I went up to the pool cafe & had the apricot French toast again. I went searching for a quiet spot to read. Started in the observation lounge way up top; & in a short while they started music for private dance lessons. So, I went down to the bar off the lobby (which wasn’t even open yet); but soon large masses of people started to come back onboard (since it had started to rain again). I went over to the onboard cruise consultant’s desk to inquire about a possible future cruise (if you book another one while onboard, they double the past pax. discount). L & L already booked the Serenity next Dec.; & I am considering it if I can work it into my budget.
The 3 of us had made special requests for lunch in the D.R.; so we gathered there at 1. I had spotted 2 things from last night’s menu that sounded good. I had an appetizer of warm asparagus, prosciutto & thin slices of brie drizzled w/ truffle honey (can you say YUM?). I had an appetizer portion of one of last night’s entrees, pan seared sea scallops & tiger prawns on citrus/champagne risotto w/ a burgundy beurre blanc sauce. To die for! L & L had requested spaghetti carbonarra. It was very good, much better when cooked tableside. I had pink grapefruit sorbet for dessert.
The Oceania Regatta was docked right next to us today. I went off the ship only long enough to take a note over to their gangway tobe given to the cruise director, David Cook. When I sailed transatlantic in March, he & I ate quite a few dinners together at the buffet restaurant. I just wanted to say hello & send holiday wishes. I then went to the movie theatre at 2:30. Saw the Bourne Ultimatum. Was a little too much action on such a full stomach; but I enjoyed it just the same. Went out for sailaway at 5 pm. My cabin stewardess, Paula, was out there. We had a long chat. Such a darling young woman w/ interesting stories about her life growing up in Romania. The rush to get ready for 6:15 dinner is unpleasant; but it’s the sacrifice I was willing to make in order to dine w/ L&L.
We had made special requests for dinner since the D.R. was a little weak. I had a mixed green salad; Leslie & I split one of those delicious king crab cakes w/ a spicy sauce. Larry had requested “T’giving” dinner; so they cooked him a small turkey breast w/ dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce & steamed veggies. Leslie & Harvey had ordered baked dover sole. And they both shared some of my (huge pile) of king crab legs & lobsters. I added a baked potato. We had requested a chocolate layer cake w/ cream cheese frosting; & it didn’t come out quite like we expected. It had thin layers of white cake w/ layers of chocolate mousse, topped w/ lemon flavored cream cheese frosting. We didn’t say a thing; just tried to eat it even though it didn’t satisfy the hunger we had for chocolate. In keeping w/ the sorbet tradition, I had “tequila sunrise” sorbet off the menu (which tasted just like the cocktail). The head waiter had other special requests at other tables, so he sent over a sampling of each to us. One was strudel w/ a rum sauce (delish) & the other was a bread pudding w/ rum cherry on top (divine). There was a little king crab left; so I asked our waiter to take it out of the shell for me & wrap it up for my breakfast. (Yes, I know my breakfasts are a little unorthodox.)
We’ve nicknamed ourselves “trouble”. The maitre d’ in the alternative restaurants & the poor head waiter in the D.R think we are…….we’ve made arrangements, changed our minds, asked for extra reservations; & they do it w/o even flinching. That’s part of the Crystal touch. To them nothing is impossible, as long as you ask nicely. And that’s why I love it so much here. I was back in my cabin early 8:30 with the desire to do my computer stuff, get in bed & read & sleep til my heart’s content. The only thing that could make this better would be if you all could be here too. Til next time…….
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