Port stop turned Sea Day...
Here’s proof we tried to take the stairs as much as possible. Often there are people in scooters who have a heck of a time getting on the elevator. Perfectly healthy guests will take the elevator up or down a single level rather than take the stairs. We always walk down and try to walk up as much as possible. With my foot still in recovery mode, it wasn’t as often as usual. Anyway, our ship ported off the coast of Greenock, which is the closest port to Glasgow. Before we went to bed last night, we decided to make this a sea day. We really aren’t used to such port intensive itineraries… but I better get practiced because next year’s Asian cruise will be 13 days action. Although, it will actually be about what we have made this one.
Always one to pack my travel games, we filled our “sea day” with Dirty Bananas and Bailey’s and Raspberry martinis… and Mexican Train. It’s safe to say, than in 15 years, this is absolutely the WORST scores we have ever seen! About ten years ago, we were in Barcelona waiting to board a cruise and played a game with our friends. The husband got over 500… a score we thought we’d never see again. As Barry got closer to the “record”, he got more frustrated! So funny… nothing went right. We kept getting stuck with terrible tiles. Still… we love playing! It made for a fun part of the day.
After the Mexican Train shellacking, we headed for a wine tasting event. On the first day, we were approached by a young man asking if we were interested. Since it wasn’t until the late afternoon, we decided to try it. Not much of a bubbly drinker, we started our tasting with the most delicious true champagne. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve from Champagne, France. Small bubbles, light on the palate. We learned that red grapes were used, which is probably why I liked it so much!
Also served, Cloudy Bay, Savignon Blanc out of Marborough, NZ; Penfolds, Chardonnay, Tumbarumba, AUS (not a fan); Pommard Laboure Roi, Burgundy, France; Nikiara Meritage, Paso Robles, Central Coast California; Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, California. Of course, I loved the final serve…
With an impressive attention to detail, Princess always seems to showcase things that add to the overall experience. While walking around the ship, we heard bagpipes. Right in the middle of the Piazza… a bagpipe player! Really puts you in the Scottish mood!
There is much debate over the origins of bagpipes, in general. Scottish Highland Bagpipes (The Piob Mhor) are considered instruments of war. First officially documented in 1549 during the Battle of Pinkie, the pipes were used to draw the Scottish into battle. They replaced the trumpet as a battle cry since the sound could carry for miles. Despite claims of the pipes coming from Egypt or Ireland, it is the Scottish that brought them their current noteriety.
Here’s a general idea of where we traveled for this portion. The red pin near Glasgow is Greenock. It is an extremely narrow passageway with deep waters. Unfortunately, the cruiseport was unable to accept such a large ship, hence the need for tendering. Due to how North we are, it stays light until 10 or 11 and the sky already shows signs of light at 3:30am, so that kind of messes with the sleep pattern. We aren’t really sorry for missing Glasgow. Considering our newfound fascination with Northern Ireland, we know we will be back for a more extensive visit. That’s the beauty of cruising… you get a snapshot of a place, just long enough to know if you want to return or not.
Shoreline was right off the side of the ship. This was taken from our balcony cabin. Each afternoon, the Captain tells passengers what to expect in the sailing. If there are sights to see, he lets us know. For this section, he was excited to tell us how beautiful the surrounding terrain would be.
Not only did we switch things up by making a port day a sea day… but we took a night off from Specialty Dining rooms. This is our first time trying the Main Dining Room. To be honest, we were hesitant because of so many complaining people but we didn’t want to leave without trying it once! Arriving around 7:30, we were promptly seated in a window seat for two. That was a nice surprise! It’s not that I don’t like the MDR, it’s just that sometimes, it’s a bit chaotic. We were on the edge of the room so we missed a majority of the hustling. The service was perfect. Gluten-free bread was served with warm butter and the waiter let me know which items could be adapted for G/F and nightshade free. My choice was an interesting dish… it was a bowl of rice with a delicious spinach green curry. It really hit the spot! Our servers were disappointed we didn’t have dessert but we’ve tried to cut those out for the most part!
As with most cruises… new friends! Barry was exhausted from our impromptu sea day, so I went out a little longer. Sitting and chatting with the bartenders we had talked to every night, a lady next to me was in a very animated facetime call with her son. When she repeatedly said, “Bearded Dragon” and crying/laughing… I couldn’t help but eavesdrop. She hung up her call, turned to me and said, “My bearded dragon “ran” away three weeks ago and was just found 3/4 of a mile from home”. Apparently, Ana (originally from Lithuania, currently Florida) had put a lost and found post on her neighborhood facebook page. So much time had past that when the person who spotted him went to fb, she couldn’t find anything so she posted a “found”. Of course, she was afraid to capture it but so many of Ana’s friends saw the post and her phone txts starting blowing up! Everyone was trying to get in touch with her to let her know… We ended up sharing life stories… had a really fun time! Shared contact information and will undoubtedly cruise again.
Heading back, the Piazza entertainment were these two ladies. This post is for Spammie! Hope you’re having fun in Tokyo! It’s been so long since you’ve been back… hug your family from me :-) Miss you!!!!
