Captain Ciruzzi greeted us and posed for a photo at the start of the luncheon, but then had to move on to do captain-stuff, and so we were seated at a table with Staff Captain Darius Balana from Poland, whom we had previously seen but never really talked to, so that worked out well. Mrs. Mary Ann Z from California is the most traveled passenger this cruise, with over 1000 days on Princess. She first cruised Princess in the early 1970s on the Princess Italia to Alaska, and had some good stories to tell about that. She is staying on for the next cruise, the 50th Anniversary cruise, so if anyone reading this meets her, please look out for her. She said she had been on the wait list for the anniversary cruise (because it sold out immediately when it opened for booking), over #100, but did clear it in September.
So...back to the luncheon. Here was today's menu:
Duet of lobster and shrimp ceviche
OR
Risotto con funghi
Herb roasted halibut steak
OR
Beef tenderloin tropical
Chocolate hazelnut bar with citrus cream
Captains Circle host Tracey, Chef Gaetano and the sous chefs
I chose the first starter and the second entree, paired them with first the Chardonnay and then Cabernet Sauvignon with the entree and spent a very companionable almost two hours at lunch and then the next three hours recovering from it. I guess I am warming a bit to the luncheons, but still prefer the cocktail parties or (even more) a voucher for a free specialty dinner. We've been lucky during our four (I think) luncheons this season in being seated with very interesting and fun fellow passengers. But, for us at least, the luncheon does seem to monopolize most of a day at sea.
We have heard a couple of different numbers for the Elites on board the next cruise, between 300 and 400 (out of 600 or so passengers!). The MTP luncheon cutoff, in the 200-ish days range on this cruise, is going to increase considerably (and that's all I can say!!).
We sat out on the Promenade Deck this afternoon, recovering from our luncheon, and then moved inside to the Casino Lounge where guitarist Kenny played during Happy Hour from 3-4pm. We made it to the Elite Lounge at 4:30pm, then dinner, with a new (to us) menu at 5:15pm. We have great tablemates at the next table again this cruise. We really use our table for two more for the ability to eat fewer courses more quickly, because we still do a lot of socializing over dinner. For dessert: watermelon sorbet. Watermelon sorbet!!! Send a carton of that to our cabin, please. I love Princess sorbets, but had never seen watermelon sorbet on the menu before. (Note to self: figure out how to make that at home).
Production show Shake, Rattle and Roll was performed at 7:30pm, and it was the first time this cast has performed it. I love the dancers, all of them, but am having a little trouble liking one of the singers' voices (but won't say which one, 'cause I'm sure it's just me). It was a fun show, but my favorites remain Motor City (which won't be performed this cruise) and Do You Wanna Dance (which will).
Afterward, we listened to piano entertainer Brad Stevens play in the Casino Lounge. I do miss Jere Ring from last year...a lot.
And that was our day. I've had a look at tomorrow's Patter...it will be a busy final sea day before landfall in Hilo, Hawaii on November 25. I've also taken a look at the weather forecast for our three Hawaiian ports...not good. Not good at all. Let's hope it improves, but we still can't complain if it doesn't. We may have used up all our weather luck in French Polynesia, and, if that's the case, it was totally worth it.