A Little Bit Of What You Fancy Does You Good

[dolphingirl47]

Once we got off the train, we walked in the general direction of Central Park. I really liked the area we were walking through. There was some interesting architecture and the there was a general quirky feel. We still had not found anywhere for coffee. I have a Starbucks app on my phone that includes a store finder. I was not sure if this would work in the USA, but as I had mobile phone reception at that moment, I decided to try it. It turned out that not only it was working, but also that there was a Starbucks pretty much straight behind us. So we decided to head there. I was delighted that they had the Chestnut Praline Latte that I had fallen in love with in Honolulu in 2014 and I had one of those. Graham had an Americano. We enjoyed our coffees and then headed out again.

















It did not take long after this until we were inside Central Park. Graham wanted to check out the reservoir that is at the top end of Central Park and we headed there first. We spent a short while in that area enjoying the view and the wildlife and then headed further into the park. Unfortunately all too soon, we were back in civilisation as the two sides of the park were separated by a road. We found out afterwards that there is a bridge linking the two parts of the park, but hindsight is always a wonderful thing.











I fell hopelessly in love with Central Park. We spent hours just wandering around and enjoying the fall foliage. There was some kind of running event going on and I have to say, I felt a little bit jealous. I don’t think anything could ever beat running through Disney parks for me, but I think running through Central Park would come a close second. We enjoyed looking at various landmarks like the lake, the obelisk, the carousel and Bethesda Terrace. When we went through Bethesda Terrace, I got a powerful reminder that you always should look up. I was absolutely blown away by the beautiful ceiling tiles.









































There was only one thing that we had wanted to do that did not come off and that was a horse and carriage ride. Considering that this is such a major attraction for Central Park, we figured that this would be signposted or at least on the maps that are everywhere. We were out of luck. Once we got to the southern end, there were suddenly a lot of carriage and I thought we were getting closer, but no such luck. In the end it turned out that the pick up point is actually outside a park and a fair way away at that. It had been really mild all day to the point that I had wondered if I would be warm enough in just my t-shirt at times. However, clouds were drawing in and it was getting cooler. There was also a bit of a wait for a carriage and we both agreed that this could go on the to do list for our next visit to New York.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Then we had an interesting experience. One of the things we wanted to see was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Graham looked at the map that was in the area and found that it was within easy walking distance. So we set off straight down 5th Avenue. By way of disclaimer, neither of us really knows New York and the map only had some landmarks on it. So we could not understand why it was suddenly very crowded and why there was a lot of police presence. We soon enough found out that our route took us straight past Trump Tower. Fortunately the congestion was only a couple of blocks either side and we were soon clear of this.











We were looking for a bite to eat, but did not have much joy. We did walk past a Nespresso Boutique. I suggested that we went in to have a look. I was interested if they have different capsules in the USA. This did not turn out to be the case. I was also looking forward to a free cup of coffee as every Nespresso Boutique I have ever been to has given out free samples. This one was the exception to prove the rule.

When we left the Nespresso, we did not have to walk much further until we reached St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I had seen photos of this on a trip report last year and knew that I wanted to see this. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a bit strange. It is almost as if it is a shape-shifter. It was built in the late 19th century in Gothic Revival style and therefore looks quite old and traditional. However, the inside also looks quite contemporary, which has probably something to do that the white of the walls and ceiling is broken up by brilliant blue stained glass. I am glad that we made the effort.





When we got there, a wedding was taking place. There were quite a few people standing at the back of the church so we joined them. From where we were standing, we got a great first impression of the church. The wedding finished shortly afterwards and the wedding party walked straight past us. I was a little surprised that everyone apart from the bride was wearing black. I had never seen this before. I figured that maybe there are different conventions regarding weddings in the USA, but I got chatting with one of the parishioners and she found this just as unusual as I did. Once the wedding party had departed, we had a look around the church and took some photos. It really is a stunning church.









As we came out of the church, I saw something else I found rather strange. Not far from St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the opposite side of the road was a building that had the crest of the British royal family above the door. This seemed to be totally out of place. I found out once I got back home that the building is the British Empire Building.



We had a wander around the area near the Rockefeller Centre. Although the tree was not ready yet, there were quite a few Christmas decorations and we got to see the famous ice-skating rink. We then headed inside the Rockefeller Centre. It is definitely an impressive building, but I found it a bit dark and oppressive. There we finally found something to eat. In the basement, there is a little store of a chain called Hale & Hearty that seems to be localised to New York and Boston. They offer soups, sandwiches and salads, which are made from scratch every day on the premises. Graham had a turkey and trimmings sandwich and I had a cup of three-lentil chilli with half a spicy Cajun chicken sandwich. This was tasty and took the edge off. Once we had finished, we headed for the subway station. The lines were not any good for us, but we did find out that there was a bus that went from near the Rockefeller Centre to just across the road from the port.













