We start the last week of our three-week Caribbean Escape with coffee on the balcony. The forecast for today was for rain off and on. We have been here at least once before so a quiet day on ship was in our forecast.
Except for a Lido lunch, our day was spent on the balcony enjoying our books and watching the passengers hustle to and from the port during the breaks in the showers. Even it was raining, we were fortunate that it never blew in on us.
Our evening plans consisted of an early dinner with our friends from Ohio in the main dining room. We got there when the dining room opened, and I think the service was the fastest we’ve ever experienced. We were enjoying the conversation so much that I failed to get photos of the meal. I had the eggplant pasta dish. Chuck had the beef goulash.
The four of us then made our way to the World Stage to see the saxophonist Akos Laki and his show “Happy Latin Vibes.” Chuck and I have seen him before on another ship and really enjoyed that performance. He was just as excellent tonight.
After this show was over, we went to the Rolling Stone Lounge for one set of the Band. We finished up the evening in the Casino.
Even though our delivered daily program said Kimberly would be talking about what to do in Guadeloupe, another letter from the Captain about its political unrest meant that she would be discussing what to do in Roseau, Dominica instead. I had planned to attend the information on Guadeloupe as it was a new port for us. Oh well, maybe we’ll be back some day.
Today was another ship day for us. Chuck had a late night at the Casino, so he slept in. I spent the morning drinking coffee, reading on the balcony, and going to the gym.
Once I was back from the gym, he was ready to go to the pool. We enjoyed the passenger-free pool and a leisurely lunch at the Dive In.
Later that afternoon, we tried our luck at another trivia with the Canadian couple. The topic was History, another of Chuck’s favorites. Again, we lost by two points. We talked with the couple for a while after the game was over. It was soon time to get ready for the evening.
We had drinks with our friends from Las Vegas and then played in the Casino until it was time for our Pinnacle Grill dinner.
We had our usual appetizers – shrimp, crab cakes, and candied bacon. For our main items, I chose the lobster-stuffed pasta from the new menu and Chuck chose the short ribs from the regular menu. We skipped the dessert.
We went to the HAL Singers and Dancers show “Class Act.” It was probably the best show of theirs that we’ve seen in a long while.
We then went to two sets of the Rolling Stone Lounge Band and called it a night.
Last night our stewards delivered this letter from the Captain advising us that the port of Martinique would be cancelled due to ongoing political unrest. Over the years, we’ve had several ports cancelled – usually because of inclement weather making it too difficult to dock. However, political issues have also kept us away.
Sometimes, the cruise line can find another port to substitute. Sometimes we just get an extra sea day. HAL is substituting Castries, St. Lucia which is a very nice island.
I always feel bad for people who take a cruise just to see one or two particular ports and then have them cancelled. They are very disappointed and feel cheated. I would recommend that if there’s a place you really want to see, you book a vacation direct to that destination. Cruising ports are never 100% guaranteed.
We had booked a HAL excursion to the botanical gardens. The cost of the excursion will be credited back to our account. If people had booked an excursion through a private organization, they will be responsible for contacting the vendor to let them know we would not be docking. Reputable vendors will refund the passenger’s money, but you have to read the fine print in their contract.
We have been to Barbados before, so we were having another day on the ship. It was already decorated for Halloween when I got up this morning to go get coffee.
The ship had a pumpkin carving contest among ship departments and the guests were encouraged to vote on their favorite. The guests were also encouraged to enter a door decorating contest and the costume contest. Chuck and I did not bring our costumes this year.
We both went to the gym and walked a mile around the Promenade. We went to the pool until it got cloudy and soon started to rain. That was our cue to go to the Lido for lunch.
We tried trivia for the first time this cruise. The topic was Geography which Chuck is knowledgeable. We were going to be a team of two but joined a Canadian couple with whom we’ve shared a table in the main dining room. We only missed two questions but there was a team of six (the max) who had a perfect score.
It was still raining so it was a perfect time for a nap until the evening activities.
The bars were decked out and featured spooky drinks.
In the spirit of the festivities, I tried the Green Monster. It was drinkable but I switched back to my go-to vodka/soda.
Eyeball created by cherry inserted into lychee fruit
We ate dinner in the Lido again tonight. They even labeled some of their food with Halloween names. One of my choices was the mummy (normally called a pig in a blanket). I also chose the stuffed bell pepper and some sweet and sour shrimp. Chuck also had the shrimp and some roast beef.
