Second Sea Day – February 9, 2015

today was the Most Travelled Luncheon

 
I had a good sleep and I am up early (the clocks went forward one hour last night). I go down to grab the coffees this morning and my very first pastry from the International Café of the trip. 

Back in the cabin I am watching the movie “The Fault in Our Stars” ahhhh yes it is a touching movie.  The clouds are out and it is raining and in fact I feel like I am sailing off the coast of British Columbia not in the Caribbean.  Except it is very warm and muggy.  I am sure it will clear up soon.  In fact it only took a few hours for the sun to come out.

Today we are doing something I have tried to do each leg but have not been able to coordinate. 

We are doing the Super Tuscan Wine Tasting.  Menu is here. The cost is $40 per person and it is held in Sabatinis at 3 pm.  The wines we will be presented are Remole, Terre More Dell’ Ammiraglia, Lucente della Vite, Luce Della Vitte, Ornellaia.  I can’t wait.  So after a nice lunch, some reading, some people watching and catching up with friends we are in front of Sabatinis.

We are sat with a couple from Pitt Meadows, which is right near us in Vancouver.  Small world, in fact they own a meat store on Old Dewdney called Hopcott Meats.  What a small world. You can check out their webpage here.

Okay back to the wines.  As soon as we enter we are handed a glass of champagne (now this is a way to start).  The table has five empty glasses and a water glass that is quickly filled with bottled water.

The Maitre D’ Fabio welcomes us and he introduces the chef who informs us of the tapas we will be served.  Each tapa is paired perfectly with the wines they go with. 

Head waiters introduce each wine and the story behind each wine.  I will quickly recap each wine and the tapas that was served.  Sorry I didn’t bring a camera but the food pairings were out of this world!!!

For the Remole $27 they served a beef Carpaccio.  The Terre More Dell’ Ammiraglia $28 they served a terrine of meats on a biscuit with a chutney.  The Lucente Della Vite $34 (this wine was the wine that was served at the wine maker’s dinner) was served with a Risotto ball stuffed with cheese and a tomato sauce dip.  The Luce Della Vite $115 is served with a grilled chicken skewer with a sage sauce.  The Ornellaia $240 is served with a grilled lamb chop. 

It was great to enjoy some wine that I normally would not try.  In all I really enjoyed the experience and loved that this is an option on board. 

After all the wine and the foods we are feeling quite good.  Since I didn’t sleep well and all the wine we are back in the cabin and ready for a nap. 

There is a lot going on but I always tell people when you are on a cruise, do what makes you happy.  Be as busy or as quiet as you want to be.  There is tons of things going on around the ship though. 

Aerobox; Mahjong; shuffleboard; Clay Pigeon Shooting; Trivia; Muts is showing the Princess Bride; Service Club Get Together; Pop Choir Rehearsal; Fruit and Vegetable Carving; Maitre d’Hotel Wine Club; Pub Lunch; Pitching Cage Fun; lecture Bushcraft Survival Basics; Buffet is Indian an Asian Corner Buffet in Horizon Court; Mr. Sexy Legs Contest; Art Auction; Steel Pan Classes; Hole in One Competition; Afternoon Movie on MUTS Back to the Future; Afternoon Tea; Singles Get Together and so much more.

After our nap we watch a movie in the cabin “Labour Day”.

Tonight is a Formal Night and we are so not into dressing up.  We head out in our shorts and t shirts and head up stairs to the Horizon Court to grab dinner.  The food here is so good.  So much to choose from. 

They are holding the Crab Shack tonight too.  To read more about the crab shack click here. I ask about the fondue night and I am told it will be on the 14^th of February so I have to call tomorrow to make a reservation.

We wander out to the pool deck and take a lounge chair and participate in the trivia on the big screen waiting for the Fountains to start.  Tonight’s show is Frank Sinatra and so far it is my favorite.

Other things happening tonight are the Production Show Colors of the World (3 shows); Captain’s Champagne Waterfall Party at 7:15; Casino is no smoking night; Don’t Forget the Lyrics Gameshow; MUTS is showing the Giver; Ballroom Dance Date – Live (there is a group of 60 dancers on board); Name That Tune Unplugged; Team Rootberry in Atrium; Phil Thompson is performing in Crooners.

They held a special Bingo today that has a prize of not only the cash prize but you will get an upgrade automatically for this cruise to a mini suite.  Of course this is only a benefit for those in a deluxe balcony and lower.  Also it is the first time they have done this and of course it is because they have a mini available. 

Back in the cabin we get the dreaded disembarkation form (even though it is a week away – sad face) and also the information about the EZ Check.  I will do a separate blog about EZ Check.