Our First Cruise, Day 2

Carol | April 18, 2016 | Caribbean, Travel | No Comments

We were scheduled to visit CocoCay (Bahamas) today but the captain announced over the intercom that the waves were too rough for us visit the island since it requires ferrying between the cruise ship via smaller vessels (aka tendered). Karl and I were both disappointed but it did give us a chance to sleep in and rest after pulling our all nighter driving to Port Canaveral. It also gave us a chance to get better acquainted with the ship.

If you're ever confused about what day it is visit an elevator. Every night around midnight the carpet is updated. — If you’re ever confused about what day it is visit an elevator. Every night around midnight the carpet is updated.

We slept in till about noon and visited the Windjammer Cafe around 1 pm for lunch. The salad bar is my favorite part.

Each evening a schedule of events for the next day is left in our room listing all the activities, shows, and hours for restaurants and such.

Exploring the Ship

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We found an arcade! It was much larger than I expected.

Pool Time

After exploring a few of the ships 14 floors. It was time to change and try out the pool and hot tub. Swimming in a pool on a ship in the middle of the ocean still seems a little strange.

One of several pools, with a few hot tubs in the distance, and an outdoor screen. Movies were shown outdoors a few times each day.

Pool, hot tub, a couple of pool bars, and tier seating for sun bathing and movie viewing. Very nice.

5:00 pm – We jumped in the pool but it was a little cold so we immediately moved to the hot tub.

Our first Formal Dinner

There are two main options everyone has for dinner each night. The buffet or the dining room. The buffet is always casual dress with a few stipulations such as the wearing of shoes and swimsuit cover-ups. The dress code for the dining room changes from night to night and is indicated on the daily schedule everyone receives each day. Dress codes for the dining room include casual, smart casual, and formal. Tonight was formal night.

Men don’t have to wear tuxedos but Karl looks so good in one that I insisted.

It was fun to get dressed up for a fancy dinner.

Dinner, a three course affair that included starters, entrees, and dessert. Upon sitting down each night we were presented with menus and our choice of bread before giving our order for both starters and entrees. Dessert and coffee are offered after dinner. All of this is free which is still amazing to me. Definitely my favorite part of the day.

Karl ordered the Royal Shrimp Cocktail, and Aged Hand-Cut Manhattan Strip Steak, while I ordered Chilled Banana and Rum soup (Amazing!), and Linguini with Pomodoro Sauce. We both enjoyed strawberry cheesecake for dessert.

Leonardo’s Dining Room. We dined here every night.

We sat at the same table every night with the same table mates and the same server and assistant server who were both awesome.

Starting the night off with a Royal Shrimp Cocktail

The chilled banana and rum soup was the best thing ever.

Shrimp Ravioli: wilted spinach, creamy thyme, and corn with a lobster sauce

Evening Entertainment

9:30 pm: Dinner took about an hour an a half so we headed directly to the Arcadia theater (at the other end of the ship) immediately after dinner. Our walk took us through a photo gallery, the casino, and Schooners Bar. It’s amazing how much is packed into one ship and everything is so beautiful.

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We enjoyed a comedy show in the Arcadia theater. It was a great way to end the night.

The Arcadia Theater, one of several entertainment venues.

A beautiful space. I especially liked the curtain design.

Look who joined us for the show. I kept calling Woodstock Snoopy. It took me three days to stop.

A super funny show even if it was almost entirely about women being good at everything.

Back in our room. We ordered room service for the first time. It’s free, except between the hours of midnight and 4 am, though a small tip is appropriate. Orders are placed through an interactive menu on the tv. Very nice.

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Despite the disappointment of our stop in CocoCay being canceled we had a very nice day. The ship is gigantic with tons of things to do and shops and restaurants to explore. I was a bit frustrated with the strong swaying of the ship, but was told it’s not usually so bad. Karl and I couldn’t find water outside the dining rooms. Guess we’ll have to order ice through room service to make do. Our formal dinner and our lounge time in the hot tub were my highlights of the day.

Next: Day 3

Tags:Our First Cruise