We headed up to the bus stop, which was just across from the Radio City Music Hall and we got treated to the Christmas decorations in this area. There was a barcode at the bus stop, which I could read with my mobile phone, which showed me the progress our bus was making. Once the bus arrived, it was only a short ride back to the port. When we got to the closest bus stop, we essentially just had to cross the road and we were at the entrance of the port. We took some photos of the ship and headed inside. The line at security looked pretty long, but moved very quickly and it did not take long until we were back on the ship. We headed back to the cabin and relaxed for a bit.









When I made dinner reservations, I had figured that we would watch the sail away first and then head for dinner. However, after getting a better feel for the geography when we sailed into New York, I realised that this would not work. We talked about this and decided that we would go for dinner first. So we headed to the dining room as soon as it opened and had no issue being seated. Graham had a John Smith beer and I had my usual Coke. We both had Gourmet meatballs with crispy onions. Graham had this with sautéed spinach, but I asked our server to leave the spinach off for me. I also had potato and jalapeño soup, which was very nice. For our main course, we had nearly the same. We both went with the New York Strip steak, mushrooms, tomato and mashed potato. Graham also had wilted spinach with his. For dessert, he went with a cheese plate and I had some coffee ice cream.

 

[dolphingirl47]

After dinner, we went back to the cabin to get some layers and our cameras and then we headed out on deck 4. I was glad that we went to dinner early as we were late leaving New York. We could hear the people on the dock talking and apparently the Brooklyn tunnel was closed and our pilot was stuck on the wrong side of it. Eventually the pilot came running up to the ship and a matter of minutes later, we were underway. We got treated to Manhattan all lit up and another look at the Statue of Liberty. I was glad that we had the chance to see this in daylight and all lit up. As we were sailing out, it started to snow. This must have been the craziest weather I ever experienced.











Once the skyline started disappearing, we headed inside. We took our stuff back to the cabin and collected the letter that we had received the previous evening. This was from the captain apologising for the immigration experience in Boston and it included two drinks vouchers. We decided to use them and headed for the R Bar. On the way, we took some photos of the Royal Promenade, which was all lit up. Graham had a rose wine of some description and I had a Limon-Mandarintini, which consisted of Absolut mandarin shaken with limoncello liqueur, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup served in sugar-rimmed glass and garnished with lemon. This sounded right up my street, but was actually a little disappointing. At some stage I checked if there were photographers out and I was in luck. So I did the rounds.

















When I got back, we stayed at R Bar a little longer and then headed back to the cabin. On the way, we picked up a ship model for our collection. Once we got back to the cabin, I had a quick look at the Daily Compass and took a photo of our towel animal and then we got ready for bed.

 

[Dizzy4DL]

The Minnie Mouse shirt is so cute.
I'm impressed by your ability to use the New York subway system. As a West-Coaster I've rarely had the need for public transit.
The 9/11 memorial takes my breath away. Thank you for sharing those pictures.

 

[franandaj]

I thought I had commented on your Boston day. How nice that you met up with your jewelry designer! I love Quincy Market. When I was young and my parents would farm met and my sister out to my Grandparents for several weeks each summer, we would take the streetcar downtown to Quincy Market. Sounds like you had a good day overall.

It's interesting that you arrived in New York so late in the day. It must have been an issue with berths at the Port because it wouldn't take that long to sail from Boston to New York. You got beautiful pictures of you arrival in the Port and especially the Statue of Liberty. Nice that dinner was an efficient and delicious affair. Your tour sounded like it hit some real highlights. I don't remember if I visited Times Square when I was in New York, but it was before they cleaned it up, so I probably skipped it.

Sounds like a full and exciting evening.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Good idea og Graham's to grab some brekkie before heading out. I am glad you did I love the sea dog cop this morning!

I am pleased you got your subway smart card sorted. I have never known such a confusing system.

I love the 9/11 memorial. How lovely about the birthday rose. I haven't seen this since just after it occured. When it was ground zero and had a viewing platform. It was well no words can describe.

I love the sound of both your charms in Pandora!

Oh now Central Park. I understand why it stole your heart. Your photos are amazing. The colour of those trees!

