Day 2

Monday dawned with beautiful sunshine and the promise of moderate temperatures. We woke in time to grab robes and watch the coast of Baja in the distance before the knock on our door and the delivery of our morning coffee. The next hour was spent sipping coffee and getting ready to go up to the Lido deck for breakfast. We stopped for a few minutes to catch the day’s news on the big screen by the pool.

By the time we lined up for the morning buffet, the breakfast hour was in high gear but the restaurant crew handled it all with what appeared to be calm expertise. In spite of the crowd, there were many table choices available. Since it was our first breakfast aboard ship, we tried at least two varieties of eggs, plus hash browns, and bacon. I finished it all off with a cinnamon roll.

We then spent time exploring the ship. It is definitely a Fun Ship as advertised. We wandered from pool to pool, jacuzzi to jacuzzi, and marveled at the huge slide that towers above the pool on the top or 12th deck. On the 11th deck there is a complete and rather complicated miniature golf course. Something to try when most people leave the ship for land tours. There was also a serenity area for adults only that looked like the ideal place for reading or napping.

Since we were not able to do the boat drill the night before, it was scheduled at 9:30 and while there was some confusion among passengers as to where their lifeboats were located, all went smoothly and we were finished by 10:00.

Bob went back to his room and his computer while I headed shopping and to a scrapbook workshop. The shops were pretty much par for the course with the usual cutsie tee shirts and stuffed animals. The jewelry was beautiful and quite honestly, I think over-priced. I was disappointed by the workshop which was really a pitch to buy the ship’s albums, the photos taken aboard by the ship photographers, and nautical designed papers for backgrounds. Since all of my scrap booking is done with computer programs, I was hoping there would be some great new suggestions or even some new computer programs. In many ways, it was like stepping back in time to the way scrap booking was done ten years ago.

I took time to download some photos, publish a post, and suddenly, it was time to head back up to the Lido deck for a little lunch. The pool area was filled with happy people sunning themselves and taking dips in the pool or jacuzzi. The crowd seemed very young and full of life. I loved watching the children and their parents interacting and having the time of their lives. On this ship there is an abundance of 20 - 40 year olds and fewer older seasoned cruisers than ever before. There are the usual number of loud, obnoxious folks, and thank goodness, many more friendly, gentler souls.

I located the gym and no excuses, tomorrow morning, I will climb the stairs, walk the treadmill, and lift those weights. I promise! Of course right after making that promise, the bed in our cabin looked so inviting that I laid down and slept for an hour.

Tonight was the Captain,s Reception and first Formal Evening of the cruise. Bob and I took a few twirls around the dance floor and then sat down and watched the more expert dancers show off their steps. Dinner was in the Black Pearl Dining Room and our table had an ocean view. As usual, the food was delicious, filling, and much too plentiful. I am afraid we overindulged with appetizers, main course, and desserts.

Dinner was followed by the Splendor’s dancers and singers in a Musical review. The costumes, lighting, and varieties of music was excellent.

Then we headed to the elevator for the ride up to our cabin and we noticed that the elevator was filled with folks of our age group. The younger folks were heading off for the bars and lounges. Somehow, I was happy to end the evening, take off my shoes and jewelry, and simply have a quiet time before bedtime.