Sea Day Serenity...
The weather is superb! Warm enough that we are thankful for passing clouds. The seas are calm. It’s fun to stare at the clouds and pick out shapes. While doing so, we realized what a luxury this is. In our home, it’s been eight months since we’ve been able to sit in a comfortable environment to read a book.. Or just be lazy. Instead we walk on our slab floors and sit in canvas camping chairs. This time at sea is doing good for my soul...
Shockingly, we have followed through on our commitment to visit the Fitness Center on a daily basis. We usually say we will but never quite make it. After a brisk workout, we spend some time getting Vitamin D :-)
In addition to watching clouds, we enjoy people watching. I couldn’t get a clear shot of the man who looked EXACTLY like Colonel Sanders… but I did get this stylish guy. Are short shorts back in style??? :-)
As usual, we jump aboard and order our favorites. This time didn’t go as smoothly as other experiences on Royal Caribbean. Ordinarily, if you purchase at least six bottles, it is considered a create your own wine package. A discount is offered for bulk buying… The wine tender charged full price and then made me feel bad for asking to receive the customary discount. With our dining package, we automatically receive 40% off of bottles under $100 and 20% off of bottles over $100. Why would I pay full price just for the convenience of having it all in one place. He also brought a bottle he thought we might like… $1100. What?!?!?
Excited at the aroma coming off my rib eye steak, I completely forgot to take a photo until I’d mangled it! Perfectly seasoned, cooked to perfection. Definitely 16oz was too much for me, but I had a good time trying to finish. We also had sides… Barry had baked potato, we shared spinach.
Decanted prior to our arrival, this bottle of Caymus added to the dining experience. Good food and good wine = true vacation! This is the first time we’ve seen a decanter that looked like this one. Very elegant…
Another evening, we had dinner in the main dining room. In the past, our complimentary meals have not been very enjoyable. This, however, was a completely different story. The crew has made changes to their approach in the main dining room. More variey and absolutely delicious. The portions are perfect. I enjoyed braised ribs with tender but slightly crunchy (just the way I like them) vegetables. Our wine for the evening was Belle Glos. A definite favorite Pinot Noir. Barry had Spaghetti Bolognese… Mr. Pasta was happy!
Last night we had a nice wine we had not tried before. Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2013. This Chilean wine from the Aconcagua Valley, was made with 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 6% Carmenere and 5% Petit Verdot. Black fruits, vanilla and chocolate seem to be what I lean toward. We brought the last of our wine back to the cabin to enjoy some peace and quiet on our balcony… life is good!