Isn't St Patricks something else. How odd getting married in black. I noticed this trend recently on that show say yes to the dress. Not that I watch it you understand..

That was nice that you got drinks vouchers. Shame one of yours was the thumbs down. Still better on somebody elses dime.

Dinner looked good and lovely photos coming out of NY.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a fabulous day! Congrats on managing the subway system; it can be very confusing! I went to the memorial and museum once; they are very moving! Isn't Central Park amazing? Your Minnie tee is adorable!

 

[Pinkocto]

I love your new Minnie shirt!

You and Graham are excellent exploreres. You saw tons of places and it sounds quite seamlessly.

Beautiful pictures of the memorial. What a nice touch to put the roses out.

 

[dolphingirl47]

The Minnie Mouse shirt is so cute.

I was so happy when I found this.

I'm impressed by your ability to use the New York subway system. As a West-Coaster I've rarely had the need for public transit.

We are used to getting around on public transport pretty much everywhere as we don't own a car and I have never learned to drive. New York was actually relatively straightforward.

The 9/11 memorial takes my breath away. Thank you for sharing those pictures.

I am glad that I had the chance to visit.

How nice that you met up with your jewelry designer!

It was great to finally meet in person.

I love Quincy Market.

I loved what I saw. I just wish I had more time to explore.

Sounds like you had a good day overall.

Yes, despite the immigration mess, it was an enjoyable day.

It's interesting that you arrived in New York so late in the day. It must have been an issue with berths at the Port because it wouldn't take that long to sail from Boston to New York.

That is interesting. I have seen a few sailings that go from Boston to New York and they all arrive in the afternoon.

You got beautiful pictures of you arrival in the Port and especially the Statue of Liberty.

I loved that sail in.

Your tour sounded like it hit some real highlights.

It was a perfect way to get an overview of the city.

I am glad you did I love the sea dog cop this morning!

The dog had a different outfit every day.

I am pleased you got your subway smart card sorted. I have never known such a confusing system.

That part is not easy. We could not figure out what we were looking at.

I love the 9/11 memorial. How lovely about the birthday rose. I haven't seen this since just after it occured. When it was ground zero and had a viewing platform. It was well no words can describe.

That must have been a very different experience. The way it is now, for all the sadness that this event caused, it is just a very tranquil and peaceful place.

The colour of those trees!

I could not believe my eyes. This was just so beautiful.

Isn't St Patricks something else.

I really loved this church.

Shame one of yours was the thumbs down. Still better on somebody elses dime.

It was not unpleasant, but just a little disappointing.

What a fabulous day!

It was indeed.

Congrats on managing the subway system; it can be very confusing!

Apart from the issue with the different entrances a block apart, it was smooth sailing.

I went to the memorial and museum once; they are very moving!

We did not go to the museum as I had heard horror stories about the lines to get in even if you pre-book the ticket.

Isn't Central Park amazing?

Nothing could have prepared me for that experience. It is absolutely stunning.

Your Minnie tee is adorable!

This is probably my favourite t-shirt.

I love your new Minnie shirt!

I do, too.

You and Graham are excellent exploreres. You saw tons of places and it sounds quite seamlessly.

This is what we tend to do when we visit new places and this works well for us.

Beautiful pictures of the memorial. What a nice touch to put the roses out.

I wondered what the roses were all about, but there are some signs explaining it. I love that idea, too.

Corinna

 

[rndmr2]

Nice day out in NYC. Great pics in Central park, I love all the Fall colors. That 911 Memorial is a beautiful tribute, I saw it back in 2013 before the museum part was finished. We had come in a few days prior to a cruise in the NCL Gem to visit with my DH's Aunt and Uncle who live in Astoria not too far away from the city and they took us around sightseeing.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Great pics in Central park, I love all the Fall colors.

Thanks. I love them, too.

That 911 Memorial is a beautiful tribute

I think the kind people of New York did themselves proud with this.

We had come in a few days prior to a cruise in the NCL Gem to visit with my DH's Aunt and Uncle who live in Astoria not too far away from the city and they took us around sightseeing.

What a fantastic opportunity. I definitely want to go back to explore some more.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

Day 12

After three port days, we had another sea day. We got up and ready at 8:45 and where just about to leave to head for breakfast, when the phone rang. It was the diving instructor Roxie. I told him that we were heading for the Windjammer and would come by the dive shop on the way. This worked out for everybody involved. We headed out and went to the dive shop. We filled out a questionnaire and Roxie talked us through what to expect. He shared with us that he was trying to get the pool as late as possible in the day the following day so that it would be as warm as possible and told us that he would leave us a message when he had further details. We then headed for breakfast.

