Hello from the middle of the ocean!!!
So I know I said I’d be taking the week off from blogging, but guys, I love it too much! I found myself taking photos to share with you guys, and before I knew it I had a post in the making. What’s been nice is not having the pressure to blog 3x per day, so consider that my blogging vacation 🙂
This isn’t a bite-by-bite recap, but it’s all the highlights in photo form.
Upon boarding we were greeted with Champagne!
The views of Baltimore from the boat were concretely beautiful:
The ship is big
After exploring for an hour, we found the poolside buffet and had lunch
I had a big salad and CHILLED BANANA SOUP!! So good!! Like a smoothie in a bowl 🙂
Complete with a little wine
We continued exploring and I found the gym!
Which is small but adequate
But who wants to run on treadmills when you have this cool running track that spans one whole deck with ocean breezes!?
We have done lots of reading. Such a bookworm family.
And lots of relaxing
And celebrating
Bar nuts make a great afternoon snack!
We went to a liquor tasting. Me likes the chocolate one; the others were waaay too strong for me.
Dinnertime is always the highlight of cruises because you get multiple courses and have lots of fun dishes to choose from –
Visuals of the fare. We shared everything and I had a few tastes of each –
Mushroom Tart
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cream
Smoked Salmon
Delicious Jerk Chicken (my entree). The others were great too.
Layers of Coconut
Something Dark
We’ve been each getting one and sharing bites of each with all
Musical Entertainment! Rock n Roll
Hoping for luck
We counted we’re climbing up about 40 flights of stairs per day = hidden exercise!
Day Two: At Sea
Cappuccino
A fruit + plain yogurt + shredded wheat cereal concoction I made from the formal dining room menu
Matt got a benedict
More reading
After AM relaxing we hit up the gym for some feel-good exercise. I ran around the track for 30 minutes and then we did some stationary biking and lifting and built up a lunch appetite. It’s weird doing pushups on a rocking boat!
Salad
And 1/3 a burger with fries + pickle. You guys should see the size of the burgers – they’re humongous!! 1/3 was all I needed to get a nice portion
More fun in the sun
After lunch we hit up BINGO. No luck 🙁
I had fruit + banana bread for a pre-dinner snack
Then we got all dressed up for formal night
I ordered a Mangopolitian, but I didn’t finish it – it was too citrusy and I don’t like citrus and alcohol mixed (that includes mimosas!)
Dinnertime!
Assume I ate one third of everything 🙂
A spring roll, and that would be Chilled Carrot and Orange Soup on the right = mmmmm!!!!! Like creamcicle in a bowl!
The red was flowing and delicious
I got the vegetarian sweet potato and rice cakes with Indian chickpeas. SO GOOD!! Also had tastes of lobster, duck and goat cheese orzo.
A mediocre tart with starwbery sherbet
Then it was Showtime! Loved the medley of musicals.
Andrew even got invited to the stage for a serenade!!
We had the late night munchies and hit the deck for some ice cream and burgers. I stuck to the ice cream given my sweet tooth and had a small cone
But the boys chowed down on burgers and fries.
Day 3: Bermuda Bound
We had breakfast up on the pool deck. There are SO many options!! Fruits, pastries, eggs, sausages, fish, omelets, cereal, oatmeal, waffles, pancakes and more. It was so hard to choose!
I settled on a made to order waffle, which I split with Karen. Topped with some fruit + nuts and a fabulous banana compote!
I also found this Muesli, which appeared to be oats and fruits soaked in some liquid. I think the liquid was at least partly heavy cream because this muesli was sweetened, creamy and HELLA GOOD.
With a silver dollar pancake and some fruit (didn’t eat all of that muesli)
Breakfast was too filling. Tomorrow I need to pick one or the other. After a bunch more reading, we finally digested and hit the deck for a workout. Matt, Andrew and I ran around the Promenade Deck for about 35 minutes and I ended with a sweaty 15 minutes on the bike and 10 of abs/planks/biceps.
Before lunch we got a “Cool Running” cocktail to share. DEElicious – pina colada like.
For lunch I had a big salad topped with some buffet foods – chickpea masala, sweet + sour grouper, a stuffed pepper and a piece of naan
And ended with a mid-day cobbler taste!
I’m doing well with my “feel good” goals thus far. Hope I can keep it up!
LAND HO! The island is in sight!
