1 February, 2018

Onboard the Queen Elizabeth, geo-positioned off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

This was supposed to be a day of whale watching, snorkeling, wandering the multiple shopping opportunities here in Cabo—but the weather has refused to cooperate. It started out with a grey drizzle, and a promise that conditions would improve. Unfortunately, the seas and wind did not cooperate, and we had gale force winds, squalls, heavy rain and temperature barely over 70. The first few tender loads made it over, but then Captain Hashmi had to put a hold tender operations due to the high winds and rough seas. Now at 2:30 pm, he was able to open tender operations again, but the last tender back is 5:30. The Officer of the Watch kept reminding folks not to wait for the last tender back, because if there was no room, you would remain behind. We had every intention of going ashore, but decided it wasn't worth it. The first time we were in Cabo was on the Sitmar Fairsea, in 1987. Cabo was a few unpaved streets and a handful of shops. I remember we took a small boat out to “La Bufa d'Ora” I have no idea how it is spelled, and I am not even aware of anymore trips out to see it. Perhaps it no longer “bufs!” Essentially, it was a hole in the rocks and waves would be forced through it with great gusto. Hey, this was our first cruise—we were impressed!

We've had a busy few days—some excellent lectures by Robert Key, a British historian, who really brought history to life. Captain Hashmi, (can you tell I just adore him?) gave a very informative and entertaining virtual bridge tour to a full theatre. He has a wonderful sense of humor, and had the audience laughing hard. As I mentioned before, he goes on holiday in Bora Bora and we will have a female Captain.

A Wing and a Prayer, our Trivia Team now has 2 wins under our rapidly expanding belts!

Our 51^st anniversary was 29 January, and thanks to our table mates, the waitstaff, our Headwaiter, Sashi, and the Maitre d'', Stanley—it was a memorable evening! We had champagne, a delicious cake and cards and chocolates from our friends at our table. A group of 8 waiters sang “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and Sashi bound David's and my hands together with a napkin. We had to kiss and blow out the candle on the cake. It was truly special! We have lots of photos thanks to our friends Bryan and Pam. Having a great table can make the difference between a good cruise and a great one. We are big proponents of fixed dining and new table mates who become friends. We have really lucked out on this trip.

Last evening was a festive one with the theme of Carnival, although only a few people dressed in the theme. It was a formal night, and began with a cocktail party for the full world cruisers. Alcohol was flowing freely and there was a lavish buffet of finger foods and caviar and desserts. We, along with our new good friends, Lin and Bryan, were invited to the Chief Engineer's table. Brian Stevenson proved to be a charming and entertaining host. Did you know that the Engineering Department is responsible for essentially everything on the ship: the engines, of course; the air con and heating, the creation of drinking water, refrigeration of food and making certain the stoves all work, the repair of everything that goes wrong from the espresso machine to cutting the ring off of an injured guest. I was amazed at all that falls under his responsibility.

We returned to our cabin to find our first set of World Cruise gifts: a Cunard 2018 World Cruise baseball cap and very large vegan leather tote.

Now a few negatives:

The staff at the Lido Buffet is apathetic and seems to do the absolute minimum required. They are slow to clear empty tables and unenthusiastic about refilling your coffee cup. I am so used to the incredible service from the Lido guys on the Crystal ships. You never have to ask, they are there to help immediately. Service in all the other venues ranges from good to superb!

My other negative is some of the featured entertainment: Two shows lost our attendance within the first 10 minutes: a ventriloquist named Brad Cummings, and a soprano, Dale Kristien. The ventriloquist was technically good, but just wasn't funny. Dale Kristien was way past her sell by date. However, one evening, we were very surprised at how enjoyable, juggler and comedian Goronwy Thom was. We thought, “Juggler? We'll sit at the back so we can escape.” But he was terrific! So funny and high energy. So, you never know.

Three more sea days, then San Francisco! It's time for a Crystal Cruises Reunion! Our friends, Brian and Gary, our friend Chuck, and our son, Ben, will all be staying at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, and our friends, Patty and Micheal Wong will be meeting all of us for dim sum. We have managed to get Brian, Gary and Ben on board the Queen Elizabeth for a short tour, and Chuck will be touring with a group of travel agents. So anxious to see everyone!

Caio for now!