Lovetocruise2002

CK Night 3 Menu
Dinner tonight features another two of my favourite CK dishes.

Spinach salad: Fresh, healthy. Not much more to say. Rating...A

Scallops: Hubby's dish. It is raw. He did not expect that. I don't think he liked it. He said he cannot rate it because it wasn't his thing lol. 

Braised Beef Gnocchi: Love this dish! Braised beef is tender and falls apart. Excellent flavour. Rating A, not + cause it was slightly cold.

Veal Cannelloni: This came with Balsamic dressing. D1 did not like it. She thought it was chocolate sauce...oops ? No rating here.

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Breast: Hubby's dish. He said it had full flavour. I had this one on Harmony. The couscous is very light and tasty. Rating: A

Grilled Tofu: I adore this dish ? I like tofu. I've been eating it since I was young. I know fresh vs. not so fresh tofu and this one is perfect in texture and freshness. Even if you are not a tofu lover, you need to give it a try if you ever find yourself in CK. It is dressed with a sweet chilli sauce that is simply delicious. 

Dessert!

No dessert pics tonight...sorry. They were all repeats. Hubby and I got apple pie. It had raisins in it. D1 had ice cream (for the 3rd time today) and D2 skipped dessert cause she was too tired ? 
The head waiter here in CK continues to amaze me. He stops at every table, every night to have a chat. Not just a hello, but a real chat. So personable. On top of this I have also witnessed him do things that I have never seen a head waiter too. He refills water and buses tables while making his rounds. Super hard worker! In a chat with him last night we spoke about the pier at Coco Cay. He mentioned in passing that it might be slated for a late 2018 completion now. 
After dinner we headed to Spectra's Cabaret in 270. I had pretty much no expectations for this as I have read very mixed reviews about this show. I loved it! I find it hard to describe. It was a variety show of sorts. There was singing, music, acrobatics, dancing, and course the amazing technical and special effects in 270. It was psychedelic, futuristic, very Cirque du Soleil-ish at times. I loved the percussions and the musicality of it as well. Really well put together. 
Wrapping it up tonight as we have a pretty early start tomorrow. Meeting time for KSC  is 8:15am. That is way too early for us. Probably won't update much tomorrow until I get back on board. Canadian in the US without data.  Good night all.
 
 

We have a reservation for We Will Rock You in a few nights. I will let you know about KSC.

No sign up. First come first serve. But get there early. The line was long. Make sure you sign the activities waiver ahead of time. 

Regular breakfast in the WJ today. Grabbed a few photos. I have noticed that for lunch and breakfast they always have a section of Asian food. I don't remember seeing this that regularly on other ships. @jurrjurr no dim sum though. 





Sorry for all the slanted shots. It was crowded as usual. I am certain I don't like the WJ here on Anthem. The food is good but the poor flow of traffic really bothers me. It is consistently like this. 
I did find this which I thought was very interesting....

And here on Anthem, mimosas can be found on carts that look like this...

Trying to decide what to do now. Hubby might take the kids to the pool so I might go check out the solarium finally. ?
 
 

CK Night 4 Menu:
I forgot to mention in previous dinner posts that the classics menu (left side) is the same every night. The menu that changes nightly is the one that I am posting. For the classics menu, see the first dinner post. 
We were all super tired from today's activities so the plan was just to eat quickly and relax the rest of the night. 

Hubby, D1, and I all started with the Caesar Salad. No pic as I already posted that in another post. D2 had her usual tomatoes in a martini glass. We didn't even have to ask for it tonight. At CK on Anthem, they sit you with the same server each night. I like that way better as they know you well by now and it makes tipping easier at the end.  He has also been very accommodating with D2 as she is ridiculously picky. More than once now, he has taken items from the adult menu and modified it to her liking. For example, for dinner tonight, she had the roasted chicken but it was completely plain (zero sauces and garnishes) and her side item was fries. 
Cheese Tortellini: Flavour was light and not too strong. Hubby and D1 liked this a lot. I liked it too but I could only eat about 1/3 of it as I find tortellini sits heavy in your stomach and fills you up quickly.  Rating: A

Grilled Barramundi:  The plan was for Hubby and I to share this. In the end, we each took a few bites and left it. It was really salty and the texture was very stiff. It was fresh, just not to our personal liking. I want to say rating is a B- but that is highly subjective. 

