Today is our last full day aboard Carnival Venezia and it is a relaxing day at sea as the ship sails back to New York City. The seas are calm today and have been relatively calm the entire journey.

This morning, I decided to take my work somewhere a little quieter and out of the way. I found a great spot at Pergola Bar on Deck 11 midship. JavaBlue Cafe is just one deck down from here should I need a caffeine boost.

This afternoon, we are back at Gondola Lounge on Deck 5 for trivia and other games with Kimbo, one of the “Fun Squad”. All of the cruise staff members have been very fun and engaging.

Over the past four days, we have succeeded in winning six different trivia contests and ended up with five of the medallions (see below). Since we had won three in one day, we decided to give one of our medallions to the second place winner of one contest.

No other cruise line does daytime entertainment as well as Carnival. In addition to a variety of trivia contests, they have some very creative games to get everyone involved.

A Checked Luggage Zone Tag board on Deck 5 is a reminder that the cruise is coming to an end. This is a very intelligent way of distributing additional disembarkation luggage tags. It is easy to see that most guests are opting for the early disembarkation.

Tonight, we have reservations at Bonsai Teppanyaki, Carnival’s teppanyaki restaurant on Deck 5 midship. We arrived ten minutes early, per the recommendation from the restaurant. We are seated at a table for ten. There are only four tables in Bonsai Teppanyaki so reservations in advance are definitely recommended.

The cost to dine here is $38 per person for dinner or $35 per person for lunch. Like all specialty dining venues, there is also an 18% service charge added to the final bill. The total for us to dine here was $89.68 all in.

This was the third time we have dined at a Bonsai Teppanyaki (Carnival Panorama, Mardi Gras and Venezia). The meal begins with a selection of appetizers, Miso soup and a salad. The only decision to make is your main course. You can choose from shrimp, lobster, filet of beef, chicken, or salmon. Or, you can choose a combo of any two items. If you want an additional entrée there is a $15 upcharge. Trust me, you won’t need an additional entrée.

Everyone at the table gets a bowl of delicious egg fried rice. In fact, it may be the best fried rice I have ever had at a restaurant (the secret is the garlic butter). Everyone also gets a selection of grilled veggies. The chefs are very entertaining and it can get quite noisy in here with all of the singing and clanging of spatulas. Plan on a fun evening of entertainment and great food.

The meal ends with a dessert Bento box filled with sweet treats. My favorite is the Green Tea Ice Cream.

After dinner, we head back to our stateroom to pack for the trip home tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, we will disembark and fly back to DFW and start preparing for our next adventure.

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Carnival Venezia

Day 4 - Day At Sea and Bonsai Teppanyaki

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