After dinner, we went to see the comedian Jim Short. His show was called “My Generation.” We enjoyed it. I would call it PG.
Next, we went to the Rolling Stone Lounge. Kimberly, the Cruise and Travel Director, led the Costume Parade through the Lounge. The Captain even got into it by dressing up as Elvis. He, Kimberly, and one other officer were the judges. After seeing all the contestants, I was sorry we hadn’t brought our costumes. We would have had a good chance of winning.
Kimberly also announced the winners of the pumpkin carving contest and the door decorating contest. Soon after the announcements were over, all the people who had signed up for the Bar Hop arrived and a very long conga line started. The Band kept on singing, the crew kept the drinks flowing, and the dance floor was packed with happy passengers.
We slipped out and took advantage of an almost empty casino to have our pick of machines.
Because we had an early excursion, we started our day with a room service breakfast. It was soon time to gather our snorkel gear and head out to meet our tour operator. This was our first time in Grenada.
One thing I have noticed on this trip is that there have not been any shuttles, pedal carts, or golf carts to help people get from the ship to the port area. And some of these piers have been very long. With the heat and humidity we’ve had, I know it has been a struggle for some.
We plodded down the pier until we came to the Shore Excursion representative in the port area. He told us to wait over in the shade and a tour operator would be with us “shortly.” We watched a woman in a jacket, skirt and high heels try to get a very large group of HAL passengers organized to go on an island tour.
I don’t think all the busses or vans had arrived. They were also having trouble with their scanning equipment to scan the tour tickets. Our ship was the first one for Grenada for this cruising season and the tour operators just didn’t seem to have their act together.
To add to the confusion, the Calypso Band in the plaza was playing with great enthusiasm but not a great amount of talent. Loud does not always equal good.
The lady in the high heels (how she was able to negotiate that rough pavement on 3-inch heels, I’ll never know) finally came over to our group and lead us to our catamaran. More plodding. We were 30 minutes later leaving than our schedule indicated.
Our HAL tour description: Isle of Spice Snorkeling – 2.75 hours
ABOUT THE EXCURSION: Travel along Grenada’s picturesque coastline aboard Star Wind 5 — a spacious, 60-foot catamaran sloop designed and built specifically for day charters in these waters.
Your day begins with a short walk to the boat, just steps away from the cruise terminal. Hop aboard for a journey that will showcase the picturesque island and all the beauty that Grenada has to offer, above and below the water’s surface.
From historic St George’s Harbor, you will sail north along Grenada’s west coast to Molinere Sculpture Park. Spend some time snorkeling in the breathtaking underwater world of the Caribbean.
Further south is one of Grenada’s beautiful white-sand beaches, where you’ll swim or simply relax and enjoy paradise. Eventually, Star Wind 5 will make its way back to the port in St George’s.
Notes: Minimum age is 8 years. Beverages are provided throughout, including rum punch, fruit punch and soft drinks. The boat has a shade awning that covers roughly two-thirds of the boat while at anchor. You must walk in ankle-deep water to (dis)embark the boat. Wear aqua shoes. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Swim at your own risk. Snorkel and mask are provided. Do not drink alcohol before snorkeling. Guests with a heart condition, epilepsy, diabetes or asthma are not allowed to participate in snorkeling. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed.
There was plenty of seating on the catamaran. We saw many of the same faces that were on our Aruba snorkel excursion. I had hoped that the Captain would unfurl the sails but instead he just used the motor to take us to the sculpture park.
I was looking forward to seeing the underwater sculptures. I thought they would all be near where we entered the water. However, a crew member had to come in the water with us and lead the group around to the various sculptures which were scattered about in a large area. I am not fond of that type of snorkeling. I like to be able to snorkel at my own pace as long as I know where the boundaries are.
The water was warm but not very clear and very deep so, at times, it was hard to make out the sculptures. I believe divers would have a better experience. And, since I managed to jump in the water without my camera, you will just have to go to the official website and view its photos. They are much better than the ones I would have taken anyway.
What I didn’t see much of was fish. I’m sure they were swimming around the sculptures, but the water was just too deep and hazy to make them out.
