Travelicious

7 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I am consistently awed by your food photos. Yum! But, also, amazed at how little y'all ate. I'd devour that steak, a couple of sides, appetizer, and full dessert. But I'm a feefifofatty! 

That photo was half of the steak and one tail.  Honestly, way too much.  We would never have made it to dessert if we had not split.  I’m amazed by the people who do not feel the FAS package allows enough!

Not too much to report today.  We ended up getting a little something from the lunch buffet, and were still a bit hungry.  We held out until dinner at Cagney’s, but first stopped for a drink at Prime Meridian.  
 

At Cagney’s, we split a ribeye and each had a lobster tail.  The rails were much larger than we have had before.  Could have split one of those too.  I had the OMG cheese cake, and Pookie had the 7 layer chocolate cake.

Stopped at Prime Meridian on the way out for our night caps.

We walked through the casino and I got the fever.  Talked Pookie into playing coin pusher while I ran to the room to get money.  I was about $50 up going into tonight’s round, and am now about $15 up, so I lost a little bit tonight.  
 

But what I need to report is that I was playing on what I thought was the non smoking side, which should be everywhere except the starboard corridor.  I was playing in the main section above the atrium, a bit port side.  A man two machines down was smoking, with ashtray and all.  After I cashed out, I found a casino worker to inquire about the smoking area.  Unbelievably, she said the ONLY nonsmoking area is the center corridor.  All the rest is open smoking.  As a former smoker and current anti-smoking snob, I’m flabbergasted that this is the policy.  Look, sometimes the best machines are in the smoking area, and I assume the risk going there to play.  But it is astounding that the great majority of the casino allows smoking.  It is so 20+ years ago.

I hate that I am griping so much about this ship.  I have sailed it before and enjoyed it.  If I hadn’t just come off the Prima, it might be different.  The smoking thing, though, is inexcusable.

Today is our lone sea day on this cruise, and also marks the beginning of the second half of the trip.  We went to breakfast in Taste this morning.  I had been eagerly awaiting the egg and avocado wrap special, as it was really good a couple of years ago on the Epic.  Finally, it was on the menu.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t as I remembered.  Tasteless, with already blackening avocado.  It seemed they also forgot the cheese.  I also ordered well done bacon, but received a pile of bacon, stuck together, and not at all well done.  I picked through to find a few edible bits.

Pookie order the biscuit and gravy with sausage.  It looked terrible, with one of this very dense pucks they call a biscuit, and only a smear of gravy on the plate.  She described it as “disgusting.”

It is a shame, really, as all other breakfasts have been very good.  Today, even the potatoes were undercooked and tasteless.  The plan had been to have a big breakfast and skip lunch to ensure hunger for Cagney’s tonight, but I’m already hungry at 10:30.  Guess we’ll get a little something from the buffet in a bit.

We are just resting in the room for a while.  I wouldn’t mind playing a bit more ping pong today.  
 

Tomorrow we will be in Oslo.  I’m excited for this, and it is supposed to be a beautiful sunny day, with a high of 70, at least according to the weather app.

Yesterday was our half-way point in this journey.  In some ways, it seems to be going fast, and in others it seems like New York was months ago.

In Amsterdam, we walked to town and just looked around.  It is a neat place, but after our walkabout, I would not be heartbroken if we are not able to go out again when back for the final time on the Dawn.  We stopped for a drink, and were given a plate bearing some semblance to nachos “on the house.”  We looked for packaged assorted cheeses like we found at Keukenhof last week, but did not find them.  All of the souvenir shops seemed to have only magnets and marijuana products.  
 

Speaking of marijuana products, we did not go into any of the famed “coffee houses.”  Pookie hates the smell.  Although there were a few places we walked through where we could smell it, it was not as prevalent as in NYC, and certainly not as much as in Las Vegas.  That was kind of surprising.

If the weather is nice next time, we’ll plan to get “pancakes” or bitterballen, and continue the search for cheese.

