Day 3 - First Sea Day

Chris and I were both up early so we went for a walk and started up on deck 16 to see all the public areas we had yet to explore.  It was around seven and we were both shocked at the amount of people already at the pool, some even swimming and in hot tubs.  It was more than I’ve ever seen outside that early on any cruise.  It was very easy to rack up the miles on a ship this big.  

We were hungry after our walk so we each tried a chicken biscuit from Shaq’s Big Chicken when it opened at eight.  There were people waiting there around 7:40 when we walked by.  It was very good chicken and I enjoyed the sweet yet spicy glaze they dip the chicken in.  The biscuit absorbed this and it is reminiscent of chicken and waffles.  Joe met up with us there after he tried out the gym.  He wanted to wait and eat at the Sea Day Brunch in the dining room.  
We decided a second breakfast was in order later with them.  

The brunch menu has a nice variety.  We tried the chia seed pudding and really liked it.  I ordered the 12 hour French toast which was a miss for me.  It was very greasy with a crunchy texture.  It wasn’t my cup of tea but I was not starving so no worries.  Everyone else liked their choices.  

After brunch, we explored the ship some more and decided to put on bathing suits and head to Havana.  The pool there was freezing and it was very shaded.  I decided to write while the others read and napped.  Looking for some warm water or temperature, we headed to Serenity.  It was packed but we found four loungers in the sun.  It was much warmer so after some vitamin D we went to sample Street Eats.  Today’s treats were Philly Cheesesteak fries, Bao buns and pad Thai.  All were very tasty and I think it is fun to sample these small portions.  Joe wanted to try some bbq so we accompanied him to the Pig and Anchor.  We had a Kentucky Mule wile he sampled the bbq.  We discussed going outside to the pool after our drinks.  As we were eating, I noticed the pool seemed empty through the window but a crew member standing in front.  Ammie went to investigate and reported back that it was shut down because someone puked in the pool.  After hearing this report, we decided to try the Havana area again.  

The Havana area is a wonderful oasis to get away from the crowds.  We played some cards at one of the tables and it started to get warmer so we decided to brave the pool that we knew was cold.  It is a very beautiful pool with views over the ship but very, very cold.  Once the numbness set in though it was fun and refreshing.  After seeing our bravery, some other passengers joined us.  Tonight is the first elegant night of the cruise so we returned to our cabins to fancy up for dinner.  

We met up for pre dinner cocktail at the Brass Magnolia bar.  Another fabulous bar with some proper New Orleans classic drinks.  I had a Sazerac and Chris had a Vieux Carre.  We enjoyed nice conversation and violin music until it was time for our dining.  

Elegant night is a very nice menu.  I started with fried oysters and Caesar salad.  Almost everyone ordered the lobster tail with two tails.  I did ask for a third one but it never materialized.  I think he knew I really didn’t need one and I was fine not getting it.  Dessert was creme brûlée all around.  As we waited for dessert, there was a singer who performed.   It was a song I’m sure any one would pick for Elegant Night, Achy Breaky Heart.  That was odd but funny.  

After dinner, we went caught a little bit of the show in Grand Central.  We were too enthused by the Variety Night so we left after two songs.  We opted for another trip to the Fortune Teller to see our friend Jason for a night cap.  I think this might be our favorite spot in the evening.  We enjoyed the music and the drinks.   We decided to skip comedy and go to bed a little earlier to prepare for our day in Cozumel. 
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