Activities today were very good. The naturalist had a wonderful presentation in the theatre. Game shows, trivia and the one everyone enjoyed best "Life at Sea". The Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise director discussed how you get hired with Princess, what you pay for, what Princess pays for and all about their life working at sea. I always thought you couldn't bring a baby younger than 6 months was because of life jackets. No, they don't have life saving equipment for small infants in the medical center! They explained the staff working hours, showed pictures of their cabins, dining area and activities center. It was an hour and fifteen minutes with a short question period. All the cruises I've been on, I have never seen a presentation like this. It was funny and informative.
They also explained what happened in March of 2020 when COVID hit and the ships couldn't dock in any country. Our cruise director was stuck on his ship for 80 days when the ship was allowed to sail to the Philippines and they let them fly out. They exited the ship surrounded by armed guards and were taken right to the airport He explained how Princess went through hoops to get him back to Brisbane where his child was due to be born. He finally got into Australia ten days before she was born. The staff on the ship waiting to be sent home were moved to passenger balcony cabins.
During the restart they explained all the precautions and changes that were made on the ship for the crew and how activities changed. It's a well organized well run corporation that emphasizes safety and cleanliness.
We went for afternoon tea with Margaret and Dave. It was the first time this cruise. I've done afternoon tea on every cruise line I've sailed. It was good on Princess but Cunard has the nicest afternoon tea on the high seas.
It was the second formal night and some of the items they offered: escargot, lobster, duck and beef wellington. The food has been good but tonight it was outstanding.
I am posting this on Thursday night as tomorrow will be a full day. We have an early arrival and have lots planned. Welcome back to Canada and my cell phone now works! I sailed without getting a roaming plan. I called on both Skype and What's App and they both worked fine with the internet.
