Cruising

We’re on a boat!

Greetings from the sea!

Actually, we just docked in Port Canaveral, Florida for the day, but it’s crazy to think we’ve been on the water for two full days!

It was a little overwhelming at first…

The ship didn’t seem real, kind of the same reason Disney World doesn’t. The decor is very eccentric ( our dining room is shot with giant purple grape-shaped lights) and the hallways are a bit dizzying. But we’re having a great time!

Our room is almost as big as a hotel room, so we’ve got our own personal space.

We also upgraded to a balcony room (~$15/night extra) so when the weather’s nice, we can sit outside and read! And drink wine! (You’re allowed to bring one bottle of wine onboard, with a $10 corkage fee. Somehow we evaded paying this, but don’t tell!)

I was worried I’d be seasick, and even went so far as to have my doctor call in a prescription for anti-nausea patches that stay on for three days. For the most part, I’ve been okay with Dramamine (less drowsy formula).

However, the fitness center is at the very top of the boat, where it sways the most. I tried to read on the bike, as I usually do at home, but I started feeling pretty bad. I ran on the treadmill (first time in almost a YEAR!), which faces the water, and definitely felt the boat swaying. After I worked out, I had to lie down for a little because I was feeling pretty woozy.

In addition to running, we took a Pilates class together (the gym is free, but classes are not) and two days later, I am STILL sore. We walk up and down a lot of stairs, though, so that might be it for me for awhile!

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style on one of the decks.

When we first arrived, we went looking for a snack and were dismayed to find our only options were the 24-hour pizza or ice cream stands. Thankfully, that was just for the first day and they’ve increased the options.

I eat a ton of fruit at every meal, and often as a snack throughout the day. Seriously, I think I eat at least an entire trough of fruit salad daily! The oatmeal at breakfast was disappointing- very watery and mushy- but let’s face it, I’m a huge food snob.

Omelets have been a good option, though.

Yesterday we tried the brunch; I ordered huevos rancheros, which were perfectly fine.

The salad bar has been a saving grace. We were happy to find chickpeas and red beans, fresh produce, and even sunflower seeds!

I was even more surprised to be served a tofu steak for dinner in the dining hall. It would be a big challenge to be vegan, dairy, or gluten-free on the ship, but it’s nice to see there are a few options.

There are two “formal nights” on the cruise, and we’ve already had our first. I ordered the lobster tail with shrimp, and it was quite good! Nice presentation, too.

The dessert bar in the buffet changes twice daily. So far, my favorite has been the warm chocolate cake, which they conveniently serve every night!

Well, we’re off to go on an air boat to see wild animals in the wetlands! See ya later, alligator.