Jim_Iain

I hope in a good way. I love Carbonara and after the lump of starch served in Luminae on Edge was cautious of ordering it. I make a great Carbonars.

After breakfast we took the free shuttle to town. It is about 20 minutes from Wards Cove. Wards Cove was an old paper mill and NCL built a pier for their use to assure scheduling.

We awoke to heavy rain. Originally I had a hiking tour private arranged but was cancelled due to weather. Oh we decided to sleep in and had a late brunch.

Last night MDR Iain had the foie gras I had the Cheese Souffle - I have to say the best I have ever had. For main Iain had the Salmon I had the New England Lobster. Desert

Horizon is a multi function area. afternoon tea, entertainment, bar and coffe

I think I will be able to do some posting using TMobile. Last night had a beautiful sunset. We have been having pre dinner at Horizons. Beautiful presentation of nibbles.

It is so easy to make but I haven't made it in a couple years.

What part of Eastern TN. My ancestors moved to Blount / Sevier County right after the revolution and pretty much stayed there until after WW2. The last of my direct relatives have now passed.

Will have our first specialty dining experience tonight at Tuscana. Will be interesting to see the difference of the MDR.

That was indeed something I doubt we will ever experience again. It was outrageously priced at $25 but they recommended you plan on 3 hours for your dinner experience One cruise the Ships Captain was aboard and she would play Harp music at dinner time. It was little things... remember if a lady got up to use the powder room the MD would come over and take her arm and escort her to the door. Was it formal and stuffy --- you bet but I love it.

I was just thinking one thing I have really enjoyed so far are the pastries. They not only look good they taste good. So many of the pastries on Celebrity look incredible but when you eat them you kinda just shrug your shoulders. I'm thinking of some of the treats at Al Bacio. I hope to post some pictures later the reception is so bad at Wards cover that we can't even get live TV.

Just noticed the current CC survey results on the right hand side of the screen. We have just been talking about decor ---hmmm Seems like a whopping 44% like the Nautical and Classic. Some of you that like the more modern should go over and vote for your preference.

I was noting to Iain yesterday when I had to help two ladies who were not frail but found it impossible to open the door due to the winds. It would have been impossible in a scooter. To reduce the wind flow you are suppose to open the first door walk in an area about 3 foot deep and then open the next door. If both doors are opened in shoots a wind tunnel down the Cafe.

I've never seen an alarm clock on Celebrity - even in the Penthouse. I usually have to rely on my watch or the telephone. Having said that I broke my Fitbit on the way to the airport. The front came off.... maybe I can fix it but will have to wait until I get home. I really miss it....

I'm also already waiting for our turn on Vista. The pictures look very modern. Remember Regatta was built around 2000 ---but went through a remodel. Even on some of Celebrity ships that didn't make it to the Revolution have the same old wood panel and older feeling. Most ships I notice little things like that hit you when you first board but quickly just become the norm.

Not yet. It is scheduled to be installed by the end of the year. There have been some reports that by the end of October. I sure miss it.

Thanks for the update.

Couldn’t resist. Remember Sticky Buns that are really sticky. Also had orange slices for breakfast

As many of you know who have followed our journeys - Iain loves to sleep in while I get up around 7:00. This is how I'm able to get caught up here on CC. It is 9:15 (10:15 before the clocks went back) and I just finished my writing for the morning. Hopefully I can get some pictures posted after we get internet back. Even TMobile is only connecting at LTE speeds.

I guess I love to get nostalgic and love the days when Celebrity had Olympic which to me was the best dining at sea. Compared to that trust me --- Oceania is more down to earth than Celebrity and really have loved the service, staff and guests. One thing I am noticing is that with the table separation you are not given the same opportunity to engage with a table 12 inches from you. If you want that you can request or accept a shared table. One thing I do miss is you don't have the same wait staff for the entire cruise.

LOL --- I can see that. Actually the Versace is heavy restaurant ware. One thing I like with the MDR - wood and drapery is that it seems to absorb sound. I haven't seen a single person that was acting formal, stuffy or nose in the air. Another difference on this cruise is the Demographics -- Average age and I may be complimentary is about 70. I've seen no children and only a couple of Scooters. I would think it would be a difficult ship for a person with mobility issues. Some of the doors to keep the wind down are almost impossible for some ladies to open up and none are equipped with ADA opening devices.

Another difference of Oceania. The evening dress is resort casual every night. They have no Chic or Formal nights at all. I was surprised in the daily it said golf hats are ok to wear in all the restaurants for breakfast and lunch. Haven't seen many at all. As far as dress I would say about 100% compliant with collared shirt for men and slacks with jacket and or sweater. This is a cold weather cruise so may be different. I've not seen anything that would offend me.

Working in a French Restaurant the first thing Chef taught me was that 80% of the enjoyment and taste of a meal are the visuals the customer sees when the meal arrive. Attention to detail is very important as well as often in a drink like cognac is how it is served. I guess that is the selling point of Ridel Glassware. The proper glass is suppose to make all the difference. Are you able to ask for it to be served in the type glassware you enjoy?