Somewhere.........before that age when a boy becomes a man.: Sea Days (Kid Stuff)

As sea time is slow time, so sea days are slow days. Any particular sea day is much like the last or for that matter the next. All that to say that what follows is in no particular sequence but presented with the hope that the mood of the journey will be captured.

The Promenade (deck 2)

Each day we had one standing agenda item. First thing every morning, walk at least four laps around the promenade - each lap being 1/4 mile. Between that and always walking the stairs between decks throughout the day we hoped to ward off a few calories. The good fight was fought but I fear to report lost.

Sunrise somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico.

Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean.

Port to Starboard through the bow.

The Atrium (deck 1-3)

At the heart of the ship was a three story atrium with a Steinway Grand Piano positioned centrally on the bottom floor with "living room" areas adjacent on all three levels for listening and visiting. There was a resident pianist named Olena who played periodically throughout each day, mostly classical pieces. As a side note, the piano was hand polished at least once a day to a high mirror finish.

The artwork in the center was displayed on an LED screen and cycled every minute.

Olena as viewed from the second level.

Thought I was exaggerating again, didn't you?

Jamie listening and relaxing on the third level.

The Pool (deck 7)

The roof over the pool was retractable and usually open.

It was closed this morning

because of maintenance on the Sun Deck above.

Jamie reading in an adjacent sitting area.

The Explorer's Lounge (deck 7-8)

Our hours spent here were my favorite. Part bakery cafe, part lounge bar, part library, part observatory with transparent "glass" stairways between the two levels. The lounge was directly above the bridge and provided a perspective into the scope of our world unlike any I have ever seen. The lighting during the day seemed to be amplified by the glass although the properties of refraction were probably responsible for that. When at sea at night, with total blackness outside, the windows transformed into mirrors and reflected the lounge back into itself. Live music was performed periodically each day but during interim periods an assortment of lithe, soft melodies were piped in which I swear were somehow choreographed with the rhythm of the waves gliding past along with the gentle sway of the ship. Mesmerizing.

View from the center chair, upper level.

Resident guitarist Allen performing on the lower level

with the lights of Cabo San Lucas filtering in from behind.

Upper Level - The chair next to the telescope was my favorite when torqued around to accept the view.

Same spot, reverse angle.

Brown Boobies hitching a ride on the Foremast.

Boobies of a different ilk hitching a ride.

Dining

The food was universally good and all too available as my waist line can attest. There was the obligatory buffet dubbed The World Cafe with a seemingly endless variety of options. In addition, there were three sit down venues - white linen and menus, along with a dress code described as "elegant casual". Let me assure you that "elegant" is a very, very generous description of many a modern day traveler. I digress. The venues were called The Restaurant (American favorites), Manfredi's (Italian), and The Chef's Table (Cuisine of the region being visited). Finally, there was Mamsen's - the bakery cafe just off the Explorer's Lounge which served traditional Scandinavian breakfasts as well as baked treats in the afternoon.