Celebrity Summit - NJ to Bermuda - Day 7, last Sea Day- June 2023

​We were up after 7:30 and we decided to try Blu for breakfast. I had the berry pancakes while Veronica had the vanilla. I liked the pancakes much better than the French toast. We both ordered a side of the bacon as well. After our leisurely breakfast, we walked inside the ship for some exercise. 

Our maitre’d convinced us to try the Ultimate Culinary Experience cooking class one evening at dinner and today is the day. The class was held in the Tuscan Grille at 10am. We had to sign waivers before we were given aprons and chef hats. Next, we were lead into the kitchen and we washed our hands. The table was prepared into stations, each with a ribeye steak, salt, pepper, and herbed olive oil. I personally did not like the way Veronica’s steak looked but did not say anything. We were told to salt both sides, add pepper, and then to rub the oil into the steak. The chef said they usually marinate the steaks overnight. Half of the group left to cook the steaks while we waited our turn at the grill. When it was our turn, each person placed their steak on the grill. The chef said it is important not to flip soon but it seemed shortly thereafter we all flipped our steaks. The chef then asked how we’d like our steaks and checked the temperature of the one that was first placed on the grill. He said it was done for medium rare. It seemed really fast but he’s the expert. The steaks were then taken off and we carried them to the table. We tried our steaks and neither of us cared for it. Veronica’s was oddly gray and pretty rare. Mine was super greasy, mostly rare and bland. Water was given to us but that was all, no sides or wine. I do not think the early hour after breakfast helped us in wanting to eat steak so we left after trying it. I do not think it was a very “ultimate” experience or that it was worth $70 per person. But, it was something to do on a sea day and we did get some cute pictures in the kitchen as well as an apron to take home.

We hit the casino until it was time for lunch which was the buffet. It wasn’t very remarkable as the dishes were about the same. The desserts once again looked amazing so I got in the long line to get Black Forrest cake for Veronica and Red Velvet for myself. Unfortunately, the cakes look way better than they tasted. Both were super dry. Our last day definitely wasn’t the best so far but hopefully it turns around.

We headed back towards the casino but saw the digital scavenger hunt was starting in the martini bar. As we were debating on joining, our pal Suzy joined us so the decision was made. We met Suzy earlier in the week at trivia and she is a ball of energy so we knew it would be fun. We had twenty minutes to get various photos and videos throughout the ship. Our favorite maitre’d was at the buffet and he helped us find a crew member that had a name beginning with A. The line for ice cream was long but Suzy had the brilliant idea to get a gelato sample instead. We completed all tasks except shooting a basketball since we were afraid of running out of time. I’m glad we decided to play as we had a lot of laughs.

Since the scavenger hunt ended in the martini bar, I figured I would try another one. My first one was the rose martini which I brought next door to the casino. Veronica and I did not care much for it so after playing for a bit, I went to try one of the chocolate martinis I’ve seen people drinking all week. This one tasted just like chocolate milk. When I ordered, a gentleman told me his favorite was the Bananas Foster martini so I figured we would have to try that. When I went back he was still there and we each ordered one. We both agreed it was better than the chocolate one. 

We took it with us up to the Sky Lounge for Name that Tune which was diva themed. This was very well attended and we had about second place with a score of 24/30. The last general trivia was right after, so of course we stayed to play. I tried another cocktail, the Taurus, a gin and mango combination. This was fantastic! One of the best original drinks I had all week. The drink tasted very fresh with a nice balance. 

Since our balcony time was rained out yesterday, Veronica went to the Pool Grill for some of the delicious fries to snack on while enjoying our balcony one last time. They tasted even better sitting on our balcony watching the waves go by. 

Our last dinner in Blu was very nice. Our wonderful maitre’d sat us at a table for four so we did not have to wait this evening. It was also with our favorite serving team. Ida, the sommelier was quick to bring be a cocktail from the Blu menu. I had not tried one yet as I had been getting them at the Cellars before dinner. I tried the Spice Market and was very impressed. Afterwards, she switched me to a nice Sauvignon Blanc. I was very impressed with her service all week and she worked her tables refilling everyone’s glasses.

For our meal, we both started with the summer rolls which were so fresh and flavorful. I had the cold pea soup with crab next and it was another great soup. Veronica ordered the smoked trout on sweet potato fritters. She let me sample and I loved it. When our assistant waiter checked on us, I asked for a order of the trout as well. Since I added another app, Veronica asked for another summer roll. For dinner, I had the branzino and Veronica had the veal. She also asked for an order of duck ravioli to try. I enjoyed the fish dish and Veronica liked the veal but definitely preferred the ravioli. She even convinced me to try them and I thought it wasn’t bad although I am still not a duck fan. For dessert, Richard told us there was a Grand Mariner soufflé special so we scrapped our order for that. He told us it might take longer which is typical for a soufflé. Surprisingly, it did not take very long but unfortunately, we found out why. The inside was way under baked. Richard though quickly replaced them with delicious apple tarts that seemed warm from the oven. 

After dinner, we spent some time in the casino before the show. Tonight’s show was a comedian, Bill Boronkay. We decided to be brave and sit in the front row especially since no one seemed to want those seats. We evaded being picked on by him and had a few laughs. He wasn’t the funniest comedian but had some good material. He did get heckled pretty bad by an audience member, probably the worst I’ve ever witnessed. It was awkward but he handled it very well. 

When the show was over, it was almost time for the second and final silent disco of the cruise. This one seemed even better attended and we danced to a few songs. It didn’t seem as fun as the very first night though. Maybe this was due to it being the last night or that the novelty was already worn off on us. The cruise director came over to us and thanked us both for attending so many activities. I thanked him back for having such fun activities we wanted to attend. We decided to cut the disco short and go to the Rendezvous to hear Chaw and the Orchestra’s favorites. Since we enjoyed their theater show, we wanted to hear some more music. We stayed until the end of their set and decided to hit the casino for a little bit more. It truly was only a little bit as the casino was to close at midnight which seemed earlier than it would on an NCL cruise. The closing was a sign to go to bed as we had an early day tomorrow.