Crossong The Dateline & Equator

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was bittersweet…the first away from family & very close friends, but Holland America did their best to compensate. Most of our time was spent in the theater watching football games on one giant & two smaller screens. Our tailgate party consisted of a large buffet featuring hot dogs, chili, nachos, chicken nuggets, cookies & brownies. We topped off the day with a traditional turkey dinner with all the usual trimmings in the main dining room. The seas have been pretty rough the past couple days – the front desk has been passing out ‘free’ green apples & saltine crackers to those guests so inclined.  One function we’d like to share with you here.  The King Neptune ceremony held poolside on Tuesday – a tradition on Holland America when crossing the equator. Employees from many departments are sacrificed. Should the Captain & his Officers choose, the individuals kiss a fish, are lathered in a mucky emulsion and thrown overboard (into the pool). Always a fun time for all. I shot photos from the observation deck through the roof as I’ve learned from past shows that you just can’t get decent shots from pool level.

We’re nearly 1,800 miles from our last port in Samoa, arriving in Hilo Saturday morning. It’ll be nice to hit U.S soil again. Will have cellular service for the first time since September!

Oh…our Rummy games. I’ve been reluctant to publish any updates until after our wedding vows renewal ceremony December 4th…BUT…Bob: 11 Cheryl: 7.

There was an Indonesian Crew Show held earlier this week & later today, we'll see a Philippine Crew Show - I’ll try to get those photos processed & posted by tomorrow.