Once we were back on the boat, we motored back past the ship to a nice beach area. During the ride to the beach, they served local beer and rum punch (made me wince so one was plenty). We spent the time like we did in Aruba – bobbing and talking. Once our time was up, it was a short ride back to the port area and more plodding back to the ship.
It was an okay excursion. They tried hard. I would call it a tie. Our snorkeling excursions to date: 1 – 1 – 2.
We were able to have a late Lido lunch and then a nap until it was time to get ready for the evening.
We met up with the couple from Las Vegas for pre-dinner drinks and to hear about their day. They were part of that large group that went on the Island Tour. Said it was hot and very hilly.
We opted to eat in the Lido tonight and we both went to the Asian section for our dinner. We both had the ribs and the shrimp masala. I had the noodles while Chuck chose the fried rice.
We played in the Casino and then went to the World Stage to see the Magician/Mentalist Antwan Towner show called “Evening of Curiosities.” We thought he was very good and funny.
We finished the night with two sets of the Rolling Stone Band.
Tomorrow: Barbados
Travel Trivia: Grenada
Grenada is known as the “Island of Spice” because it produces nutmeg and mace crops, as well as some other spice.
Origin of name: it is probable that the name Grenada comes from the Spanish city of Granada, which means “pomegranate.”
The Grenada dove, which is a critically endangered species, is the national bird of Grenada.
Grenada boasts theoldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean – River Antoine Rum Distillery.
There is a lake in Grenada, Grand Etang, which is said to be a bottomless lake because nobody has been able to find its bottom with SONAR. The lake was formed over a dormant volcano.
After a breakfast in the Lido, we walked a mile around the Promenade. Then we spent the rest of the day in the pool or sunbathing only broken up by a late lunch in the Lido.
Our big event of the day was the Mariner Award Ceremony. People receive a medallion when they reach certain cruising milestones with Holland America. If you are a 5-star member, you get to attend these ceremonies even if you are not getting a medallion. We have attended several.
However, tonight we would not just be attending but would each be the recipient of a Silver Medallion. This Medallion signifies 300+ sailing days with Holland America. Yay!
We did think the time it was being held was kind of strange – 6:30 to 7:00 in the Crow’s Nest. Typically, the ceremony is held in the afternoon. However, the event planner has to work around the Captain’s schedule, so 6:30 it is.
Every person getting a medallion gets an official photo with the Captain and the Hotel Manager. We also took a photo with the Entertainment Director – Glenn and the Cruise and Travel Director – Kimberly.
The staff kept the wine glasses filled and the appetizers circulating. We had a very nice time chatting with a couple from the Netherlands. We’ll keep attending these ceremonies and eventually we’ll reach the Gold Medallion – 500+ sailing days.
Medallion display from a previous cruise
We wore our Medallions for the rest of the evening and were greeted and thanked by every crew member that we encountered. HAL does appreciate customer loyalty.
After the Ceremony was over, we went to the main dining room for dinner. I was surprised to find a menu that is typically only offered on dressy nights. I enjoyed the lamb chops and Chuck really enjoyed the filet mignon (he already took several bites before I could get a photo).
Tonight’s show on the World Stage was “All That!” performed by the HAL Singers and Dancers and we had seen it before. We opted to play in the Casino for a while and then call it an early night.
Another long port day today: All Aboard is 10:30 p.m.
Our room service breakfast was delivered at 7:15. We were ready to meet the tour operators for our snorkeling excursion at 9:00.
The HAL excursion description: Catamaran, Snorkel and Beach Getaway – 3.5 hours
ABOUT THE EXCURSION: View Aruba’s beautiful beaches and resort hotels while relaxing on the open decks of a sailing catamaran specially designed and built for day cruises.
The catamaran moors at the west point of the island, and ladders provide easy access to the water for 50 minutes of swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water teeming with tropical fish.
Continue to Pelican Marina and experience Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. Here on the white-sand beach, the crew serves unlimited drinks. Relax on a lounge chair or take a walk along the beach.
More adventurous guests may want to try one of the many watersport activities (at your own expense) or try your luck in one of the casinos within walking distance.
Sail back to the cruise terminal, enjoying tropical cocktails and entertaining Caribbean music.
Guests wishing to stay at the beach independently are welcome to do so but must make their own way back to the ship.
