Tricia’s Travelogue

On Friday, we were invited to an event called Cheers with the Officers. We didn't know what to expect, as we just earned enough loyalty points to get us halfway to Pinnacle status. (We do not expect to live long enough to become Pinnacles!)  So we reported to the fifth deck of the Main Dining Room, along with a LOT of other cruisers.  As we'd thought, we were offered champagne as we entered, but then we were seated at tables -- lunch was in the offing!  Here's the menu at each placesetting: As it turned out, we sat with two other couples from Texas and another pair who were from Wyoming and Wisconsin. That pair met on a cruise a couple of years ago!  We both chose the beet salad, then I had the filet and Charlie the salmon. He opted for key lime pie, and I had the carrot cake. We also had wine.  So it was a very nice affair! The officers all said a few words and led us in a toast.  Our server entertained us with origami made with dollar bills: A Texas longh...

After reading about our food tour in Funchal, you might find it hard to believe we ate anything else that day, but you would be wrong. We had Izumi scheduled for dinner, and when we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find NO occupied hibachi tables! We did have to sit at the counter, as the few tables were taken, but we didn't mind. We enjoyed a peaceful and delicious meal.   Tofu-Ginger Salad Our favorite sake (served cold) Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura (the bell peppers are THE. best) Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna My perennial favorite: Champagne Lobster Roll Chef's Sushi Selection:  Salmon and Yellowtail Here was the view from our cabin after dinner: On Thursday (yesterday), we noticed an immediate difference in the outdoor temperature as we turned west.  It's much warmer (mid-70s), and people are in shorts and sandals.  Here's where we were mid-morning yesterday: Yesterday afternoon I returned to the crafting gathering and sat next to a couple of Brits and an ...

We docked at Funchal on the island of Madeira very early Wednesday morning. Charlie took this photo about 6:20, as we were approaching the city. Unfortunately, the ship rotated just before. docking, so our view was of empty water and sky! Our small-group excursion through Royal Caribbean was called the Foodie and Cultural Walking Tour of Funchal. We reported to the theater at 9:00 and were seated by group. About 9:20, our group of eight was walked out to a van, where we waited and waited, until 9;45, when a driver showed up, got in, and drove away without a word. Usually there is a guide!  As it turned out, our lovely guide met us in town, a short drive away. If you ever visit Funchal, be warned that the port is a 45-minute walk from town, so do pay for the shuttle tickets ($15). I didn't catch our guide's name, alas, but she was excellent. As we walked, she gave us a lot of background information and also identified some of the gorgeous trees and plants we passed. Kapok tree i...