1ST FORMAL NIGHT (1/8/12): CAPTAIN'S WELCOME

          "Tonight" (1/8/12), we had our first "formal night".   (It took me 3 nights, and 100's of internet minutes, to finally succeed at posting this page.)  ... But first, I spent the day meeting folks I'd "met" on the "Cruise Critic"  website.  I also had a manicure with shellack (i.e., "cool nail polish that will hopefully help my nails to grow") and hot stone massage (awe-some).  I also had to work out more "kinks" with the front office and schedule my facials, massages and hair and nail appointments.  At home, I have to schedule court appearances and deadlines; here, it's "what spa treatment am I having today?"  Much better! We had lunch with my new "bestie", Erika (32), and her mom, Lynn, from Pennsylvania.  We had a rivalry going as her Pittsburgh Stealers took on my Denver Broncos in a playoff game today (Denver won - sorry, Erika!)  In spite of this, Erika wanted us to join her table for the 8 pm (late) dinner seating.  While the folks at our 5:30 pm (early) dinner seating were nice, there was a huge gap in ages and such, and so I decided I'd have a lot more fun if I joined Erika.
          After a cocktail reception, with champagne and the Captain's welcome, we headed to the dining room for our first of 18 formal dinners.  I wore a short, powder blue cocktail dress from Chantix -- along with matching jewelry.  I'm saving my more "formal" dresses for later ...


Sondra, Judy & Mike

Sondra & Bradley Warren Elliott III

It's All in the Shoes!!

Sondra & Bill's First Formal - Aaawww!

My New "Bestie", Erika, and her mom, Lynn

         Side notes:  I wanted to take the yoga classes, and maybe pilates, too, but they charge $12 per class.  Bummer.  My other interest was the cooking classes, but they apparently charge for those, too.  Maan.  Maybe they'll put out a list of the included items ... it just seems like most of what I like costs extra.
          Also, our refrigerator doesn't work, so I can't get a cold water to drink in the morning, even after storing my water bottles in the frig all night.  HAL tells us it is working.  But ... I thought a refrigerator was supposed to make things cold?
          We also requested help hanging our nifty "World Map", engraved "Bill & Sondra's Grand World Voyage 2012" -- so we can "pin" the various locations we're visiting along the way.  HAL told us we weren't allowed to, because it was a "safety issue" (huh?).  In a fit of rebellion, we hung the Map with its wire backing fitting neatly over an existing (ugly) picture of fishes in our room.  That is where it will remain!
          On a positive note, we received our customized HAL letterhead today.  We also got our first "pillow gifts" (HAL tote bag, World Cruise daily journal, cuff link and first aid kit).  I, in turn, gave our cabin attendant a "San Diego" sweatshirt.
          Well, we will finally arrive at our first port of call tomorrow:  Roseau Can't wait!