Day 2 - October 23 - Atlantic Ocean

We lost one hour with the time change last night so we were up early.  I went to the Bistro to get us both coffee to enjoy in the cabin.  Afterwards, we went to the buffet for some breakfast.  We both went for some exercise albeit separately as I went to the gym, and mom walked inside. The seas are still fairly choppy so it made using the treadmill a bit more challenging.  The gym is very nice for the size of the ship and really nice now with the amount of passengers on board which is under 200.

I met back up for lunch with mom at Marketplace, which is the buffet.  We both had a lighter lunch of salads as we knew tonight would be a great dinner.  Although a little windy, the air was quite warm so we found nice loungers by the pool to relax and read.  The pool was closed due to the seas and the live music by the pool did not happen.  I decided to have one of my favorite cocktails, Gin and Jam, while I relaxed waiting for my final PCR test scheduled this week.  I was slightly apprehensive as I have never experienced the “brain tickling” one as others have called it.  My mom had some delicious ginger tea while she relaxed as she can be prone to sea sickness although she has been doing great with the seas so far.

The testing commenced promptly at two.  We were group three and surprised how quickly we were called to go to the Hollywood Theater.  The testing process was very organized and moved quickly.  It was no big deal, very quick, and painless.  I should not have worried at all.
Since we were right next to the casino we decided to visit before getting ready for dinner then we both showered and changed for dinner.  Tonight, we enjoyed our pre-dinner beverage at Avenue Saloon.  My mom ordered her usual gin martini while I chose a Negroni to prep my system for a dinner.  The canapés tonight consisted of blue cheese as well as pigs in a blanket.  We still had some time before dinner so I tried the drink of the day Italicus Sour.  I was not familiar with Italicus so I was intrigued to try it.  It is a very floral liqueur.  The drink was tasty although for me on the sweeter side so I think better for afternoon or maybe after dinner.  

Tonight is typically one of the best menus in Waterside so we were one of the first in the dining room even though it had been open for a few minutes.  We asked to sit in Hana’s section again since she was a delight.  Although there was not fresh lobster on the menu, it did not disappoint us.  I started with the caviar, Captain’s salad, and essence of oxtail soup.  My mother chose Oysters Rockefeller, Captain’s salad, and mushroom soup.  For our mains we each ordered the tiger prawns and decided to share a tenderloin to make it a surf and turf.  The prawns were huge and the steak was cooked to perfection and very tender.  Fantastic!  I ordered a dessert that was coffee panna cotta with meringue and bits of cake.  It was supposed to be topped with ice cream but I asked for that to be left off.  It was a nice little bite to have with my coffee.

Tonight’s show is the Broadway one which I have seen previously and my mother is not a huge fan of the musical genre so we skipped.  Instead we listened to some live music in the Starlite Club and had an after dinner favorite, a stinger.  Walking back to the cabin, we stopped to see the White Party starting.  We stayed on the deck above and listened to six or seven songs.  It was fun watching a little dancing and seeing people having fun.  The observers though seemed to clear out a little after ten which made my mom laugh.  We both went to bed after that to prepare for another sea day tomorrow.