Vegetable dish. Sorry, in putting this post together I just realized that my menu pic has the last entree cut off. I also cannot remember the name of it. Whatever it was called, this dish is good! It contains beans, chick peas, and grilled vegetables. The white stuff was a yogurt dressing. Flavouring played a big part in making this dish delicious!  Rating: A

Dessert!
Proof as to how tired my kids were by this point, they skipped dessert. Totally unheard of!  Hubby and I still found the strength ?

Creme Brûlée, my usual favourite.  
Rating: A

Chocolate and Olive cake. This did not sound appealing at all but our waiter insisted that I try it. I am so glad I listened because this was yummy! It was dense and rich but melted in your mouth.
Rating: A

New York Cheesecake with Strawberry topping, Hubby's usual favourite.  Rating: A

After dinner we called it a night. Back to the stateroom for PJs and family time. Everyone, but me, is now fast asleep ? 
Goodnight all!
 

Hi all!  Sorry for the lack of live posts today.  It has been a busy day.  We went to KSC today on a shore excursion purchased through RC.  It is called "Kennedy Space Center Guided Tour".  It is pricey but well worth it in my opinion.  We got 10% off the Cruise Planner price during the sale at Christmas time.  Here's a short summary of our day...
Instructions were to meet outside the terminal building at 8:15am.  Upon arriving outside, greeters were there to direct you.
Greeter:  "What excursion are you headed on today?"
Hubby:  "Cape Canaveral"
Greeter: ...looking puzzled
Me:  We are going on the Kennedy Space Center guided tour.
Greeter:  "Oh, ok, down to the buses on the right."
More evidence to support the fact the I am the Genie, even on vacation...Ok, moving on...
The bus left promptly at 8:30am.  It took slightly over 20min to get to KSC.  The bus ride there and back was very interactive.  Our guide gave lots of info about the area and the Space Center.  We headed straight to the Saturn V Center.  The last time we were here it was about 20 years ago.  Hubby and I both noticed throughout the day that they have added many more attractions to the place.  At the Saturn V building, we watched a video on the lift off of Apollo 8 and there was plenty of time given to walk around, take pics, and tour independently.
Photo Credit:  All Hubby



After leaving the Saturn V Center, they gave us some time to view the launch pad from the viewing stands.  That's where my pic earlier today came from.
We boarded the bus again and headed over to the Visitor Complex.  Here we watched a short video at Journey to Mars and watched an 3D IMAX movie on "Journey to Space".  Many of the attractions here reminded me of the Epcot Center.  Our kids were surprisingly engaged and we were really pleased with that.  Free time was then given for lunch.  It was raining by this point so the break was welcomed.  The food choices here are standard theme park items.
D2 was quite inspired by this time.  She created this.  It's called "Mission Chicken"  or "Chicken Rocket", she couldn't decide.

