Friday, 22 November 2013

Day 30 Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas or not

Our run of good luck with the weather ran out today.  Although when we reached Great Stirrup Cay it was warm and sunny there were strong winds and therefore very rough seas.  As the only way onto the island was via tenders, and after two hours of weather watching it was decided that it was not safe for anyone to go ashore and so we headed back to Miami.  It would have been lovely to see but safety must come first. 
Den felt worse again last night and so went to see the doctor on board.  He has all sorts of medication for coughs and colds so hopefully he will be better for Miami.  
There was nothing much I could do, so I spent the morning packing.  Our lovely cabin steward brought an Indonesian herbal tonic for Den to try.  Deanna been a wonderful part of our holiday.  Always happy and he greets us with a joyful hello.  The same can be said of our waiters, genuinely friendly and very courteous.  They work very hard on 9 month contracts.  Khatuk our waiter at dinner (yes that is his real name – it means fourth child) has just started his contract, he has 2 children 8yo and 3yo and a wife he will not see for 9 months.  Not an easy life and they work at least 12 hours most days.  Most of the waiters are from Indonesia, but others from the West Indies and the Caribbean as well as a few from Europe.  They all speak English and most speak at least two other languages.
We met with our 5 other dinner regulars for a farewell pre dinner drink.  Den still wasn’t 100% but felt well enough to come and say farewell but he didn’t stay for dinner.  It has been a very enjoyable part of the cruise, meeting up with the same people for dinner.  We have all exchanged email addresses and hopefully we can keep in touch.
A bit more final packing to do – it is amazing how things just don’t fit back into a suitcase as they did when you left home.  I hope it isn’t hot tomorrow as I may have to wear what doesn’t fit into my case.
It has been a fabulous cruise - despite the coughs and colds and the crazy chaos that MSC has from time to time put us through – it has been a wonderful experience and such a joy to have had the privilege to visit so many wonderful places. 

Miami Beach …….the story continues….. 

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