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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.