We returned to the ship after a few hours to find the entrance had been reduced to one.  It wasn’t a big deal for us, as there were not many getting back on at the time, but later in the day I could see a very long line.  Again, the single entrance had only one security line.  
 

We went to the nearly empty pool deck and got a drink, then went to the passengerless Spice H2O.  It was lovely enjoying this area without the usual crowd.  A bartender was working.  Eventually, another passenger came and enjoyed the hot tub alone.

Both ping pong tables were free, so we played for about an hour.  We used to have a ping pong table in the dining room in lieu of a dining table.  Our rules are just to keep it going as long as possible, regardless of whether it bounces, how many times it bounces, whether it hits the floor, etc.  It was fun, and something we haven’t done in years.

Dinner was on Amex at Le Bistro.  We opted for something different this time.  I had the mushroom soup and the duck, while Pookie had escargot and coq au vin.  We enjoyed this meal more than the last time at Le Bistro.

After dinner, we found our favorite bartender at Prime Meridian.  I got very tired so we came to the room just as we were pushing away from the dock.

Great day, but too tired to post tonight.  Tomorrow is a sea day, so will get caught up then.  

You didn’t tell me you were doing this. Yay!  I’ll have to catch up whenbb B I get home.  Today is half way.  Have fun!

9 hours ago, www3traveler said:

There is a General Manager's Conference being held in Miami right now.  All 19 General Managers are in attendance.

When the cat’s away . . .

The beer we had in Ghent:

Pretty good, but seemed to affect my unfortunate allergy to some alcohols, as I turned all red-faced and exuded heat on the train ride back.

Finally, more evidence of a poorly run ship.  This is for tomorrow’s day in Amsterdam.

Note the top shore excursions.

But it was a great day!  Calling it a night.

We had a great day in Ghent!  The train was super easy, with only 2 stops between Blankenberge and Ghent:  Bruges and Aalter.  Bruges is only about 11 minutes from Bkankenberge.  It took about 40 minutes to get to Ghent.  No one ever asked to see our ticket, so I guess it is kind of the honor system.

We had to walk about 30 minutes to get to my pre-planned stops.  I had 5 or 6 places on my list, and used google maps to navigate.  Once we arrived at the first stop, all were close by.  Here are a few of the sights.

My primary objective was to stop in for some favored gins at a place originally recommended by someone in our roll call.  Unfortunately, we were unable to get a drink there, as we arrived around 2:30, opened the door, and a rude old man told us they were not open.  Instead, we got a beer at the place next door, and the rude old man sat outside his door smoking a cigar.  Here is the place I was so looking forward to.  
 

After a beer, we went to have a closer look at the big cathedral.

Then headed back toward the train station.  We kind of hustled to get back for the 4:24 train.  It only runs once per hour.  We caught it, a little hot and winded.  
 

At the train station, there were waiting taxis, and we took one back to the cruise terminal for a bit less than the Uber this morning.  It was 22-something Euros, as opposed to 25.  
 

After taking the shuttle from the terminal to the ship, we discovered that there was only one entrance operating, with only one security line.  It was a longish line when we got there, and by the time we got in it was at least 3 times as long.  And, of course, we always wind up behind the people who wait until they actually get to security to start taking things that beep off.  I was starting to get irritated again, as it seems the ship is very poorly run, especially in comparison to the Prima.

Happily, things started improving after that.  But first, one more negative update:  my former TA has not responded to my email about the missing OBC, and it has not appeared on my account.  I think it is safe to say that our relationship is over.  It was coming to an end anyway, as I’ve found someone else who provides more benefits, if less personal experience.  So, no free gambling money for this cruise.  Oh well.  Luckily, the first and the last of this trip were not booked through her.

Now on to the improvements.  Our balcony appears to have been cleaned today!  I didn’t even have to ask.  I actually wasn’t going to ask today, as it had rained and was all wet.  But, it was done and I am pleased.  Hope it stays clean.

But it appears he was so busy cleaning the balcony that he only pulled my top cover up without straightening the bottoms sheet.  This is the appearance when I pulled the top back.

