Taking Winnie on a Wonder Cruise - A February Mexican Riviera Trip - All wrapped up 6/14

[Captain_Oblivious]

I got some good preliminary shots, but we started to enter the port just as the sun was peeking up. I was afraid that I wouldn’t get good pictures as we pulled into port, but actually I think they came out better with some extra stuff in there.

I like the silhouette photos. The sky has some interesting colors and the silhouettes really stand out.

That one is my favorite! Great shot.

This completely did me in. Evidently the Ice Cream was too much dairy overload. I could hardly keep my eyes open as we made our way back to the room and we went back and took a nap.

Next time, invite me along. I'll be happy to take care of your excess ice cream so these kinds of things don't happen.

 

[franandaj]

I'm guessing funnel vision is 24/7?

Well, they don't show movies in the middle of the night, but as I was saying to pkondz, I think there is some kind of screen saver going on.

Ohh I like the silhouette-ness of these!

That seems to be the consensus!

Totally interesting- push through sun!!

This is how good sunrise photos end, with the sun just peeking through. Unfortunately you need the right mix of clouds for this to work out.

This is like a post card!

And that one was taken with my cell phone! I can tell because those pictures have a weird zoom to them.

I love that too! I often have a classic croissant, or pain du chocoat

I seem to be partial to the fruit filled ones.....

this looks like a nice portion of savory, to go with some sweet.

All decadent breakfasts have that!

This does look very Bangers and Mash!
I know Dorian would be ordering this- he grew up eating lamb.

I didn't grow up eating lamb, but I really like it a lot1

this looks very good, I enjoy pesto/marinated cheese (assuming that's what those squares are?)

I'm not sure, the menu just said Brie.

Gnocchi is tricky that way - it's so filling!

I know, but I love it so much. I only discovered it a couple years ago!

Perfect!

and an easy way to force a nap.

 

[franandaj]

I like the silhouette photos. The sky has some interesting colors and the silhouettes really stand out.

This seems to be the consensus!

That one is my favorite! Great shot.

Agreed! I might print that, frame it and put it on the hallway wall with family and exemplary photos.

Oooh! I got a drooling Homer!

Next time, invite me along. I'll be happy to take care of your excess ice cream so these kinds of things don't happen.

Duly noted!

 

[franandaj]

We were awakened from our nap by the doorbell outside our stateroom. It was 3PM. It was our stateroom hostess asking about something. At this point I don’t remember what, but it was a good thing that she woke us up. We had a Martini Tasting at 4PM.

It was also pirate night. Originally I had thought we would leave early and get in line to see Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, but with the nap, I decided to forego that plan. It was a good idea we did, because all the folks dressed in their Pirate Best had formed a huge line even before the pair came out. This would be a theme for the rest of the cruise for most all the characters.

We headed directly to the Cadillac Lounge and found the tables all set for our tasting.

The first was a dirty martini, the next a peartini, then an orange martini, the fourth one had whiskey, crown royal and some other stuff, it was my least favorite, the last one, an espresso martini, was my favorite.

While our bartender/host was explaining about what makes a Martini, she actually made my signature drink. It was a vodka Gibson and while it wasn't made with Belvedere, she used Grey Goose which is certainly an acceptable substitute. That drink sat on the bar counter for the entire "class". There were six no shows, so that meant there were 30 mini martinis left on the tables. Our hostess told us to go ahead and take anything we wanted.

At some point she asked if there were any other questions, "What's happening with that one?" I asked as I pointed to the Gibson on the bar.

"Would you like it?"

"That's my signature drink that I order almost always." I told her, and she picked it up off the bar and handed it to me.

At that point I let all the mini martinis I had snagged from the no shows go. Because we were a party of three and most spaces were set up for four, a solo drinker joined us. After the class we sat and talked her ear off. She was new to all things Disney, second cruise, just heard about DVC recently, and was eager to learn. Finally they kicked us out to get ready to open the bar to regular customers.

We all went back to our rooms so that Fran could sleep off her martinis. As a Platinum cruiser, there are several perks; a complimentary meal at Palo, a 10% discount at the shops, and in room gifts as well as a room service gift. We called room service to redeem our gift. We had a choice of some chocolates, a fruit basket, or a bottle of Prosecco. Can you guess which one I picked?

Once it arrived I poured a glass and Jill invited me to enjoy the sunset on her verandah.

We had a nice chat sharing deep thoughts. After the sunset I went back to the room and helped Fran to get ready for Palo.

They started us off with an apertivo and I have no idea what it was. I believe it was some sort of fritter-like thing in a balsamic sauce.

I nibbled on this bread service all night.

Even though I told Fran that I wasn't that hungry, she ordered this Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Mozzarella salad. I ate one of the tomatoes and some cheese. It was definitely tasty, but I was a tad bit still full from the upset stomach the Mickey Bar gave me.

This is the salad with the balsamic glaze.

