July 17, 2008 - Day At Sea 2

The day begans with a quiet breakfast in the Lido Room. We are fortunate to have beautiful blue skies and fairly, calm seas. We find out that Russia adds new requirements of the tour companies on a whim. Not only must we have our passports in hand when we leave the ship, they now want a picture of your passport with a stamped seal from Carnival Cruise Lines. We are only the second cruise ship to dock, and therefore the regs can change, at a moment's notice. We went to the lounge area where the ship's personnel made a copy of our passports. What next?

Lunch was at the grill outside on the pool deck; perfect weather, overlooking the rolling waves.

Tonight is the first of the two dress up nights; how thrilling; more pictures taken...David's a good sport and complies. Dinner is lobster and prime rib. We are not dress-up people. We do clean up and I wear a nice shirt and tie. She weats slacks. It is very interesting watching the rest of the passengers cram the laundry in line for the ironing board. Many people go out and it is nice to see families in their finest. The photo teams have long lines for creating memories.

Tonights movie on the open air Lido Deck is the Bourne Ultimatum. I (David) want to see it and go at 2015. The roof is partly open and it is raining on the 15' X 45' screen. After they finally close the roof the cleaning team starts to mop up the water. They bring out mops, squeegezes and also wet vac. This is, of course in the middle of the move. Also the deck chaise lounges are not the most comfortable. Good movie, ends at 2145 and we retire. Try to get ready - prepack the cameras and storage cards, water and snacks, and light wind breakers. Tomorrow is Helsinki, Finland.