Edelweiss and Entertainment
The phone rang. The front desk had called to remind us we had ordered breakfast to our room and would be arriving shortly. It came on trays; we sat in bed and ate our toast, eggs, sausages, and fruit. Baba and Julianna sipped on their hot coffees, and I on my orange juice. Baba had always wanted to get breakfast in bed on the cruise ship, but her cruise partner (our grandfather) always wanted to go to the buffet, so she took advantage of him not being there.
By ten we were on the top deck, soaking up the sun. Today, nothing was planned and we were free as birds. We could look out on the calm blue water that lapped the ships haul from the railing, as we walked laps on the running track. Eventually, we grabbed lunch at the buffet. This was something I could get used to. The soft breeze, the bright sun, the never-ending supply of food…oh, it was all too good.
The pool deck was a happening place: there was a band and a DJ taking turns, and games being played. A “sexiest man” competition started, and we found beach chairs nearby to put our things on so we could jump in the pool and watch the festivities. It was hilariously entertaining, while also mildly repulsive. These older women picked the hottest men from the crowd of people on deck, and the men had to perform a series of tasks to win the title. They had to serenade, dance, and flex for the ladies.
The sun got hotter; we lay out on our beach chairs to dry. After, we headed to our cabin to get ready for formal night. Our ten day cruise had two days at sea, and both were formal evenings. We dressed up in the fancier dresses we had brought, curled our hair (for the first time since they had American plug-ins on board!), and applied our makeup.
Our formal dining area was in the Edelweiss Dining Room where we were seated immediately. We could hardly choose from the delicious looking menu of delicacies. I ended up having a feast of scallops au gratin, roast duck, and cheesecake. The roast duck was wonderfully moist and fell apart in my mouth. The scallops did the same in their buttery, cheesy coating. Fine dining was definitely my style.
Following in the Centrum (the ships central hub), the Captain gave a ceremonial speech. Two ladies wearing black sparkling gowns came down from the ceiling, seated on glistening chandeliers, and each holding a glass of champagne. Everyone was served a complimentary glass by waiters in black tie. The Centrum was buzzing with passengers, socializing the night away and dressed to the nines. We enjoyed a performance on the chandeliers by trapeze artists. It was incredible, and apparently a Royal Caribbean specialty.
Lindsey Hamilton, a British Broadway performer, sang her heart out for us in the theatre afterwards. The ship was so alive with so many exciting things. There is really something for everyone on these floating cities.
After a walk, some hot chocolate, and of course, Nachos at the Park Café, we went to sleep.
Also sorry for the iPhone quality photos...that's all I have.