For some reason it was not particular bust that morning and we had no issues finding a table. We both had coffee and Graham also had some orange juice. Graham had melon, pineapple, a blueberry muffin and fruit bread followed by some oatmeal with raisins and nuts. I started with French toast with whipped cream and strawberry compote. I then had a plate of hot food consisting of pork strips, sausage gravy, hash brown, mini cheese and ham omelette and sausage links. Then I had to rush off to get to progressive trivia. We arranged to meet at Cafe Promenade afterwards.

It was nice to be back to the usual routine. The activities manager, who was hosting progressive trivia, was running a little late that morning. This gave us plenty of time to catch up and find out what people had been up to during the last few days. Unfortunately most of them did not manage to get off at Boston, but everyone had a fantastic time in New York. We did OK with the trivia and afterwards, I said goodbye to everyone and went to meet Graham.

He was waiting outside Cafe Promenade and we got some coffee and went looking for a table. We ended up joining a very nice lady who was sitting by herself. We got talking and at some stage we both got another cup of coffee. It ended up being a really enjoyable morning. We did have a bit of a wander around the ship and ended up speaking to one of the staff from the art gallery. I then headed back to the cabin to get the free bracelet I got the other day. This was too long and I noticed that they were selling them again that day. So I headed up to outside the Windjammer where they had set up their table and asked them if they could shorten it. This was no problem. I like it much better shorter. I did take the bracelet back to the cabin and then caught up with Graham again.

Around 13:00, we headed up to the Windjammer for some lunch. Graham had some ice tea and a plate with crispy pork belly, grilled pork chop, courgettes and steak fries. For his dessert, he had mango custard tart and lime jelly. I had a Coke and a plate with crispy pork belly, grilled pork chop, steak fries, olives, and cucumber. For my dessert, I had peach upside down cake with vanilla soft serve ice cream. This set us up nicely for the next adventure.





We had a wine tasting booked for this afternoon. Our server had mentioned this a couple of nights earlier and we decided to give this a go. This took place in the dining room at 14:00. The theme was wines of the world and included a total of 5 wines: a sparkling wine, two white wines and two red wines. It took a little while until everybody was there. They had set up some tables for us towards the back of the dining room with placemats that had the names and origins of the different wines printed on them, water and plates with cheese, fruit and crackers. Once everybody was there, the head sommelier gave us a general introduction to wine and busted a few common myths. Then it was time for the tasting. We were educated about the proper way to taste wine before tasting the first one. We started with a glass of Chandon Brut Classic from California, which I really liked. Next up was a Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. I am not normally a big friend of wines from Chile, but this was light and fruity and I really liked it. Then came my favourite, the Chateau d'Aussieres Vin de Pays d'Oc Chardonnay. Chardonnay is usually a variety that I avoid, but I have really developed a taste for the wines of the Languedoc during our stat there last year. This one was amazing. I actually have bought some Chardonnay from the Languedoc since we returned and I liked everyone I tried. There is actually a nice bottle in the fridge as I type this. Then it was over to red wines. Red wines tend to give me migraines so I avoid them, but I figured a little sample would be OK. The first one was a Spy Valley Pinot Noir, which was very light and easy to drink. The last wine was an Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley. I had one sip of that and was sorely tempted to spit it out. I just did not like this at all. Graham finished this off for me. They then gave everybody a wine glass to take home. We politely declined. We did however accept the offer of another glass of our favourite wine. Graham went with the Cabernet Sauvignon and I had a glass of the Chardonnay.



As we were leaving, I used the welcome opportunity of having an empty dining room to take some photos. We spent the afternoon relaxing and I read for most of it before we got ready for formal night. There was to be another chance for photos withe captain. While I got dressed up, Graham took photos of the sunset through our porthole. Once we were both ready, we headed for dinner.













Dinner was lovely again. Graham had a forest mushroom puff followed by port and duck terrine salad. I had roasted poblano pepper and corn soup. For our main course, we both had prime rib, potato croquettes, green beans and tomato. For dessert, Graham went with white chocolate mousse with macerated berries. I had the Grand Marnier Soufflé. This was the only disappointment. This was completely tasteless. It just tasted mildly sweet.