I guess you just can’t have it all!

O’Sheehan was not busy, so we sat at the bar, where were ignored for a pretty good while.  When someone finally decided to ask, I tried the gin and tonic.  It was pretty good, not salty.  So that is an improvement!  Pookie is still trying to find a good margarita.  This wasn’t it.  Still mostly orange juice, but we did note that it was on tap.  When this was mentioned to the bartender, he claimed it is all hand made the way it is supposed to be, and put in a keg to save time.  He claimed it is supposed to be orange.  🤣

Anyhoo, drinks in hand, we headed to Tropicana to check out the menu.  It looked good, and they were not busy, so we got seated.  I had Asian rib and summer vegetable spring roll.  The Asian rib was outstanding - the best thing in the main dining room since the bacon wrapped shrimp!  Everything else was good enough, but not really worth detailing.  I didn’t have my phone, as I had almost run the battery out using it for navigation today.

The dessert choices were not appealing, so we decided to go to Prime Meridian for cocktails and night caps.  I had another gin and tonic, which was very good, not salty.  Pookie noticed there was to tap, so decided to make one last attempt at a margarita.  Ding, ding, ding!  This one is a winner, Baby!  It was hand made, and while it appeared he put a shot of orange juice in it (I’m assuming because cheaper than an orange liqueur, the whole drink was not orange in color.  We talked to the bartender, found out when and where he works, and will be following him around for excellent drinks.

On the train waiting to head to Ghent.  Unlike when we were here a few days ago on the Prima, there is no NCL sponsored shuttle to Blankenberge.  We got in the long taxi line, but there was not a line of taxis.  Checked on Uber, and it is available here.  Arrived within 1 minute, and got us to the train station in Blankenberge quickly.  We were here quite early, but now about 15 minutes until the train leaves.  
 

Hoping for a good day with nicer weather in Ghent.

6:30 came mighty early this morning.  We were ready and headed to O’Sheehan for breakfast by 7:00.  I was not too hungry, so just ordered a fruit bowl.  Realizing I left me water bottle, I returned to the cabin to fetch it.  Back to breakfast, I ate a few pieces of fruit, some of which was ripe and some of which was crunchy.  Realized I didn’t get my medicine, so back to the room.  Back to breakfast.  By now I’m about worn out.

Our tour with Overlord was to begin at 8:00.  We were about 20 minutes late getting started and about an hour and a half late getting back.  No biggie - still plenty of time before all aboard.  

It was a really good, informative tour.  We had to other very nice couple along with us.  I won’t try to go into a bunch of detail because there is no way I would do it justice, but here are a few photos taken along the way.

After the historical portion, we had a bit of free time in Bayeux, where we enjoyed a nice beer - my favorite of the trip.

It was approaching 7:00 when we got back on the ship, so we stopped by the room briefly.  We checked our onboard account to make sure OBC had been credited, as it had not yesterday.  Today, all of the non-refundable was showing up.  However, the $200 refundable credit from my TA was not there.  I sent an email asking her to get it rectified ASAP.  This is not the first time she has failed to provide promised OBC.  Last time she said she would make it up on the next one, which she didn’t, so we’ll see what happens now.  I don’t have a good feeling.

We headed to Taste for a light dinner.  We stopped at the bar first for a margarita for Pookie and a gin and tonic for me.  My drink was fine.  For some reason, they seem to be making margaritas with orange juice, and lots of it.  So Pookie is not happy about that.

At dinner, I ordered another G&T, and this one was undrinkable because it tasted so salty.  I told the waiter it was not good, and he said he’d get me another.  The next was just as bad.  The only thing I can figure is that the tonic from one soda gun at that bar was used on the first, and a different one on the next two.

Prima wins on drinks, hands down.

We headed to Prime Meridian for sambuca and sidecar.  But first, I needed to use the restroom.  Stopped in the public facility on deck 6, which has automated flushers.  However, none of them work and you can’t do anything about it.  I opened every door and none would flush.  Slamming doors as I went, I finally yelled FFS and stormed out, irritated.  

