Day 8 - A Day At Sea

Day 8 - A Day At Sea

Today is our second day at sea as ms Rotterdam sails toward Grand Turk. After walking our 12 laps around the jogging/walking track on Deck 11, we attended the lecture “Unexpected Heroes” in World Stage. The lecture was about how Caribbean athletes have contributed to professional sports.

We decided on a light lunch today at Grand Dutch Cafe. Rickee tried the pea soup and I ordered a veal kroket. Please don’t ask me to explain it to you.

Pea Soup at Grand Dutch Cafe

After lunch, I wanted to try the milkshake at Gelato. Sunday is my “cheat day” when I eat whatever I want, so this was my treat. I ordered the Oreo Cookie milkshake and while it was good, I am not sure it was worth the $6.49 price ($5.50 + 18% gratuity).

Oreo Cookie milkshake at Gelato

This evening, we enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail at Half Moon Bar on Deck 2 midship. There are only two ships (I believe) that feature a Half Moon Bar.

Half Moon Bar

We thought we had reservations at Rudi’s Sel de Mer tonight, but after checking with the receptionist we learned that our reservation was not until tomorrow night! Well, that is an opportunity to head back to the Dining Room for tonight’s Gala Dinner.

Gala Dinner menu

We scored an excellent table for two at the very back of the Dining Room on Deck 2. Rickee started the meal with a roasted beet salad, which she loved.

Roasted Beets w/Orange Segments

We both ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktails and we were both a little disappointed when they arrived without red cocktail sauce. The dipping sauce resembled Thousand Island Dressing. Nevertheless, the shrimp were fairly large and tasted good.

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

The Gala Dinner menu no longer includes a “Surf and Turf” option of filet and lobster, instead, the closest thing is the tenderloin with grilled shrimp (below). The tenderloin is about 3/4 of an inch thick, well cooked and tender, although I did not get the cracked pepper flavor I was expecting. The shrimp were delicious, but there were only two and should have been at least four in my opinion.

Cracked Pepper Tenderloin with Grilled Shrimp

Rickee’s Tangerine Glazed Duck Breast was perfectly cooked and delicious. The red cabbage was also excellent.

Tangerine Glazed Duck Breast

For dessert, we both ordered the Warm Chocolate Lava Cake, which came in a small ramekin. It was also very good.

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake

After dinner, we returned to our stateroom to find another intruder. A friendly elephant has taken over our bed!

Tomorrow, we will be in Grand Turk and I promise, we WILL have dinner at Rudi’s!


 
 
Day 9 - Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Day 9 - Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Day 7 - Willemstad, Curacao

Day 7 - Willemstad, Curacao