South American Adventure - Days 11, 12, and 13
Day 11 - Tuesday, March 09, 2010: “Eat, Drink, and be Merry”
The first of three at-sea days began with a late-ish breakfast. It was cool enough that we ate indoors, rather than out in the pool area. There were overcast skies, and the temps were in the low 50s. Seas were fairly calm (I had predicted that we’d have beastly weather down at the bottom of South America, but I was wrong).
We actually had breakfast so late that we left it and walked down to the Amalfi Dining Room for our second wine tasting of this cruise. This event was billed as the Maitre d’ Wine Club event, and with its higher cost per person ($25), was a much more intimate affair. There were about forty people who attended, and we were seated with two delightful retired couples from Minneapolis.
The tables were set with candles (the first we’ve seen aboard) and a selection of canapés that included caviar, salmon mousse, prosciutto, as well as Gouda and other cheeses. An introduction to the event was provided by the Maitre d’hôtel, Giuseppe (Beppe) Catsino. Other staff members spoke about different types of wines. One of the sommeliers on the ship looks like he’s about 16, yet when he speaks, shows an excellent knowledge of the topic of wines and wine making. He’s actually 21!….a very boyish 21.
Six wine glasses of differing sizes and capacities were in place at each setting, and as each glass was filled, we heard the story of the growers, the vineyards, and the process that was used to make this type of wine. We started with Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne from France. Apparently, the French wine makers have to save 20% of their best champagne grapes every year in case the next year’s harvest is poor. If they aren’t needed, that is the next year’s harvest is good, then that original 20% may used for vintages.
Next up was an old favorite from our last cruise - Cuvaison, a chardonnay from Napa Valley. Its buttery texture and smooth finish are why it remains a favorite of ours.
The third wine, and last of the whites was Chassagne-Montrachet from the Côte-de- Beaune region of France. Another wine made primarily from Chardonnay grapes. After the Cuvaison, it tasted lighter and had a bit more bite.
Another Napa Valley favorite was featured next, Silverado. We learned that the winery had actually been started by one of Walt Disney’s daughters who owned some land up in Napa and wanted to try out the wine making business. It’s a nice cabernet that is drinkable now, but would be better if set aside for a few years (Allan’s impression).
There was a nice Italian red, Luce Della Vita, although it didn’t make much of an impression on us. However, the best was saved for last: Opus I, a stunning cabernet sauvignon from the combined efforts of Robert Mondovi and Baron de Rothschild. We really enjoyed it, and savored the finish as we left the event after about ninety minutes. (The Opus 1 was easily the best wine I’ve ever drunk. The only thing I’ve had that came remotely close to it was another cabernet from Heitz Cellars – Martha’s Vineyard 2001 – Allan).
We had lunch in the dining room with Tom and Bruce: most of us had tuna melts with the crusts cut off. There must be some American mother in that kitchen! (they were not very good - Allan).
Even though it was cool out, there was some dim sunshine to enjoy. I went to the gym and did my workout, then Allan met me at the spa and we enjoyed a relaxing time on the stone benches in the Thermal Suite of the Lotus Spa. We spoke to a nice couple from Minnesota (again?) who had been on the bus with us to Valparaiso. Remember Valparaiso????
We were so relaxed that we returned to visit our pal Alfredo at the Wine Bar, and chatted with him about this and that. Yes, we drank even more wine. And then we went back to our cabin to nap. I napped and Allan did a load of laundry. Apparently the laundry room (there are several aboard the Star Princess) was empty, which is rare on these longer cruises. Allan got the laundry done and brought back to the room just prior to our dinner time. But not before Allan took shots of one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve seen anywhere.
Insert photo of sunset here
I was happy to see Laurentiu back as our waiter – I missed his recommendations for what was good and what wasn’t the previous two nights. Dinner was good, but Allan had what he considered the best dessert of the entire trip: a banana parfait with caramel sauce. It wasn’t like a normal parfait, but like a semi-frozen banana mousse with bits of almond in it, that had been cut into slices. My ice cream was nowhere near as memorable.
After dinner, we stopped at the Explorers Lounge where they were having Country and Western Night. Tom, Bruce, and Daniel were well oiled, and Daniel proved that men from Quebec can certainly do the Tush Push! Allan went back to the cabin, and I stayed behind, enjoying the line dancing, and then after the band had left (as well as ¾ of the patrons), had a delightful two-step with Daniel alone on the dance floor. I heard some nice compliments from people who watched us, and Daniel continued to prove that he could move as well as any cowboy on the range. We went outside to get some fresh air before heading off to bed. It was surprisingly foggy, and the rest of the night, the ship’s whistle bellowed every two minutes (maritime law, apparently).
Day 12 - Wednesday, March 10, 2010: “In the Soup”
After yesterday’s endless detail and activity, today was comparatively dull. And that paired beautifully with the foggy, at times rainy, weather that we endured all day. No stunning sunsets this time. Oh no. Just fog, occasionally choppy seas, and the ship’s whistle blowing every two minutes.
