DandDM

Yesterday, Thursday, I woke up feeling the pain for my bad choices the night before. One thing about cruising solo is that you have all the freedom to do what you want, but you also don’t have the same guard rails up, as I would not have wanted to let down/embarrass my late wife if she were here. Anyway, not wanting to waste the day, I crawled out of bed around 10am and found some bland food and took some ibuprofen. Was really hoping this would get me going (might have worked 15 years ago…). It failed as I couldn’t keep the food down and spent the afternoon napping on the balcony. By the time I started to feel better, was getting close to all aboard time (ship was at Labedee) so I never even made it to shore. All I did was wander the ship, eat a hot dog, and snipe a photo of the elevator piano guy. One positive - during all that, avoided the elevators!

Sorry for going dark, feel like I have some explaining to do! Will call this post: “What not to do on a cruise if you’re over 50 and not in drinking shape.” Going back to Wendnesday morning, had a nice breakfast and the a run. By the time I cooled down and showered, skipped lunch and went to the wine tasting. That had four California wines, all related to the Camus family, including a Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting included a small plate of cheese and meats. Feeling great after this, went to the pub for a Voodoo Ranger hazy IPA (favorite beer on the ship) then the Love and Marriage Show. As usual, the show was both cringeworthy and sweet, this one more to the cringey side. Back to the room to get laundry out and clean up for the evening. Right at five pm, being a little hungry, showed up at SL for snacks (and drinks). Ended up having three cocktails in short order while figuring out plans for next week and Super Bowl. I think folks might be seeing where this was going! Took another cocktail down to the casino to lose some money before dinner. Finally made it to dinner around seven, and had a nice conversation with the folks at the table next to me. Had more wine. Only two pictures, one of the bread (that I forgot to ask to not get, but did’t eat) and a seafood dish that I didn’t realize was a creamy soup! Also had Pork medallions and pasta, too busy talking at that point and forgot photos. It was good that I had food, but really too late to help much. After dinner I introduced myself to Mario (he had a section roped off in smoking area) and then back to Vintages. Met a nice guy named Don, who was also a runner, and we talked about the aches and pains of running as well as other stuff. Went through my Diamond plus vouchers, then paid for a glass, then bought a bottle. Ended up there until they were closing up, I think at 11? Had the Open Sky production show reserved at 10:30 and missed that. Vaguely remember getting back to the room…. and that was my Wednesday!

Speaking of meeting people, wheels came off a bit last night as I made new friends at Vintages and drank way too much wine! Feeling poorly this morning and haven’t done anything yet…not sure if I’m going to be able to do the zip line today. And no run this morning, bummed about that!

Similar to what Writenonyourheart said - I will get my own table. The tables are usually close enough to engage with others, but don’t feel obligated.

Talked to some folks at dinner who also thought it was the hotel director who talked about this. I will pay more attention next week!

Wow! I need to check that out. A marathon wouldn’t work, buts it’s bucket list to run a race at a port!

Thank you! I thought I was going absolutely crazy! I do know it’s happening in small bits…

Update on last post: Super Bowl - learned that a seat at Playmakers is $70 and includes specific food. Game will also be on in other venues, first come, first serve. Signed up for bogo dinner at Giovanni’s for next week and tried to use second at Izumi, but learned that it can’t be used at the hibachi. Concierge talked me into Izumi hibachi at full price and then booked chops for second Bogo. In case news to anyone, solo can do two specialty at half price vs second guest free with diamond plus benefit. Just learned that playmakers is not reserved, just a set menu and price for anyone that shows up. Have more to figure out about Super Bowl!

Super Bowl - learned that a.reserved seat at Playmakers is $70 and includes specific food. Game will also be on in other venues, first come, first serve style. Have not made any decisions yet.

We are sailing at the edge of the world! This was from a while ago, but based on the speed, does not appear the captain is worried about time as he could make a couple more knots (or nudos as the screen says) if needed. Also attaching today’s activities.

I guess I have to take back my comment. Just met with the loyalty ambassador and he said i was incorrect. I’m really confused because my reaction was that I misheard so asked for clarification and he denied talking about the new builds at all. Very confused, and this was before the wine tasting! was anyone else there?

