SEA DAY III & OUR FINAL NIGHT

As Sea days go, this was just another lazy day to get most of the debarkation packing done and lounge around doing mostly… nothing.

We4 did their own breakfast thing and met up with rest of TE10 in the Aquarius Dining room for a leisurely lunch to catch up on what they all had done on those days they were not together.  Barb still stuck to her story of Nessie Sightings, Janice was still on the fence about that one.  Most of their tales were of more Rocks, Ruins and A.F.C. or tchotchke scores for this grandkid or that nephew. 

The menu was another repeat of mediocrity with most choosing the Salad Made to Order bar where they found Stan the Man in charge who was delighted to serve them personally.

The rest of the day was spent doing whatevah, with Chucky & DL strolling the shops one last time, checking out the Ship’s photo gallery [nothing worth buying] and stopping by the Pursers office to get the “Automatic Gratuities” removed from their account. Supposedly disbursed throughout all service personnel, the auto collection of the "Gratuities" is just another way for Royal Caribbean to augment the meager pay for ships personnel.  As such We4 preferred to directly reward those who actually took care of us throughout the cruise as they were the most worthy of the "Extra" consideration via personally delivered envelopes.  

It also gave Chucky a chance to try out 

the cute new Selfie-Stick that the 

Grand-Sons gave him for Fathers Day.

Then it was time for a relaxing cocktail in the atrium while watching the swing dance lessons. [Derek and his wife were showing up all the kids with that one]

Finally back in the cabin, the packing got finished just in time to convene the last OFFICIAL Meeting of the Happy Hour Club, where Super XXX did his usual Magic as DL shot this intriguing sunset over Chucky's shoulder.

Being the Last Night Aboard, The Diamond Lounge was so packed that it was slim pickings for Hors d'oeuvres. Cruise Vet Donna anticipated this and brought the last of the Costco snacks to augment the glass of peanuts that Super XXX had scrounged from the employee lounge. 
{Yeah, he gets an envelope too}

Our Final night’s Dinner was a Winner. {About time, and yes... rhyme intended} Chilled Sweet Red Pepper soup preceded one of the nicest, if not a bit small presentations of Osso Buco Gremolata in a tasty wine rich tomato sauce.  Lenny actually got 2 bones which he dug into with gusto for the silky marrow, one of the best parts of Osso Buco. {Chucky spreads it on bread}  The tender veal literally flaked off the bone and the creamy polenta was to perfection.  Perhaps they always save the best meal for last in hopes that it’s all you remember, But… we all know "that don’t play" in Chucky-land.  

Dessert was a Strawberry Napoleon which if they were fresh from the pastry shop would have been fine.  But sitting overnight in over-moist refrigeration and then sitting out too long after plating [what else could be the reason], turned what should have been light and crisp puff pastry layered between a creamy custard into soggy, tough, leathery ribbons.  A shame because the super-rich creamy custard was  delightful.

After making sure their Fabulous Team in the Aquarius, Stan The Man, Boy Wonder Julius, Ever Resourceful Revellino and the Delightful Hostess’ Rahel and Jeannevieve were slipped envelopes amply rewarding them for their Excellent and Gracious Service, We4 headed to the casino for the usual after dinner Cocktails and Cognac. 

No big winners tonight so they adjourned to the Schooner to bid farewell to Enselmo, who cut the night short, as the lounge was practically empty.  Seems that everybody was packing for tomorrows return to A’dam since tomorrows arrival would be VERY Early and all bags had to be in the hall by 11PM.

Since the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal will be overloaded with other ships, we will be docking at the alternate terminal in Waterland Port, 12km west of Central A’Dam where we boarded. Debarkation is going to be challenge in the first place let alone getting an Uber there.  

And…once back in the cabins, We4 discovered they got different bag tags for debarkation. This meant that if they were to share an Uber to their hotels they needed to be in the same group getting off the boat.  Sooooo… back to the Purser to get the tags changed, before they could put the bags out.

That bit of drama concluded, Chucky settled in with some Cognac purchased in Edinburgh to knock out a NOWAT. Lord knows it will be awhile before he could complete this series with all that lay ahead.

By the time he got it all sorted out, SHE was well into Nonny-Nonny Land, so he promptly joined her.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The sad to see the cruise ending,

Dragon Lady