We’re heading ashore to explore. Hope all’s well in the blog world and you guys are enjoying the guest posts.
SEA y’all soon!!
Jenn (j3nn.net) says
May 26, 2009 at 3:10 pmWOW! You guys look like you are having a FABULOUS time!! 😀 The food looks wonderful. Your pics look stunning, too!
Looking forward to seeing more…!
Jenn
Runeatrepeat says
May 26, 2009 at 3:11 pmI love all the food options on a cruise 🙂 I’m glad you posted what you’ve been enjoying!
Nicole says
May 26, 2009 at 3:14 pmIt looks like you’re having a great time so far! And all that food looks amazing.
JENNA says
May 26, 2009 at 3:20 pmHOW FUN AND YUMMY!! ALL I’M GONNA SAY…………………….
Biz says
May 26, 2009 at 3:26 pmI think you are doing great considering its 24 hour food anytime you want!
Good job! Glad you are all having a great time!
Lisa says
May 26, 2009 at 3:29 pmWow! Everything looks beautiful and tasty!
Kelly says
May 26, 2009 at 3:31 pmGreat post! Thank you so much for sharing!! The food looks incredible! Relax and Enjoy!! There will be plenty of time to work out when you get home….
Lara (Thinspired) says
May 26, 2009 at 3:35 pmKath you look great! I am enjoying the guest posts but you are definitely missed! 🙂 Thanks for checking in 😉
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
May 26, 2009 at 3:36 pmWhat a fun time you are having! I love all the pictures. SO bright and cheery and happy and DELICIOUS! Enjoy!!!!
Heather says
May 26, 2009 at 3:39 pmHooray! You just love us too much Kath! 😀
Love the recap… sounds like you’re having an AWESOME time! Thanks for taking the time out to share your awesome eats and fun with us. Enjoy your time off the boat today!
I HAD to mention this: your muesli today is seriously in the EXACT shape of a star. Haha, I thought it was on purpose when I first saw it. 😉
WendyF says
May 26, 2009 at 3:40 pmWo-Hoo KERF at sea! That ship sounds great, I worked on similar ones but not as big. The tankers I worked on were about that size. If you get a chance get a bridge tour. They usually have them. That is what my office looked like when I was sailing.
If it is cloudless at sunset look for the green flash. 🙂
Mary says
May 26, 2009 at 3:45 pmwow! Looks like you are having a wonderful time with beautiful weather! I wish I was on a cruise!
Your Bathing suit coverup and formal night dress are SO CUTE! I love them!
brandi says
May 26, 2009 at 3:46 pmLooks like you guys are having a great time! Isn’t it insane how much food they have on cruise ships? It’s 24/7!
Can’t wait to see more – looks like you’re having beautiful weather, too.
Erin says
May 26, 2009 at 3:46 pmIt seems that you are making excellent food choices. Well done matey!
emmy says
May 26, 2009 at 3:47 pmThanks for taking the time mid-vacay to do a recap! It looks like you guys are having a great time, hope you enjoyed your trip ashore!
Sarah says
May 26, 2009 at 3:49 pmaaah, you’re making me want to go on another cruise so bad!! Looks like you’re having a blast!
Hangry Pants says
May 26, 2009 at 3:51 pmI am enjoying all the guest psots, but am glad to see you too! I think it’s awesome that the boat has a track! Banana soup – Oh my!
Kailey (SnackFace) says
May 26, 2009 at 3:55 pmSo good to hear from you! I love all the guests posts, but there’s nothing like Kath herself! It looks like you all are having an amazing time!
petunia says
May 26, 2009 at 3:56 pmkath, everything looks so nice!
I have to say I’m about to head out on vacation and your balance is a good inspiration!
ENJOY!
Angelea says
May 26, 2009 at 3:56 pmSo happy to see this post!!
Looks like a great time. Enjoying everything in moderation..great philosophy!
Alexandra says
May 26, 2009 at 4:03 pmWOoooooo!!!! Thanks for sharing your trip so far. I’ve definitely been missing your regular posts, but the guest posts have been fun! Can’t wait to hear all about it – looks like you guys are having a blast!
Ryane says
May 26, 2009 at 4:04 pmEverything looks delish!
I love pre-lunch cocktails ; )
Recipes for Creativity says
May 26, 2009 at 4:07 pmVery cool! Way to keep with the goals so far!