Anyway, the public facility on 8 has the manual push flushers, so I got relief but was still irritated.

I hate to be this person, but I’m also irritated by the state of our balcony.  We have one of the large balcony staterooms, but it doesn’t appear to have been cleaned in a long time.  There a loose paint chips everywhere - all over the chairs and the floor, and it just appears rather nasty.  I don’t want to sit out there.  I guess I’ll leave a note asking my steward to clean it or, alternatively, to leave me a broom, dust pan and other necessary cleaning supplies.

It was mostly a great day, but between my TA not taking care of the OBC, the bad drinks, unacceptable condition of public restrooms, and our nasty balcony, I’m ending in not a great mood.  

But tomorrow is a brand new day!  Hey, hey, hey!

8 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

I’m so excited to read this trip report! Thank you for writing and I hope you have a wonderful cruise on this next leg of your journey. I have a lot of catching up to do here!

My hero is reading!

We awoke around 7:00 this morning a bit hungry from only having cheese, a few crackers and wine for dinner.  And popcorn (no butter) for lunch.  We don’t enjoy instant coffee offered in the room, so headed out for a light breakfast and Americanos.  It was about 8:30 and all of the Costa Coffee places we saw yesterday were still closed.  Even Burger King did not open until 9:00.  Lucky for us, as we found Poppins Restaurant!

Being in England, we figured at least we would understand the menu.  Pictures told us our bacon is not their bacon, and we’re not much for breakfast beans.  We both decided on scramble eggs on “brown” toast, with melted cheese.  
 

OMG!  It was so delicious!  I only wish we had realized how much it would be so we could split one order.  Neither of us could eat more than one.  The coffee was also very good.  Tab with an extra coffee to go was 25 pounds.  I confirmed with staff that my four 1 pound coins were no longer valued.

Returning to the hotel, we used the taxi phone to arrange a pick up at 10:20.  We returned to the room, finished repacking, and went back down to the lobby a few minutes early.  Our taxi arrived a few minutes early, and what a change from yesterday!  The driver was polite and eager to help.  Despite the distance being longer, the charge was 6 pounds as opposed to 11 yesterday.  He earned a tip, which he seemed surprised to receive.

Our check in experience was also a drastic change.  There was no line for either security or check in, though most seating was taken.  Again, people too eager to arrive early.  After about 15 minutes, we were able to board as Latitudes priority.  

We went by for our muster check in, then to the bar between Taste and Savor.  Had a couple of Moscow Mules.  Finally had our embarkation day lunch:  tomato soup (excellent), Cobb salad, risotto, turkey cottage pie, orange chocolate mousse.  Only mains are pictured.

We have Ocean Blue at 5:30, so chose not to eat it all.  As of this writing (posting later), still waiting for rooms to open at 2:00.

At 3:00, we are having our Cruise Critic meet & Greet, which is not arranged through NCL.  However, it will be a chance to meet and we are having a raffle of CC swag provided by the powers that be.  I’m hoping to dump stuff in room before then.

***************

(Written later in the evening):  Our Cruise Critic meet and greet was in Sunset Bar, along with a number of other patrons, so it was quite loud.  But, I would say it was a smashing success.  Probably not as many showed up as scheduled, but enough to make it a good time.  After about an hour of visiting, we raffled off Cruise Critic branded items provided by LauraS.  We intended to be finished by sail away, but completely missed it before noticing that we were moving.  Thanks to all who came, and a big thanks to our original and main organizer, @traveljunkie88!

After this lovely event, we found our luggage and got unpacked before going to dinner at Ocean Blue.  We used the Latitudes voucher with wine for this meal, mainly because I saw the voucher and took a little coupon.  For appetizers we had the scallops and blazing shrimp.  For salads, the beets and wedge salad.  By now, we were already quite full.  For mains, the salmon and filet.  I was happy with all of mine.  Pookie later told another cruiser that it “sucked.”  I guess we are getting to that point in the trip.

