Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Mediterranean Cruise Day 8: At Sea

Monday was a very relaxing day at sea, the weather was absolutely perfect, calm waters, and plenty of sunshine. It turned out to be a day filled with champagne and fun. It started at 8:00 AM when we ordered the “Champagne Breakfast” in our stateroom, which consisted of a bottle of French champagne, warm basket of homemade pastries, fresh croissants, chilled smoked salmon with cream cheese and toasted bagels, fresh mixed berries served with honey and Chantilly cream, Alaskan King Crab Quiche, an omelet and fresh brewed coffee. It was a breakfast fit for Royalty, which we enjoyed from our stateroom balcony in the early morning sun. After breakfast I spent some time reading listening to the gentle waves of the Mediterranean, rolling and splashing along, it was what I would call a perfect morning.

After breakfast I went to support the on board Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in support of Breast Cancer research. There were a number of passengers doing laps around the ship, in conjunction with all of the ships in the Princess Fleet, wherever they are on the globe. I couldn't join as I had another obligation but I was there long enough to cheer on the walkers and drop off a donation.

Late morning we were guests at a private wedding here on the ship, held in the ship’s library. I apologize for being mysterious about the identify of the wedding party, but I always respect the privacy of the circles in which we travel. It was a lovely ceremony, officiated by the Captain of the Ship. After a brief champagne reception, we enjoyed an elegant private luncheon, with the most amazing veal I’ve ever tasted. The wedding cake, made by the Executive Pastry Chef on board the ship, was delicious chocolate raspberry with homemade butter cream frosting.

I thought I'd share some photos of the delicious food and desserts we’ve been enjoying on this cruise, just to give you a flavor of the ship’s food. Keep in mind that we always enjoy most of our meals in the fine dining room, rather than going to the buffet. I prefer table service with linens and china. For some reason even oatmeal tastes better when served in china and silverware. It is also nice to get to know the wait staff and enjoy the full cruise experience. Tomorrow we arrive in Corfu, Greece which should be wonderful. I can hardly wait.
It Started With A Champagne Breakfast
above: The Champagne Breakfast was more food than we could eat! Smoked Salmon, Alaskan King Crab Quiche, fresh baked pastries, and fresh fruit. But we choked it down from our stateroom balcony and enjoyed the morning sun.
above: We also had a nice omlette and toasted bagels, just to round things out!
A Private Wedding
I was a guest at a wedding on board yesterday- but I am not sharing information about who was married or photos of any other guests, this must remain private. Sometimes I am fortunate to attend social events and must excercise absolute discretion. So, just enjoy these photos from my perspective, and don't worry about whose wedding it was! Here I am scarfing down some cheese with Champagne. It's not a very flattering photo of me, but at least I was well dressed!
above: The crew did an excellent job with thr wedding, which was in the ship's Library. I was honored to be invited.

above: following the ceremony, the Champagne was chilled and ready to be served.

above: the private dining room table was beautifully decorated, and the champagne kept flowing.
Great Service on the Ship
above: We are very fortunate to have some of the finest wait staff in the dining Great food on board the Pacific Princess
above left: a declious Veal Chop, which was the finest veal I've ever enjoyed. above right: baked lasagne
above left: The table setting at Sabatini's, one of the restaurants on board the Pacific Princess is so lovely. above right: Grilled Chicken with mushrooms
above left: Fresh made pizzas, above right: Minnestrone soup

above left: Shrimp, Scallops, Alaskan King Crab, and Lobster. above right: Grilled vegetables
above left: "Opera Cake" and above right: Chocolate Souffle
above left: a duo of Belgian Dark Chocolate and French Vanilla mousse. above right: Italian Canoli
A Mediterranean Sunset

above: the lovely sunset last night from our stateroom balcony. I just love being on the ocean.
Thanks for stopping by. On Tuesday we will be in Corfu, Greece. Hope to see you here aqain!
-Signore Ricardo Rockhill

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

::Drooling over the veal chop::

Lola Starr said...

Okay. I'm hungry now. That food looks amazing!!!!

kenju said...

WOW! is all I can say. That's the trip of a lifetime!

A Lewis said...

I apologize for not being around lately...but I have been following along on your journey. My father in law passed away last week so things have been crazy. I remember being on a Holland America cruise and doing their "On Deck for the Cure" walk for cancer. Cruises are so much fun!

Anonymous said...

If the ship sinks, can I have Sheldon?

Olivia said...

Awww, the desserts on the musical staffs is just precious!

And a breakfast like that is one you may remember forever.

Naomi said...

Looks like a wonderful wedding Rick. The catering was excellent. I love the delicate and exquisite musical staffs designs on the deserts. The rose petals on the tables are lovely too. What a great idea getting married on board ship!

Desert Songbird said...

I'm still catching up on your cruise posts. I think I gained a few pounds looking at the photos.

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