We gAin another hour and a beautiful sunSet!

We set the clocks back another hour last night so it was very easy to wake up. After my morning coffee, I started my day with an hour walk on the promenade deck. I think it is my favorite way to get exercise. My teenager, of course is not quite the morning person. I worked on the blog out by the pool while she slept and then decided to get a light breakfast at the Marketplace. Veronica dressed and I kept her company while she had her breakfast.

We went to the pool which was still very quiet and empty to play some Splendor. It was a very close game but I won. Veronica and I then decided to grab our books and read inside the Silk lounge. It’s a very bright, inviting, and comfortable space. We each sat in the swing seats and read until it was time for trivia. Another couple we met yesterday who did not play but watched joined us to form a team. Same score, 10/15. Maybe next time!

After trivia, it was off to the Marketplace for lunch. They have a wonderful variety for lunch. I did my usual salad but also sampled some vegetarian Indian food. Very nice spice and heat level. The day was warmer and after the spicy food, the pool looked so inviting. We swam and had a cocktail by the pool. I love the couches under the shade. It is the perfect spot for afternoon relaxation. Veronica left me to dress for art class. I decided to dress for dinner while she painted today.

We were invited to a cocktail party in Palm Court because we booked our trip through Ensemble Travel and this is a hosted cruise. We peeked in but it seemed like everyone was crowded into a small corner so we made the choice to go to the Avenue Saloon instead. Veronica’s choice was a Shirley Temple while I decided to try a Manhattan before dinner. The waiters come around with hors d’oeuvre each night. Tonight’s selection was a cup filled with various veggies and dip. I can’t say no to vegetables! Very cute presentation for crudités.

We chose Waterside for dinner and there was a line but it moved very quickly. We were seated at a wonderful table for two by the window. Our waiter was excellent and offered his recommendations. Veronica chose sweetbreads, plum tomato bisque and pan-fried lump crab cake. I was not as adventurous and selected the chilled melon balls, shrimp cocktail and the crab cake salad. Everything was delicious once again. I wasn’t a fan of the shrimp cocktail presentation as the waiter poured cocktail sauce right on top. It made it a little awkward to eat. Now for the crab cake I was impressed. I did not have high expectations as we can get the best Maryland crab cakes close to home. This was great! No filler, not fishy and cooked perfect. I also enjoy how they offer a salad entree each night. It was interesting to see both presentations of the crab cake.

We talked about sunsets during dinner so after dinner we took a slow stroll around the promenade deck to watch the sunset. Always a treat at sea.

The evening’s entertainment was a comedian, John Joseph. We attended the late show at 9:15. We decided to go early to get good seats because we enjoyed him during Liars Club. He did a very entertaining and funny show. At 10:30, we went to the second showing of Rock & Pop-A-Mania in the Starlite Club. This is a smaller venue than the main showroom. It was a thirty minute show featuring the Crystal Showband and the Crystal Ensemble singers and dancers. I thought the dancing was very well done and a fun use of the space. After their performance, the dance floor was open for dancing. We did a few dances with the dance hosts and passengers but decided to return to the cabin to attempt to watch a lecture. We enjoyed the one lecturer during Liars Club so we wanted to watch his Pearl Harbor lecture. Well, I think I might need to start it earlier in the day as I was rocked to sleep by the boat after about five minutes.