This is what happens when you try to eat yogurt with a fork?!?
Muy bueno......Rog is very happy with his first cup of the day :)
We were more than anxious to reach the ship...after having just spent two long days traveling, it was almost time for the cruise to begin. Once again, the taxi ride was smooth and conflict free. Dropped our bags with the porter, poor guy--although neither of us speaks much Spanish, Rog got a kick out of listening to the porter and taxi cab driver exchange comments about the large amount of luggage we had with us....one explained to the other, that is was all ok "porque esta señorita es muy bonita" (because the woman is very pretty) the extra clothes are therefore justified?!?--of course I had no idea this conversation had taken place because I had already stepped away from the curb and turned my attention to the check-in process inside. Rog says it was so cute to see the porter continuing to try to catch a glimpse me--while he was most probably thinking that we were both completely insane and swearing under his breath "I don't care how good looking she is, no one is worth dragging around this much stuff!!!"
NO--contrary to popular belief--that is NOT all our luggage....but we certainly contributed to the filling of one of those bins :)
A few steps inside the building and we skipped to the front of the line for check-in.....gotta love our Elite status, up the gangway minutes later, and we were on the ship by 1:00, just in time to hear the announcement that the passenger cabins were at last open.
Glass of champagne in hand....welcome aboard toast, and off we went to find our cabin. We normally board much earlier for all our cruises (driving to the ports near home in Florida is so much less complicated), and then end up waiting for the "cabins are open" announcement...this was a nice change for us.
We made it....now take a deep breath and relax...
The first of 2 weeks worth of complimentary drinks...I thought I didn't drink???
First order of business...get signed up for my Wi-Fi access...300 min for $99 and we had a 90 min free coupon for a nice discount. That should be more than enough and if not...I have another 90 min free coupon left. So happy that the Internet connection is working properly with my IPad. Posting is simple and quick...I do all the typing offline--add pictures...and the entire post uploads in a few minutes. At this rate, I will probably have time left over.
Soon after we arrived in our cabin, we had a phone call from our friend Chandru, the current Captain's Club and Guest Relations Liason. We were so happy to see his smiling face....he is the most important person on the ship to have as a friend...he makes all the fun happen for repeat guests. Although Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was a favorite of ours for many years, we had never been treated this well until we switched back to Celebrity last year, which is when we met him onboard the Century. A few minutes later he arrived in our cabin and it was like a family reunion for all of us. He had previously left invitations in the cabin....on our first formal night on Monday, we were already invited to dine at the Captains's table for dinner. All of the perks we receive during our 12 night cruise are too numerous to mention. I'll post a picture of our welcome letter with all the dates, times and locations listed. The plans appear to include a never ending supply of fun, food, drink and entertainment.
Greek Orzo Salad, Artichoke and Salad Nicoise and my favorite bread pretzels--Pot du Creme--chocolate cake
Rog in his new Spanish Jersey holding a German beer...maybe
Down to the important details...I think Chandru is just as excited as we are about the vow renewal....and YES....it is going to happen on the morning we chose...before we arrive in Venice. We planned to meet for drinks after dinner, so we parted ways and headed off to the buffet for some food. I know this blog was meant to be about food, and I've attempted to include the details of our meals, whether they are interesting or not, whenever possible. Therein lies the problem, up until this point, we really have not been eating all that much. It never occurred to me that traveling would be our main concern, and ultimately, eating turned out to completely take a back seat to everything....WELL...that is about to change!!! (if I can just REMEMBER to take the picture BEFORE I start eating...ugh!!!)
Life boat drill over....I had a meeting with the wedding coordinator Alana, and the cruises director, Que, to go over the details of the renewal. This is shaping up to be an incredible experience for both of us....thanks goodness we have a few more days to prepare.
Getting ready for sail-away
Made my hair appointment, Roger's tux and my gown are off to be pressed.... I think we are good for now. The ceremony will take place in Michael's Club, the room where we gather for the Elite member breakfast each morning and cocktails before dinner in late afternoon (this cruise we are too large a group--100, so we are meeting in the Crystal Lounge instead...not nearly as cozy) It's an intimate room, with low lamp lighting, dark wood paneled walls, large overstuffed chairs and sofas around low slung tables...books on the wall, globe on the shelf, carved mantle over the fireplace... and a baby grand in the corner. Almost a gentlemen's club if you will, where folks would retire after dinner for drinks and a cigar. I love the space and have always enjoyed our evenings there meeting up with old friends, and making new ones.
A bit of the bubbly, and we are ready to sail.
At dinner our first night, we met 3 nice couples who would be sharing the table with us for the remainder of the cruise. We are not usually big "dining room" cruisers, preferring to eat in the buffet...however...this cruise we opted for late dining at 8:30, and decided to try our luck at a group for dinner. It was very pleasant, and we plan on returning to the table throughout our time on board. We know realistically, there may be days that we drag our behinds (after a long tour) back to the ship, and we'll just eat at the buffet or order room service....then crash into bed. However, at this early stage of the game...we are up for some interesting conversation, and the excellent service we have come to appreciate from the dining room staff.
Crab Louie-appetizer
Prime Rib-- not my first choice--out of Lamb Shank--so much for 2nd seating--tomorrow would be Rack of Lamb and sorry to say, I did not take a photo (reasons to be explained on that post)
We missed the show....met up with Chandru for drinks, then returned to the cabin to spend the remainder of the evening unpacking...not an easy chore after a long day....however if my clothes did not find their way out of the suitcase and into the cupboards, drawers and closet....I would not be able to locate the top of my side of the bed--Rog had unpacked earlier while I was out at the salon....it honestly looked like a cyclone had hit our cabin while I was preparing to dress for dinner....no pictures folks....just take my word for it....not pretty! Our poor cabin steward had left a note on the door saying he'd been unable to turn down the bed....silly me left the "do not disturb" sign on the door when I went up to dinner....saved the unsuspecting man from having a heart attack...he surely would have jumped ship if he thought he would be attending to a couple who would leave a cabin in the condition it was left that first night--very scary indeed :)
Goodnight for now...the IPad clock is glowing 2 am....next up....our first sea day
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