Day 37 – Sail the South Pacific Ocean

Once again, Tim and I slept late and watched Dr. Babcock’s excellent lecture on the “History of New Zealand” from our bed. This is becoming a habit! I’m so glad that Viking enables us to learn about the countries we are visiting in advance, since it gives us a much better understanding of and appreciation for a place.

History of New Zealand

Tim had gotten his hair cut several days ago, and I decided that today was my turn. I had been growing my hair out a bit, but the heat and humidity convinced me to go super short again.

Our New Haircuts

Later, I decided that I was well enough to return to the Explorers’ Lounge for an Aperol Spritz. While there, I witnessed the final drink prepared for the A to Z Club, a group that has been celebrating with a drink for each letter of the alphabet. Daniel created a Zisco Kid today, and everyone toasted his bartending prowess!

I Think Daniel Poured More than 20 "Z" Drinks

Soon, it was time for a toast on the Pool Deck to celebrate crossing the International Date Line. We had received our certificates earlier today.

Crossing the International Date Line Certificates

Tonight’s culinary event was Dinner Under the Southern Skies, a family-style feast, also on the Pool Deck. Executive Chef Alastair had hoped that 500 guests would attend, and I’m sure there were many more than that. Tim and I couldn’t even get a table for the first seating, but that was okay. We could wait.

It seemed like every officer and crew member was recruited to help serve. Sardo and the other Guest Services team members were pouring water and drinks. Even the Spa staff was helping. It certainly was an “all-hands-on-deck” event.

Dinner Under the Southern Skies

Somehow, Tim and I had a “failure to communicate,” and he didn’t realize that I had wanted to wait for the second seating for dinner. Since he went to the World Café by himself, Candy and Joe, a lovely couple, invited me to join them for dinner, which was simply amazing. And so was the entire evening. The live entertainment was excellent, and the weather was perfect for this special event. The crew members really outdid themselves tonight!

Our Incredible Feast, Served Family-Style
(I Forgot to Photograph the Main Course Until After We Had Served Ourselves!)