We’re still on the boat. The food is excellent, as is the entertainment. Yesterday we were at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. We visited the Woman’s Chocolate Exchange, where we planted Coca trees, sorted beans, and ate chocolate. It was a lot of fun. Today, we were supposed to go to Bon Aire. Unfortunately, Bon Aire decided they don’t particularly like having cruise ships visit, so we visited San Juan instead. This upset a lot of passengers because they had already visited San Juan and they were looking forward to going to someplace new. The rumor was that Holland America did not know our ship wouldn’t fit at the Bon Aire dock. There were so many disgruntled passengers the captain decided to go on the intercom and explain the true situation.

Now here’s what’s funny. Danita and I weren’t able to hear the announcements over our in-room speaker. I asked the steward. He said that was true all over the ship. In-room speakers were used only in emergencies, such as when the boat was sinking. He mentioned “boat sinking” at least a half dozen times. Imagine my surprise when just a few hours later, I heard the captain on our in-room speaker. “Ladies and gentleman, this is the captain speaking” … (long pause). Fortunately, the boat wasn’t sinking. It was only that Bon Air changed their minds about letting us visit. I hope this finds everybody doing well.