Stuffed to the top of my rib cage, we went to the Prime Meridian bar, where we each got the usual:  a sidecar for me and a double sambuca for Pookie.  We walked through the casino, and I scoped out my intended machine.  Pookie decided to retire to the room.  I returned to my chosen machine to find it now occupied.

I picked another while striking up a conversation with a fellow guest.  Eventually, I cashed out $27 up and came to the room.

Tomorrow is our first really long day:  the D-Day tour, starting at 8:00 in the morning.  That means up much earlier than we have become accustomed.

So, good night, and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.

We were not the last off of the Prima.  Not by a long shot, but it was an easy walk off, grab the luggage and about a 5 minute wait in the taxi line.

But first, I woke up a few minutes before my alarm was set at 6:30.  Soon after, I heard the announcement for walk-offs.  We took our time, planning to head to Hudson’s around 7:45, but we ran early, and actually were finished close to 8:00.  We got to see @mking8288 in the dining room and bid him farewell.  Saw @snorklinbarb yesterday, and @Coachyo a couple of days ago.  Sadly, I haven’t seen @Fogfog since the beginning, or @Sugar Magnolia since about day 4.  So many other CCers and others met along the way.  Hope to see you again someday!

Back to the taxi:  it was a small van and the driver needed help loading our bags due to sciatica.  That’s fine.  I understand back issues.  We got in and I told him we were going to the Holiday Inn.  He apparently wasn’t happy, saying the hotel was “right there.”  It would have been a pretty good walk with luggage.  But anyway. He wasn’t happy with the fare, even though he go 11 pounds to go “right there.”

We brought luggage in to store and set out for a walk about.  
 

Today was almost 7 miles, and we decided to see a movie at West Quay to burn some time before 3:00 check-in.  We saw If, which I had never heard of but the timing was right.  More Pookie’s thing than mine, but it was entertaining enough.

When that was over, we started walking back toward the hotel, with 2 stops for drinks.  First up, beer, then a margarita and French martini, with a side of onion rings.  
 

We arrived at the hotel and were shocked to see there was no line.  However, there was also no room available.  We were offered a free drink, which was accepted, and about 20 minutes later a key was delivered.  
 

We brought out drinks up then went back down for bags, and are now in the room enjoying a bottle of wine that we were gifted on the ship, along with some cheese and crackers collected along the way.

Tomorrow we will board the Getaway, hopefully in time for the traditional embarkation lunch.  Stay tuned!

By the way, I have just not been able to keep up with Henry’s live.  Guess I can re-live the Prima after I get home and see what all he did.

On 5/11/2024 at 2:37 PM, MzShae said:

The Mexican Coke also comes in glass bottles & is real Coke, with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. You can find it in most large grocery stores and Walmart, sometimes in the ethnic area.

Good to know!  I’ll have to look for it when I get home and to my second home (Walmart).

In Le Havre today, we caught the Bee Bus to Honfleur.  For some reason, in my mind I never picture all the crowds at these neat places, but in reality they are always there.  It was really just too crowded to enjoy.

Before leaving Le Havre, we had a real Coke in a glass bottle.  You just can’t find that in the US anymore.  We are all plastic now, and it just doesn’t taste the same.  This is was a real treat.

We had a drink and a little something to eat, before returning to the pickup spot.  Along the way, I spotted a pretty bed of flowers.

I packed up yesterday, and Pookie did this afternoon.  We returned to Onda for the final time.  We again had the creamy polenta, and added a  market salad, and a pizza.  We sat outside for the first time this trip.  It was rather warm, and I forgot to take any photos.

Today was gorgeous!  Sunny and supposedly 73, but felt warmer in the sun.  
 

We have really enjoyed the Prima.  The state rooms are, or at least seem, larger than most on other NCL ships.  The layout  is more organized.  It will be a little tough going back to the Getaway with the closet on the wall by the bed, and barely having room to get to it.  The Prima has probably the best and largest shower of any of the NCL ships I’ve sailed.  The crew has been exceptional.  It has been a long time since I’ve had a cabin steward this good.  Overall, I give the Prima high ratings and would love to sail her again in a more consistently warm environment.