We got up early (8AM) just so we could eat breakfast in the dining room (they only serve between 7AM and 9AM, even on days at sea. Very odd.) The service was oddly paced, and the experience only slightly more positive that eating from the buffet. It’s doubtful we’ll do it again.
I was so tired (and hung over) from last night that I went back to bed while Allan backed up photos on the computer. He also brought along a backup drive, so our photos are now in at least two or three places…I lose track. And sometimes Allan does, too.
I had the Fitness room (not the gymnasium) to myself as I did my weekly Yoga. It was challenging being in some of those positions (one foot on the mat, the other behind me in mid-air, with my arms every which way) while the ship was pitching up and down. And like every workout on this ship, I seem to be working harder than a month ago. I think those desserts are catching up with me.
While I was working out, Allan went to see “Up in the Air” in the Princess Theater. He left 2/3 of the way through the movie, as he couldn’t sit through the painful layoffs that happen at the location in Detroit. (We loved the movie when we saw it last year, but the subject of people getting laid off was pretty painful to witness for me. Many of us have been there several times, and it’s always miserable).
I watched a tango demonstration in the Piazza, and the rhythmic movements of the dancers and the oh-so-romantico music were a delight. Between the dancers and the Tango band from Buenos Aires, we’re getting some good examples of local Argentine culture while at sea.
Tonight was the second formal evening, and we had been invited to Scott and Marilyn’s suite for canapés and wine prior to having dinner together. They got upgraded to the Dominica Suite, which was very nice, featuring a Jacuzzi tub, walk-in closet, and a double-width balcony with actual teak furniture. Allan’s Captain’s Club pin showed up (he’s now Gold, since it’s his second cruise), and Marilyn pinned the pin on his tux. She will get her Elite level card after this trip – that’s a LOT of days at sea, boys and girls (over 150, to be exact). It was all very sweet.
Dinner in the Portofino dining room felt more lively…probably since we were sharing a table and there were more people dining than we’ve had in the Amalfi dining room. Of course, the company made it even better.
Early to bed tonight, and yes, it’s still foggy, and yes, that horn is still bellowing every two minutes.
Day 13 – The Trough…
Today we discovered a new description for the buffet – the trough. It’s so true really, and that’s about all we did today – eat, drink, sleep. It was still foggy/cloudy all day and we were really looking forward to “getting on with it” and landing in our next port-of-call: Montevideo, Uruguay.
We did have dinner with the boys again and it was quite pleasant as usual.
The first of three at-sea days began with a late-ish breakfast. It was cool enough that we ate indoors, rather than out in the pool area. There were overcast skies, and the temps were in the low 50s. Seas were fairly calm (I had predicted that we’d have beastly weather down at the bottom of South America, but I was wrong).
We actually had breakfast so late that we left it and walked down to the Amalfi Dining Room for our second wine tasting of this cruise. This event was billed as the Maitre d’ Wine Club event, and with its higher cost per person ($25), was a much more intimate affair. There were about forty people who attended, and we were seated with two delightful retired couples from Minneapolis.
The tables were set with candles (the first we’ve seen aboard) and a selection of canapés that included caviar, salmon mousse, prosciutto, as well as Gouda and other cheeses. An introduction to the event was provided by the Maitre d’hôtel, Giuseppe (Beppe) Catsino. Other staff members spoke about different types of wines. One of the sommeliers on the ship looks like he’s about 16, yet when he speaks, shows an excellent knowledge of the topic of wines and wine making. He’s actually 21!….a very boyish 21.
Six wine glasses of differing sizes and capacities were in place at each setting, and as each glass was filled, we heard the story of the growers, the vineyards, and the process that was used to make this type of wine. We started with Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne from France. Apparently, the French wine makers have to save 20% of their best champagne grapes every year in case the next year’s harvest is poor. If they aren’t needed, that is the next year’s harvest is good, then that original 20% may used for vintages.
Next up was an old favorite from our last cruise - Cuvaison, a chardonnay from Napa Valley. Its buttery texture and smooth finish are why it remains a favorite of ours.
The third wine, and last of the whites was Chassagne-Montrachet from the Côte-de- Beaune region of France. Another wine made primarily from Chardonnay grapes. After the Cuvaison, it tasted lighter and had a bit more bite.
Another Napa Valley favorite was featured next, Silverado. We learned that the winery had actually been started by one of Walt Disney’s daughters who owned some land up in Napa and wanted to try out the wine making business. It’s a nice cabernet that is drinkable now, but would be better if set aside for a few years (Allan’s impression).
There was a nice Italian red, Luce Della Vita, although it didn’t make much of an impression on us. However, the best was saved for last: Opus I, a stunning cabernet sauvignon from the combined efforts of Robert Mondovi and Baron de Rothschild. We really enjoyed it, and savored the finish as we left the event after about ninety minutes. (The Opus 1 was easily the best wine I’ve ever drunk. The only thing I’ve had that came remotely close to it was another cabernet from Heitz Cellars – Martha’s Vineyard 2001 – Allan).
