Day 2 Sea Day

Today was the first sea day of the voyage. Sea days have always been part of my favorite things about cruising. On a sea day, you can do so many different activities or nothing at all! On Crystal, there are enrichment lectures, fitness seminars, needlepoint, computer classes, bridge, trivia, casino, dance classes, bingo, golf clinics, movies and more. There truly is something for everyone.

I awoke early ahead of Veronica. I know, you’re probably shocked that a teen sleeps later. I went to get some coffee, checked out the casino and went for a walk. Veronica texted, and we met for breakfast. We ate in the Marketplace, which is the buffet restaurant. We kept breakfast fairly light. You need to pace yourself on this long a trip. After we ate, we took our books up to the pool deck and read. It was very cozy under the blanket. It was a chilly 62 degrees. The pool deck was pretty empty.

We decided to try the buffet for lunch. Veronica ate mostly Asian vegetables with some shrimp while I made a large salad. I was saving up for tonight’s formal night dinner.

I went for another walk after lunch to help with the calories. I met Veronica for some coffee at the Bistro. You can get specialty coffees and teas at the Bistro, as well as light fare and desserts.

We both decided to try the art class. Today’s class was acrylics. The instructor was the sweetest woman. Veronica channeled her inner Bob Ross, while mine was more towards the abstract. I’m not the best artist, but it is very therapeutic to me.

After the class, it was time to dress for our first Black Tie Optional Night. Once we were ready for dinner, Veronica and I went to try the Avenue Saloon for a pre-dinner cocktail. I had a great gin martini, and Veronica sipped a Shirley Temple. It was very quiet and a nice space. A waiter came around with canapés, so I tried a shrimp and Veronica sampled prosciutto with melon.

For dinner, we ate in Waterside, which is the main dining room. There was a long line, but it moved very quickly. There was no wait. We had a table for two. I’ve read that some do not enjoy the proximity but we have enjoyed meeting fellow guests without having to share a table.

The menu choices were excellent tonight. As starters, I had the caviar dish and oysters. As a main course, I had lobster with risotto. Veronica had caviar, cabbage gazpacho, and the lobster entree. For dessert, I chose the mixed berries and she had the almond cake.

The caviar starter is delicious. It is a slightly different presentation as it is on the Modern side of the menu. It is caviar served on a potato base. They will give you blini if you wish but I don’t feel it is necessary. Served with a mustard-flavored ice cream, the gazpacho also had an interesting presentation. The gazpacho was very nice, as it balanced creamy and tangy quite well. The oysters were perfection. The lobsterwas very tasty as well. When Veronica got the almond cake, it was encased by cotton candy. The waitress poured a strawberry compote on top, and the cotton candy melted away, revealing a small almond cake topped with ice cream and strawberries. Of course, the dessert was just as delicious as it was fun!

After dinner, we walked through the Captain’s Reception but didn’t stay. We decided to go to the early show. Tonight’s show was Rocket Man: A tribute to Elton John, starring Neil Lockwood of ELO fame. The music and dancing was great. Elton John is one of my favorite artists, and I think the tribute was very decent. After the show, Veronica went to see the teen activity. Unfortunately, she said no teens were there. I went dancing and she met up with me later. There are four dance hosts on board and I barely sat down. The gentlemen are keeping me on the dance floor! I have also danced with fellow passengers. We stayed until midnight to hear the DJ. After three songs, we decided to leave because we were the only passengers left in the lounge.

It was off to bed because tomorrow would be another sea day!