Big ole smelly bad of laundry going in…my closet was smelling like a locker room.

A couple just got engaged at the start of the Live and Marriage show! Was slow on the photo, he just stood up…

Ship run today! Turned into a good one. Historically, I’ve had trouble with pacing on a ship, so ran my phone stopwatch while running and did the math on lap distance before starting. Even with that, started to struggle on lap four or five…slogged through that and felt better as I kept going. I think the motion of ship, even though slight, adds unexpected stress to my body. did ten laps, so just over 4 miles at approx 11 min pace. Had a few instances where people were in the way, but most folks were very accommodating. So photos while running, apologies for the quality as I didn’t stop to take them 🙂 Oh, yeah: the ‘artistic painter workshop’ sign. That is on a door facing the outside of the ship, by the life boats. Can’t be a very big space. Guessing it’s a joke?

That’s what I heard, he was talking about the ‘big’ builds then threw this out with the comment that many folks have been asking for it. Just checked and the loyalty desk opens at 4. I’ll stop by and see if I can get more details.

Breakfast was The Standard (their name, not mine). Bacon was sliced very thin, but still tasty. a few brave folks heading out on deck, seas still a bit angry! right when top tier was to start, a rain squall sent everyone under cover. Entertainment was Marty McFly from aqua show. Got a photo of the captain, realized I’ve seen him around the ship, but never close enough to see name tag. I had noticed he had a lot of stripes, earlier, but again, not close enough to count with my untrained eyes. Some more photos, Super Mario is on board! Loyalty ambassador announced that a new ship in the voyager class is on order.

@ATG gave a good update, I woke up at 1:30 and we hadn’t moved, then the motion of the ship (and my bathroom door slamming) woke me up around 4am. Rolling all night. Today it is warmer, sunny, but still windy and ship moving a bit. Concerned about my run as I actually missed doing it yesterday, will check after breakfast to see if outside deck 4 is open. Not sure I could stay on a treadmill! Only plans for today: top tier at 10 and wine tasting at 2. cheers,

While I was at the pool/bar area the DJ was not playing, however they started when I was eating. From there wasn’t too loud, but did not go back to the pool. the place is so large, thinking that it wouldn’t be difficult to find a quiet spot. Yesterday was not the best example though!

There is now an Arminda working behind the bar. She was cleaning up some stuff and when she saw me, immediately put it down and took my order. Like to feel I’m special, but I think she’s just a fantastic bar tender!

I officially love coco cay overnights. A few minutes ago in the casino. This is going into the envelope for Vegas on race week! oh, the first day I posted that I lost at monopoly. Looking at machines tonight, it was WOF.

New update I’m sure you heard: might be leaving between midnight and 2 am. Still expected to be in Labedee on schedule. your projection for an overnighter is looking good … who is your pick for the superbowl?

Yeah, I would be very upset if I shelled out all the $$$ they charge for a cabana today!!

Time for my favorite part of the day, dinner review (actually, eating it is the better part)! Tonight was Giovanni’s and I’m going to try and use some of the fancy terms from those cooking shows. Started with arugula salad. They offered a balsamic glaze on top, the mix was perfect with the sweetness of the glaze offsetting the bitterness of the arugula. Next: mushroom risotto. Always one of my favorite dishes on the ship. went a little off schedule for the main. Since the meat dishes have only been ok the first two nights, wanted to try the fish, so The Brazino. Very happy with this plate, with crispy skin, tender meat, and the perfect amount of acid so I noticed it, but it didn’t overpower. Also appreciated that I could taste the fish and not just a sauce. finally, cannoli for desert. Note that in order to fully enjoy this, you must take liberal use of the chocolate sauce served on the side. Kim Crawford Sauvignon blanc (not pictured) to complete the meal. cheers,

Yeah, this whole thing is weird. I’m started to wonder why we docked at all (it was already very windy this morning), but having read all the complaints when a ship misses a port, guessing they took a chance that things would get better!

No ladies behind the bar tonight…Christoper made a dandy old fashioned. Will have to keep checking 😎