Carnival Splendor is back in Australia - First Cruise, Day 4
By Cruising With Honey - 20:06
Day 4 Carnival Splendor
The last day on board
Sleeping in was the perfect way to start my last day aboard, and luckily the Golden Pearl dining room was serving brunch today. So, with laptop in hand, I was seated at the back of the restaurant to devour my steak and eggs while enjoying the wake views.
The brunch menu had some delicious options, including a healthy bowl (I wish I’d grabbed that - it looked amazing packed with quinoa and salmon) but I enjoyed my nice steak and eggs.
Next was the Cherry on Top sweet shop that was packed with young and old who were stocking up on some treats and there a lot of American candies that tempted me.
With Halloween in a few weeks, decorations had appeared in the Atrium, adding a festive vibe. I’m sure more will be added over the next few cruises, but I’m sure the giant pumpkin-scarecrow (Pirate Pete I think his name is?) will make an appearance soon.
The sun was glorious and I spent most of the afternoon basking in the delicious warmth – the pools were packed with cruisers enjoying the open decks and delicious cocktails. Despite the number of people outdoors, it never felt over-crowded.
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt at sea is to be patient. You’re on holiday and it’s not worth getting upset over insignificant things. If you have to wait, then it’s all part and parcel of the adventure. I mean, you’re not in a rush to get anywhere, right?
It was nearly 3pm and I raced down the Black Pearl where I was invited to an Afternoon Tea. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I saw the giant Rabbit, I knew it was going to be an extra special event.
The brunch menu had some delicious options, including a healthy bowl (I wish I’d grabbed that - it looked amazing packed with quinoa and salmon) but I enjoyed my nice steak and eggs.
With brunch over, I thought I would explore the shops, and I could have spent up a fortune! There was some terrific merchandise, including a ship model – which I know is always super popular.
I was eyeing off a ship-shaped floating speaker and some Guess handbags that were very well priced. The duty free wasn’t available as it was a domestic cruise.
With Halloween in a few weeks, decorations had appeared in the Atrium, adding a festive vibe. I’m sure more will be added over the next few cruises, but I’m sure the giant pumpkin-scarecrow (Pirate Pete I think his name is?) will make an appearance soon.
I even managed to score myself a pod and, lying back, I fell asleep! There’s something about the motion of the ocean and the warm sun that sets me off to la la land.
Granted, there were queues for some eateries (especially Guy’s Burgers and Masala Tiger), but nobody seemed stressed nor impatient. I suppose the queues were a testament to how yummo their offerings are. At one stage the line for Masala Tiger – the Indian food – was about 50 people deep. And, by the looks of the people inhaling the cuisine, it was worth the wait.
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt at sea is to be patient. You’re on holiday and it’s not worth getting upset over insignificant things. If you have to wait, then it’s all part and parcel of the adventure. I mean, you’re not in a rush to get anywhere, right?
It was nearly 3pm and I raced down the Black Pearl where I was invited to an Afternoon Tea. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I saw the giant Rabbit, I knew it was going to be an extra special event.
The Alice in Wonderland themed Mad Hatter’s High Tea was scrumptious with wide array of sweet treats and and savouries. My favourite was the cheesecake bite with crème Brulee crust.
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it up to the 80s Rock and Glow party due to needing to pack ( look at the towel animals my steward Pande made for me to help me pack) but so many passengers had made such an effort to dress up and party the night away.
Dinner, was a festive/sad event. The waiters, carrying flaming Baked Alaskas, danced and serenaded the dinners, and honestly, there weren’t many dry eyes in the restaurant. It’s funny how you build such a strong attachment to the crew.
Cruising isn’t just about the food, destinations and the activities, but the memories you take away that are laced with such deep emotion. I suppose that’s why I keep going back.
I went to sleep that night, surrounded by my adorable towel animal army, grateful and privileged to be cruising through this thing called life!
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