Notes: Snorkel equipment and instruction are provided. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Swim at your own risk. Guests who are pregnant or have a respiratory, heart, back or neck condition or epilepsy are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Participants must be able to enter and exit the vessel on their own and must be able to swim to snorkel.
The day was sunny and not very windy, so I had high hopes for a good experience today. There were several people on this snorkel and seating was tight on the catamaran until they got underway, unfurled the sails, and opened up the bow for people.
We sailed to almost the lighthouse where there was a calm bay. The water was much warmer than Bermuda, so I was fine in my neoprene shirt. We swam toward the rocky shore as the fish were more plentiful there. We were having so much fun that the 50 minutes passed quickly, and we were surprised when we heard the boat horn blow. It was a long swim back to the boat.
Everyone was back on board except one man’s wife. They kept scanning the water and then realized she was swimming away from another boat toward our boat. She wasn’t making much progress and had to signal for help.
A crew member jumped in with a life ring and swam toward her. With her life jacket and the ring, she was able to just float and kick while the crew member pulled her to our boat. She was embarrassed to say that when she heard the horn she swam to the wrong boat and didn’t realize it until she got on it. She just tired out trying to get to the right boat. I’m just glad she had on a life vest.
Our next destination was a beach area. The crew ramped up the music and started serving Aruba Aribas. They were very potent and tasted great.
The catamaran was able to get close to the beach, so we were able to climb down easily. They advised that we could go shopping in the surrounding stores but, unlike the tour description, told us we should not sign up for any of the other activities: jet skiing, parasailing, etc. as we would not have enough time (unless we intended to stay at the beach and take a taxi back to the ship).
We spent the time bobbing in the water and talking with others on the excursion as the crew kept bringing the drinks from the boat.
Sadly, it was soon time to head back to the ship. As we were sailing back, the Aruba Coast Guard pulled up alongside of us and boarded. That shut down the music and the good times. It appeared all they did was check the Captain’s paperwork. I guess everything was in order as they disembarked and pulled away. Music and good times started up again.
If you are in Aruba and interested in snorkeling or a catamaran sail, I would highly recommend Pelican Adventures. I hope HAL continues to contract with them.
We got back at 1:00 in time for a Lido lunch and a long nap.
Refreshed after the nap, we looked at the menu for the main dining room and decided we would rather have dinner in the Lido. They have many of the same menu items and you can wear shorts. Shorts are not allowed in the main dining room or the specialty restaurants at dinner time.
We stopped again at the Billboard on Board bar to chat with the couple from Las Vegas about their day. We were surprised when the Casino opened around 5:30. Typically, the ship casino can’t open when in port, especially if the port offers gambling too. We didn’t ask questions. We just enjoyed an almost empty casino with our choice of machines.
We finally wandered up to the Lido. I went to the salad bar and Chuck got some jerk chicken and vegetables. I failed to get any photos.
We then headed to the World Stage for the show. The performer was Jeff Taveggia and his show was called “Juggling and Other Bad Habits.” We both thought he was very good.
By the time the show was over, the Casino had opened their table games, so Chuck headed that way. The Rolling Stone Band had the night off. I headed to the room and sat on the balcony watching the lights of Aruba until I got sleepy.
We were up at 7:00 and were sitting on the balcony when we docked in Curacao this morning at 10:00 a.m. We have a very long day here as all aboard is not until 10:30 p.m.
We watched several staff members, including the hotel manager, and some of the entertainers disembarking with their luggage. The staff members will be taking some much-deserved time off. We will be embarking new entertainers and staff members later in the morning.
Unfortunately, we also saw an ambulance pull up at the gangway and a passenger was wheeled out on a gurney. We’ve seen this happen several times on past cruises. Always a sad situation. The ship’s medical facilities are very good, but they can’t take care of everything. Hoping for the best outcome for this passenger.
Once the passengers started disembarking en masse, Chuck and I made our way to the Lido for an early lunch. We had decided to stay on the ship as the heat and humidity were high with a good chance for rain and we have been here before. I decided to give the pizza another try. I did not think it was very good in August, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it much better today.
Also, this morning we realized that the air conditioner was not blowing out cool air anymore. Not good since we were now so far south in this trip. We reported it to our room stewards and kept the balcony shades drawn. I was glad that I had brought my small portable fan as Chuck used it when he wanted to take a nap.
