Oct 28

Oct 28 Day Six - Day At Sea (Bonsai Teppenyaki)

Today, we are enjoying our last day at sea aboard Mardi Gras. A few of us had the opportunity to meet up-close with Carnival President, Christine Duffy, to discuss the direction of Carnival in the future. I think we were all impressed by how personable and open Ms. Duffy was. We feel like we know her better, and we know Carnival Cruise Line better, too!

Christine Duffy meets with members of the travel media

After our meeting with Christine Duffy, she and Carnival Corp. Chairman, Micky Arison, met on stage in the Mardi Gras Theater for a lively and funny Q & A session with Carnival Brand Ambassador, John Heald. You can find a short video with some of the session on our YouTube channel.

Micky Arison, Christine Duffy and John Heald

Early this afternoon, Carnival’s PR team arranged for us to meet with the Miss Universe title holders for a brief Q & A in Piano Bar 88. I was fortunate to have my photo taken with all of them. Boy, do I look out of place!

The ladies were willing to answer all of my questions and what was most revealing is how “real” each and every one of them was. I think we all have pre-conceived notions about “beauty queens.” I know I did. These ladies are super smart and powerful role models for young women.

Miss Universe, Me, Miss Dominican Republic (and Godmother of Mardi Gras), Miss USA and Miss Puerto Rico

This afternoon, we were offered the opportunity to visit Camp Ocean, Carnival’s kids area on Deck 4 midship. This is a space where kids from age 2 to 11 can hang out and give parents a break from parenting. Camp Ocean employs 25 camp counselors to watch over and interact with the kids. Children are separated according to age with ages 2 to 5 (Penguins), ages 6 to 8 (Stingrays) and ages 9 to 11 (Sharks). There are separate facilities and activities for each age group. Older kids and teens have their own hangout on Deck 17.

This evening, we have dinner reservations at Bonsai Teppanyaki. We enjoyed the teppanyaki grill on Carnival Panorama so much that we made reservations online for Bonsai Teppanyaki as soon as our cruise was confirmed. However, we do have time for a cocktail before dinner, and I am on a mission to find a blended Canadian whiskey. There is no Crown Royal being offered in any of the bars onboard, and no Canadian Club either. I heard a rumor that there might be Seagrams 7 served at the Steakhouse Bar on Deck 7 aft. Sure enough, they did have my Seagrams 7!

Seagrams 7 is hard to find, Crown Royal is impossible

The Steakhouse Bar is located just outside of Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse on Deck 7 aft and is a very nice quiet place to enjoy a drink.

When we arrive at Bonsai Teppanyaki, we are greeted by our server and introduced to Emmanuel, our chef for the evening. He wastes no time in lighting up the table with fire! Our meal started with appetizers, salad and Miso soup, all of which were very good. Main course choices are lobster, steak, chicken, tofu, shrimp or any combination of two of these. Rickee ordered steak and shrimp and I ordered steak and chicken.

Emmanuel fires up the grill at Bonsai Teppenyaki

Emmanuel prepared a mountain of fried rice to begin with which was loaded with garlic butter. I still think it is the best fried rice I have ever had. Then comes some grilled vegetables and finally, the main courses are prepared and served. It was way too much meat for me to finish and all of it was delicious. The meal ends with a decadent Chocolate Bento Box filled with sweet treats. This meal is a bargain at only $32 per person and something you must try when sailing on a Carnival ship that offers it.

Tenderloin of Beef is seasoned and prepared

After dinner, we make our way to Deck 6 Center Stage for the production show, Voodoo Moon. This dark, spooky production combines live rock music, aerial performers, dancers and excellent vocals for a memorable entertainment experience like none other. The massive video screen backdrop delivers a surreal visual impact. This was certainly one of the most unique shows we have ever seen and it takes full advantage of what Center Stage has to offer.

After Voodoo Moon, we race to get a seat for the 9pm comedy show at Punchliner Comedy Club. Tonight, Percy Crews 2 keeps everyone in stitches with his R-rated performance.