Monday, Jan 1

Monday, Jan 1... We started off our day (after sleeping in, of course,) with a trip to the buffet for a light lunch before our spa treatment. They were having a Mexican buffet out on the deck, so that was tasty, and we had a great table by the water.

Next, we went to the Lotus Spa and did our spa treatment - the rasul. The lady that checked us in and got us started was really nice. After she went through everything, she told us we had an hour so “go ahead, relax and enjoy your selves until a quarter till…” (which gave us like an hour and 15 minutes.) She also said that when we were done, we just needed to stop by the reception on the way out to let her know we were done. No big deal, I know, but usually they tell us that they’ll knock after about an hour, and I always get nervous towards the end waiting for the knock. Stupid, I know but still….

What we didn’t like was the actual rasul room on this ship. Actually, the only real complaint is that the shower was too small - not big enough for the two of us, which sort of defeats the purpose of pampering each other, at least for the initial part…

What we did like was that the steps were clearly listed on a paper for us, and the main room didn’t get super hot, even when you let the steam out of the steam room. At the end, we felt relaxed, pampered, and wonderful.

Feeling like that, we just wanted to go and let the relaxing vibe last, so we headed back up to our deck high above the pool and read for a while. We ordered virgin strawberry daiquiris, which I forgot to mention yesterday totally rock on this ship. First of all, they are huge, like at least twice as big as the small ones you get at the shows on Carnival or RC, and significantly bigger then any I’ve gotten on other ships, even out on the pool. Second of all, the rim the glass in sugar. Yum! Plus they’re only $3.50 - which is an excellent price for the size as compared to other ships I’ve been on.

We had dinner at the Santa Fe Dining room, probably my favorite of the three we’ve been to. Our waiter, Kristoff, was from South Africa and really good. We lucked out and got a window seat again (its nice to eat at 5:30 when the restaurant first opens…) and we set next to a really nice couple that was celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this cruise. They were very nice people and we enjoyed talking to them.

After dinner, we went to the photo gallery - but I was pissed to find out that they charge $25 - for a 5 x 7 if it is a formal night picture. Ok. $20 for an 8 x 10 is ridiculous - No way I’m paying more - and I’ll let them know on the comment card! None of the pictures were very good anyway.

We strolled around the ship before going to the 8:30 comedy show with Kevin Jordan. He was very funny - Grant had seen him before - but don’t sit up front… he brings a flashlight and loves to pick on people. Also, don’t get up to go to the bathroom during the show. TRUST ME!

We capped off the night with a swim in the pool and a soak in the Jacuzzi before heading to the buffet for our 3rd meal of the day… (Taco Bell is right - there should be a name for the “4th meal,” especially for those of us who skip breakfast!)

Tomorrow we will be in Puerto Vallarta!