Elizabeth says
May 26, 2009 at 4:08 pmHmm – you may be convincing me that it’s a good idea to go a cruise! (The hubs wants to, but I’ve hesitated…)
Great looking eats (waay jealous of the sweet potato & rice cakes).. And I love your sun hat 🙂
Enjoy!
Bec says
May 26, 2009 at 4:13 pmlooks like you are having a blast and there is lots of amazing food aboard!
Jess says
May 26, 2009 at 4:15 pmHi, weather looks gorgeous… my in laws live on Bermuda so I wanted to pass along that you might want to investigate a bar restaurant called North Rock brewery. They are the only microbrew on the island and the food is pretty good too! I think it is on South Road in Smith’s Parish…
Jenny says
May 26, 2009 at 4:17 pmReally been enjoying the guest posts Kath!
Glad you’re having such a great time, cruises are such a blast!
FitFoodie says
May 26, 2009 at 4:34 pmI love cruises! All those pics make me really want to go on another one 🙂
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
May 26, 2009 at 4:34 pmGlad you’re having a great time!
Chloe says
May 26, 2009 at 4:35 pmThat looks like a blast Kath!
And wow, I can’t believe how prepared you were to leave us with such great guest posts. You are so organized!
Hope you have a great rest of your vacation!!! Oh, and let me know what you think of Middlesex, it’s one of my favorite books.
Teddy says
May 26, 2009 at 4:46 pmWhat a great vacation. I would be in trouble with all those desserts!! Have a nice rest of your trip 🙂
Teddy
jennifer says
May 26, 2009 at 4:50 pmThat chocolate tart looked devine!
Didn’t get to go to Cambridge… too much too do in London!
Jenny says
May 26, 2009 at 4:52 pmsounds like you had the time of your life girl!
p.s. your dress in picture numero uno is FABULOUS!
Marija says
May 26, 2009 at 4:56 pmI see you are having amazing time! Weather, pics, food… it is all fantastic. Enjoy!
Amanda says
May 26, 2009 at 5:10 pmthis makes me want to go on a cruise. so bad.
thanks for the update!
sue says
May 26, 2009 at 5:25 pmlove all the pics! thanks for taking the time to share them with us 🙂 it looks like you’re having a great time. have fun in bermuda!
Jen says
May 26, 2009 at 5:26 pmLooks like you are having a fabulous time and doing a great job of keeping the food/booze aspect in check! We did an Eastern Caribbean cruise in February and I’m convinced that taking the stairs 99% of the time is the reason I only (ha, only!) gained 4 lbs over the course of the week. We also kept breakfast & lunch light most of the time, which I’m sure didn’t hurt. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Angie says
May 26, 2009 at 5:27 pmGreat job getting all the guest posts up!
Looks like so much fun. Thanks for the early recap!
Food looks great- Love the “feel good” philosophy!
Stacey says
May 26, 2009 at 5:44 pmEverything looks amazing! I am so jealous 🙂 Glad you are having a wonderful time, we miss you here at KERF!
Danica says
May 26, 2009 at 5:50 pmThat was such an entertaining post – it looks like you all are really enjoying yourself! Yeah, thanks for sharing.
Christie @ BeadLuvah says
May 26, 2009 at 6:02 pmSo glad to “see” you! it looks like you are having a great time!! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!!
Sara says
May 26, 2009 at 6:25 pmYour cruise looks so fun. Thanks for posting pics! My hubby and I want to go on a cruise next year.
Katherine says
May 26, 2009 at 6:31 pmYou look rellaxed and fantastic!!! Enjoy the rest of the trip 🙂
Shannon (The Daily BalanceO says
May 26, 2009 at 6:41 pmYAY! so glad you provided an update 😉
looks like you are having an incredible time 😉
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
May 26, 2009 at 7:13 pmAMAZING!!! I’m so glad youre having such fun!
Steph says
May 26, 2009 at 7:33 pmhey kath!!!
i hope that you have been enjoying bermuda so far. i have been living here for the past year and a half, and it is a very beautiful place. i think that you mentioned that your boat was docked in st. george’s- make sure to check out tobacco bay. it is one of my fav. places on the entire island, and is right near where your ship is docked. there are tons of beautiful fish that swim all around the rocks. i am looking forward to reading all of your bermuda posts!!!
steph
Christina says
May 26, 2009 at 7:35 pmbanana soup!? the cruise food all looks so fun! have a great time on the island!!!