While she ate the salad, I was given this plate of Fried Shrimp and Calamari, which I did want to order. Jill got one too, and in hindsight we should have pooled our resources and split one between the three of us.

Our server brought us this heavenly trio of salts, pink Himalayan, black sea salt?, sea salt? Don’t remember, but they were very tasty sprinkled on our food.

To accompany my lamb I chose this Chianti Classico. It was very tasty, but Jill asked the Sommelier to choose her wine and he chose more wisely for her, she gave me a taste of hers.

The Iamb at Palo is fantastic, and this time was no exception. One piece for Fran, one for me.

And this was the au just they served to accompany it.

I forgot who ordered this asparagus, but they shared it with the table. Probably Karin and Tom.

Someone shared these mashed potatoes, may have been all the same people who shared all the sides….

Also these mushrooms. It's a little foggy after my cocktails and glasses of wine.

But then it was time for the glorious Amaretto Souffle. I know people rave about the chocolate Souffle, but I love the delicate flavor or the Amaretto version. Both Fran and I ordered this, and she couldn’t finish hers, so I polished off hers for a change!

And then they served us this digestive. It was different than we had in the past but very tasty.

At that point I was toast. We made it back to the room. I gave her the shot and we went to bed. I must have forgotten to take a picture of the towel animal.

 

[PrincessInOz]

At this point I don’t remember what, but it was a good thing that she woke us up. We had a Martini Tasting at 4PM.

Thank goodness for that hostess! Otherwise, we might have missed the martini tasting.

It was a good idea we did, because all the folks dressed in their Pirate Best had formed a huge line even before the pair came out. This would be a theme for the rest of the cruise for most all the characters.

Is this why you had less Photopass pics than normal?

Cadillac Lounge and found the tables all set for our tasting

Wow! That looks laden!

she actually made my signature drink. It was a vodka Gibson

"That's my signature drink that I order almost always." I told her, and she picked it up off the bar and handed it to me.

I was wondering if you would snag that! Amazing that you did.

a solo drinker joined us. After the class we sat and talked her ear off. She was new to all things Disney, second cruise, just heard about DVC recently, and was eager to learn.

I bet she learnt a lot from you.
But the most important thing......is she now on the Dis?????

Can you guess which one I picked?

The Gibson Martini!!!

(Do I win???)

Jill invited me to enjoy the sunset on her verandah

Awesome pictures of the sunset!!
Wish I could have been a fly on the wall to listen to the two of you.

We had a nice chat sharing deep thoughts.

Yeah. I definitely wish I could have been there.

get ready for Palo.

Yum!

plate of Fried Shrimp and Calamari,

Oh wow! That looks fantastic.

heavenly trio of salts, pink Himalayan, black sea salt?, sea salt?

Salt seems to be in vogue. There are a number of foodie places here that have stock of different types of salt, including some that are blended with "bush tucker". Hubby likes getting the Himalayan pink.

The Iamb at Palo is fantastic, and this time was no exception. One piece for Fran, one for me.

....and one piece for me?
I guess I'll have to lick the screen instead.

glorious Amaretto Souffle.

Wow! That dessert looks amazing.




Looks like the table had a few sides to share. Makes it more of a homestyle dinner with friends.


Loving the coloured skies and food porn shots.

 

[pkondz]

We were awakened from our nap by the doorbell outside our stateroom.

If you'd been awakened by a doorbell inside your stateroom, that would've been just a tad disconcerting.

We had a Martini Tasting at 4PM.

It was also pirate night.

Shouldn't it have been a rum testing night in that case??

Pretty setting.

the fourth one had whiskey, crown royal and some other stuff, it was my least favorite

Well shoot! Crown royal is made just an hour up the road from my place.

the last one, an espresso martini, was my favorite.

It would probably be my least, having coffee flavour.

At some point she asked if there were any other questions, "What's happening with that one?" I asked as I pointed to the Gibson on the bar.

"Would you like it?"

"That's my signature drink that I order almost always." I told her, and she picked it up off the bar and handed it to me.

Score!
I wonder what would've happened to it if you hadn't snagged it? Or even why it was made in the first place. Just for show?

After the class we sat and talked her ear off. She was new to all things Disney, second cruise, just heard about DVC recently, and was eager to learn.

and in room gifts as well as a room service gift.

Oh, really! Nice.

We had a choice of some chocolates, a fruit basket, or a bottle of Prosecco. Can you guess which one I picked?

Fruit! You picked the fruit, right???


Right?


No?

We had a nice chat sharing deep thoughts.

Sounds really nice. Both the setting, the company and the conversation.

I believe it was some sort of fritter-like thing in a balsamic sauce.

"fritter-like thing"...

I nibbled on this bread service all night.

With the balsamic and EVOO.... yum!

This is the salad with the balsamic glaze.

Looks so much more appetizing that way.

While she ate the salad, I was given this plate of Fried Shrimp and Calamari, which I did want to order.

I'm surprised you went for fried food with an upset tummy.

To accompany my lamb I chose this Chianti Classico. It was very tasty, but Jill asked the Sommelier to choose her wine and he chose more wisely for her, she gave me a taste of hers.

I've heard that a good Sommelier can be worth their weight in gold.
You know my tastes in wine so might be wasted on me... but I can appreciate it nevertheless.

The Iamb at Palo is fantastic, and this time was no exception.

It looks beautifully cooked

Someone shared these mashed potatoes, may have been all the same people who shared all the sides….

That reminds me! I finally (after decades of trying) made (IMHO) perfect mashed potatoes.
I also came soooo close to a perfect omelet the other day too.

Also these mushrooms. It's a little foggy after my cocktails and glasses of wine.

But then it was time for the glorious Amaretto Souffle. I know people rave about the chocolate Souffle, but I love the delicate flavor or the Amaretto version. Both Fran and I ordered this, and she couldn’t finish hers, so I polished off hers for a change!

Shame you had to eat hers too.

I must have forgotten to take a picture of the towel animal.

I'm surprised you were even vertical by that point!

 

[DnA2010]

awakened from our nap by the doorbell outside our stateroom

Is this normal? I'm guessing you did not have the Do Not Disturb type sign out?

found the tables all set for our tasting

Is this what happened before? My memory is foggy from our drink tasting...I think the table drinks were set out and then they called a volunteer to come demo?

dirty martini, the next a peartini, then an orange martini, the fourth one had whiskey, crown royal and some other stuff, it was my least favorite, the last one, an espresso martini, was my favorite.

yum that sounds like the perfect line-up for me, given I quite like pear flavour, whiskey martinis like Manhattans, and espresso- YUM!!!

six no shows

Whoa! Have you seen this before? I'm assuming they would have pre-paid for these?

I asked as I pointed to the Gibson on the bar.

There are for sure times to be a leader not a follower

After the class we sat and talked her ear off.

Well you guys are the perfect people to educate a new-ish Disney person indeed, especially about DVC, cruising etc.

We had a choice of some chocolates, a fruit basket, or a bottle of Prosecco. Can you guess which one I picked?

is there even a question about which one?!

Beautiful! I quite like the clouds streaming in on the right

So you either pay $45 and pick from the pre-set, or order a la carte? Lots of nice choices

I nibbled on this bread service all night.

Nice little selection- did you need butter for any?

upset stomach the Mickey Bar gave me.

Yes, ice cream does do that to you doesn't it? I love ice cream and generally don't have issues unless I eat a massive amount.

Fried Shrimp and Calamari, which I did want to order. Jill got one too, and in hindsight we should have pooled our resources and split one between the three of us.

Looks like a good sized portion, especially as they are fried so can be more filling

which was the best?

The Iamb at Palo is fantastic, and this time was no exception. One piece for Fran, one for me.

looks very nicely cooked (well as one would expect) I had to scroll back and see if it was pistachio crusted, as that's what it looks like in the middle, but it says parm?

But then it was time for the glorious Amaretto Souffle. I know people rave about the chocolate Souffle, but I love the delicate flavor or the Amaretto version. Both Fran and I ordered this, and she couldn’t finish hers, so I polished off hers for a change!

Yay I know you had been looking forward to this!

what was the flavour? was there something in the bottom of the dish, or is that just a pattern on the outside?

 

[franandaj]

Thank goodness for that hostess! Otherwise, we might have missed the martini tasting.

Is this why you had less Photopass pics than normal?

Sort of, but mostly since Fran wasn't up for taking pictures. I don't like to pose for the photos without characters by myself.

Wow! That looks laden!

That's pretty much what most of the drink tasting classes look like.

I was wondering if you would snag that! Amazing that you did.

I bet she learnt a lot from you.
But the most important thing......is she now on the Dis?????

Well she learned that DVC may not be for her. I don't remember her husband's profession, but they couldn't plan far in advance which is imperative with DVC.

The Gibson Martini!!!

(Do I win???)

Awesome pictures of the sunset!!
Wish I could have been a fly on the wall to listen to the two of you.

We would have expected you to chime in not just listen!

Yeah. I definitely wish I could have been there.

Deep life musings.....

Yum!


Oh wow! That looks fantastic.

Everything at Palo is fantastic!

Salt seems to be in vogue. There are a number of foodie places here that have stock of different types of salt, including some that are blended with "bush tucker". Hubby likes getting the Himalayan pink.

Interesting that salt is hip there too.....

....and one piece for me?
I guess I'll have to lick the screen instead.

I bet the screen doesn't taste nearly as good.

Wow! That dessert looks amazing.

It is amazing!

looks like the table had a few sides to share. Makes it more of a homestyle dinner with friends.

It was nice sharing instead of each meal being plated and served to each person.

Loving the coloured skies and food porn shots.

Thanks!

 

[franandaj]

If you'd been awakened by a doorbell inside your stateroom, that would've been just a tad disconcerting.