Pookie is down at the Penrose Bar to say goodbyes, get a night cap and leave a tip for our favorite bartender.  I opted out, as I’m feeling very tired and just wanted to finish things up here and get to bed early.  
 

We are in no hurry to get off the ship in the morning, so will plan to head to Hudson’s for breakfast around 8:00.  I would be perfectly fine being the last off the ship with no waiting.  Guess we’ll see how it works out.  
 

If I counted correctly, this is day 20.  Thanks for following along so far.  

We came back to the ship and ate at The Local, ending with the hot fudge sundaes we’ve been seeing every one else eat.

So effin full, I returned to the room for a nap on both my right and my left sides!  Then got up an mostly packed so I can enjoy tomorrow.

We then had cocktails, light dinner, and enjoyed the sunset from our balcony. 

We took the ship shuttle to Blankenburge today, leaving where the train station is for our next two trips.  It was really crowded.  Apparently there was a festival going on.  Nice day, but really looking forward to our next trip to Zeebrugge, when we will go to Ghent.  Had a couple of beers.  
 

Saw a couple of sites.

Today was a tour for 8 to Keukenhof and scenic countryside.  The tulip season is at its end, but there was still plenty of beauty at the park.  I can only imagine how beautiful during peak season.  Our guide says the park opens in March, all of April, and closes around mid-May.  So I would think April would be peak.  
 

I did not take pictures at the park, but I’m betting Henry has some on his thread.   I took this one while arriving in Amsterdam this morning.

This was during our scenic drive:

All in the tour except us got out in town to explore and then walk back to the ship.  It was super crowded, being a holiday, so we opted to return to the ship and wait to explore further in our next 2 stops over the next few weeks.

After dropping stuff off in the room, we went to Penrose Bar for a couple of cocktails by our favorite bartender, Anita.

It was very quiet for once, and we were able to visit with Anita a bit before the crowds started drifting in.  It was then time for a walk.

We grabbed the water bottles and headed to the buffet for a refill.  Upon returning to the cabin, and with 1.75 hours until dinner, I took a shortish nap, setting my alarm for 30 minutes before our dinner reservation.

We loved Onda so much that we decided to go 2 more times before the end of the cruise, considering that restaurant is not on the other 2 ships we will sail this trip.  The bread here, especially the Stromboli, is the only bread we have enjoyed and accepted at dinner.

This time, I remembered to photograph the menu so I could remember what we ordered.  
 

Again, we had the creamy polenta.  So good!  We also added the fritto misto, which could have been a meal in itself.

I had the ravioli and Pookie had the beef tenderloin.  @JIMESOPUS was not lying about the steak!  So much better than at Le Bistro!  The ravioli, however, was not great.

Somehow, we managed a bit of dessert, but just a few bites.  No photos.

It was a good day that left me exhausted.  I’m calling it an early night.
 

 Tomorrow we will be in Zeebrugge, where we will take the shuttle to Blankenberge.  Of our 3 stops here, tomorrow’s is the shortest, so staying close this time.  Next time, we plan to go to Ghent, and the time after that to Bruges.

We enjoyed dinner with the officers and our fellow passengers, one of whom had a birthday.  Don’t know how old she was, but I’m guessing close to 90.  Unfortunately, they didn’t tell us until we had ordered dessert, then they brought out a large cake and cut a piece for all of us.  2 desserts!  
 

I don’t know what went on at the other end of the table, but my end included a guy who managed the stadium for the Cincinnati Bengals, and sporting a 2021 AFC championship ring!

Also included this ball of joy, who said this was only her second time to participate in dinner with officers:

She was trying to be professional for the photo, but was so much fun!  This is the only time I didn’t see teeth.

The other officer was the assistant food and beverage manager.  I did not get a chance to talk with him much.

It was a really fun time.

