Today was supposed to be a full day at sea - but because of the medical emergency on board, we sped our way to Suva and arrived about 3 pm in port (if not at the pier). The medical emergency was removed by some sort of medical ambulance boat - and the patient was well enough to wave farewell to the ship. J saw that happen shortly after we arrived. The Grand Princess was docked at the pier at that time.
As we pulled into the port of Suva, Fiji, it was shocking to see a number of boats clearly wrecked upon reefs or rocks. I pulled out the binoculars to study them - inoperable laying on their side. It was only later when J returned to the room that he suggested that these were likely the catastrophic result of a hurricane.
This morning I went to hear Coffee with Ian. He was in conversation with Gene, our Resident Show Director, who coordinates the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers. It was an interesting conversation. Gene himself is married to a dancer on another ship. She just finished her contract and was returning home to the US to get some snuggles in with their 14 month old child! Talk about sacrifices for one’s family! He did convey there will be 8 shows on this cruise, including one on Oct 25th called “Your Song” set to the music of Elton John! He, like all the singers, dancers, Lincoln Stage performers and Cantare, was hired by RWS Entertainment out of New York City. One piece of interesting information he shared is that the team most often rehearses on the mainstage between 11 pm and 1 am!
If you look beyond the first 6 boats in this picture you can see the last boat turned on its side at the back of this photo!
J and I then went to a question and answer session on the Mainstage with Ian and Kainoa, where people asked their burning questions about our three Fijian ports. We each had our usual routine in the afternoon, then got dressed for our ‘Dressy” night - formerly called Gala or formal. That means a great menu in the dining room.
And the dining room didn’t disappoint! I had the escargot, beef tenderloin with shrimp and flourless chocolate cake. J reallhy enjoyed duck tonight! About 5:45 pm the Captain announced that we could go ashore this evening and some guests did that. I was a bit unnerved to hear the additional announcement that Fijian port authorities didn’t recommend that we wear jewellery while on shore! Evidently pick pockets are a problem here.
After dinner, I headed to the Mainstage to hear Cantare’s final performance this cruise. This group of four singers will go and perform on another ship, having delivered three great shows here! V & R from Vancouver came and sat next to me for the show so we had a nice visit at the conclusion. The internet system is down this evening so I may be delayed in posting this - we will see! I need to get busy and pack my bag to go tubing down a river in Fiji tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment