Headed to Palo Brunch via the hallways rather than out on the pool deck (have to maintain that hair people). My MIL was waiting for me and we went to the lounge to wait for my SIL. I wore a very cute top with very cute shorts (woops!). They were "fancy" shorts but as was told by the hostess that they were not allowed and I needed to change.
Honestly can't believe I made that mistake - I LIVE on these boards before a cruise - I make notes and spreadsheets with everything about the cruise. And I forgot no shorts in Palo. Quick change and back to the restaurant where we were escorted to our table.
My husband & I dined at Palo on the Dream and really loved it. Was really nice to have a meal with just the two of us. But this was my first experience with the Brunch.
Our waiter (from Russia I believe) was very nice but took way too long explanining things. My fault b/c we had to rush through b/c my outfit change caused us to start 20 minutes late. I explained that we only had about an hour for brunch. He just didn't pick up on the cues.
There is a buffet part of the restaurant with desserts, veggies, anti-pasta, fruit and seafood. They were for the most part, in small portions. You were also shown the entrees and the pizzas which could be ordered after you returned from the buffet part. We ordered the grape pizza which I had read about and a meat heavy pizza.
I loaded my plate with desserts because they looked fantastic!
He graciously packed the desserts to go b/c my SIL & I both had to bolt for the Beer Exchange. I
I was underwhelmed by the Palo brunch but it was completely my fault. I had packed in too much for that day & the brunch took the brunt of that. If I had to do it over, I would make sure there was nothing scheduled after and we could just relax and enjoy the food.
Beer Exchange
Headed back to our room to get ready for formal night. My dress had been returned from pressing. (I had stuck it in the dry cleaning bag around 4 p.m. on Sat). Cost was $4 and well worth it - dress looked great.
My husband went to work on the boys. We rented their suit from Men's Warehouse for $55 and I am so glad we did. We had bought a suit for my oldest for First Communion and he grew out of that like a day later. Renting made sense to me although my husband balked a bit at first. We were actually at the Men's Warehouse to possibly rent him a suit when we found a suit we both liked & bought it. TIP: The suit was marked at $300 which seemed shocking and I told the clerk so. He offered it to us for $150. Not sure if this is standard procedure but apparently you can haggle at Men's Warehouse.
I dressed my daughter and worked on her hair (wish I had brought the hot rollers). I then slipped on my dress and shoes and we were ready to go.
We had arranged for the whole family to meet by the staircase for photos at 5:00 p.m. - the listed time for photos to begin. My daughter & I went down around 4:30 in case a line developed (it didn't). Ordered drinks (the very yummy Captain's Mai Tai) at the
Bon Voyage lounge and commenced people watching.
It does appear they start taking people for photos at 4:45. There are three set-ups. The grand staircase:
The ship reflection/lit:
And moonlight on the deck of the ship:
There are some other opportunities (Goofy, Micky & Minnie dressed up, etc. . ) but we stuck to these three & I was so happy with the results. I really wanted a nice picture of the larger family & one of my family. And I got what I wanted. We stayed in the lobby for around 20 minutes before making our way to The Royal Court for dinner.
