First, you have to know that the menu is changing everyday: French, Italian, the Captain’s Gala Dinner… and if really, you really don’t like what you see on the menu, you can always order from the permanent menu. The food is very tasty and well-presented although not exceptional. Each time we were there, the service was impeccable but if you come at a busy time, you might wait longer than you’d want for your food and drink (although it’s part of the experience of dining in any fine restaurants).
The sea passes by...
The Maitre D’ (they are all Italians in the three different dining rooms) are all great, using that Italian charm (especially with the ladies, but it’s part of the game) to put you at ease. So, no complains from that point of view.
We spent
our first night aboard watching Ocean’s Eleven in the Vista Lounge
and after that, we went to take a look at what was going on in the Princess
Theater, we just arrived in the middle of a stand-up comedian‘s
act. Unfortunately, I can‘t remember his name but he was really
good. Not being a fanatic of Las Vegas style shows, we haven’t seen
any but the comments I heard were very positive, I even heard “dazzling”.
We also went to the Skywalker Lounge which is really great at night, lots
of people, nice light work, good music (we were just there for a “disco-mix,
they have theme-parties too).
Finally, exhausted, we decided it was time to go to bed.
Days at sea:
The days at sea are REALLY relaxing. And there is so much to do you hardly have the time to get bored. Everyday, the Princess Patter (the ship’s newsletter delivered in your room the day before) keeps you informed of what’s going on on the ship, the ship’s maneuvers, the staff, technology information about how the ship works… First thing first: breakfast. You can go either in the main dining room or at the Horizon court for a buffet style breakfast. The, it’s off to the pool. You’re not supposed to hog a lounger (if a lounger is unattended for more than 30 min's, the staff can free it but I’ve never seen anyone doing it). In the middle of the morning, it’s quite difficult to find a place around the Poseidon Pool so, you have been warned. Hopefully, people come and go… I tried the gym as well, it is small but has all the essential to keep you in shape. I shamefully have to admit I gave up, the appeal of the pool and sun was too strong. Another advice, although it seems obvious: don’t forget the sunscreen and take a high-number screen. Being from Mediterranean origins, I never needed any screen that was over SFP 4. After spending an hour in the sun with an SFP 4, I was burnt. Yes, that tropical sun is harsh!
Seascape from the Skywalker lounge.
In the early afternoon, a band will come to entertain you with some island beats music and the cruise director also organizes poolside game and yes, I’ll say it, I took part in one of them. My only reward was a medal (I thought they’d give us some shipboard credits, cheap!). But there are lots of things to do during those days at sea: catching up on that book you wanted to finish, go see an after-lunch movie, take part to a trivia game, attend an “How to make your complexion brighter” lecture, play a game of Monopoly, be pampered at the spa or just bake in the sun. You will barely realize it’s almost time for dinner. Which means more activities! A country dance lesson? Ballroom dancing? Magic? Casino? Shows? Movies? It’s your pick! The first complete day at sea was “formal night” which Justin doesn’t like much. I, on the contrary, couldn’t wait to put on one of my gown. Unfortunately, with my burnt shoulder, I had to cover up a little with a shawl…
Me, on formal night.