Anniversary DCL Trip – Day 3

Cruise day #2 was our Nassau port day. We awoke to clouds in the not too far distance and haze, the weather seemed questionable at best. Fortunately, our plan was to stay on the ship and enjoy a semi-empty boat.

We started the day with a buffet breakfast at Cabana’s that earned me a scolding from DW. She took issue with my ample portion of bacon with a side of hash. I didn’t see the problem :p We watched Nassau come closer and closer, but missed docking. It was time for our ticketed Frozen meet and greet. We were the only kidless adults there and it seemed a bit strange, but A & E were very fun and cordial. Elsa asked us the secret of a long marriage and then teased Anna about coaching Kristoff should he make the leap.

From the Frozen M&G we made our way to our stateroom and changed for a trip to the spa. We purchased a cruise-long pass for the Rainforest Spa, but unfortunately this was the only time we were able to enjoy it. The experience was very relaxing and highly enjoyable. In the spa, you begin by experiencing one of three shower stalls that have three types of “rain” to choose from. We tried them all. Then, you can either head to the dry sauna or the steam room to open your pores. Our choice was the steam, and we only lasted a few minutes before moving on. Next was the scrub room. This room has heated stone benches, with sinks, where you can use the sea salt scrubs you are provided. We chose the tangerine scrub, which I enjoyed, but irritated my wife’s skin. A quick shower in one of the rain stalls to rinse and we moved onto the hot tubs with a view of, well, the boat next to us :p … I’m sure at sea the view must have been awesome from there though. Lastly we lounged in the heated tile loungers. This was my favorite part. It felt like I was being pulled into the chair by invisible hands. I was soooo relaxed.

Spa time complete, we decided to wake up with a ride on the Aquaduck. The wait was a modest 20 minutes. The ride was very fun, though not as long or ‘thrilling’ as anticipated. Another experience we only were able to do once, but wish we had done more. We sat for a couple minutes in the adult pool, before retuning to the stateroom to change back for more activities.

We enjoyed a buffet lunch before our afternoon activities. I polished off a half plate of crab claws. Steak, fish, fried shrimp. All of the food was awesome. For dessert, Key Lime Icebox Cheesecake, White & Milk Chocolate Layer Mousse Cake, and a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie… So so stuffed.

Up in the D Lounge we took another animation class where we learned how to draw Mickey. Turned out our CM there worked in our state for 6 years as an actor, and we talked for a bit after class. Next was one of the ship tours. We met in the Meridian lounge and toured some of the restaurants, lounges, and common areas, learing about the styling inspiration and hidden imagery. Our tour guide was the same CM who conducted the animation class, and it seemed the guy was everywhere! He was fantastic, and this was his last cruise on the Dream, as he is moving on to the Alaska cruises.

There was still time to kill before having to dress for the show and dinner, so we tried one of the Midship Detective Agency games… So, yes, they are for kids… But, it was really cute and fun, and was good research for when we bring our little ones . It was a tad frustrating that the only way to find out if we were correct was to ask at Guest Services (which we did not do).

There was no official ‘formal night’ on our cruise, however this night was an optional formal/semi formal. With reservations for Palo, we were dressing up anyway. We fancied up, and made our way to the theater for Villains Tonight. We really, really enjoyed this show. If you sail the Dream, make that a ‘must do’. With a bit of spare time post-show, DW and I made our way to the pool deck and took some sunset photos, looking spiffy. The sunset was awesome, and I’m happy to have a new photo for my caller-ID when the Mrs. calls

After a brief wait, we were seated for dinner at Palo. The experience was magical to say the least. Bring your appetite, you will not leave hungry. We were started with bread service, and a bottle of wine we ordered. Then our server came by with a rolling service cart similar to what you find at BOG. This was the antipasto. Salty, delicate prosciutto and sweet capicolo. Artichoke hearts, pickled peppers, and olives. Dry, sharp, provolone. Finished with a choice of 5 infused oils and balsamic reduction. Next was out appetizer. We both chose the potato gnocci in tomato broth. Amazing, could make a meal of that alone! Now with all of those flavors, one cannot enjoy their entree, right? Of course not! So, out comes the lemon sorbet with a blueberry, to cleanse our palate . But wait, there’s more! Now the entrees. DW ordered butternut squash ravioli. I ordered the Papardelle con Aragosta (pasta & lobster), and we split an order of sea scallops. For dessert: my choice was the Panna Cotta, while she opted for chocolate souffle. Our server then surprised us with a chocolate-written happy anniversary wish, on plates arranged into a Mickey (Yay! ). Lastly, an after-dinner drink. I honestly do not remember the exact ingredients, but think it was apple brandy mixed with lemon sorbet served in a sugar-rimmed frozen shot glass. The meal was excellent, and I am picky about my Italian food. So worth the nominal upcharge and dressing up.

Trying to continue the adult activities and take advantage of being sans little ones, we headed to the lounges to take in some live music. The band was very good, but the long day and copious amounts of food got the best of me, and we called it a night about 11:30.