After lunch, we met back up with the group and it was time to head over to Atlantis.  Here we had time to participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience and wander through other exhibits.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile experience at KSC.  Everything mentioned above was included except lunch.  It was a busy day.  D2 lost all steam by the end of the day.  In chatting with the kids at dinner, they had time to reflect on the visit and they enjoyed it.  It was eye opening for them to see the collective effort that goes into a mission.  It was also humbling for them to see the sacrifices made by others to get to the point where we are now in space exploration.  I am really happy that we took them now (at this age) and not earlier because they are at an age where they can see beyond the "fun" of the exhibits and process the information they took in today.  This excursion also provided a really good mix of guided exploration and independent touring. 
In answer to @Skid's question from earlier, if this excursion is worthwhile as a half-day tour, I feel that the answer is it depends on several factors.  If the tour is guided and includes both the Saturn V Center and the Visitor Complex, then no.  I fear it may be very rushed.  If it only includes part of it, then yes, you can still get some good time in.  If your tour is totally independent, then it is worthwhile if you are not visiting for the first time (and you are selective) or if you have researched it and have a set plan (no wandering).  Keep in mind that travel time alone is about 50-60 min round trip.  On our way back to the ship, we had to wait on a bridge for about 10 min because there was a barge that had to pass.  Things like that can eat up time if you only have 6 hours.  Our tour was listed as 8hrs but really it was 8:15am-5pm.
After we got back, the kids were wiped.  It was a quick stop at Sorrento's pizza again (kids like it lol) and then back to the stateroom to clean up for dinner.
Going to put the kids to bed then post dinner photos...

Don't you mean BRUNCH! 

CK Night 4 Menu:
I forgot to mention in previous dinner posts that the classics menu (left side) is the same every night. The menu that changes nightly is the one that I am posting. For the classics menu, see the first dinner post. 
We were all super tired from today's activities so the plan was just to eat quickly and relax the rest of the night. 

Hubby, D1, and I all started with the Caesar Salad. No pic as I already posted that in another post. D2 had her usual tomatoes in a martini glass. We didn't even have to ask for it tonight. At CK on Anthem, they sit you with the same server each night. I like that way better as they know you well by now and it makes tipping easier at the end.  He has also been very accommodating with D2 as she is ridiculously picky. More than once now, he has taken items from the adult menu and modified it to her liking. For example, for dinner tonight, she had the roasted chicken but it was completely plain (zero sauces and garnishes) and her side item was fries. 
Cheese Tortellini: Flavour was light and not too strong. Hubby and D1 liked this a lot. I liked it too but I could only eat about 1/3 of it as I find tortellini sits heavy in your stomach and fills you up quickly.  Rating: A

Grilled Barramundi:  The plan was for Hubby and I to share this. In the end, we each took a few bites and left it. It was really salty and the texture was very stiff. It was fresh, just not to our personal liking. I want to say rating is a B- but that is highly subjective. 

Vegetable dish. Sorry, in putting this post together I just realized that my menu pic has the last entree cut off. I also cannot remember the name of it. Whatever it was called, this dish is good! It contains beans, chick peas, and grilled vegetables. The white stuff was a yogurt dressing. Flavouring played a big part in making this dish delicious!  Rating: A

Dessert!
Proof as to how tired my kids were by this point, they skipped dessert. Totally unheard of!  Hubby and I still found the strength ?

Creme Brûlée, my usual favourite.  
Rating: A

Chocolate and Olive cake. This did not sound appealing at all but our waiter insisted that I try it. I am so glad I listened because this was yummy! It was dense and rich but melted in your mouth.
Rating: A

New York Cheesecake with Strawberry topping, Hubby's usual favourite.  Rating: A

After dinner we called it a night. Back to the stateroom for PJs and family time. Everyone, but me, is now fast asleep ? 
Goodnight all!
 

I warned you on the first post. We are lazy cruisers! 

Hi all!  Sorry for the lack of live posts today.  It has been a busy day.  We went to KSC today on a shore excursion purchased through RC.  It is called "Kennedy Space Center Guided Tour".  It is pricey but well worth it in my opinion.  We got 10% off the Cruise Planner price during the sale at Christmas time.  Here's a short summary of our day...
Instructions were to meet outside the terminal building at 8:15am.  Upon arriving outside, greeters were there to direct you.
Greeter:  "What excursion are you headed on today?"
Hubby:  "Cape Canaveral"
Greeter: ...looking puzzled
Me:  We are going on the Kennedy Space Center guided tour.
Greeter:  "Oh, ok, down to the buses on the right."
More evidence to support the fact the I am the Genie, even on vacation...Ok, moving on...
The bus left promptly at 8:30am.  It took slightly over 20min to get to KSC.  The bus ride there and back was very interactive.  Our guide gave lots of info about the area and the Space Center.  We headed straight to the Saturn V Center.  The last time we were here it was about 20 years ago.  Hubby and I both noticed throughout the day that they have added many more attractions to the place.  At the Saturn V building, we watched a video on the lift off of Apollo 8 and there was plenty of time given to walk around, take pics, and tour independently.
Photo Credit:  All Hubby