After dinner, we headed out to do the rounds of the photo opportunities. When we had our photos taken by the hanging sculpture, the captain turned up to have his photo taken. We finished off and then headed over to the vintage car, where the photos with the captain were supposed to take place. We were the only people there. When the captain arrived, he recognised us and commented that we could have done the photo before. We ended up having a nice chat with him. During this, we got talking about the issues with immigration in Boston. He shared that the Coast Guard had been fuming as they essentially wasted the whole day, as the crew was not processed in a timely manner. After we said goodbye to him, we headed back to our cabin. I had a quick look at the Daily Compass and took a photo of our towel animal and then headed for bed.

 

[tiggrbaby]

The tasting looked like it was fun! The pics through the porthole had an interesting perspective. Your gown is stunning! Was that towel animal a bat?

 

[Pinkocto]

A wonderful sea day after the busy days prior.

Your jewelry is very fun with the bright colors. Your dress is lovely!

Glad you were able to get your bracelet shortened without trouble.

The towel bat is amusing

 

[dolphingirl47]

The tasting looked like it was fun!

It was and it introduced me to two new wines I really enjoyed and that should hopefully be available as part of my complimentary drinks package on the next cruise. It only includes wines up to a certain amount plus beers and soda. I will definitely make good use out of the sodas as they have Coke Freestyle machines, but I don't drink beer.

The pics through the porthole had an interesting perspective.

There was quite a lot of sea spray on them, but I actually really liked that effect.

Your gown is stunning!

Thanks.

Was that towel animal a bat?

Yes, it was.

Your jewelry is very fun with the bright colors.

This is the South Pacific set. I can't wait to wear this and the Hawaii set she made in 2014 on the next cruise.

Your dress is lovely!

Thanks, this is one of my favourite gowns. I have the same in blue.

Glad you were able to get your bracelet shortened without trouble.

I was really glad that I managed to get this sorted.

The towel bat is amusing

Unfortunately it was destroyed shortly after I took the photo as I knocked it when going to the bathroom.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Day 12 at sea sounded ideal. How wonderful that Roxie the diving instructor attempts to get the pool at the end of the day to make it warmer.

Sounds like a nice relaxing morning with progessive trivia and plenty of chats. Oh wow I love the look of your pineapple upside down cake and ice cream.

Wine testing sounds interesting. Lost on this tee totaller! Wonderful to get those empty dining room photos.

Shame about your tasteless souffle at dinner. How did they manage that! Good job the rest was top notch. What a lovely photo of you with the Sapphire dining room border.

Brilliant photos of both of you tonight. Nice backdrops and great one with Captain!

 

[dolphingirl47]

How wonderful that Roxie the diving instructor attempts to get the pool at the end of the day to make it warmer.

He was a really nice guy and it all worked out.

Oh wow I love the look of your pineapple upside down cake and ice cream.

That was one of the better desserts.

Wine testing sounds interesting.

I really enjoyed this.

Shame about your tasteless souffle at dinner. How did they manage that!

For some reason cruise lines seem to have a talent for producing desserts that are completely tasteless.

Corinna

 

[dolphingirl47]

Day 13

This was our last sea day. I could not believe where the time had gone. We got up around 9:00 and headed up to the Windjammer. We still had not heard about our try dive, but the pools had been refilled. It was a lovely and sunny day. So I was quietly optimistic that this would go ahead. We did not see any activity when we walked past the dive shop. So we pushed on and had some breakfast. We both had coffee. Graham had a plate with sausage, bacon, fried bread, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomato, while I started with almond pancakes, whipped cream and strawberry compote. I then went back for some savoury food and had scrambled eggs with corn, sausage links, baked beans and hash browns. Graham finished off his breakfast with oatmeal with brown sugar. After breakfast, we went our separate ways arranging to meet up for coffee at Cafe Promenade after progressive trivia.

It was kind of strange that this would be the last time we would meet up for trivia. It did however turn out that we were all booked on the same excursion the next day and we arranged to meet up a little early in front of the theatre and check in together. We were on a roll that day for trivia, but unfortunately it was not enough to nudge into the top 10. Still, I had really enjoyed this and as they say: “It is the taking part and not the winning that matters”.

Graham and I met up for coffee at Cafe Promenade and then I headed back to the cabin to pick up my iPad. Graham headed out to the helipad, as it was a lovely mild day. I was going to join him once and sit on one of the benches in that area. When I got back to the cabin, I saw the message light. I picked up the message and it was Roxie to advise that the pool was confirmed for noon and to let him know if we can make it. I quickly headed up to the helipad to let Graham know and then on to the dive shop to confirm our attendance. After this, I headed down to the cabin to get changed. Graham appeared shortly afterwards and we headed up to the pool together.





