I love sea days. I love the (mostly) gentle sway of the ship, the melting of blue from sky to sea, the feeling of being at home on the ocean, the mystery of its depth, the water slapping against the hull, the misting spray, birds roosting on the jackstaff, dolphins arching in the ship’s wake.
Every evening when we retire to our suite, the bed is crisply turned down, a chocolate on the pillow, and the latest “Currents” newsletter lies freshly printed and folded with the schedule of activities and menus for the following day from which to choose, with an even greater, more unique selection on sea days.
There is nightly entertainment, movies, fiercely fun competitive games, special celebratory cocktail receptions, classes, enrichment lectures, maybe start the day with a vigorous workout in the fitness center or a soothing massage, or watch Chef Farid sparring with visiting chefs to demonstrate culinary techniques.
There might be a casual walk-around wine tasting with tables of different international vintages to sample and compare.
We might enjoy cocktails and canapés with friends before dinner or, if the sea is calm, outside on the suite terrace awaiting, with hope, to catch a glimpse of the sunset’s green flash.
Afternoon tea is a daily, luxurious one-hour event, but sea days can take it to a new level, when tea time may be elevated to an elaborate gala with sparkling ice sculptures, decorative sugar art and intricately carved fruit displays, decadent cakes, mini-tarts, sandwiches, made-to-order crepes suzette, and, of course, a bountiful selection of teas with proper accompaniments served by the white-gloved, friendly crew.
Martinis Lounge is a popular gathering place before or after dinner any day, but particularly on relaxing sea days, where friends settle leisurely into the soft couches for conversation, to sample the featured “cocktail of the day”, banter with Milan at the bar, and listen to the delightful rhapsody of Vlad at the piano…
…or challenge your taste buds, and your balance, to a blindfolded martini tasting before an afternoon nap on the pool deck, or a latte in the cozy, quiet library.
It is also an option to deliciously do nothing at all but be suspended in time, surrendered to the ocean and the endless horizon in happy containment, until, at the end of the day, if the sea is kind, it will softly rock you to sleep.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever”
~Jacques Cousteau
All the photos are great…..but oh how I loved their tea time!!!!
Great pictures of you and Dean!
Lovely!