Oct 28, 2017

A slow day for us. Foggy in the morning, turning to overcast. No wind to speak of, a little cool but comfortable. There were patches of blue late in the afternoon, still no wind, quite nice.

I had oatmeal and pineapple for breakfast, early, in the Horizon Food Court. The staff hovered, constantly asking if they could bring more coffee-juice-water-tea… I joined Jim later for cappuccino and scones later in the International Café.

Some wandering, and we ended up in the theatre for line dancing. Jim sat out but I paired up with a tiny older Chinese lady who giggled the whole time. The instructor played “his” song – “come on girls, let’s go!” Fun and sweaty, learning The Hustle.

We split up then; Jim to access the Internet Café, me to sit outside and read.

We then searched the boat for each other. I left a note in the room, said I’d give it one more search of the Lido deck and then was going to lunch. He found the note, went to the wrong deck but we found each other there. “Our eyes met across the room”.

Had lunch at the Horizon Café, typical steam table stuff. Had a medley of desserts – the jello was the best. They looked good, though.

Went back to the room for reading and naps.

Around 4 o’clock, we went downstairs to the Atrium bar to hear an excellent classical trio from Budapest and have a couple of drinks. Finished two crossword puzzles then watched the gatherings of “formal night” cruisers posing for their formal portraits. Lots for sparkly ladies and resigned men.  

Canapes in the room again! We lounged a bit, changed into our formal wear, which is black pants, and had dinner in the Horizon. Nothing particularly notable, although the pineapple flambé was “interesting”.

We moved on to the Princess Theatre for a performance of “What a night”, a mix of Cole Porter tunes – Thoroughly Modern Millie, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, Let’s Fall in Love, etc. It was well performed but dull. Maybe we’re too jaded? It lacked excitement somehow.

Both of us were worn out at that point so we called it an early night and went to bed. 

As always, stay TOONED.....

Oct 27, 2017

The wait is over! 

 We are here, on board, sun shining, barely a breeze (water coming out of my head), rum punch in hand. The bus ride was uneventful and swift. We walked off the bus about 1:15 PM and  crossed the street, then, through security, registration, up the ramp and in our room by 2 PM. GREAT way to travel.

(here's our room)

The Coral Princess seems smaller than our last ship but all the amenities are here. Our room is more comfortable, and the balcony is at an end so there’s only one wall and it is to our left, the front is to the right,so there’s a clear view all the way right up the bow to the corner of the bridge.

We wandered all the levels, finding our way about and then stood at the bow to watch as we passed under the Golden Gate (See ya in a month baby). It doesn’t seem so high, until you notice the little tiny birds (pelicans!) flying by underneath. The fog was hanging nicely off the coast, so it was almost, perfect sailing weather. Chatted with an older couple from Benicia. They’d tried to 'out local' us, they’ve been here for 20 years, so they would know. Then it was homecoming week and weren’t those fires awful.

We then snagged a cocktail (those rum punches are toooo sweet, all most makes up of them being free) and watched (the east bay legends...) “Rhapsody!!”. 

They looked like they should be playing reggae, but they belted out a wicked boot-scoot boogie, Y-M-C-A, and other assorted 1980 line dance favorites, (Jim was not too amused), It was hysterical.

While we aren’t the youngest people on board, we are by far younger than most. We sat at the Crooner’s Lounge ( Cool! The Rat Pack! wait where are the tunes?) and  watched the parade go by. There was an excellent trio playing classical tunes, (down stairs, and they were great!).

Our Club Class got us past the line at dinner and into a quiet corner of the dining room. We passed a waiter sauteing garlic for lamb chops that sold me (Jim had prime rib), there was also chilled melon, roasted potatoes, haddock and potato soup and asparagus, culminating with a cheese plate for me and "creme bro lay" for Jim. A very nice bottle of Wild Horse Pinot Noir rounded it all out and... damn! – bed time indeed.

It wasn’t all the booze, really.  We avoided the crowded elevators – all those stairs wore us out, really. 
We are on the 10th floor and the food and drinks are from the 5th to the 7th and the 12th to the 15th( there is no 13th of course) (Too early to use the elevators...but it won't last)

STAY TOONED...