After leaving the Saturn V Center, they gave us some time to view the launch pad from the viewing stands.  That's where my pic earlier today came from.
We boarded the bus again and headed over to the Visitor Complex.  Here we watched a short video at Journey to Mars and watched an 3D IMAX movie on "Journey to Space".  Many of the attractions here reminded me of the Epcot Center.  Our kids were surprisingly engaged and we were really pleased with that.  Free time was then given for lunch.  It was raining by this point so the break was welcomed.  The food choices here are standard theme park items.
D2 was quite inspired by this time.  She created this.  It's called "Mission Chicken"  or "Chicken Rocket", she couldn't decide.

After lunch, we met back up with the group and it was time to head over to Atlantis.  Here we had time to participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience and wander through other exhibits.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile experience at KSC.  Everything mentioned above was included except lunch.  It was a busy day.  D2 lost all steam by the end of the day.  In chatting with the kids at dinner, they had time to reflect on the visit and they enjoyed it.  It was eye opening for them to see the collective effort that goes into a mission.  It was also humbling for them to see the sacrifices made by others to get to the point where we are now in space exploration.  I am really happy that we took them now (at this age) and not earlier because they are at an age where they can see beyond the "fun" of the exhibits and process the information they took in today.  This excursion also provided a really good mix of guided exploration and independent touring. 
In answer to @Skid's question from earlier, if this excursion is worthwhile as a half-day tour, I feel that the answer is it depends on several factors.  If the tour is guided and includes both the Saturn V Center and the Visitor Complex, then no.  I fear it may be very rushed.  If it only includes part of it, then yes, you can still get some good time in.  If your tour is totally independent, then it is worthwhile if you are not visiting for the first time (and you are selective) or if you have researched it and have a set plan (no wandering).  Keep in mind that travel time alone is about 50-60 min round trip.  On our way back to the ship, we had to wait on a bridge for about 10 min because there was a barge that had to pass.  Things like that can eat up time if you only have 6 hours.  Our tour was listed as 8hrs but really it was 8:15am-5pm.
After we got back, the kids were wiped.  It was a quick stop at Sorrento's pizza again (kids like it lol) and then back to the stateroom to clean up for dinner.
Going to put the kids to bed then post dinner photos...

Just got off Anthem before you also in FJ.  This was first time in Sea Class so first time trying CK and we loved it.  Didn't even have to deal with the crowds of MDR for dinner.  Looks like the same menu we had also.  7 day rotating menu, so for our 12 night cruise we almost had every menu twice.  The filet mignon was the BEST we've had in a long time.  Even the steak on the classic menu is a good choice!

Hi all!  Sorry for the lack of live posts today.  It has been a busy day.  We went to KSC today on a shore excursion purchased through RC.  It is called "Kennedy Space Center Guided Tour".  It is pricey but well worth it in my opinion.  We got 10% off the Cruise Planner price during the sale at Christmas time.  Here's a short summary of our day...
Instructions were to meet outside the terminal building at 8:15am.  Upon arriving outside, greeters were there to direct you.
Greeter:  "What excursion are you headed on today?"
Hubby:  "Cape Canaveral"
Greeter: ...looking puzzled
Me:  We are going on the Kennedy Space Center guided tour.
Greeter:  "Oh, ok, down to the buses on the right."
More evidence to support the fact the I am the Genie, even on vacation...Ok, moving on...
The bus left promptly at 8:30am.  It took slightly over 20min to get to KSC.  The bus ride there and back was very interactive.  Our guide gave lots of info about the area and the Space Center.  We headed straight to the Saturn V Center.  The last time we were here it was about 20 years ago.  Hubby and I both noticed throughout the day that they have added many more attractions to the place.  At the Saturn V building, we watched a video on the lift off of Apollo 8 and there was plenty of time given to walk around, take pics, and tour independently.
Photo Credit:  All Hubby