Well the sound was inside the room, but the actual button to make the sound was outside the door.

Shouldn't it have been a rum testing night in that case??

I'm not sure that they actually offer a Rum tasting, whiskey, wine, champagne, tequila, but I don't think I've ever seen rum.

Well shoot! Crown royal is made just an hour up the road from my place.

Well you can keep it. I don't think I like it.

It would probably be my least, having coffee flavour.

You don't like olives either right? If so it may have been a toss up between the first and the last.

Score!
I wonder what would've happened to it if you hadn't snagged it? Or even why it was made in the first place. Just for show?

Part of the fun of these classes (pre-pandemic) were that different participants got to get up and make each of the drinks on the table. But they can't do that anymore, so she had to demonstrate making a drink, and that just happened to be the one she chose.

Oh, really! Nice.

At least we get something for our 10+ cruises!

Fruit! You picked the fruit, right???


Right?


No?

Do you even know me?

Sounds really nice. Both the setting, the company and the conversation.

It was!

"fritter-like thing"...

Well......

With the balsamic and EVOO.... yum!

Looks so much more appetizing that way.

Well of course, more flavor!

I'm surprised you went for fried food with an upset tummy.

I had picked out the things I was going to eat weeks before the cruise! I wasn't going to skip the fried calamari just for a little tummy upset. Plus the wine helped that!

I've heard that a good Sommelier can be worth their weight in gold.
You know my tastes in wine so might be wasted on me... but I can appreciate it nevertheless.

I usually think I'm a pretty decent guesser, but I should use them more often.

It looks beautifully cooked

It was, but I was getting full, so I'm glad Fran was helping.

That reminds me! I finally (after decades of trying) made (IMHO) perfect mashed potatoes.

So what did you do? I've gotten pretty good at them. I use heavy cream and lots of butter.

I also came soooo close to a perfect omelet the other day too.

Did you make a traditional French omelet or a skillet fritata like most of the American buffets where they cook it in front of you do?

Shame you had to eat hers too.

Such a shame!

I'm surprised you were even vertical by that point!

Yeah, the end of the evening was fairly hazy.....

 

[pkondz]

Well the sound was inside the room, but the actual button to make the sound was outside the door.

What I meant.

I'm not sure that they actually offer a Rum tasting, whiskey, wine, champagne, tequila, but I don't think I've ever seen rum.

Ya know… I’m okay with that.

Well you can keep it. I don't think I like it.

Now what am I going to do with that case I got you??

You don't like olives either right? If so it may have been a toss up between the first and the last.

I’m actually branching out a bit and trying them. Definitely prefer green to black.
And some black… nope!

Do you even know me?

I had picked out the things I was going to eat weeks before the cruise! I wasn't going to skip the fried calamari just for a little tummy upset. Plus the wine helped that!

Ah!

So what did you do? I've gotten pretty good at them. I use heavy cream and lots of butter.

I didn’t have cream (which would have made them perfecter) so used milk and butter.
Riced the potatoes and stirred in the warmed milk and melted butter.

Did you make a traditional French omelet or a skillet fritata like most of the American buffets where they cook it in front of you do?

Traditional French omelette.
It folded slightly on the last fold. But didn’t have a single off colour spot.

Yeah, the end of the evening was fairly hazy.....

I bet!

 

[franandaj]

Is this normal? I'm guessing you did not have the Do Not Disturb type sign out?

They don't have a "Do not Disturb" sign it's a "Cabin Occupied" sign. So she knew we were in there.

Is this what happened before? My memory is foggy from our drink tasting...I think the table drinks were set out and then they called a volunteer to come demo?

Yep, that's how they used to do it, but after covid they can't have non employees come up and mix drinks.

yum that sounds like the perfect line-up for me, given I quite like pear flavour, whiskey martinis like Manhattans, and espresso- YUM!!!

I liked a third of them, but I forced the two I wasn't fond of down!

Whoa! Have you seen this before? I'm assuming they would have pre-paid for these?

Oh yeah, there are often no shows. We did a Tequila tasting once and Fran was reaching over the to the table next to her throughout the session!

There are for sure times to be a leader not a follower

Well you guys are the perfect people to educate a new-ish Disney person indeed, especially about DVC, cruising etc.

We gave her lots of information, but she deduced that DVC was not for her because she and her hubby take last minute vacations, and you can't do that with DVC.

is there even a question about which one?!

Atta-girl!

Beautiful! I quite like the clouds streaming in on the right

Sunsets at sea are almost always picture perfect!

So you either pay $45 and pick from the pre-set, or order a la carte? Lots of nice choices

Yeah, it used to be one set price and anything you want, but I think that got out of hand, so now you just pay for what you want. If you're platinum (and this is your first time at Palo for the cruise) you can have them comp the Pre-fixe meal, or choose from the menu and they deduct $45. We used up our complimentary visit to Palo the first day with Brunch.

Nice little selection- did you need butter for any?