I opted to cool off in the pool. By the time I got back to the room at 3:00, the air was again cool and the room temperature back to normal. Would have been an unpleasant night.
Because we were in port for such a long time, the Casino could not open. We went to the Billboard on Board bar and had pre-dinner drinks and good conversation with a very nice couple from Las Vegas. Chuck and I have both commented that the passengers on this cruise have been very friendly and polite with the exception of just one or two.
We had another Pinnacle Grill dinner tonight and I made our reservation for the dinner that the Casino gifted us. I chose the shrimp cocktail and the Chilean Sea Bass and Chuck chose the crab cakes and the Ribeye steak. We split the candied bacon and took the cheese plate we ordered for dessert back to the room. All of these choices were from the regular menu.
We waddled to the Rolling Stone Lounge to listen to the last two sets from the band. There was no performer on the World Stage tonight. They showed the movie: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire which I had already seen.
We are starting the second week of this three-week cruise with a (surprise!) cup of specialty coffee from the Pinnacle Bar. I’ve been there so often that the two baristas just say “Good morning! The usual for you and Mr. Chuck?” and I say “Yes, thank you.”
Once we finished coffee and time on the balcony, Chuck went to play in another poker tournament, and I went to the gym and then to the Promenade deck for a mile lap.
We met up at noon to go to the Caribbean brunch that was being held in the main dining room. I had the halibut sandwich and Chuck had the biscuits and chorizo sausage gravy with a fried egg. I thought the halibut sandwich was great. Chuck thought the biscuits and gravy were “meh.”
The rest of the afternoon went by quickly with pleasant conversations with our fellow passengers.
It was time to get ready for our next dressy night.
We decided to listen to the first set of the Third Avenue West combo band that plays in the Ocean Bar. They play three sets beginning at 5:30 each night. They typically play light jazz and will throw in a rumba or two for dancers who request it.
Selfie in the Ocean Bar
After the set ended, we went to the Casino. The Casino host came by and offered Chuck a free Pinnacle Grill dinner for two (he has to take me). We just have to make a reservation and let her know when it will be so the Casino can cover the cost. Nice gesture.
We shared a table in the main dining room with the couple from Ohio again. Chuck ordered the cracked peppercorn beef tenderloin with shrimp, and I ordered the yellow-fin sole.
We finished the evening with three sets of the Rolling Stone Lounge band.
We weren’t scheduled to arrive at Grand Turk until 11:00 a.m. so that gave us time to have coffee, go to the Lido for breakfast, and get the snorkel gear ready for our excursion. However, as we got closer, we could see a squall line that looked like it was right on top of the island.
The Captain slowed the ship and waited until the squall passed and we docked right next to the Carnival Celebration (one of the largest in their fleet). We have taken a cruise on the Celebration and decided that we didn’t use enough of its amenities to justify dealing with so many people (6600) so we will stick with the smaller Carnival ships in the future.
Celebration dwarfing our ship (peaking above the cruise shop)
Even with the Captain slowing down our speed, we were still docked on time, and we were soon ready to go ashore to meet the tour operators.
The HAL tour description:Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Beach Getaway – 3 hours
ABOUT THE EXCURSION: Experience a great combination of sailing aboard one of the most beautiful boats in the Caribbean, a white-sand beach, and extraordinary snorkeling.
Hop aboard a spacious 65-foot catamaran and head out to sea. You’ll stop to snorkel over an underwater coral reef paradise teeming with bright tropical fish.
After snorkeling, sip the beverage of your choice as you sail along the coast to a beautiful private beach. Sink your toes into the soft, white sand, enjoy a swim, relax on a float, or discover the treasures of the island.
Notes: Minimum age is 6 years. Maximum age is 70 years. Snorkel, mask, fins, safety vest, and snorkeling instruction are provided. You may have to enter the water and wade to access the beach. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Swim at your own risk. Guests with a heart or respiratory condition, epilepsy, or diabetes are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed, and medical conditions disclosed. Participants must climb a ladder to reboard the boat after snorkeling or beach time.
