First Morning at Sea

I awakened early this morning and was immediately reminded of where I was by the gentle roll of the sea beneath, and a subtle, periodic creaking of the ship.

As the sun rose, I opened the curtains to reveal the water. Stepping outside a bit later, I was surprised to find that it was about seventy degrees and calm, where as yesterday as we had explored the ship it was gusty and cooler. 

Our first stop this morning was the International café where I confused the barista by ordering a “lactose free” hot chocolate made with coconut milk. He held up a can of coconut milk to confirm my choice. 

I took my chocolate prize with me to the Bordeaux Dining Room for breakfast. We were seated at a table for eight, and shortly, two women came and sat down with us. Kristine and Terri. It was Terri’s first cruise. Next, Ann, a teacher in a one room schoolhouse in a remote part of Queensland sat down. They all had delightful Australian accents and I enjoyed different turns of phrase such as how they mentioned “splashing out” for things (instead of “splurging”). 

When asked where we lived, Bryan gave both city and state. Because when we say Vancouver people assume we are Canadians, and if we say just Washington they assume we are from DC. It turned out not to matter, as they still thought we were from Canada until we explained. 

Terri took the opportunity, talking to Americans, to ask what a s’more was. It turns out it is a bit difficult to describe a s’more to someone who is unfamiliar with a graham cracker. But Bryan did his best. 

The food was good. I enjoyed warm apples with cinnamon, eggs, and bacon. The hashbrowns were in little patties. It has been so long since I cruised that this was unexpected. 

After breakfast Bryan and I walked all over the sun deck and then did some laps on the promenade. After passing couple after couple going round clockwise, we eventually changed directions and never passed anyone else. We ran into Cary and Berry (from last night’s dinner) who were assisting a small group of ladies by taking their photo looking out over the stern of the ship. 

On the sunny side of the ship we got quite warm. Having completed our “morning mile” (as Desmond had recommended before we left home) we collected our cards and headed to the card room to play Marvel Champions. Bryan ordered us some cool drinks and a snack and we played a game quite happily.