It was still a little early and I found myself a lounger to sit on. Graham could not resist the temptation of the pool and went for a quick swim. I figured I would get wet soon enough and just enjoyed the lovely sunny weather. Graham came out shortly before our meeting time, got dried off and then we headed over to the dive shop. Roxie was waiting for us. He fitted us with the vests, flippers and goggles. I was a little bemused when he asked us to take off the reef socks. I had only ordered them, because it said on the excursion description that they were needed. Still, I am sure they will be put to good use. Once we were all set, he gave us the option to either wait for him in the dive shop or come out to the pool while he got everything set up. We opted to come out to the pool with him.

The setting up process was quite complex with various flags going up as well as our equipment being set up. When we first came up to the pool deck, the pool was empty, but now it was starting to fill up, which in turn did not fill me with joy. Eventually he was all set up and called us over. He helped us getting our gear on and then told us to slowly lower ourselves into the pool. He then encouraged us to try inflating and deflating our vests and put our face into the water and breath through the regulator. So far, so good. He then told us to go down and kneel at the bottom of the pool. Now, the pool is not particularly deep so that should have been easy. I was wearing flippers at the time and my feet kept trying to overtake me, which freaked me out. I did end up taking off the flippers and that was easier, but I never quite made it to kneeling on the floor. I did get close though. I definitely want to try this again, but I am sure I would have coped better in open water. At some stage I want to do a Discover Scuba programme in the sea. I was just like this when I started snorkeling, but with the encouragement of some colourful fish, it suddenly became easy. I am hoping that it would be the same with Scuba.

When our time was up, Roxie helped us to get all the gear off. We thanked him. He gave us the key for the dive shop where we had left some odds and ends. We collected them and took the key back to him before heading back to the cabin to get showered and changed. Then it was time for some lunch. We headed to the Windjammer. Graham had ice tea, steak fries with chili beef and salad. For his dessert, he had strawberry cake. I had Coke, steak fries, pork steak in tomato sauce and mini corn dogs. I was so excited when I saw the corn dogs. Unfortunately they were not very nice. They were pretty dry. For dessert, I had vanilla and chocolate swirl soft-serve ice cream. This ended up being the last meal we had at the Windjammer this cruise.

After lunch, we stopped by the Cafe Promenade for some coffee and then headed up to the Viking Crown Lounge. This was surprisingly quiet that afternoon. We managed to get a sofa by the windows. I started reading and a couple from the UK soon joined us. We had a lovely chat. They were taking the cruise as transport to Florida where they own a villa and were going to spend the winter. They were then planning to take another transatlantic back to Europe in spring. It was really interesting talking to them.

We were treated to a nice sunset. I took some photos through the windows. At some stage, we said goodbye to our companions. Once the sun had gone down, we headed back to the cabin to start packing as our last day of the cruise was a port day and we would not have much time. Once most of our stuff was packed, we got changed for dinner and then headed out again. I still had two gowns that I had not worn so I decided to wear one of those.











Dinner that night was at Izumi again. I had forgotten to bring my phone so there are no photos this time. We both chose the same dishes this time round. Graham had a Tiger Beer, but I stuck with water. We both had the shrimp wonton soup, which was very tasty. I also had some of the Edamame soybeans that were free. We both had a serving of the Surf and Turf roll. We then shared a serving of the crispy Philly roll, which consisted of salmon, avocado and cream cheese flash fried in panko bread and served with champagne sauce and spicy aioli. I don’t normally eat fish and figured that I would just pick out the salmon, but I actually liked it like it was.

After dinner, we made our final round of the photo opportunities for this cruise, as there would be no photos on the final evening. We then decided that the night was still young and headed to the R Bar for a nightcap. Graham had a glass of White Zinfandel and I had a watermelon Margarita, which was very nice. We took our time over our drinks, but once we had finished, we headed back to our cabin. This time we found a towel monkey. I read for a bit and then set the alarm and got ready for bed.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Shucks the last day! How nice to do progressive trivia one last time and cool your team mates were on your last excursion.

It looks like a lovely picture perfect day. Blue skies.

I agree re the diving better to do it in the natural environment. The pool is very strange.

Oh no last dance at Windjammers shame about the dry corn dogs but nice soft serve to the rescue.

What a lovely sunset. Nice one of the ships logo.

I love the choice of gown tonight. Izumi looks as good as ever. Lovely photos of you two.

 

[tiggrbaby]

I am not sure I would have been as brave as you to do the scuba!

Sunset pics are fab!

Another gorgeous gown!