We decide to start our excercise early, so by 07:30 we’re on laps around deck nine. We get an hour under our belt watching as the Patio Grill below prepares to open, so unsurprisingly we’re first to be seated, and enjoy an al fresco breakfast.
Got a copy of the complimentary wines onboard this journey so there’s some serious exploring to be done over the next few weeks.
Straight after breakfast we conclude our 10km – early virtue is be commended, and with seven consecutive sea-days before Hawaii we cannot afford to slack.
After that it’s all about the pool, swimming and lazing, and jacuzzi time, until lunch.
I had intended to have pizza, but after a cheeky Gorgonzola and fig slice I decide to have grilled perch and chips, whilst Hubby has a Napa Burger. This beef and pork burger is famously crafted by Thomas Keller, the outgoing celebrity chef concession holder. Recent news of the end of his tenure is well received as his style isn’t generally suited to us Europeans, although we do like some of his dishes.
More lazing around, 50 lengths and a couple of strawberry daiquiris bring us once again to an early finish as we have to prepare for Captain’s welcome at 18:00.
Most cruise journeys have this event on the first formal night – meeting the senior team, the time-tested joke about hoping to only meet the doctor socially, and the one about the most important person onboard (chef, of course!)
Then it’s down to MDR for the first special dinner of this cruise, this one a six-course Signature dinner. Lobster ceviche, mushroom soup, potato raviolo, orange sorbet, beef welly-bob and chocolate fondant pud, all yummy!!
Tonight’s turn is an American comedienne so we’re cautiously keepIng to the back in case we have to beat a hasty retreat. Happily she is very good and we enjoy (and understand) her entire show.