After leaving the Saturn V Center, they gave us some time to view the launch pad from the viewing stands.  That's where my pic earlier today came from.
We boarded the bus again and headed over to the Visitor Complex.  Here we watched a short video at Journey to Mars and watched an 3D IMAX movie on "Journey to Space".  Many of the attractions here reminded me of the Epcot Center.  Our kids were surprisingly engaged and we were really pleased with that.  Free time was then given for lunch.  It was raining by this point so the break was welcomed.  The food choices here are standard theme park items.
D2 was quite inspired by this time.  She created this.  It's called "Mission Chicken"  or "Chicken Rocket", she couldn't decide.

After lunch, we met back up with the group and it was time to head over to Atlantis.  Here we had time to participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience and wander through other exhibits.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile experience at KSC.  Everything mentioned above was included except lunch.  It was a busy day.  D2 lost all steam by the end of the day.  In chatting with the kids at dinner, they had time to reflect on the visit and they enjoyed it.  It was eye opening for them to see the collective effort that goes into a mission.  It was also humbling for them to see the sacrifices made by others to get to the point where we are now in space exploration.  I am really happy that we took them now (at this age) and not earlier because they are at an age where they can see beyond the "fun" of the exhibits and process the information they took in today.  This excursion also provided a really good mix of guided exploration and independent touring. 
In answer to @Skid's question from earlier, if this excursion is worthwhile as a half-day tour, I feel that the answer is it depends on several factors.  If the tour is guided and includes both the Saturn V Center and the Visitor Complex, then no.  I fear it may be very rushed.  If it only includes part of it, then yes, you can still get some good time in.  If your tour is totally independent, then it is worthwhile if you are not visiting for the first time (and you are selective) or if you have researched it and have a set plan (no wandering).  Keep in mind that travel time alone is about 50-60 min round trip.  On our way back to the ship, we had to wait on a bridge for about 10 min because there was a barge that had to pass.  Things like that can eat up time if you only have 6 hours.  Our tour was listed as 8hrs but really it was 8:15am-5pm.
After we got back, the kids were wiped.  It was a quick stop at Sorrento's pizza again (kids like it lol) and then back to the stateroom to clean up for dinner.
Going to put the kids to bed then post dinner photos...

Morning update- Coco Cay is cancelled. Too big of a challenge to tender. They have been trying to anchor for 1/2hr and aborting now. The Captain just announced that we are heading to Nassau for an overnight stay.
Still in bed. We are overjoyed. Lol. We are not beach people anyway!
 

It's currently 68 degrees. The water would have been too cold for the kids to truly enjoy anyway. I will get that menu pic too for you today. I feel like today is a great day to try those desserts! And I have extra OBC now ?

Podcasting? I only know how to listen to @Matt's.
Everyone got up but now two are back in bed lol

Actually, that is the exact reason that I gave hubby for booking this excursion. 
As a teacher, I look for the teachable moment always. They are there. I think my kids are starting to catch on though lol....

Podcasting? I only know how to listen to @Matt's.
Everyone got up but now two are back in bed lol

No laying in bed!! Get out there and take more pic's and start posting for us all to see 
Podcasting comes to mind for todays activities 

Glad to hear that the skipping of the port isn't a negative for you.  CocoCay is lovely, even if you just walked around a little but.  Enjoy Nassau (and laying around in bed some more)!

More time to enjoy the ship!