Despite my vow of no more gambling, I decided to have one more try.  I took $100  and got down to $13 at one point.  Ended up cashing out $156 and went to the cabin.

Tomorrow is a trip with fellow CCers to see tulips in Amsterdam.  Excited about getting off the ship and seeing some countryside!

Ended up not ordering the cake last night, but did get out to see the beautiful sunset.

Pookie is enjoying her last day to sleep in.  I’m in the theater to hear the GM give us some info on upcoming ports of call.  Tonight is dinner with the officers.

I started reading, but the eyes would not stay open.  Had about a 45 minute nap, woke up and it was TIME TO EAT!

We went to Hudson’s.  It was the blah lunch menu.  Still haven’t been on a day with the embarkation day menu.  I had corn chowder, which was pretty good, shrimp fritters and peanut butter cup cheese cake.  Yum!  Pookie had Caprese salad - not good with hard, greenish tomatoes, fish tacos (she liked), and banana cream pie.  We skipped the alcohol, as we were scheduled for the Latitudes wine tasting at 2:00.

We spent a few minutes in the casino, where Pookie has now won enough dice in the coin pusher to play Yahtzee.

I quickly lost a $20 bill plus a voucher for $3 something.  
 

We headed to the wine tasting, which was rather crowded.  Our selections:

Ignore lady’s shoulder in the Italy section.  She was taking copious notes before the tasting started.  
 

We shared a table with a woman who hated all of the wines and only likes moscato, and her husband who commented that he had not drank in 10 years and didn’t know why they were there.  
 

Some were good, some not so much.  I’ve decided I would much prefer a wine tasting where they pour one full glass of really good wine.

After 8 samplings, the casino was calling me.  So I grabbed a $100 bill and ventured forth, determined to try some new to me machines.  I quickly won $100 and cashed a voucher for $185.  I put the $85 in my pocket and played on with another $100 bill.  At one point, I was up to $135 on that, but ultimately came back to the cabin with a voucher for $100 and change and $85 and change in my pocket.  Not bad for an hour of fun.

By this time, the sun was shining brightly on our balcony, and we were able to sit out for a while.  It was so warm that I actually put on shorts while people walking around deck 8 were bundled up.  We planned to order room service and drink wine, but nothing on the menu was appealing.  We made a trip to the buffet - our first of this cruise - and brought food back to the room.  
 

Pookie has now gone to return plates to the buffet and grab a couple of cocktails.  If we are still awake and up to it, we may order a pot of decaf and some 7 layer cake a little later.  Upcoming cocktail may be the end, though.  We’ll see.

Up early for the behind the scenes tour.  I slept great, only waking once during the night, which is most unusual.  After showering and coffee in the room, we headed to the Cruise Next desk, where we were divided into 2 groups.  For some reason, we were not allowed to take our water bottles, and they were placed behind the desk.

Luckily, we were not in the group with the Cruise Next employee who has no personality.  Unluckily, we were in the group with all of the annoying people.  One lady dashed to be in the front at every stop, leaving her husband way behind.  There were lots of stupid questions and, of course, the know-it-alls who try to prove they know it all by making declarations disguised as questions.  
 

The theater portion was interesting.  Sadly, we were not provided cookies or any other treats while in the galley.  In fact, nothing was going on in the galley we were allowed to enter.  I think it was for Los Lobos.

After the tour, we headed directly to the immigration check.  It took about 20 minutes to get through the line.  We stopped by Cruise Next to collect my water bottle.  No one was there, but my bottle was visible on the back counter, so I retrieved it.

After a brief rest, we got a breakfast snack at Indulge.  I must be in the minority, as I find the breakfast potatoes delicious - much better than those greasy hash brown patties they used to serve.  Still, an occasional cookie would be nice.

Now it’s time to rest and read for a bit until we eat again. 😆

Had a light dinner and heavy drinks.  
 

Hopefully rough seas ahead to help us sleep.  Here’s me all bundled up this afternoon.  Anonymity maintained.