We may have had some butter on the table as well.

Yes, ice cream does do that to you doesn't it? I love ice cream and generally don't have issues unless I eat a massive amount.

Yeah, I have to be careful with ice cream, sometimes it gets me sometimes not.

Looks like a good sized portion, especially as they are fried so can be more filling

Yeah, it would have been a good idea for us to split it with Jill.....

which was the best?

I don't remember, but I think I'm partial to the Pink Himalayan.

looks very nicely cooked (well as one would expect) I had to scroll back and see if it was pistachio crusted, as that's what it looks like in the middle, but it says parm?

Honestly I don't remember at all, by that point, I was just picking it up by the leg and gnawed on it!

Yay I know you had been looking forward to this!

what was the flavour? was there something in the bottom of the dish, or is that just a pattern on the outside?

It was berry flavored and that was a pattern on the glass not something in the drink.

 

[franandaj]

Now what am I going to do with that case I got you??

I guess you'll have to drink it yourself!

I’m actually branching out a bit and trying them. Definitely prefer green to black.
And some black… nope!

I just can't. While I like the briny taste of oysters, I just can't handle the flavor of olives. Fran eats the black ones canned as a snack at home.

I didn’t have cream (which would have made them perfecter) so used milk and butter.
Riced the potatoes and stirred in the warmed milk and melted butter.

Ricing them would certainly make a difference. I just pummel the heck out of them with my potato masher. I'll be making some in the next day or so to make my Thanksgiving casserole. Normally I'd make it after making a whole dinner, but I put on the dinner schedule "something with leftover turkey" because we have loads of little suction sealed bags of turkey in the freezer. I've made all the other leftover turkey recipes ad nauseum. So I decided that this one would be good, but I want real mashed potatoes to top it not fake ones. It's sort of a turkey shepherd's pie, but no veggies. I have green beans for on the side.

Traditional French omelette.
It folded slightly on the last fold. But didn’t have a single off colour spot.

Nice! The last one I tried to make for Fran I screwed up when flipping the egg to cook the other side so she got more of an open faced omelet turned upside down.

 

[franandaj]

Day 5 - March 1

Fran wasn't able to sleep at all, or if she fell asleep it was only in very short spurts. She woke me up almost every hour to go potty and I ended up being exhausted when I should have woken to take sunrise pictures. This was the second time in two days we had set our clocks forward too, so that didn't help.

I slept in until 7, 8, or 9AM. I'm unclear because I don't seem to know how to set my phone forward, each time I tried I set it too far forward. Today’s stop was at Puerto Vallarta or as a previous cruise director had called it Puerto Walmarta.

Jill and I had planned to go to Walmart on this day. It was within walking distance of the port. Fran wanted us to check on some pills at the Farmacia, I wanted to pick up another bottle or two of wine, and so we decided to make an adventure of it. Jill was at the spa, so while waiting for her to finish I got coffee and some pastries. You know what a cup of togo coffee looks like so here are the pastries. A Cinnamon roll and a chocolate croissant.

Fran was debating coming along. I decided regardless of whether she came along or not, that we needed to empty Winnie and while we were mid empty Jill had finished up at the spa and came knocking at the door. She was gracious enough to wait outside until we could let her in.

When Jill came in Fran said that if she spent another day in this room she would go crazy. So both Jill and I thought it was an excellent idea for Fran to join us, Jill waited on the verandah while I helped to get Fran dressed. Soon we were off the ship and on our way to our adventure.

Every chance they get, they are cleaning the ship and touching things up.

Here we are across the street about to enter the Walmart parking lot and taking a look back at the ship.

We were looking for the Farmacia inside of Walmart. It turned out that they did not have the medication that Fran was looking for, but since we were there I picked up two more bottles of wine. Fran's antiperspirant was low and she was rationing it until the end of the cruise so she took this opportunity to restock. We looked at a few other things, but didn't find much to buy, so we checked out and made our way back to the ship.

Because I was the only one who had anything to eat before we got off the ship, we were all hungry. We headed to Triton's which was still closed. This is when I discovered that I had set my phone two hours ahead yet again. Jill waited in the French Quarter Lounge and had a beverage while Fran and I dropped our stuff in the cabin. Karin and Tom also ended up joining us for lunch.

If you haven’t already figured it out, the lunch menu at Triton’s changes daily. I think that is a great touch! They always have the burger since that’s pretty popular, but their soup, pasta, small plate and salad options are constantly changing. It makes for great choices if you eat there every day, which we did for at least three days.

I debated ordering the meatballs on polenta, and was glad I didn't. Karin ordered it and she let me taste hers and they were weird, some spice was very off. I ended up with the pappardelle with bolognese which was just perfect. It looked like a small portion but turned out to be just right.

Though I didn’t get pictures, Tom got the Braised Beef Short rib which he thoroughly enjoyed. Karin got the Radiatore Arrabiata, I’m not sure she was as pleased with her selection.

