Off to Dizzy Gillespie’s on the 14th deck at 11 a.m. for the Platinum (those who have cruised + + times before) brunch whi
ch was made possible for us as Mario’s guests. This was an unbelievable spread of every kind of food from smoked salmon, salads, breads etc. followed by chocolate dipped strawberries, éclairs - you name it. There was even an ice sculpture (of the Royal Caribbean logo) created by the artist they carry with them. The drink choices were bloody mary’s, screwdrivers, champagne or mimosas. A jazz band played to set the mood as we looked out over the pool deck and sparkling blue water as we made our way up into the Atlantic. The Hotel Director spoke of the staff, their countries of origin, the move of the Rhapsody of the Seas to China and Chinese staff on board for training etc.Then down to Portofino’s for a Savor luncheon, again a perk of the Platinum and Diamond guests. I told Mario I felt like I was on an Embassy tour with all the perks. The Savor luncheon was a specialty meal prepared by the Executive Chefs (following a galley tour we had opted out of in order to brunch) and complete with white, then red wine (Australian called Alice White which we were led in a tasting of by the wine steward) and champagne. I was seated next to the Executive Chef (originally from Germany) who explained the galley etc. The meal was excellent, the service impeccable, the setting elegant and the staff knowledgeable and we were stuffed! We each received a keepsake Royal Caribbean recipe book which the chef autographed. When we had to make excuses and leave before dessert (for a surprise) it was not difficult.
The surprise (for which I am entitled to lunch at Charlotte Lane courtesy of my travel mate, when it opens, as I won the bet) was a tour of the bridge. Since 911 there has been enhanced security equal to the flight deck of an airplane so this was a special honor reserved for only a few. Although my partner and I decided we had seen plenty of wheelhouses we had never seen the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise. I took lots of notes and photos for the boys. The Captain told us that they’d done 27 knots on the way to New Jersey repositioning and all the crew ‘walked on the walls’ as they made the turns. Apparently they can stop in one ship’s length (even quicker if he turns a circle). The Captain was interested in the commercial fishery in the Maritimes as the ship is heading up here for the summer months and was comparing it to Norway.
Just a few final minutes to catch the last of the sun on the pool deck . You can sure feel the difference in the air as we are into the Atlantic now and making 20 knots. A quick shower, packing, paperwork and then off for a glass of champagne in the VIP lounge. I head down to the dining room to say our farewells to the great staff and our fellow guests. The couples from the Bronx are concerned about a major storm heading up the coast on Sunday - more on that later.
Up to the stateroom to drag suitcases out into the hall (have to remember to leave out clothes to wear in the morning. Mario tells us of a man who woke up in the morning with all his things gone in the luggage who had to wear only a towel through Customs and said “I have nothing to declare”. Off to say goodbye to Mario and thank him for all the special perks this week as we made good use of the gentleman hosts perks. He’s off for the next week on the Freedom of the Seas. Hard to believe that back to back cruising would not be a good thing. Need to get some shut eye as we head out early in the a.m.
