As required we attended the Muster drill for emergencies and learned the meaning of bells and signals, where to gather and how to properly use life vests which were stored in each stateroom. Afterward we found our way around the ship.
Back at our stateroom we unpacked and got settled. I remembered from a previous cruise that clothes hangers were at a premium. I was right. This time tree were also only about 10 wooden hangers for the two of us.
I'm glad I brought @ 20 wire hangers that I ultimately left behind on the ship. These extra hangers were a blessing since we had to pack for both chilly, as well as hot and humid climates in addition to both casual and formal dining, and other activities. After checking with our Cabin Boy both Randy and I left behind clothing that Moore said would be gathered and given to charity.
Randy did not bring his tuxedo. Instead he got by with three white shirts, a blue blazer and gray suit. I packed a selection of dressy clothes and a jewelry for the three formal nights. Half the guests did not dress for the occasion. Dressing up may not matter to passengers who "want to be comfortable" but the crew is on board for nine months at a time and try to give their best service even when passengers do not adhere to the policies. The Dining Room Hostess always made a comment on what I was wearing each evening. Perhaps this is why we were always given preferential seating after she and the Head Waiter come to know us.
Ahead of time we selected the “Anytime Dining” option which means we would not be seated with the same people every meal, nor be committed to a 5:30 or 7:45 seating. This worked out very well for us because we don't always want to eat at the same time due to other conflicts. On several occasions we were seated with a few obnoxious cruisers who can ruin a dining experience or the entire cruise if you had to sit with them every night. This happens to everyone occasionally unless cruising with people you have known for a while.
Aside from the "all-you-can-eat" Horizon Court Buffet, which was open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. we dined in the Bordeaux Room each night (and sometimes for lunch) and found no reason to partake in Sabatini’s or the Bayou, which served basically the same food, but charged an additional $20 per person. With very few minor exceptions we were pleased with the Bordeaux. When we even slightly mentioned our dish was not up to par the waiter cheerly brought another entree. A few days later we discovered the Ice Cream Bar, the Grill for burgers and hot dogs, and International Cafe for pastries and desserts such as tiramisu. The temptations were great, but each of us only gained two pounds.
We had cocktails every afternoon around 5 p.m. on our balcony overlooking the Pacific, Panama Canal, Caribbean and later the Atlantic Ocean. What a calm and lovely way to spend time together.
Back at our stateroom we unpacked and got settled. I remembered from a previous cruise that clothes hangers were at a premium. I was right. This time tree were also only about 10 wooden hangers for the two of us.
I'm glad I brought @ 20 wire hangers that I ultimately left behind on the ship. These extra hangers were a blessing since we had to pack for both chilly, as well as hot and humid climates in addition to both casual and formal dining, and other activities. After checking with our Cabin Boy both Randy and I left behind clothing that Moore said would be gathered and given to charity.
Randy did not bring his tuxedo. Instead he got by with three white shirts, a blue blazer and gray suit. I packed a selection of dressy clothes and a jewelry for the three formal nights. Half the guests did not dress for the occasion. Dressing up may not matter to passengers who "want to be comfortable" but the crew is on board for nine months at a time and try to give their best service even when passengers do not adhere to the policies. The Dining Room Hostess always made a comment on what I was wearing each evening. Perhaps this is why we were always given preferential seating after she and the Head Waiter come to know us.
Ahead of time we selected the “Anytime Dining” option which means we would not be seated with the same people every meal, nor be committed to a 5:30 or 7:45 seating. This worked out very well for us because we don't always want to eat at the same time due to other conflicts. On several occasions we were seated with a few obnoxious cruisers who can ruin a dining experience or the entire cruise if you had to sit with them every night. This happens to everyone occasionally unless cruising with people you have known for a while.
Aside from the "all-you-can-eat" Horizon Court Buffet, which was open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. we dined in the Bordeaux Room each night (and sometimes for lunch) and found no reason to partake in Sabatini’s or the Bayou, which served basically the same food, but charged an additional $20 per person. With very few minor exceptions we were pleased with the Bordeaux. When we even slightly mentioned our dish was not up to par the waiter cheerly brought another entree. A few days later we discovered the Ice Cream Bar, the Grill for burgers and hot dogs, and International Cafe for pastries and desserts such as tiramisu. The temptations were great, but each of us only gained two pounds.
We had cocktails every afternoon around 5 p.m. on our balcony overlooking the Pacific, Panama Canal, Caribbean and later the Atlantic Ocean. What a calm and lovely way to spend time together.