Sunday, January 23, 2022 

Today was a sea day in port again.  Although we are docked in Punta Caldera, most of the cruise lines consider this to be the gateway to Punta Arenas.  We saw no reason to break our streak and stayed on board all day.  Ken and Lois walked to the end of the dock to the craft vendors and cafes but told us upon their return that we had made a smart decision.  It was hot and sunny without being oppressively humid, but we weren't able to stay on the verandah for very long and read and computed inside. 

We were awake early, had both breakfast and lunch early and spent much of the day watching football again.  The highlight was Tampa Bay and Tom Terrific's loss in the early game.  We watched the first half of the Buffalo - Kansas City game before going to dinner but were not as invested in its outcome. 

We ate dinner tonight at the Pinnacle Grill, HAL's extra-cost steak house.  As frequent cruisers, we each get a free dinner on every cruise [and remember that this is technically two cruises] plus an extra dinner at the Pinnacle and Caneletto [on each leg] as part of the package we booked.  Even though many of the passengers have the same package, the restaurant was empty.  On the other hand, we got exquisite service along with a really yummy meal. [With apologies to Jon for including the menu, MA had a jumbo-shrimp cocktail and a vegetable tart tatin while D beef tartare and lamb chops.  Her dessert was a cheese plate; his was key lime pie.] When we left, we waddled, but it was worth it.  We will return for MA's birthday on the return trip and may have lunch at the Pinnacle as well. 

Like almost every other aspect of HAL, the Pinnacle experience has changed, too.  MA does not like beef [the mainstay of steakhouses, obviously] and on past visits has enjoyed swordfish there.  Alas, it has disappeared from the menu.  Portions have gotten smaller, too,  Similarly, in the MDR there are fewer choices for diners and "always available" items like chicken and steak are no longer printed on the menu.  When we asked the assistant dining room manager about special requests, he seemed hesitant to answer but gave the impression that they were discouraged; when we sailed with Hotel Manager Fermin, he told us we and other passengers could have anything available if we gave enough notice.  Fermin was referencing MA's escargot which the current manager said could not be done for logistical reasons.  

The decreased options and smaller portions are the result of "business decisions." That was the phrase used by a HAL suit at dinner a few years ago -- everything was a business decision.  That's why the bars no longer have swizzle sticks.  It was a business decision.  Did we mention that the bar offered MA angel hair pasta to stir her drink with the warning that it might "melt" in her drink?  Now the staff brings a paper straw which isn't much sturdier.  This ship was laid up for over 18 months and has only been in service since Christmas, yet both soft serve ice cream machines need parts replaced.  A business decision?  How about the the few flavor options for ice cream?  A business decision.  And the people who make these decisions should have to use the toilet paper and tissue used on board. It's the little things that new cruisers won't notice that build up resentment in those who have sailed for years.  It's a death by a thousand cuts.  

D's father said the line started to decline when they changed from plastic to wooden swizzle sticks.  The change was not for environmental reasons -- it was a business decision, like eliminating them altogether.  Another business decision -- appetizers in the bars before dinner: They went from self-serve little buffets to prepared plates to zero.  A business decision.  The customer experience is no longer a priority.  It's as if HAL doesn't care about aggravating and losing long-standing customers if they can bring in lots of newbies.  Instead of concentrating on "destination cruises," the profits are in the 7 - 10 day cruises for younger customers who will spend more in the bars. Business decisions. 

Fewer activities, less staff and the elimination of prizes for contests won't be noticed by people who have never cruised.  They won't be surprised when their cabin stewards ask if the want morning or evening cleaning service and they won't know that they can ask for both.  Business decisions.  Despite all of the cuts, we are still enthusiastic about cruising and are too invested in HAL to change lines now.  Maybe they are counting on that. 

Tomorrow -- A Sea Day at Sea With No Decisions