Anne K. says
May 26, 2009 at 8:08 pmWow, that looks like so much fun! The food looks awesome, and I love that they have an outdoor track 😀
KatieTX says
May 26, 2009 at 8:09 pmI don’t know if you can say what cruise line you are on, but I really want to know! I have been on Carnival and they’re food was not that appetizing looking or healthy. can anyone guess which cruise line that looks like? I love cruises except for I was disappointed in the high price of alcoholic drinks and the lack of healthy food options.
Nicole says
May 26, 2009 at 8:10 pmWow!! I am majorly jealous of your island adventure!!! It looks like so much fun!
Mom says
May 26, 2009 at 8:11 pmKatie,
She’s on Nowegian.
Oh She Glows says
May 26, 2009 at 8:21 pmWho hoo! Awesome recap 🙂 Knew you couldn’t stay away from us…haha.
Caitlin says
May 26, 2009 at 8:22 pmLove that you decided to recap a little. I love cruises, so this is great being able to live vicariously through you! (if only for just a week!!)
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats says
May 26, 2009 at 8:54 pmAwww yay! Everything looks so beautiful – glad you are having a wonderful time 🙂
spicygranola says
May 26, 2009 at 9:54 pmLooks like you are all having a great time! It all looks gorgeous, especially that super blue water
Priyanka says
May 26, 2009 at 10:05 pmYay! Everything looks great , looks like you guys are having a fantastic time!
amber says
May 26, 2009 at 10:17 pmomg you are so cute and looks like SOO much fun! As a Northen California girl I LOVE that you mixed a HELLA in there! So cool, have a blast and we miss you!
klm says
May 26, 2009 at 10:37 pmI checked off my box!! Now the bears + I party party!!
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says
May 26, 2009 at 11:12 pmI feel like saying ALOHA! but I know that is way off…
I ate Muesli every day at the resort on our honeymoon. I’ve tried to replicate it at home, but haven’t come close. I’d love to see you try!
Enjoy!
Simply Fabulous says
May 27, 2009 at 1:25 amLove the recap!! You make me want to go on a cruise!! hehe. You are doing so well food wise… live it up Kath, you deserve it! Well done on getting in some exercise!
greenbean says
May 27, 2009 at 7:12 amAHOY! Thanks for posting!
MaryBe says
May 27, 2009 at 8:34 amLove all the gorgeous photos but the one of Matt and Andrew reading cracked me up!
adrianna says
May 27, 2009 at 8:41 amyall look like you’re having a GREAT time, and you look fantastic!
Kiersten says
May 27, 2009 at 8:50 amGreat pictures Kath! It looks like you are having a really good time. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
leatitia says
May 27, 2009 at 9:45 amIt looks so much fun, I’m glad you’re having a great time! The food looks amazing too. Thanks sharing this!
Kristilyn says
May 27, 2009 at 11:28 amKath, it looks like you’re having an amazing time! I may have to give Norwegian another chance … my husband and I took them to Alaska for our honeymoon and hated it! But maybe a hot weather destination would be fun. 🙂
I hope you take lots of pictures! Everything looks great!
K
Sarah says
May 27, 2009 at 11:45 amHey Kath! Great eats 🙂 However, I couldn’t help but notice those cute dresses! Where do you buy yours?
Diana says
May 27, 2009 at 11:57 amWOW! Looks like you’re having a great fun filled time! The food looks amazing!
Diana
Erica says
May 27, 2009 at 1:48 pmHey Kath! I’m loving all the guests posts! Looks like you are having an absolute blast! Love all of your outfits- especially the super cute dresses. I want that piece of coconut cake. Enjoy the rest of the vaca!
Angela says
May 27, 2009 at 8:28 pmHi Kath,
I am a devoted fan of the blog and read it daily, I don’t usually comment, but felt the need to contact you.
I am loving the guest posts! I think it is a wonderful way to fill the void while you are on vacation, and it has expanded my experience here in the blogosphere… so I just wanted to say thanks for doing an awesome job, and props on the good taste in blogs!
Joanie says
May 28, 2009 at 12:28 pmWhat an amazing time! Glad you’re having fun and being healthy. Thanks for the update 🙂