Sea Day #4 - Indian Ocean
March 19, 2025
We woke up to sunshine and much calmer seas. We’re getting a routine going on these sea days. Since I’m not a morning person and Tod is raring to go at about 6 AM, he kindly runs up to the Buffet (called the Lido) which is right above us, first thing. He takes our large thermal mugs and gets himself some coffee (which he reports is very good) and me a big portion of orange juice, leaves it at my bedside while I snooze, and heads to the Crow’s Nest to listen to his book. Then, about an hour later when I am fully awake, he comes back down, grabs a tray and runs up again to the Lido to get us a couple bowls of oatmeal, brown sugar and almonds. There is so much food available that we have learned we must pace ourselves, or our clothes won’t fit by the time we’re done!
Since cruise buffets don’t provide trays, yet you can take food anywhere on the ship, I wanted to find a solution to sitting amongst a bunch of yakky people first thing in the morning. Before we left, I got a tip on a YouTube video to get a couple of cheap, small cafeteria type trays (on Amazon) along with a package of disposable shower hats and bring them on a cruise. Then you can run up to the Lido with your tray, take what you want and cover the plates with the shower caps, so people don’t cough on your meal as you return to your room. Yes, we could use room service but for breakfast that would mean having to put the order in the night before. Since we’re not sure when we’ll be up, it’s just much easier this way.
Regarding the food on the ship, I would say it was fine. There are hits and misses so it averages out to fine. There is plenty of variety and tons of fresh fruit and veg which is important to us. They make all their bread and pastries which are delicious and so fresh. It must be a challenge to please such a diverse group of palates. Lunch is usually a Cobb salad on our balcony and dinner is where we spend most of our calories. We have a set mealtime at 7:30PM in the dining room at a table for two by the windows. Four courses are the norm, but of course everything is small portions ;).
The promenade deck was back open, and we spent a very pleasant day, me knitting with headphones and music and Tod with his book or computer games. It’s so relaxing!
Tonight was “Orange Night”, a celebration of being Dutch with special drinks and Dutch snacks after dinner. They encourage you to wear something orange and to party hearty. I’m sure it was lots of fun, but not our type of scene. We came back to our room to find out we would gain another hour of sleep. These 25-hour days are awesome!
Tod at our usual spot on the promenade deck
Our location
