It wasn't easy trying to find a date that was suitable. Between docking in several ports (where we couldn't get off) and then while at sea where pirate watch would kick in, we finally settled on hosting an Easter Dinner for the crew. We wanted to do a bingo/pizza/chicken wings/lots of beer and wine event for them that would start at 11:00 p.m. one evening, but because we were heading into a total "lights out on the decks" mode, we agreed to do something special for Easter Sunday in the crew mess. We also wanted to have it before Sujith disembarks. He's leaving before May 1 to be home for the birth of his first child.
As you can see from the photo, the chef prepared a roast suckling pig plus lots of chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian dishes buffet for the three hundred crew who take such good care of us. This came complete with beer and wine. (No spirits are allowed now for crew members after the Costa problems. That is a new rule as of March 1 declared by some maritime authority and, of course, our Captain abides by all the rules!)
When we were offered this date and occasion, we were told that the Ship's Officers would be happy to serve the food. We said "absolutely not ... the four of us will do it" And so we requested, and were given uniforms, and went to work on the appointed day. The crew was not only surprised but seemed delighted to have four World Cruisers serving them. According to the Captain, they enjoyed it ... big time! Apparently nothing like this (passengers serving the crew) has happened before. They also thought we would just make an appearance and then leave, but we worked for three hours serving all of them.
Along with our uniforms, we were given name tags identifying us as:
Niels - Sommelier
Ken - Bartender
Molise - Bar Waitress (a misnomer for sure since she was busy carving the whole pig)
Dianne - Waitress
It's hard to know who had more fun ... the crew or us! When we decided to leave at 8:30 p.m. after everyone had been served, we headed to the Pool Bar/Hot Rocks for a drink and a bite to eat (still in our uniforms) and the entire staff applauded us as we walked on the deck. The passengers dining there were surprised to see our attire and the crew quickly explained what we had just done. It was a great evening and after our forced confinement on the ship for so many days, a welcome diversion!
My anger has abated somewhat over the visa fiasco but not enough that I won't make a huge fuss and life very difficult for sombody when I get home. None of you reading this will be surprised by that comment!
We are sailing in very calm seas in the Gulf of Oman ... soon to enter the Straits of Hormuz. Is Iran happy at the moment? Our ear-piercing sirens to fend off pirates are in place on the back decks and our water cannons are fully operational. We can see them from our veranda. The crew is on high alert. Hopefully we will not have a problem. Stay tuned!
D & K
Nuts! I don't envy IVS! Glad you two are staying positive.
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