I couldn’t help but notice how foggy it looked out on the ocean and just kept wondering if the tour would really go ahead. As I was wondering about the fog, the skies opened up and just soaked us. Everyone was running for cover under any shop awning they could find. I could stop wondering. The tour operator gathered us together and told us we could not go out in this weather, and it didn’t look like it was going to let up any time soon so the tour was officially cancelled.
Calm before the downpour
We just turned around to slosh back to the ship. Unfortunately, so did many others from both our ship and the Celebration, and we all jammed up in the cruise port shop trying to get through security. People – Have your ID and ship keycard out to show the port authorities.Do not wait until you get to the gate and then fumble around looking for your information. Dang.
To make matters worse, people were still coming off the ships and trying to get into the same duty-free shop (one way in and one way out) to get to the port area. Why the authorities didn’t open the closed-off sidewalk area to let people leaving avoid the shop is beyond me. I just have to think they were hoping people would make some last-minute purchases. Nope. People just wanted to get inside the dry ships.
So now we are 0 – 2 for good snorkeling trips.
After getting dried off and dumping our wet gear in the bathtub, we opted to get lunch at the Dive-In which is located near the Lido pool. We enjoyed its grilled chicken sandwiches. The ship can close the ceiling so people can still enjoy the tables and the pool, but it can get stifling in there without the breeze provided when the ceiling is open. We didn’t linger after finishing our sandwiches.
Chuck opted for an afternoon nap, and I went to a piano concert by Eliott Finkle. He played a variety of songs from classical composers. He was as excellent as I remembered.
The afternoon was soon gone, and it was time to get ready for the evening. We shared a table for 10. I’m not a fan of those tables because you can’t carry on a conversation without raising your voice to be heard across the table. You just end up talking with the people on either side of you; therefore, there are a number of conversations going on at once.
I was so distracted that I forgot to take photos of our meals. Chuck had the beef brisket, and I had the Thai Curry meatballs. We did enjoy our meals.
We ended the night with the first set of the Rolling Stone Band and the second show of Paul Stepian. Fun night.
Paul’s performance on Poland’s Got Talent
When we returned to the room, the Casino had sent some candy to Chuck thanking him for his play. Since I helped him at the machines, I helped myself to several pieces of candy. 😊
Few pictures from previous, more enjoyable, Grand Turk visits:
The announcement about the tenders started promptly at 7:00 a.m. Everyone was requested to get a tender ticket. If you a suite guest, Club Orange member, or a 4 or 5 star Mariner, you picked up a ticket at the Rolling Stone Lounge. All others were to pick up their ticket in the Billboard on Board area. If you weren’t going to the island, you just go about your business. I went to get coffee.
Tender coming to the ship for its first load of passengers
Half Moon Cay is a beautiful private island owned by Carnival Corporation, and we have been there several times. Currently, you have to take a tender from the ship to the island.
However, they are building a pier on the island which, according to reports, will be finished in late 2025. One woman, actually looking at the posts sticking out of the water, argued with Chuck that no pier would ever be allowed on the island. Okay – then tell it to the heavy equipment operators that are already over there.
Carnival knows that it is easier to offload 5000-6000 people by pier than by tender boats. The faster you get your guests to the island that you own – the more money you will make. Duh
Google photo of the pier construction
After our Lido breakfast, we walked a mile around the Promenade. Then we went to enjoy the Sea View pool and hot tubs while most people were on the island.
We ate a light lunch in the Lido and then relaxed on the balcony until it was time to get ready for the evening.
The Casino opened almost immediately after the all-aboard time of 2:30 and it was busy by the time we got there at 5:00. We played slots until it was time for our Pinnacle Grill dinner.
The menu for the Pinnacle Grill has changed. They have removed some items and have started a section that reflects cuisine of the region the ship is currently sailing. We each chose items from both the regular menu and the new Caribbean section.
For appetizers, Chuck and I both had the shrimp and crab cakes from the new section and shared the candied bacon that is still part of the regular menu. Our mains both came from the new section. He chose the pork chops, and I chose the yellow-tail snapper. We each chose the Creme Brulee off the regular menu. The Pinnacle Grill has also stopped giving candy for dessert but instead gave us three macarons. We took those back to the stateroom.
Though we were stuffed, we made it to the Rolling Stone Lounge for a set and then to the World Stage to see Flip Shultz’s second show. I thought his material was better for this one. Still PG13.
After the show was over, I called it a night and Chuck went to play some cards.