Hi all!  Sorry for the lack of live posts today.  It has been a busy day.  We went to KSC today on a shore excursion purchased through RC.  It is called "Kennedy Space Center Guided Tour".  It is pricey but well worth it in my opinion.  We got 10% off the Cruise Planner price during the sale at Christmas time.  Here's a short summary of our day...
Instructions were to meet outside the terminal building at 8:15am.  Upon arriving outside, greeters were there to direct you.
Greeter:  "What excursion are you headed on today?"
Hubby:  "Cape Canaveral"
Greeter: ...looking puzzled
Me:  We are going on the Kennedy Space Center guided tour.
Greeter:  "Oh, ok, down to the buses on the right."
More evidence to support the fact the I am the Genie, even on vacation...Ok, moving on...
The bus left promptly at 8:30am.  It took slightly over 20min to get to KSC.  The bus ride there and back was very interactive.  Our guide gave lots of info about the area and the Space Center.  We headed straight to the Saturn V Center.  The last time we were here it was about 20 years ago.  Hubby and I both noticed throughout the day that they have added many more attractions to the place.  At the Saturn V building, we watched a video on the lift off of Apollo 8 and there was plenty of time given to walk around, take pics, and tour independently.
Photo Credit:  All Hubby



After leaving the Saturn V Center, they gave us some time to view the launch pad from the viewing stands.  That's where my pic earlier today came from.
We boarded the bus again and headed over to the Visitor Complex.  Here we watched a short video at Journey to Mars and watched an 3D IMAX movie on "Journey to Space".  Many of the attractions here reminded me of the Epcot Center.  Our kids were surprisingly engaged and we were really pleased with that.  Free time was then given for lunch.  It was raining by this point so the break was welcomed.  The food choices here are standard theme park items.
D2 was quite inspired by this time.  She created this.  It's called "Mission Chicken"  or "Chicken Rocket", she couldn't decide.

After lunch, we met back up with the group and it was time to head over to Atlantis.  Here we had time to participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience and wander through other exhibits.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile experience at KSC.  Everything mentioned above was included except lunch.  It was a busy day.  D2 lost all steam by the end of the day.  In chatting with the kids at dinner, they had time to reflect on the visit and they enjoyed it.  It was eye opening for them to see the collective effort that goes into a mission.  It was also humbling for them to see the sacrifices made by others to get to the point where we are now in space exploration.  I am really happy that we took them now (at this age) and not earlier because they are at an age where they can see beyond the "fun" of the exhibits and process the information they took in today.  This excursion also provided a really good mix of guided exploration and independent touring. 
In answer to @Skid's question from earlier, if this excursion is worthwhile as a half-day tour, I feel that the answer is it depends on several factors.  If the tour is guided and includes both the Saturn V Center and the Visitor Complex, then no.  I fear it may be very rushed.  If it only includes part of it, then yes, you can still get some good time in.  If your tour is totally independent, then it is worthwhile if you are not visiting for the first time (and you are selective) or if you have researched it and have a set plan (no wandering).  Keep in mind that travel time alone is about 50-60 min round trip.  On our way back to the ship, we had to wait on a bridge for about 10 min because there was a barge that had to pass.  Things like that can eat up time if you only have 6 hours.  Our tour was listed as 8hrs but really it was 8:15am-5pm.
After we got back, the kids were wiped.  It was a quick stop at Sorrento's pizza again (kids like it lol) and then back to the stateroom to clean up for dinner.
Going to put the kids to bed then post dinner photos...

Sure Matt! Not a problem. I noticed in my research prior to this cruise that there are very few photos of the FJ. That is why I made sure hubby took very detailed ones. You can use it in a photo tour too if you want. Happy to contribute!

Actually, that is the exact reason that I gave hubby for booking this excursion. 
As a teacher, I look for the teachable moment always. They are there. I think my kids are starting to catch on though lol....

oh man, that stinks! Unless you are not beach people lol. but I am! So what are you guys going to do in Nassau for an extra day then?
Loving your blog, by the way!! 

I'm a firm believer that when you take vacations with kids to include one event that is educational during the trip, especially if it's in another country so they learn something and have something to write about in school if asked. Then let them have fun for the rest of the trip.  Seems like your doing the same thing Sabrina.