Ruminations from the Silver Muse.

[drron]

The following day was a sea day on our way to Hong Kong and our first changeover day.there was a little swell which was no trouble for the Muse but a little up and down for small vessels.




Lunch in Atlantide.
I had a crab cake - all cake and very little crab. then the penne with tomato and mushrooms which was much nicer.




Mrsdrron had the roast lamb. She likes it extremely dead.


Then we both had the cheesecake.


Plus a little help for our points tally. One of the crew we have cruised with before insisted we enter the daily distance travelled competition. So I put down 158 nm and that was the exact distance. So got back to the suite with a big envelope saying congratulations and 15 points.

 

[drron]

That night it was our only booking for La Dame. First the menu.








The setting.

Mrsdrron started with scallops. She didn't want them with the pork belly so she got double the number. I had the scallops with the pork belly. The scallops were nice but on the small size whist the pork belly was overcooked.






I then had the Foie gras. it was good.


The wines were good.

 

[drron]

I then had the mushroom soup which was very nice.


I then had the dover sole which was moist and tasty.

Then the sorbet.


For mains Mrsdrron had the lobster with leek and peas. Unattractive presentation.


I had the filet steak. Tough and not as good as that served in Atlantide.




For desserts Mrsdrron had the crepes and I the souffle.

 

[drron]

And the petit fours.


I am pretty sure this will be our last meal in La Dame. Nothing really outstanding so not worth an upcharge. Service is good though.
Got back to our deck and saw the most depressing view there is on SS.

 

[drron]

That night had been the Captain's farewell and crew parade. We don't miss that. The good Ukrainian pianist was leaving the next day.


The Captain Tomasz Kulas from Poland.




And the crew.

 

[drron]

Next morning and we are in Hong Kong. Slept in. late light breakfast in the Arts Cafe. Some views from the ship.

 

[drron]

Then we just went for a walk in the area near the cruise terminal. We used to go regularly to Hong Kong but have only had 1 trip there since 1997. Boy has it changed.

 

[drron]

In the past we stayed many times at the Sheraton and a couple of times at the Peninsula.




But we often ate at Gaddis. Funny even as a poor resident we could eat here. On one occasion about 5 years after becoming a specialist there was a conference in Hong Kong. Several who had been medical students or junior doctors under me were there and I took some to Gaddis. A table of 14. The Maitre'D quickly worked out I was paying so I received excellent service. Funny but I would baulk at the price for doing that now. Of course back then the Aussie Dollar was stronger than the US dollar.

 

[drron]

We then entered a shopping Mall It turned out to be connected with other building including the Cruise terminal. You could spend your whole time in here.
We did find a branch of one of our favourite Thai restaurants, Nara, here so decided to have lunch. The staff are helped by a couple of robots that bring dishes from the kitchen and can take used dishes back.

ck.









I had a beer and Mrsdrron a coconut smoothie.




We had an excellent Pomelo salad with prawns and tempura enoki mushrooms. More than enough for us.

 

[drron]

When we got back to the ship the tide had obviously changed and we used the port's gangplank.



Then some views from our balcony.





Then the night lights of Hong Kong.

 

[drron]

 

[Quickstatus]

That night had been the Captain's farewell

Hang on, if the captains farewell was last night, who is in charge?

 

[drron]

Atlantide for dinner again.






Mrsdrron Had the salmon carpaccio and I the wild mushroom salad. both were very nice.





Mrsdrron had her usual lamb chops and I had the prime rib. Again very nice.


And sail away.

 

[drron]

The next day was a sea day. Lots of activity mainly fishing boats. Some came quite close.


But we were observed by a Chinese coast guard vessel for some time.


There were in one place what looked to be large buoys. But this one had a small vessel attached.






We then traversed the narrow passage between the Chinese coast and Hainan island. From our balcony we could see China.

 

[drron]

Lunch was in Atlantide.




Mrsdrron started with the avocado and baby shrimp and I had the quesadilla. Both were very tasty.




Then Mrsdrron had the veal and I the beef salad. Both were good.




And we both had the banana to finish.

 

[drron]

Back to Atlantide for dinner.




Mrsdrron had a small serving of the lime marinated scallops to start and then her favourite lamb chops for main.




I had the carpaccio, potato and leek soup and halibut. All good.




And we both finished with the raspberry delight.

 

[drron]

That evening was the Captain's welcome though it became the CEO's welcome.

 

[drron]

The next morning we were sailing into Halong Bay.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]