Both Jill and Fran got the burgers and Fran could barely eat half of hers. She was very frustrated with her lack of appetite. No dessert for us today, and we went back to the room.

I did more laundry while Fran napped. I put on Star Wars: The Last Jedi while I waited for the loads to finish. At 3:45 Jill and I went to a Brainteaser trivia game in the Crown & Finn pub. There were 20 questions, things like “What food do you discard the outside to cook, then eat the outside and discard the inside?” I got that wrong, but the answer was Corn on the Cob. I ended up getting 13 out of 20 and I missed the first three questions.

We decided to do another trivia session at 4:45. This one was DCL trivia. While Jill held a spot for me, I met Goofy in between the trivia sessions.

We didn't win anything, but it was fun. I got 9 at the DCL Trivia, pretty pathetic.

I went back to the room and changed for dinner hoping to go meet some characters, but by the time I got dressed it was 6PM and there was a gap in character appearances until about 7PM. Instead I hung out on the verandah and had my own little private sail away party. You can see how close the Walmart is to the port.

Bon Voyage!

I convinced Fran to get dressed and come out with me when the characters started coming out again at 7PM. We changed her dressing and bag and were on the way!

We met Minnie.

Then we tried to go see Ariel, but her line was just so long and she hadn't even come out yet, it was still Cinderella, so we took a few other shots and went to dinner at Triton's again.

I believe that tonight was the Golden Mickey’s menu.

Fran had the Aged Prosciutto

I had the Marinated Tiger Shrimp, it was very good.

I had the Oxtail Soup, this was pretty good but the tortellini was a little tough.

She had the Tomato and onion salad, which looks more like baby greens than tomato and onions.

We both ordered the Lobster. Our server removed it from the shell.

It was very good, and when we had almost finished our first piece, our server even brought us extra lobster already deshelled. It was a tiny bit tough, but the butter made it all better and we really enjoyed it.

As always, they brought us the dessert menu.

She had the Creme Brulee which she shared, it was super good!

I had the apple pie, it was just OK.

We came home to yet another creative towel animal.

I started SW:The Last Jedi, where I had left off, but fell asleep and missed the end.

 

[pkondz]

I guess you'll have to drink it yourself!

Oh, no!

I just can't. While I like the briny taste of oysters, I just can't handle the flavor of olives. Fran eats the black ones canned as a snack at home.

Ewww!
Normally, Fran and I are on the same page with food, but... canned olives are absolutely the worst!

Ricing them would certainly make a difference. I just pummel the heck out of them with my potato masher.

Try it next time and see!

I'll be making some in the next day or so to make my Thanksgiving casserole. Normally I'd make it after making a whole dinner, but I put on the dinner schedule "something with leftover turkey" because we have loads of little suction sealed bags of turkey in the freezer. I've made all the other leftover turkey recipes ad nauseum. So I decided that this one would be good, but I want real mashed potatoes to top it not fake ones. It's sort of a turkey shepherd's pie, but no veggies. I have green beans for on the side.

Sounds interesting. Will there be cranberry sauce in it?

Nice! The last one I tried to make for Fran I screwed up when flipping the egg to cook the other side so she got more of an open faced omelet turned upside down.

Fran wasn't able to sleep at all, or if she fell asleep it was only in very short spurts.

Oh, no...

She woke me up almost every hour to go potty and I ended up being exhausted when I should have woken to take sunrise pictures.

You both must've had a tough day following that.

Today’s stop was at Puerto Vallarta or as a previous cruise director had called it Puerto Walmarta.

You know what a cup of togo coffee looks like

Oh sure. A bag of dark liquid in a square box. Everyone knows that.

we needed to empty Winnie and while we were mid empty Jill had finished up at the spa and came knocking at the door. She was gracious enough to wait outside until we could let her in.

I'm sure that was best for all involved.

Fran said that if she spent another day in this room she would go crazy. So both Jill and I thought it was an excellent idea for Fran to join us,

since we were there I picked up two more bottles of wine.

This always surprises me. Walmarts here aren't allowed to sell alcohol. Same with Costcos.

If you haven’t already figured it out, the lunch menu at Triton’s changes daily.

I had not figured that out. Guess I'm not that observant!

I debated ordering the meatballs on polenta, and was glad I didn't. Karin ordered it and she let me taste hers and they were weird, some spice was very off.

Nice dodge.

I ended up with the pappardelle with bolognese

Which is what I would've gotten. Yum! Bolognese!

Tom got the Braised Beef Short rib which he thoroughly enjoyed.

This would've been my next choice, I think. Although it might've been a toss up with...

Both Jill and Fran got the burgers

...this. It would depend on how I felt at that moment.

“What food do you discard the outside to cook, then eat the outside and discard the inside?” I got that wrong, but the answer was Corn on the Cob.

I got it before I read the answer.

I ended up getting 13 out of 20

Not bad

Really like this shot.

I got 9 at the DCL Trivia, pretty pathetic.

