ANOTHER GLORIOUS DAY AT SEA

Falling back into the lovely routine of sea days is so relaxing. My day started once again with a few miles around the deck. It was very windy this morning.

Veronica and I decided to skip breakfast because today is the Gala Buffet.

The Gala buffet is an extravaganza that the culinary team sets up in the cove area. It is a wide variety of appetizers, salads, pasta, entrees, seafood, sushi, breads, fruits and desserts. You can find ice and food sculptures decorating the tables. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate. They allow pictures at 11:30 and begin serving at noon. After we took pictures, we decided to play trivia and then attend the buffet.

Trivia was hosted by Brett today. He had told us it was his first time and he did very well. People can take trivia very seriously I warned him. We teamed up with Martha and Daniel who we met because of this blog. We scored 9/15 which was second place! The winners had 10 correct. So close yet again.

The buffet was waiting for Veronica so we headed down to sample the delights. I made a big salad but topped it with lobster tails and a couple pieces of sushi. Veronica tried the roast beef, lobster and eggs Benedict. After seeing all the desserts, we went back to get some sweets. I walked around and admired them but I’m not much of a dessert fan. So instead I placed a little more sushi and a lobster tail on my plate. Veronica returned with fruit tarts and chocolate covered fruit. We both saw Viktor manning the cheese stations. He unsuccessfully tried to get us to sample the cheese. Our waiter asked Veronica if she liked chocolate and when she said yes, off he ran. He returned with three of his favorites. I tasted a small bite of each and they were all quite lovely. Veronica sampled them as well.

After our gala lunch, we returned to the cabin. Veronica stayed inside to read while I changed into my bathing suit to head up to the pool deck. The pool was rather empty so I picked one of my favorite couches to read my book. After a bit, I went into the hot tub. It felt very warm so I decided to try the pool. This was the first day the water felt cold. I did a few laps and it was back to my spot to read. I ordered a Pimm’s Cup to sip while reading. I decided to take a quick pool nap before Bingo. A girl needs to rest before the strenuous activity of Bingo!

Bingo was fun and successful again. Veronica got to yell Bingo on the second game. She completed the crazy bow tie but so did another passenger so they had to split the pot. Playing Bingo brings back fond memories of playing with my grandmother on my first cruise. She was quite the bingo queen in her day. I always enjoyed playing with her. It was nice to feel that connection.

After bingo it was time to prepare for dinner. I went to an empty Avenue Saloon to wait for Veronica. I sipped a gin martini and sampled some great guacamole.

Dinner tonight was in Waterside. We both started with the escargot. Veronica thought it was good however I find the version at Le Bistro on NCL to be superior. Then, I had the chicken consommé while Veronica had the goat cheese and hazelnut ravioli. This was on Viktor’s recommendation and Veronica’s favorite. She stated she could eat a whole bowl of it. For our mains I chose the monkfish while Veronica had the steak mermaid. The monk fish was prepared fine but I was not a fan of the garnish of mainly olives. Veronica thought the steak was better than her steak in Prego. The shrimp was very tasty. Viktor also brought a sea bass for me to try. It had more flavor but it was a very heavy dish with a cream sauce. I couldn’t eat more than two bites. For dessert, Viktor helped Veronica choose the apple strudel. I tasted one bite and it was excellent. I had the prickly pear sherbet with mixed berries which was refreshing.

After dinner, we saw the 8:30 showing of the Latin Dance Show in the Starlite Club. Another high energy performance with lots of fast costume changes. I have really enjoyed watching all of their performances.

Tonight in the theater was renowned concert pianist, Phillip Wojciechowski. He is amazing. He did classical music as well as some interesting arrangements of classical fused with jazz. I did have to leave during the show briefly. I figured this would happen so we sat in the far back. Upon returning, my seat was taken. A man had asked Veronica if it was taken and she told him yes and nodded. He plopped down anyway. I returned to see it taken. There was no room so I stood in the back listening to the rest of the performance. I did not want Veronica to miss out on the music. She enjoyed it very much. I met up with her afterwards and she said the man was wearing a name tag. Wow. I really think he should’ve returned my seat then for sure.

Afterwards, we went to visit Priscilla in the Avenue Saloon for a nightcap. We ordered our drinks and who should walk in but the seat stealer. He came over and said “Sorry about the seat. There was plenty of room. Truly.” I saw inches of space. I would have been squashed in rubbing thighs for sure. To which I told him not that I saw and my daughter did tell you it was taken (seriously why ask if you’d sit anyway but often young girls get ignored). He sat right next to us and turned his back away from me. Awkward. We decided to take our drinks to go and return to the cabin. It is another hour lost tonight as we travel back.