I soon learn the reason for the added slot machines. 500 cabins were sold to a "gambling group". It shows. The casino and the extra slot machines are always busy. Some other usually popular locations like the Crow's Nest on deck 12 forward are relatively empty.
As we head west and south towards the Hawaian islands the temperatures gently rise. High's the first day were about 70. Day 2 a little warmer and by day 3 we awake to 70 degree partly sunny skies, and by lunch time it is 80! The roof is open over the pool deck and many people are now outside enjoying the tropical breeze. The lobster red sunburns are already present.
The captain has been very guarded on his weather forecast. Maybe he knows something that he doesn't want to share, but so far the weather has been excellent.
A number of passengers were confused about the ships behavior shortly after leaving port. We stopped in open water and the ship went in circles. What we were doing was calibratng the compass, a task that needs to be done occasionally. If you ignored the announcement and then saw rhe behavior you might begin to question your wisdom in booking this cruise.
The main shows have been good. Music in the Rolling Stones Lounge deafening. A fact that was shared with the cruise director, Erin, by many passengers during her first morning coffee chat. Not surprising, but new to me as I don't own a smart watch, when noise levels are too high the smart watch app issues a danger warning to the wearer. Several passengers pointed this out to Erin.
Later that day while walking by I measured the sound at a constant 110 db noise level. Definetely harmful to your ears.
On Monday, October 6 I had the opportunity to be a doctor. It was time to remove the stitches from my hand. It looks well healed. I run warm water over it for a few minutes to soften the skin. Three snips with my scissors and the stitches slip out effortlessly. I still haven't seen a bill from the clinic, but I bet it will be substantial. Fortunately, for the moment I have good insurance.
We now just walk into the dining room for dinner. The wating lines between 5 and 6 are long. The food and beverage manager tells everyone that if they would eat at 7:30 there would be no line. That is not what this mature crowd wants.
There are several talks each day. I had forgotten but what Holland is now doing for presentations is having a professional organization write and prepare the presentation, and then the CD (cruise director) gives the presentation with the aid of a teleprompter. The best of both worlds. Quality content and excellent presentation. So far most of the presentations have been about Hawaii.
Starlink is beginning to get intermittent today. I have connection for a few minutes, then lose it. But much better than when I crossed the PacIfic almost 10 years ago and we had no internet for days.
So far we have had at least 3 medical emergencies. No ports to divert to here, all we can do is wish them well and continue on our way.