The next 5 days are sea days as we head towards San Diego, Ca. from Hawaii. We will be setting our clocks ahead 3 hours in the process. Holland is making the adjustment at noon instead of in the middle of the night. There are at least two reasons for this. First it is much easier on the body to make the adjustment during the day. Secondly, workers schedules do not need to be adjusted as much to keep in compliance with international work rules governing minimum sleep hours for the crew.
When we left the islands the seas are about 5 feet. By the second day the wind has picked up to 25 knots on our bow, and the seas have increased to 10 or 12 feet. Since the waves are almost directly on our bow, the ship's stability is not impacted. Roll in minimal. The impact of the wind is most apparent on the outer decks, just better hold on to your hat.
The comedian does his second show. The house is full, but the show is only 30 minutes instead of the usual 45. I guess he has just run out of material.
I spend part of the second day doing train club stuff. Providing the internet connection holds up I can do most of the accounting functions from anywhere in the world.
I have been given a cold by an unknown passenger. The symptoms are well managed with standard OTC remedies, and I do not need to dig deep into my stash of "just in case" drugs. I remain kind to my fellow passsengers and spend most of the day in our cabin or on the balcony watching the sea go by.
There were four likely bugs, dreaded covid, the flu, norovirus, or a common cold. After referring to several differential tables from the likes of Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Web MD and others, based on my symptoms, or lack thereof, I conclude the highest probability is that I have a common cold and I proceed accordingly. I will know for sure in a few days.
As we pass the halfway mark across the ocean the swells have subsided to 3 or 4 feet. The temperatures remain in the mid 70's, the skies partly cloudy to overcast.
We have seen rain in the distance, but not on the ship. We have had just fantastically amazing weather since leaving Florida.
Yesterday I was reminded of rhe infamous Carnival "poop" cruise where they drifted for days in the Gulf of Mexico without power, water, AC, or sanitary facilities. The head in our stateroom ceased to function. Fortunately the response time was only 15 minutes and the repair time 3 hours. I don't know what failed but whatever it was affected a row of cabins on our deck. Unlike your toilets at home that work on gravity, on a ship it is a complicated sytem of valves and a vacuum system. Very fast and water efficient, but also very complicated compared to your home system
Ship maintenance is a critical component of passenger comfort and a line's ultimate success. This morning a staff member was checking every cabin door peep hole for scratches or other issues, compiling a list for repair. It is this attention to detail that separates the men from the boys.
On longer cruises with multiple sea days extra stuff is added to the activities list to help keep passengers entertained. Special programs are presented, guest lectures on all sorts of varied topics, guest competitions like boat building or paper aitplane fltinf are often the usual additions.
Last night the crew made hundreds of towel animals and had them on display all around the pool. Of course there was the usual faire of turtles, monkeys, and swans, but they also made several life size animals including elephants and octopus.
By the fourth day at sea the ocean is almost flat with just a few one meter swells. The skies are broken clouds, and the daytime temperatures are just under 70. A few brave the chilly air at the pool, but only a few.
The gambling group on board is definitely committed to their addiction. The casino is packed day and night. Occasionally you hear someone bragging about their big win, but not what it cost them before or since. One thing I did learn today is that the most comfortable chairs on the ship are the ones in front of the slot machines. No I haven't taken to gambling, but they were the only chairs near the ocenview bar. I had no problem using them since the slot machines had taken over a large amount of seating area from the bar.
As with our crossing from Vancouver to Hawaii we have yet to see another ship or boat. Maybe tomorrow.
It is now our last sea day. I always try to learm new things., today its a new use for a life ring. It is floated in the pool and used as the "cup" for a golf chipping contest. Only three guests compete. One point for getting the golf ball in the pool. Three for getting it in the life ring. Even if you are an experienced golfer, it wouldn't be much help. The balls are about half the weight of normal golf balls. A whole new set of paramaters to adjust to. The winnings? Maybe a keychain.
The weather remains perfect. The air temperatures in the low 70's, mostly sunny with scattered clouds. The seas calm. Perfect cruising weather.
Many passengers will be getting off the ship tomorrow in San Diego, we will be staying on for four more days until Oct 25.
My diagnosis of the common cold is accurate. Now several days later I am 100% confident. Most symptoms are gone and there is no need of further intervention.