Boarding Day

I’m writing this shortly after 1:00 p.m., just after we got access to our stateroom.  This is a “free” cruise for us, due to Charlie’s hard work in the casino on past cruises. We upgraded to a balcony room, which is cozy, but certainly more than adequate for the two of us.

We had “The Key” for the first time, which allows earlier access to the ship and a few other amenities. After our driver dropped us at the terminal, we found the Key line and didn’t have to wait long before they ushered us into the Security area. After our carryons were scanned, we were quickly checked in, seated for a few minutes, then allowed to board the ship about 10:30.  We zipped to our muster station to check in, then headed to the pool bar for a glass of Prosecco to celebrate. We took those up to the Crown Lounge on the top deck and relaxed in peace and quiet.  Mostly. At one point, a couple with four, count ‘em, four kids under eight came in lugging gigantic suitcases AND a collapsible wagon loaded with bins and what looked like a wedding dress thrown over the top. We suppose a wedding is in the works? Maybe we’ll get a glimpse of the festivities later.

We had a very good lunch at Hooked, which is across from the Schooner Bar on Navigator. We scored a table by the window, too.  Charlie ordered a dozen raw oysters to start, then the “Messy Sandwich,” which lived up to its name.

I ordered roasted oysters to start, which included two Parmesan-crusted, two Rockefeller, and two Brie-and-champagne-topped oysters. SO good!  My main dish was coconut shrimp, which came with fries and is reliably delicious.


To continue the food theme (ever-present in Tolbert posts), last night we ended up going back to the Penthouse in our hotel, rather than brave the 25 mph winds to go to the tapas place we’d planned to try. We enjoyed another excellent meal and have already made reservations for two weeks from now, when we return from the cruises.  We again split the Caesar salad, and this time we managed to take a pic.  That’s a strip of toasted dark bread wrapping the leaves, and it might be the best Caesar we’ve ever had.

My entree was roasted branzino with roasted fennel, tomatoes, and turmeric couscous — all wonderful!

Charlie had the king salmon with sumac, baby leeks, shiitake mushrooms, and forbidden rice, and he ate every bite.
For dessert we tried the Valentino, which included dark chocolate mousse, raspberry, and coconut sponge cake. Delicious!

Tonight’s dinner will be at Chops Grille, which is usually very good.  Tomorrow is a Sea Day, before we get to Catalina Island on Wednesday.  More later!

Comments

  1. RachelMarch 4, 2025 at 4:14 AM

    Maybe they had beach gear for the kids in the bins for Catalina. The wedding dress I can’t explain!

    ReplyDelete

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