As mentioned before, this is a new cruise line for us which also means a new ship layout as well. Some differences have been revealed before but others have yet to be fully appreciated. For instance…the Martini Bar.
There are quite a few seats in the immediate area, the big comfy kind you find often in a traditional lounge. But, let’s face it, the real treasure spots are right around the bar proper. After all that’s where the magic happens. The bartenders are well versed in dexterity and mixology with flashes of showmanship that burst out into the open from time to time.
The drinks themselves are noteworthy and, purely in the best interests of our dear readers, we thought it best to research in-depth. Two of the more ‘formal’ martini’s were up first – the Fresca Martini (Grey Goose vodka, watermelon juice, mint, lime juice and simple syrup – note lack of Fresca proper) and the Tropitini (Grey Goose vodka, Bacardi Limon flavored rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice). We actually managed to make them last for more than just a few minutes. Not because we didn’t like them, but rather we thought prudence might be warranted.
The second two were of the ‘dessert’ variety. Please help me give a Warm Welcome to – the Banana Split Martini (Bacardi 8 rum, muddled strawberries, banana schnapps, whipped cream) and the Black Forest Martini (Grey Goose Cherry Noir flavored vodka, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, maraschino cherry juice, chocolate syrup, whipped cream).
In the interests of safety, courtesy and decorum, these should not be served. It is because of drinks like these that this bar becomes Party Central regardless of age, gender or I.Q. The area opens promptly at 4:00 P.M. and before that every seat around the bar is taken. Most of the time there are also others standing with drink in hand, hoping for a seat before the floor becomes the de facto choice. You may THINK you don’t really like martini’s – I’d be willing to bet that You would be willing to change your opinion. 🙂 Just be wary.
Dinner tonight at Blu, the restaurant solely for Aqua Class guests. The premise is a little more heart-healthy but the offsetting argument is always how heart healthy is anything when it is offered in an as-much-as-you-can-eat fashion? Certainly individual portions are somewhat smaller. However, with starters, salads, soups, mains and dessert, each having 5-8 different selections, eating becomes a challenge. Couple that with the fact you can have as many of each as you wish…well, you begin to see the problem.
Doing the suggested 10,000 steps per day while on a cruise is really no longer just a suggestion.
Unless you are adamant about getting a totally new wardrobe after you get home. 😉