Around the World in 128 Days - Sea Day Presentations, Party Time and Performers

  Travel Day 38 - February 9, 2024 - 14,519Steps

The sun is up and behind the clouds. I'm guessing the bright object showing left of center above the bright sky is Venus.

Later in the morning the sea looked like this. Due to the swells the ship was rocking some but it was barely noticeable.

Jam packed house this morning to hear Kimberley interview the Hotel General Manager Henk Mensink.

With a mix of humor and very thoughtful comments and answers to Kim's questions, this was the best interview to date. I have included some video excerpts below.

The video below is humorous but also shows why Henk has risen to such a high rank.

This question below was posed as eliciting either a humorous or serious answer. Henk thought for quite some time before answering, I deleted the long pause, finally answering the question about which journal would you read by giving great advice on a subject many likely thought about, but few acted on.

And lastly another very thoughtful answer to a question about what you wish you had known when you were younger. A large portion of the passengers on this voyage of the Zuiderdam are the highest revenue generating passengers for Holland America, virtually living on HAL cruises year around and in the most expensive rooms/suites while purchasing all the extras. On cruises like this HAL likely makes sure their very best personnel are aboard and it shows.

Unfortunately he gave an answer to another question when I was not videoing so I'll have to write about it instead.. The question was, if there is one thing you could change in the world, what would it be. His answer really got to me. It was to stop criticism. Instead of criticizing something or someone offer a solution to what you were about to criticize instead. Give the reasons why something is not what you want and offer an alternative to improve the situation. I have tried to frame my comments in today's post with that in mind, at least the part about not criticizing. That is something I have been prone to do a little too often in past blogs, especially with reference to the onboard entertainment.

A wonderful presentation by Canadian biologist Justine Nadough brought the struggles of turtles and tortoises to life.

When a person has passion for something, it comes bursting through during their talk. We have been blessed during the cruise to have a significant number of the presenters show that passion.

Really went out in left field with lunch today, especially with the stuffed poblano peppers. There was more than one helping, so I was Stuffed Bob. 

Another of those Linda surprise artsy photos.

Whenever we are at a port where passengers can disembark ending their journey and new passengers can come aboard to begin their journey there is a Block Party. Here comes Patrick with the wine.

No, they are not both for me, as I had my dose of gluttony at lunch as mentioned above. Trying to practice what Henk spoke about concerning criticism, some of the wines they served were superior in taste to others.

What is a party without food.

It's the Captain's duty to visit all the floors during the party time and just after the photo was taking he was off at a VERY fast walk to complete his rounds.

As you can see he even left behind his boss who is a very awesome lady.

And a good time was had by all.

Got really lucky looking outside at the right moment for this photo.

It was the Zuiderdam's Band in the interview chairs this evening after dinner. The spend a lot of time in rehearsals for the shows they provide the music for and it showed as they took the time to relax and give laid back answers to Kim's questions.

And tall she is.

So many sequins it was impossible to take a non-glittering photo.

The Captain's boss had him out enjoying the evening as they stopped by the Broadway Lounge for a while to listen to the new piano duo having fun with songs from the 60's. Sea day's are supposed to be a break from the hectic nature of port days, but so far they are just as hectic and tiring if not more so. Life is so awesome when you live it to it's fullest.