANGING

Judy attended the $39.99 “Art of Flower Class” at 2 pm in the Ocean Bar with Anton, the onboard Florist.  Most people made reservations, and while reservations were recommended, they weren’t required, and Judy was able to join the class.

There were twenty people in the class.  Everyone was loaned a blue apron to use during the class.  The phrase of the day is “Make it Round.”

The class started at 2 pm and was over at 3:15.

Judy returned with two arrangements, and they stayed fresh for a few days.

THE MENTALIST

Santiago Michel was featured on the World Stage.  His performance was pretty standard for the genre, but guests are no longer allowed on stage – so his subjects now assemble in front of the first row of seats.

18 Jan 2024

CASINO ROYALE ON AN OLD-SCHOOL FORMAL NIGHT & A REGIONAL WINE TASTING

I enjoyed a complimentary Regional Wine tasting in the MDR hosted by Cellar Master Jacques.

CASINO ROYALE

Our second formal night of the cruise was this evening with the theme “Casino Royale”.  Once again, Kimberly emphasized that formal attire was REQUIRED during her daily announcements.  Compliance was close to 100%.

 

Here is the description from the Daily Program

Casino Royale

Whether you channel the sophistication of Bond, the glamour of
a Bond Girl, or the intrigue of a Villain, dress your part and accept your
mission: embrace the allure of James Bond at our Casino Royale! Engage in
complimentary gaming lessons, take your chance in a free slot
tournament, play fun table games, or try your luck in a game of
poker with our Officers. Sip on double-oh-7 drinks for $7,
witness spectacular flare exhibitions, and enjoy a complimentary
‘champagne’ tower and pour at 9:oop with Captain Frank.

Don’t miss out on our raffle prizes throughout the evening (must
be present to win). To enliven the evening, Billboard Onboard
will serenade you with songs from the Rat Pack.

It’s a night of glamour, games, and entertainment -Bond style!

ROOM NUMBER ROULETTE AND TUXEDO JUNCTION

The Tuxedo Junction assembled in the Casino at 6:30 pm to play Room Number Roulette.  Here is how it works.

Bring $50 – this will get you 10 Spins – If you want to risk less the $50 – that’s OK, but each spin has to be a minimum of $5 (spread across any combination)

At the Roulette wheel, you can trade in your cash for Roulette Chips or use cash or regular casino chips.

Then you can play your room number/birthdays or any other number….

Stay as long as you like – there is no start or finish time..

If you don’t want to play – stop by and cheer us on!

We had a full Roulette table for the entire evening until we left for dinner at 7:15.  Judy played our room numbers while I took pictures.  Per our tradition, Judy bet our remaining stack on BLACK and the HAL SHIP – and the ball dropped on Black, so we ended up $25 ahead for the evening.

The ship-sponsored Casino Royale events took place from 8 to 9:30 pm, so we missed those as we were at dinner.

MAIN DINING ROOM

We had a wonderful dinner in the Main Dining Room

WORLD STAGE

Léon Maurice-Jones, Leroy Ricardo Jones and David Page make up the wonderful vocal trio – The Flyrights and were the stars of the World Stage this evening.  They are outstanding singers and dancers and perform hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Sammy Davis Jr, Otis Reading and more.

19 Jan 2024

CROSSING THE LINE

We crossed the equator today for the final time on this northbound section of the cruise.  The closest we will come in the future will be as we pass Singapore in March.

The ceremony started at 10 am with the arrival of the Captain and his senior officers, followed by King Neptune and his Queen.  Cruise and Travel Director Kimberly played the role of the Magistrate and Master of Ceremonies.

After some humorous opening remarks from Kimberly and King Neptune, the pirates brought out the first wave of pollywogs to face the judges.  Kimberly would read the “charges,” which were “crimes” based on the nature of the pollywog’s shipboard jobs.  The Pollywogs then were sent to “Kiss the Fish” – no longer an actual fish, before visiting the Royal Barbers and Surgeons, where they were covered in goo on poolside tables.

Following their “treatment,” the pollywogs returned to face the Captain.  After a brief consultation, the Captain and his officers would give a thumbs up or thumbs down, ordering the group into the pool or onto the sidelines.  Most preferred the pool as it was much cooler than sitting on the sidelines.

The ceremony continued with several more groups of pollywogs facing the Judge before the ceremony concluded around 10:30 with all the newly inducted Shellbacks jumping into the pool – soon afterward, followed by Kimberly.