Precious Memories: Sea Days on Radiance OTS

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Sea Days on Radiance OTS

Radiance OTS, Day 2 and 3, Two Sea Days with Lots of Food, March 20, 21, 2014

Slept well that first night on the ship with a little rocking and rolling on the Tasmine Sea. Woke up at around 8am, did some laundry in the sink, then went for breakfast at the Windjammer. It was awefully crowded and we were not able to find a table! Finally had to settle at Rita's Cantina at the back of the ship. It was windy and cold there so we ate quickly. Surprisingly found chicken congee at the buffet and I also ordered an omelette to share with MOR.

breakfast at Rita's

Something was going on at the Centrum

Lunch was in the main dining room (Cascade). Somehow I found the wait staff at lunch not too pleasant. It seemed that we were bothering them and wishing we weren't there at all. First thing they told us was "If you want to leave in 30 minutes, you may have a 2-course meal." Well, we were in no hurry, so we just ordered all that we wanted. First, we went to get our Tutti Salad from the salad bar. It was very good!

Lamb skewer was just OK, a little too dry for my taste.

We found the lunch menu to be very limited.

Centrum Deck 4

Then we went up to Colony Club and watched the fox trot dance class taking place there.

As we were resting back in our cabin, this was what we saw on TV.

We missed dinner at the main dining room the first night, so this was our first dinner there. It was formal night, but not everyone was dressed up. We were right next to the Captain's table which was fully occupied that evening.

The Captain, right behind Christian.

Elegant dining room

Escargot was on the menu every evening.

food served in good portions

Lobster Bisque

Duck--very good

Some kind of steak

Creme Brulee was on the menu everyday also.

After dinner, we went to the Captain's Reception at the Colony Club where they served champagne and canapes. Then we went to the show featuring Jonathan Clark which was very funny.

This was waiting for us in our room.

We turned our clocks one hour ahead tonight.

Second Sea Day, March 21, 2014

Learned our lesson from the day before, we went to the Windjammer earlier today. Found a table inside and enjoyed a good, hearty breakfast.

At 10:00 a Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle was scheduled at the Quill and Compass. Royal Caribbean seems to do the best in this arrangement. They had little gifts prepared for everyone and also prizes were raffled off.

Gifts--a hang-around-the neck note book

Snacks

and drinks provided.

The turnout was pretty good!

It was good finally meeting our Cruise Critic friends face to face.

Gordon was in charge of the meeting, but no officers were there.

After the M&M, we went to the Centrum for the Captain's Talk.

Then went to lunch at the Cascade.

Another great Tutti salad

We just rested in the afternoon, catching up on some much needed sleep since arriving Sydney. We didn't really have problems with jetlag but all of us have been waking up real early. The two sea days were quite relaxing for us as we prepared for the intense ports coming up.