We had lunch in the dining room with Tom and Bruce: most of us had tuna melts with the crusts cut off. There must be some American mother in that kitchen! (they were not very good - Allan).
Even though it was cool out, there was some dim sunshine to enjoy. I went to the gym and did my workout, then Allan met me at the spa and we enjoyed a relaxing time on the stone benches in the Thermal Suite of the Lotus Spa. We spoke to a nice couple from Minnesota (again?) who had been on the bus with us to Valparaiso. Remember Valparaiso????
We were so relaxed that we returned to visit our pal Alfredo at the Wine Bar, and chatted with him about this and that. Yes, we drank even more wine. And then we went back to our cabin to nap. I napped and Allan did a load of laundry. Apparently the laundry room (there are several aboard the Star Princess) was empty, which is rare on these longer cruises. Allan got the laundry done and brought back to the room just prior to our dinner time. But not before Allan took shots of one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve seen anywhere.
Insert photo of sunset here
I was happy to see Laurentiu back as our waiter – I missed his recommendations for what was good and what wasn’t the previous two nights. Dinner was good, but Allan had what he considered the best dessert of the entire trip: a banana parfait with caramel sauce. It wasn’t like a normal parfait, but like a semi-frozen banana mousse with bits of almond in it, that had been cut into slices. My ice cream was nowhere near as memorable.
After dinner, we stopped at the Explorers Lounge where they were having Country and Western Night. Tom, Bruce, and Daniel were well oiled, and Daniel proved that men from Quebec can certainly do the Tush Push! Allan went back to the cabin, and I stayed behind, enjoying the line dancing, and then after the band had left (as well as ¾ of the patrons), had a delightful two-step with Daniel alone on the dance floor. I heard some nice compliments from people who watched us, and Daniel continued to prove that he could move as well as any cowboy on the range. We went outside to get some fresh air before heading off to bed. It was surprisingly foggy, and the rest of the night, the ship’s whistle bellowed every two minutes (maritime law, apparently).
Day 12 - Wednesday, March 10, 2010: “In the Soup”
After yesterday’s endless detail and activity, today was comparatively dull. And that paired beautifully with the foggy, at times rainy, weather that we endured all day. No stunning sunsets this time. Oh no. Just fog, occasionally choppy seas, and the ship’s whistle blowing every two minutes.
We got up early (8AM) just so we could eat breakfast in the dining room (they only serve between 7AM and 9AM, even on days at sea. Very odd.) The service was oddly paced, and the experience only slightly more positive that eating from the buffet. It’s doubtful we’ll do it again.
I was so tired (and hung over) from last night that I went back to bed while Allan backed up photos on the computer. He also brought along a backup drive, so our photos are now in at least two or three places…I lose track. And sometimes Allan does, too.
I had the Fitness room (not the gymnasium) to myself as I did my weekly Yoga. It was challenging being in some of those positions (one foot on the mat, the other behind me in mid-air, with my arms every which way) while the ship was pitching up and down. And like every workout on this ship, I seem to be working harder than a month ago. I think those desserts are catching up with me.
While I was working out, Allan went to see “Up in the Air” in the Princess Theater. He left 2/3 of the way through the movie, as he couldn’t sit through the painful layoffs that happen at the location in Detroit. (We loved the movie when we saw it last year, but the subject of people getting laid off was pretty painful to witness for me. Many of us have been there several times, and it’s always miserable).
I watched a tango demonstration in the Piazza, and the rhythmic movements of the dancers and the oh-so-romantico music were a delight. Between the dancers and the Tango band from Buenos Aires, we’re getting some good examples of local Argentine culture while at sea.
Tonight was the second formal evening, and we had been invited to Scott and Marilyn’s suite for canapés and wine prior to having dinner together. They got upgraded to the Dominica Suite, which was very nice, featuring a Jacuzzi tub, walk-in closet, and a double-width balcony with actual teak furniture. Allan’s Captain’s Club pin showed up (he’s now Gold, since it’s his second cruise), and Marilyn pinned the pin on his tux. She will get her Elite level card after this trip – that’s a LOT of days at sea, boys and girls (over 150, to be exact). It was all very sweet.
Dinner in the Portofino dining room felt more lively…probably since we were sharing a table and there were more people dining than we’ve had in the Amalfi dining room. Of course, the company made it even better.
Early to bed tonight, and yes, it’s still foggy, and yes, that horn is still bellowing every two minutes.
Day 13 – The Trough…
Today we discovered a new description for the buffet – the trough. It’s so true really, and that’s about all we did today – eat, drink, sleep. It was still foggy/cloudy all day and we were really looking forward to “getting on with it” and landing in our next port-of-call: Montevideo, Uruguay.
We did have dinner with the boys again and it was quite pleasant as usual.
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