I got up around 5:30. TV says 350 mi out from Grand Caymen, Temp is 68.2, seas moderate 4-8.
I just sat in the room and read a book and checked out the Navigator for our first at-sea-day on the ship. DH got up around 7:30. We decided to try Topsiders for brekkie. I chose waffles and bacon, Lorne did the eggs, bacon, hash browns. It was just 'eh' for us. The food was cold, so we each left more than ½ on our plates. Actually, we were still full from that fantastic food at Palos and Lumieres, so it really didnt matter all that much. We easily could have returned to the buffet for different food, because there was lots to choose from at Topsiders. As it turned out, this was the only time we ate there.
We decided to return to the room and plan out our day. We sat out on our balcony for the first time. And, for the first time, it was sunny and the winds were calm. After a little bit, I went to Studio Sea for The Art of Entertaining -- Dazzling Desserts demonstration. We were shown by Chef , (sorry, I forget his name) how to make White Chocolate Domes. We were each given a little bit to taste and it was wonderful.
We also got to taste a lovely little wine called Braquetto.. It was delicious. I then noticed that the label on the display bottle said
ROSA REGALE!!!! I found it!!!!
(As an asideI have read on all the boards that Rosa Regale wine is to die for. I hunted high and low for it here in Toronto, and couldnt find it. When I asked for it at the liquor store, they had never heard of it.
When they looked it up on their computer, nothing.)
But now I found it!!!! I asked Victor, the sommelier about it. He explained to me that Rosa Regale was the winemaker, Braquetto is the wine, named after the grape. DOH!!
No wonder I couldnt find it.
Anyhoo, as I was doing this, Lorne was buffing up his tan on the balcony. He thoroughly enjoyed it. I hightailed it out of Studio Sea and made my way to the Promenade Lounge for a digital camera seminar. The girl from shutters commented on what a nice camera I had. Made me feel good, cause I just bought it.
We had decided to meet on deck 9 for a quick lunch, but I was a little bit late, so we had to settle for a quick kiss and a catchya later.
So now, Im off to the DVC presentation in Diversions. Comfy chairs in there. The presentation was very good. At the end, the had me draw two names out of a hat. First for $300 on-board credit. I drew the name, and yelled its me, its me!!!! But, he wouldnt go for that. Second name drawn was for a cooler beach bag. I drew the name, and yelled its me, its me,
but he wouldnt go for that, either. Oh well, I made somebodys day. I did not join DVC.
During this time, Lorne was at the Rockin Bar D, watching the Making of the Disney Magic. He enjoyed it very much.
We met outside the Walt Disney Theatre for the matinee of the Golden Mickeys. We ordered a couple of cokes here, and we were pleased that we got two cans of coke, which we much prefer over the fountain mix. This was a really cool show.
That last shot is one of my favorites. We decided on the matinee cause poor ol Lorne was nodding off last night, remember? Well
.guess what?? Yup.. here again, same thing. At one point, he was so relaxed that he leaned really far forward, and almost fell out of his chair. Being the good wife that I am, I almost joined him on the floor, cause I laughed so hard. I have to apologize to those around us. As soon as the show ended, we took two breaths, then booted it up to Palo for the Art of the Theme Show Ship Tour.
Natalie from England was our guide and she was A1, very informative and very funny. Here she is, hamming it up.
She showed us the secret passage that the kids use. Out of all the forums and all the books I have read, I did not know about this.
She also told us that Disney is one of the strictest Cruise Lines to work for. They have Zero tolerance for liquor with the on duty staff. They have a self-imposed 98% passing grade. If the ship gets 97.9% or less, they will not sail. She has worked on Carnival, and they sailed with 71%. At the end of the tour, she opened herself up to any and all questions. It was very interesting, learning about her life on the ship. She has worked 7 days a week for 4 ½ months, without a clear day off.
It was a fun tour.
This has been a very busy day, hasnt it?? And the best is yet to come
.
After all of this, we decided to enjoy our balcony a bit more. After a nice little rest, we had to get ready for dinner AT PALO!!!
This time, dinner was part of the romance package and included a bottle of wine, so I was sooooooo looking forward to introducing Lorne to Rosa, whom Id just met earlier at the wine tasting. At our request, we again had the nice window seat with Annie Marie as our server. She really is excellent.
After greeting us, she went to get the wine list and when she returned with it, she also gave me a beautiful, very long stemmed rose. After discussing the various wines, and our preferences, she recommended Rosa Regale!!!! YAY!!!
(Another aside) --
Sad to say, Mr. did not enjoy it like I did. He thought it was too sweet, and did not particularly like the sparkling property. Happy to say, that they re-corked the bottle so that I could take it back to the cabin. For Me!!
TOO BAD, SO SAD, SUCKS TO BE HIM!!!!!
Anyways, back at Palo, after discussing the menu at length with her, Annie Marie mixed things up a bit. She would bring a ½ order of something just to try, or a full order for us to split. Great job! I had the grilled Portobello mushroom on risotto, and Lorne had spaghetti with prime rib strips ( ½ order). We also split a ½ order of lobster ravioli. Yummy. We each had the beef tenderloin, and for dessert, the much-touted chocolate soufflé.
It was to die for. Actually, it was
all to die for. We relaxed at our table for a while over coffee. Annie Marie brought a plate with Happy 21st Birthday on it,
I told her it should say, "Happy 44th Anniversary of your 21st Birthday"
She took a couple of photos.
We then waddled our way back to the cabin. Although I knew about it, I had forgotten about it, so the romantic turndown was a nice surprise for both of us.
We made ourselves all nice and comfy on the couch and settled in to watch television amongst the rose petals. This has been an exhausting day-at-sea, so we turn in early. Nitey nite
cool
This was our favourite meal (other than Palo, of course) Lorne and I had identical meals. Shrimp cocktail salad, Coquille Saint Jacques, and Crème Caramel. A whole bunch of waiters sang Happy Birthday to Lorne and gave him a button.
. 
You and I are the same age! 
What a great birthday trip for your DH (and you)! I hope he reciprocates when you reach 60! You have inspired me to drop some hints with my DH for mine! 