Oh dear.
Remind me to not pick you for a trivia partner.

Instead I hung out on the verandah and had my own little private sail away party.

Very nice. I've done that and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

You both look very nice.

I believe that tonight was the Golden Mickey’s menu.

Which is what?

I had the Marinated Tiger Shrimp, it was very good.

I would've picked the oysters. How was the remoulade?

We both ordered the Lobster.

As would I.
How were the lemon spuds? They had me intrigued.

It was very good, and when we had almost finished our first piece, our server even brought us extra lobster already deshelled.

Extra lobster??? Hello!!

She had the Creme Brulee

My choice. See? Same page.

I had the apple pie, it was just OK.

It looks just okay, too.

I started SW:The Last Jedi, where I had left off, but fell asleep and missed the end.

Then you'll never know how it ends.
I'll help you out.
While Rey seeks Luke's aid, Kirk and the Enterprise engage the First Order. The battle does not go well until Arnold Schwarzenegger rides in and battles Kylo Ren, thus distracting him and buying the Resistance the time they need to get Marty back into the Delorean in time to go to prom. The movie ends with a close up of a partially destroyed Statue of Liberty on a beach.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Because we were a party of three and most spaces were set up for four, a solo drinker joined us. After the class we sat and talked her ear off. She was new to all things Disney, second cruise, just heard about DVC recently, and was eager to learn. Finally they kicked us out to get ready to open the bar to regular customers.

You should all get a commission for this!

We called room service to redeem our gift. We had a choice of some chocolates, a fruit basket, or a bottle of Prosecco. Can you guess which one I picked?

Fruit basket, all the way.

Beautiful shot!

They started us off with an apertivo and I have no idea what it was. I believe it was some sort of fritter-like thing in a balsamic sauce.

"I don't know what this is but I'm putting it in my mouth" is very bold. Not something I typically do.

But then it was time for the glorious Amaretto Souffle. I know people rave about the chocolate Souffle, but I love the delicate flavor or the Amaretto version. Both Fran and I ordered this, and she couldn’t finish hers, so I polished off hers for a change!

Woohoo! Bonus dessert!

Fran wasn't able to sleep at all, or if she fell asleep it was only in very short spurts. She woke me up almost every hour to go potty and I ended up being exhausted when I should have woken to take sunrise pictures. This was the second time in two days we had set our clocks forward too, so that didn't help.

Sorry about that. Sounds like a rough night.

Today’s stop was at Puerto Vallarta or as a previous cruise director had called it Puerto Walmarta.

When Jill came in Fran said that if she spent another day in this room she would go crazy.

If you haven’t already figured it out, the lunch menu at Triton’s changes daily. I think that is a great touch!

Nice to have the variety!

Instead I hung out on the verandah and had my own little private sail away party. You can see how close the Walmart is to the port.

Wow, they really know how to draw in the tourists.

Very nice! Good to see Fran up and about.

I had the apple pie, it was just OK.

I find it very hard to get a good apple pie in restaurants.

Then you'll never know how it ends.
I'll help you out.
While Rey seeks Luke's aid, Kirk and the Enterprise engage the First Order. The battle does not go well until Arnold Schwarzenegger rides in and battles Kylo Ren, thus distracting him and buying the Resistance the time they need to get Marty back into the Delorean in time to go to prom. The movie ends with a close up of a partially destroyed Statue of Liberty on a beach.

What about when they destroy the One Ring in the mountain! Can't believe you forgot that.

 

[pkondz]

What about when they destroy the One Ring in the mountain! Can't believe you forgot that.

Oh right! Spider-Man swings over the chasm and drops it in.

 

[DnA2010]

I liked a third of them, but I forced the two I wasn't fond of down!

No wounded soldiers with you

Atta-girl!

You know it

Fran wasn't able to sleep at all, or if she fell asleep it was only in very short spurts. She woke me up almost every hour to go potty and I ended up being exhausted when I should have woken to take sunrise pictures.

Oh my lanta, that's a toughie!

When Jill came in Fran said that if she spent another day in this room she would go crazy. So both Jill and I thought it was an excellent idea for Fran to join us, Jill waited on the verandah while I helped to get Fran dressed. Soon we were off the ship and on our way to our adventure.

Atta girl Fran!

If you haven’t already figured it out, the lunch menu at Triton’s changes daily. I think that is a great touch!

Yay! That's great, I enjoy table service lunch

I debated ordering the meatballs on polenta, and was glad I didn't. Karin ordered it and she let me taste hers and they were weird, some spice was very off. I ended up with the pappardelle with bolognese which was just perfect. It looked like a small portion but turned out to be just right.

So at first I saw the meatballs and thought I'd get those, or the lamb, but there's a good chance I'd get this also!

Cute! Goofy looks extra tall!

You can see how close the Walmart is to the port.

Literally right there! Any unique items? they allowed you to keep your wine?

We met Minnie.

Nice one, you two are matching!

