Good morning! I’ve been up for a couple hours but I had to do some serious unpacking. Since they didn’t find my luggage until late last night, this the longest I’ve been into a cruise without being able to unpack anything. To make things even more difficult, I had two suitcases to unpack this time.

They have kind of two coffee places almost next to each other on this ship. There’s a Juice & Java place then there’s the usual Java Blue Cafe. This is my 10th Carnival ship and it’s the first time I’ve seen a Juice & Java.

I got a mocha at Java Blue.

Here is a look at today’s schedule of events.

The water is a little rough but nothing like the last Glory day. 

I like this merchandise setup with the whale tail shaped stand. All of the 50th anniversary stuff that sold out immediately on Glory is available here. Most notable the whale tail hats and Funship Freddie toys.

This is a look from the other side of the Sports Bar.

I went back for another coffee. The Java Blue line is frustrating.

Four people are just standing around. There’s no real line. I see a lady get in behind the last person who ordered on the side. I ask if this is the line. She says “I guess.” We’re standing there for a minute or two. Then people start lining up straight back into the walkway. Four people are in that line now. I say forget it and go to Juice & Java.

They’re doing some interesting things with fresh veggies and fruits here. It made me wonder if these are included in Cheers. 

I heard a guy order orange juice and a latte. She told him he can only order one drink at a time under Cheers. I guess the orange juice must be included. Otherwise I don’t know why she’d tell him that.

I just got a regular black coffee this time.

I went to the casino bar for another screwdriver.

I requested a brunch table at 8:32. It was assigned at 8:43.

I went with their breakfast burger. I added a side of bacon and hash browns.

The morning show on the big screen. The audio is really bad in here. I think it’s an echo from the dome.

Trivia is happening down in the atrium.

I got that excursion cancellation notice yesterday. Instead of refunding my card they gave me onboard credit. I think they should’ve refunded my card in case I want to do an outside excursion. I’ll go by Guest Services later to see if it’s refundable OBC. 

 Right now I’m getting a spicy bloody mary at the atrium bar.

The fun aboard fun ashore presentation is happening in the main lounge. I usually don’t attend these but since it’s Alaska and I’m looking for an excursion replacement for Icy Strait Point, I’m making an exception today.

We have a time change tonight. We’re going back one hour.

I’m ready for another bloody mary.

I’m usually not a buffet guy. I’m making an exception this cruise to try the Indian food. Normally I would return to the dining room for brunch. But on this ship brunch closes at noon which is very unusual. The only options really are buffet, pizza, deli, and Guy’s burgers. I had a bad Guy’s burger yesterday so I’m avoiding that.

It’s really really really really really hard to find a place to sit down and eat. I think because they closed brunch at noon so the entire ship is eating lunch up here. And nobody wants to eat outside in the cold. I walked around for five minutes with a piece of cake.

I moved under the dome to grab a beer from the Red Frog Rum bar.

I thought there was supposed to be ice carving at 12:30 but it looks like a lip synch battle 

Ice carving started at 1pm.

I went back to the room to do some flossing…and I don’t mean dancing. This kid who is probably 12 years old comes flying out of his room. He nearly runs into me which would’ve spilled my beer all over me. I said a word he’s probably not supposed to hear.

These were waiting for me in the box.

I stopped by guest services to check on the OBC. Also I had them print me a new card so I can put the one I have in my collection. I haven’t seen any signs of card peeling here but this way I know I have a good card to keep.

It turns out that OBC is refundable. I went ahead and took it all in cash and I’ll settle my account with a 10% off gift card.

I also stopped by the gift shop to get my ornament. All of the 50th items that sold out on my Glory cruise are available on this ship. 

Caribbean wheat.

I stopped by the casino to get the free play they’re giving to platinum and diamond members. 

On some ships they give you free play chips that have to be used at the table or credit on your account for the slot machine. They pay cash here.

While I’m at it I stopped by pixels to get my platinum gift. I guess we’re back to luggage tags.

They do have the ship specific pins now.

I dropped those items off in the room and stepped out onto the secret deck. It’s very very very windy outside! And you can’t really see anything yet.

This was in the room. They are temporarily suspending the platnium diamond party. Last cruise they did it on a port day with a very short notice so I missed it. This time they’re not doing it at all.

They are doing country music trivia down in the atrium.

I stopped by the pub to see Jean Marc.

He always makes sure he pours a perfect beer.

Oh no. Eddie Spaghetti is about to kick off two hours of karaoke. Then they’re going be doing it on lido 7-9pm.

Another perfect pour from Jean Marc.

Snack time.

Another good one from FJ.

FJ is always trying to photobomb 

A deal closer before I leave for the evening.

At the coffee shop, all of these drinks except for the naked ones are included in cheers

I got a strawberry shake from the Java Blue. I haven’t gotten a shake on a ship since 2018. They are good though.

I went ahead and requested a table for dinner. It took 10 minutes to get one assigned.

I like this location. They gave me a window seat and nobody next to me.

Fried Oysters.

Shrimp Cocktail.

Baby spinach salad.

Lobster with broccoli and mushroom risotto.

They tried to give me another lobster while I was waiting for desert. But honestly, I’m not even going to eat dessert. Maybe a bite. Everyone usually gets creme brulee on this night so I’m going to get a picture of the coffee cake.

Cruise director Andy makes an appearance.

This duo is performing in the atrium.

Meanwhile the casino duo is playing Johnny B Goode.

I got a seat in the main lounge for Epic Rock.

I actually like this theater. There’s not a stitch of pink in it.

Cruise Director Andy talks to audience members before the show.

This is crazy. It’s a 10pm sunset.

Dune is playing on lido deck.

There are a lot of people for this comedy show.

Usually most of the bar people before a show are just walk ups. I think a spot will open up there.

Not the best spot, but a spot.

After the show I peeked into the piano bar.

This is the 11pm sunset.

Tomorrow is Tracy Arm Fjord. Good night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Alaska
• Splendor