Today is Neil’s birthday so he is due a hard earned rest from writing the blog today. As always he’ll still be in charge of photos as I’m not an officially authorised photographer. This is the first time that we have been on a cruise for Neil’s birthday. Whilst we were working, holidays were pretty much January/February and July/August resulting in us celebrating my birthday many times on board various ships but never his.
Today we should have been up and out early on an excursion in Phu My, Vietnam – our second visit to the port on this cruise – but as mentioned yesterday, it was all change due to the weather and port restrictions and we therefore miss the delights of Vung Tau, which was known as Cap St Jacques during the French occupation of Vietnam and also the location of the former Royal Residence of Bach Din.
As it’s a sea day we head off to the Pinnacle for breakfast. As we pass the Neptune Lounge Neil is greeted by shouts of happy birthday from the staff. Before we are even up, they have decorated our suite door with ballons and a birthday greeting. Birthday’s call for something special so we start with two Mimosas, followed by yogurt and muesli and one of our shipboard favourites, eggs Benedict.
After breakfast, we head to deck ten for our customary 8Km/5Mile walk before Neil heads down to the Rolling Stone lounge for today’s cookery demonstration with the chef and cruise director. Today’s creation is Macadamia Crusted Grouper. Then our usual Spanish sessions before lunch.
Once on every Holland America Cruise, it is customary for us have a lunch in the Pinnacle grill to enjoy one of our favourites, the Pinnacle Burger. Today seems the perfect day to do that. The burger is delicious as usual although a few changes have been made such as the addition of avocado. A bottle of one of our favourite chardonnays, Stainless, helps wash them down. We finish with delicious artisan cheeses.
We have a relatively lazy afternoon enjoying the fresh air on the balcony. It’s very warm despite the slightly excitable seas. Whilst we are outside, a delivery arrives in the suite. It’s a lovely birthday cup cake and a greeting from the captain.
One of our Holland America favourites in the past have been the classical pre-dinner concerts. Timings have been changed – maybe to suit the Americans, I don’t know, but it has made it difficult to get to a concert. Showtimes in the main theatre have changed too so we are often under pressure to fit those into our schedule. This afternoon there’s a concert at 4.00 so we prioritise fitting that in before going to the lido for jacuzzi and swim time. Vivace turns out to be a viola/piano duet. The concert was good. Amazing technique from the viola player although the Copland was a touch discordant for my taste, the Gershwin a little busy but the compilation of John Williams film themes was a triumph. Neil enjoyed the programme. We’re glad we made the effort.
A birthday calls for a cocktail, so we enjoy strawberry daiquiris in the jacuzzi. The ship is rolling a bit so the pool is not conducive for me to do my lengths in the pool or Neil to match my time treading water which he usually does.
Back to the room for canapés and pre-dinner wine and then showers and then a visit to the Pinnacle Bar to collect our pre-dinner drink to take to the theatre. A bottle of Tattinger is the order of the day. Tonight’s show is a return of the excellent saxophonist, Nick Russoniello. This evening it is pretty good but perhaps not quite as good as his first show.
Tonight, we have a requested a special birthday dinner, Lobster Thermidor. Initially chef was reluctant to make it for us as all the lobsters come on board headless and traditionally, thermidor is served with the meat cooked and returned to the complete shell. We assure him that the missing head will not be a problem for us. We start with Caesar Salad and Wedge Salad. The Lobster Thermidor is delicious and decadently served with fries! The champagne accompanies the meal perfectly. Dessert is unnecessary as a lovely cake arrives and the staff sing happy birthday. We return to our room where our room stewards have made a towel birthday cake. We retire to our balcony briefly to revisit our day before a relatively early night as the clocks go forward an hour.
Happy Birthday Neil. xx