Did you add this background after? it's very matchy as well!

Fran had the Aged Prosciutto

I'd probably have this

I had the Marinated Tiger Shrimp, it was very good.

Dorian would have this, and we'd probably share the rockefeller.

Yum, was there any raspberry in the brulee part?


I'm hoping you got some sleep tonight!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fran wasn't able to sleep at all, or if she fell asleep it was only in very short spurts. She woke me up almost every hour to go potty and I ended up being exhausted when I should have woken to take sunrise pictures.

Oh no! Hope Fran was okay. She must be glad to have you there to help her.
But that just impacts on your sleep.

I'm unclear because I don't seem to know how to set my phone forward, each time I tried I set it too far forward.

I think your problem is that you ARE setting your phone forward. Most phones can detect the time zone shift and automatically adjust. Maybe next time, just leave it. The phone will adjust the time by itself.

When Jill came in Fran said that if she spent another day in this room she would go crazy. So both Jill and I thought it was an excellent idea for Fran to join us,

Awesome that Fran got out with you and Jill.

taking a look back at the ship.

That is a very nice looking ship.

We looked at a few other things, but didn't find much to buy

I hate being in the mood to shop and then not finding anything!

This is when I discovered that I had set my phone two hours ahead yet again.

Yeah. This tells me that the phone is auto adjusting for the time zone based on your location.

the lunch menu at Triton’s changes daily.

Nice! But then....it has to, right? Otherwise all those passengers will be eating the same thing.

Jill and I went to a Brainteaser trivia game

Sounds like fun!

I met Goofy

We met Minnie.

LOVE your character photos. The costumes are great.

I believe that tonight was the Golden Mickey’s menu.

Wow! Great looking dinner.
I would have ordered the lobster tail too.






Thanks for sharing!

 

[tiggrbaby]

So glad that I found your report!

I am saddened that Fran had to go through so many medical trials! Both of you are so very strong to handle this with such grace and humor. I am glad that you have been able to return to travel.

 

[franandaj]

Ewww!
Normally, Fran and I are on the same page with food, but... canned olives are absolutely the worst!

I've never tried them, but I can't do canned green beans, in fact the only canned vegetables I am able to tolerate is tomatoes.

Try it next time and see!

Well, I just went with the masher this time. Maybe next time I make them for a crowd I will try it. For just a couple potatoes it was too much clean up for me.

Sounds interesting. Will there be cranberry sauce in it?

You know my response was going to be, "And ruin it?" But then when I described it to Fran she asked, "Will there be cranberry sauce for it?"

You both must've had a tough day following that.

Looking back, I don't think so, then again, she slept through all the movies that I watched in the room. I don't remember if I had a tough time, but I took it pretty easy that day.

Oh sure. A bag of dark liquid in a square box. Everyone knows that.

What the ?

I'm sure that was best for all involved.

This always surprises me. Walmarts here aren't allowed to sell alcohol. Same with Costcos.

We get some really good wine at our Costcos, Walmart, not so much. But it's usually inexpensive.

I had not figured that out. Guess I'm not that observant!

That's why I kept going back there! Variety!

Which is what I would've gotten. Yum! Bolognese!

It was very good and I ate the whole thing.

This would've been my next choice, I think. Although it might've been a toss up with...

And you could have ordered both. They are very accomodating.

...this. It would depend on how I felt at that moment.

Understandable.

I got it before I read the answer.

You is smart!

Really like this shot.

Thanks! I liked that the photographers were taking "candid" shots this time and not necessarily waiting for us to pose to start shooting.

Oh dear.
Remind me to not pick you for a trivia partner.

The DCL trivia was HARD

Very nice. I've done that and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I'd rather not join in on the "sail away parties on deck."

You both look very nice.

Thank you. It was semi formal night.

Which is what?

Well the Golden Mickey's is a show in the theater. On the night that it played that menu would have been served in all the dining rooms. On the 7 night cruises, it seems to be the second rotational menu in Triton's.

I would've picked the oysters. How was the remoulade?

I don't remember. But I probably didn't care for it so much. It was more like a tartar sauce and I like cocktail sauce with my shrimp.

As would I.
How were the lemon spuds? They had me intrigued.

You know I don't even thing I noticed them. I might have taken a bite, but I think the only thing I ate on my plate was lobster.

Extra lobster??? Hello!!

Especially once she brought another lobster tail!

My choice. See? Same page.

It looks just okay, too.

Yeah, it was......

Then you'll never know how it ends.
I'll help you out.
While Rey seeks Luke's aid, Kirk and the Enterprise engage the First Order. The battle does not go well until Arnold Schwarzenegger rides in and battles Kylo Ren, thus distracting him and buying the Resistance the time they need to get Marty back into the Delorean in time to go to prom. The movie ends with a close up of a partially destroyed Statue of Liberty on a beach.

I got all of these but the last one. I read it to Fran and she told me the reference. You do know that I started it from where I left off the next day.