Precious Memories: Culinary Demonstration, Galley Tour, Pub Lunch, Formal Dinner and Balloon Drop

At Sea, Crown Princess Wine Country Coastal Cruise, Day 5 -- April 29, 2015

During this week-long cruise, this was the only day at sea that we had. Princess had a lot of activities planned for this day as cruisers took advantage of this day to relax and enjoy all the amenities on board.

A couple of activities listed on the Patter attracted my attention. First, the Culinary Demonstration and Galley Tour, and second, the Sound of Music Sing-Along.

I had a galley tour on another ship many many years ago. Most cruise ships do not offer that any more nowadays. It would be interesting to check out the galley on a ship once again.

Culinary Demonstration and Galley Tour

Crown princess had the culinary demonstration set up at the theater to accommodate a large audience. With the spacious stage and the help of cameras/video on the big screen, it was much better than some cooking demonstrations that was set up in the atrium on other ships. I did not expect that it could be so much fun watching the cruise director, the Matre' D, and the chefs turning that cooking demonstration into such a hilarious show.

Cruise director

Chef

Matre' D

Between the chef and the dessert chef, they demonstrated cooking four different dishes with funny jokes added as a side. The aroma of cooked food filled the theater as we sat comfortably enjoying the show.

Wait staff and kitchen crew were introduced at the end.

Then we were taken on the galley tour. There were a lot of people so the line was quite long, but everything went smoothly.

There was a bargain sale at the restaurant that day which no one can avoid as we left the galley.

Entering the galley

Making Spring Rolls

They were also selling cookbooks at the end of the galley tour. We would have gotten one if the line wasn't so long.

Pub Lunch at the Wheelhouse Bar

Crown Princess only served the pub lunch on sea days so this would be our only chance to try it out. I have read the reviews and people raved about the pub lunch so we made it a point to get there after the galley tour. There was a short line already formed before noon but it did not take long for us to be seated.

Just a simple menu to choose from.

Son had the bangers and mash...

...and I had the Fish and Chips. A disappointment, I'd say. But no worries, we will get our fill of the best fish and chips the next day in Astoria.

But then, the Bread and Butter Pudding was outstanding! Worth the wait!

2nd Formal Night

This was also the second formal night on this 7-night cruise and we looked forward to have our share of lobsters. NCL no longer serves lobster, escargot, creme brulee, or even shrimp cocktail in their main dining room so this would be a nice change.