First day on the sea

We got a decent nights sleep, and woke up between 8 and 9. We headed to Sabattini’s for breakfast. On the Star two years ago this suite only perk was one of the great joys of the cruise, and one of the primary reasons we booked a suite this time.

Our server was Jane from Thailand, and as she was about to take our order the cruise director came over the PA. She was very funny as she made faces and pretended to fall asleep as the announcement went on. I think we’re going to very much enjoy Sabattini’s this time too.

After breakfast I went to the last half of line dancing. Since I knew I was going, Glen brought his Kindle to read while I was dancing. I got there in time for the last two dances – a relatively simple one to Red Neck Woman, and one with tricky footwork to Rockin Robin. During the teaching of Rockin Robin, Glen caught my eye as left. After class I couldn’t find him, but eventually found him having coffee. Apparetly, I missed the gesture of him drinking that was supposed to clue me in as to where he was going.

Following that, it was time for meeting number 2, the Cruise Critic group in Skywalkers.. Tripmaster, the member who set up the meet and greet did a great job organizing, and several officers showed up, including the captain. We spent some time talking to the deputy cruise director, who is from Blackpool England. When we mentioned we’d be there for a dance completion, he knew exactly what we were talking about. He also gave us some things to do suggestions.

Following that we had the typical first day lunch in the dining room. After lunch, Glen went back up to the room, and I stopped by the end of the Mergenie lesson. I noticed that the instructor was helping out individuals. I asked him what the ballroom blitz showcase was, and he had no idea. So maybe not, even though it was in the Patters.

We also went down to the Patasserie again and met up with cruise critic members Vickie and Vera. Vera will be celebrating her 100th birthday on the cruise, and Vickie is her niece. Vera currently lives in Alameda, but used to run a flower store in Berkeley. We enjoyed talking to them. After our coffee we went back to the room to watch the end of Secreatariet, and dress for dinner.

Tonight at dinner, we had a new server. She introduced herself as Natalie, from South Africa, and she is apparently our regular server. Last night, the server never introduced himself or his assistant, they just served us dinner (completently). Apparently Natalie was unavailable last night, but she told us she’s with us for the duration.

After dinner, we did a bit of dancing in the wheelhouse. Then it was off to the 70’s party at Explorers. However all they were playing was Hustle, which we suck at, so back to wheelhouse for a bit of dancing, and then an attempt to sleep.

I say attempt, because by this time, the weather, which had been a little windy with somewhat rough seas all days really kicked it up, so about every 10 mintues the ship would shudder badly, sort of like hitting a speed bump. The hangers in the closet shook all night. I think we eventually got some sleep. More fun stuff to do tomorrow.