Cruise Day!!

Is there a better day than the one where you get on the ship?  I can't imagine one!  We had a light breakfast (one of the tips we've learned in our cruising career), called the cab and were among the first at the port! 

I call this one "Luggage Tetris"

We breezed through the embarkation, even though Ron forgot to print our papers.  Knowing the buffet would be hopping, we hit Bistro on Five for a lunch of their delightful crepes :) 

We took Ron Sr. and Wanda for a tour of the gorgeous ship, which felt just like home for us, having been on one of its sister ships the Eclipse two years ago. There are a few key differences - the Hot Glass Studio is replaced with a restaurant, there's a new chill out zone on deck 7, new electronic tables in Game On, an Art Studio and a bunch of new cabins.  We joined in a spa tour, checked out the new features and by the time we finished our tour, rooms were ready. 

We zoned out in our room for a bit, and next thing you knew it was sailaway!  We headed down to Ron and Wanda's fully aft "Sunset Veranda" cabin, for the optimum views. 

Bye Bye Miami!  Note: jetskiiers on the bottom left, and a Coast Guard vessel with like a four foot long gun bottom right.

Wanda and ran up to the gym (the only time I saw it this trip) for the draw from the spa tour.  And I won!!!  An Elemis facial - more on that later! 

For Christmas, Ron and Wanda had gotten us reservations at one of the specialty restaurants, Qsine.  Sorry, not dinner, a culinary journey.  And what a journey it was!  It all starts with the iPad based menu! 

You make your order by creating a favourites list. 

The meal was fantastic.  Way too much food, but also fantastic.  Everything was served in creative ways, and the items were all well executed and interesting.  Ron and I were both big fans of the crab and the shrimp, but it was all tasty and all fun!

Disco Shrimp, Spring Rolls, Crab Cake and its sauces, Curries on a tree, Mini-Chinese Buffet, M's Favourites (mediterrean delights), something else yummy and stabbable bread. 

Of course, they also had dessert a Qsine.  We didn't think we could eat any more, but of course, we found a way.  We wanted to get a good deal for Wanda's investment! 

The dessert menu cube, a surprise dessert, a basket of donuts and sauces and the rest are all from the decorate your own cupcake array! 

After that glorious meal, we weren't quite ready for bed, so Ron and I caught the late show featuring a few of the acts that would be around for the week a great guy on guitar, an actually funny comedian and the awesome acapella group: These Guys.  We actually followed the acapella dudes for their set in the Ensemble Lounge before toddling off to bed ready for a day at sea.