At 10:45 a.m. I attended Spanish 101 hosted by James Deering (Hotel Manager). I'm somewhat embarrassed that I live in New Mexico and have such a limited command of Spanish. We received a "cheat sheet" that we could refer to for either speaking or pointing while in the various ports of call. Also included were some funny anecdotes shared by Mr. Deering outlining how he managed to "stay well" while traveling in Mexico. The funniest was his story about buying cheap gin or vodka and "dousing" everything from vegetables to skin with the "alcohol." I'm proud to say that I put his "bargaining technique" to good use in the ports. Actually two women from our Cruise Critic group asked for my "services" in Puerto Vallarta. The more I travel, the more I'm amazed at different cultures and how to interact while in various countries.
Basic Ballroom Dancing was at 12:15 p.m. with "Short Michelle. I'm a "fair" ballroom dancer, but I wanted to find out what the class was like. There were LOTS of folks that attended, but Michelle taught the Jive. She did a great job, but I would have chosen a more "basic" dance like the East Coast Swing as a beginner class. It's fairly easy to learn and much more versatile on the dance floor.
It was then time for a quick bite in the Lido and to curl up in a deck chair with a book. OK, I did find time for a little nap later in the Crow's Nest in one of the leather recliners! My regret for the day is that I missed the Royal Dutch Tea. I remember it being outstanding from New Year's with white gloved servers, cucumber sandwiches, scones, and various "sweets." However, it's impossible to do EVERYTHING!
The evening was formal, but I saw a mix of attire. I'd say only 20% of women passengers chose to wear long gowns. The majority chose "little black dresses," or other dressy eveningwear. I must admit, NOTHING looks better than a man in a tuxedo! I attended the Captain's Champagne Reception at 7:00 p.m. It was very pleasant with the usual introduction of crew and staff. After the reception on my way to dinner, a gentleman in passing said "good evening" and then "Wow, you look great!" I thanked him and made my way to dinner with a smile that just wouldn't leave my face.
My dinner was a late seating with the new "flexible" dining from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. However, diners arrived quite punctually between 8:00 - 8:10 p.m. I was assigned to a table for six - number 218. My dining partners were quite delightful. Erica and Peter were from Perth, Australia and "re-cruising" from two years ago. After the cruise, they planned to visit Mexico City and then San Francisco. Debbie was sailing on her own from San Diego where she works as a pharmacist. The Cruise Critic "sisters" (Marie and Debbie) were assigned to our table. However, they chose to eat in the Lido Buffet each evening and never came to the dining room. I enjoyed my Vista dining experiences and the opportunity to meet such interesting people. While I didn't eat in the Vista dining room every evening, my waiter remembered me by name and greeted me warmly each time I visited the dining room. A visit to "make my donation" to the casino rounded out my outstanding day at sea!
Sunday Entertainment:
Vista Lounge - Oosterdam Cast: Rockin' Road
Queen's Lounge - Movie: Aeon Flux
Crow's Nest - Contemporary: Cruise Control
Ocean Bar - Classic Dance Hits: Crossover
Explorer's Lounge - String Favorites: Rosario Strings
Piano Bar - Piano Player: Jeff Warren
Northern Lights - DJ Dancing: D. J. Matt Green
Signature Cocktail: Champagne Dreams
Martini of the Day: Mint Martini
