Kuki's Daily Ship's Log - July 31
The Alaska Adventure Is Underway
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Last night we met our tablemates for the week. We have a large circular table for 10 on the upper level of the Aquarius Dining Room.
We were the second couple to arrive at the table. The couple we joined also happened to be Canadian. When the third couple who joined us were from Canada as well, I thought, EEK, they're trying to isolate the Canadians. However the next two couples were from LA and Cincinnati. You have to pity these folks having to listen to the rest of us saying EH all week.
The Aquarius Dining Room doesn't have the "knock your socks off" pizzaz of some ships' dining rooms. However it is bright and airy, and in my view, extends the warmth of the Centrum I described earlier.
And by the way, dinner the first night was excellent. With ten people at our table most of the entree choices were sampled, and everyone said they really enjoyed what they ordered. I walked away happy after finishing off my delicious meal with RCI's signature Key Lime Pie.
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Later in the evening the Maitre D had a table set up outside the dining room for people still hoping to change dining assignments or tables. I had my first belly laugh of the cruise by chance as we overheard a passenger's conversation with the Maitre D as we walked by.
This fellow was requesting a table for just himself and his wife. His reasoning: they were both vegetarians, and don't enjoy watching people eat meat. I'm pretty sure he heard us laughing!
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We woke up today to overcast skies. A much different day in store for us than yesterday's sunshine. Being a sea day, it's a good day to relax and recover from a long first day.
Here's something new since I last cruised RCI. I quote from the Compass (the daily newsletter on board).
"For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests the Vision of the Seas has been primarily designated as a non-smoking ship. However, we recognize that some of our guest smoke. Therefore, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, we have designated smoking areas in many of our lounges and on all open air decks".
Being one of the evil breed of smokers, I have noticed a difference. I have to look harder for smoking areas. An example; in the Centrum, smoking is only allowed on deck 4 by the Champagne Bar, and only on the starboard side. Sitting areas on deck 5 and 6 are non-smoking on both sides of the ship. On Lido deck by the pool, the port side is non-smoking, and smoking is allowed on the starboard side.
Ronald, our cabin steward, explained to me that ashtrays are no longer routinely placed in the cabins. While smoking is allowed in all cabins, ashtrays must be requested.
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There is definitely increased signage noticeable in all non-smoking areas.
Tonight is formal night, and Mrs. Kuki and I have been invited to make the Captain's Table a bit more Kuki. You'll hear all about it tomorrow.
