Last day of the cruise

It was a beautiful sunny day for the last day of our cruise. Most of us had a relaxing day, reading around the pool, although Iyla was working on her homework as well. I went to a Mexican dance class that was very energetic and a lot of fun.  We had our Mariners Luncheon, and met a lot of interesting people.  We saw whales at several points during the day. After getting our packing organized we had our last cocktail hour in the Crow’s Nest (I’ve now switched to Pomegranate Ginger Drops), and our last dinner in the dining room.  Salmon tartar or Sweetbreads, mushroom soup, and prime rib with Baked Alaska were the most popular choices. Mom & I went to see the Dancing with the Stars, which was very entertaining!

We needed to get up early to clear US customs (6:45am). Dis-embarkation was very well organized; we didn’t need to leave our cabins early, and could go to either the Lido or Main dining room for breakfast. Lineups were short and moved fast.  Ian got off earlier as he was flying back today. The rest of us got our arranged shuttle back to Karen & Aarons’s, arriving by 10:00am. No-one has much energy today, but some walked, others did some work, and others napped! We’re going to have leftovers, and an early night tonight.

New Years Day

Fortunately we gained an hours sleep last night. We slept in fairly late, and decided we really didn’t need breakfast. Today it was about 21 C and overcast, a good day for activities rather than the pool. Karen & I did the 5 km Walk for the Cure. Then several of us went to the talk about the History of Mexico, informative and entertaining. There was another Mexican cooking show, then a lovely high Dutch Tea. Ian & I went to the Salsa Dance class which we found quite challenging. Iyla has been working on her homework, and several people were going to have massages. I think most people are planning an earlier night tonight!

New Years

Holland America did a great job of New Years Eve. We got a family portrait taken, always difficult with that many people! Then the Gala Dinner in the Dining Room; Smoked salmon with caviar , and sweetbreads with mushrooms being the 2 most popular starters, Surf & Turf the most popular diner followed by Duck Breast stuffed with Foi Gras. Some lovely decadent desserts,( luckily very small )followed. Afterwards we headed up to the Crowsnest, but quickly realized the music wasn’t to our taste. We then headed down to the Show Lounge featuring La Keisha and the Halcats. It was great fun, lots of music to dance to, an entertaining singer, balloons and champagne at midnight. All of us that stayed up did some dancing (including Mom). Ian & I stayed till 1:00am, something we don’t often do!(and it was so much fun I forgot to take any pictures)

PV Sail away

Alan, Rowena, Jenya & Iyla raved about their Shore excursion. They had a chance to snorkel with lots of fish, also to kayak and have time on the beach. The crew on the boat were amazing, keeping everyone entertained. There was a buffet lunch & drinks included. I can see why it’s rated the most popular excursion in P.V.! I’ll post pictures once they sent them to me.

It was a lovely temperature for sail away, also lighter than the other ports. We had a great view of the Bay of Bandaros.