Day 10 (Day 3 at sea)

Day 10 was our last day at sea as we sailed 677 Nautical Miles to Naples, Italy.

It was a much needed day for rest and relaxation. We not only walked a lot the last couple of the days, but we also took in a lot of sun.

Being in Aqua class, we had access to special rooms such as the "relaxation room." It was a room with comfortable lounge chairs in the front of the boat. It had floor to ceiling windows, so we had a pretty nice view. It was also very quiet and peaceful. I almost fell asleep in there!

Relaxation room

Remember how I told you that the Hot Glass show is a non profit organization? Well, legally they are not allowed to sell their piece and make money. However, they are allow to sell 4 pieces. One by each glass blower for a scholarship at the museum of glass, and a 4th piece for the breast cancer foundation. On the last sea day, they hold an auction for those piece. They're some magnificent pieces and would cost several hundred to a thousand or more at a retail store. I think they raised about $2000 that day.

Jamie, Dan and Matt at the auction

So what happens to all the other pieces that they make throughout the cruise? They raffle it off! At random shows, they will give away raffle tickets and raffle off some pieces. We were super lucky and believe it or not, we won two different times! So we got to lug home two medium sized glass pieces as a great souvenir of our honeymoon! (pictures were taken back in Paris)

A Gator Colored Cafre made by Daniel Alexander

A Vase made by Matthew Decker

For lunch we decided to relax some more and stay away from the crowds of the dining room. Instead, we carried plates of food back to the room and ate on our balcony!

This night was also the second and final formal night for our stay. They had even more food than usual!

Baked Goat Cheese with Orange Essence and Pecan Honey Dressing

Chilled Sweet Pea soup with Crab Salad and Toasted Almonds

The Intermezzo: Citrus Sorbet

Lobster

Lychee and Cassis Gelee

Victoria Pineapple.....something....forgot the name =P

Day 4 (Day 2 at Sea)

After Mykonos we spent another day at sea before docking in Istanbul. From Mykonos, it is 315 Nautical Miles to Istanbul.

During our day at sea, we enjoyed the amenities on the ship and the scenery as we road to Istanbul. We passed by many small islands and villages. 

 For dinner:

Germain's Angus Beef Carpaccio appetizer

My Lump Crab Salad Appetizer

Chilled Asparagus Soup

Roasted Duck Breast and Leg

Blue Mountain Coffee Creme Brulee

Day 2 (Day 1 at Sea)

From Rome we sailed to Mykonos. However, it was a long ride over (821 nautical miles) so we had a day at sea.

We crossed the Strait of Messina.....which is the little path of water in the foot of the boot; between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria in the south of Italy:

"X" marks the spot!

Strait of Messina

There were many activities to do on the ship.

One of our favorite thing to attend was a Hot Glass Show. Yes.....the ship had a hot glass stage set up. There are 3 people who are sent over by Corning Museum of Glass to put on shows and educate the general public about glass and glass making. They are a non profit organization, so they are there purely for education and not to sell things. We attended many of their shows. It was very cool to watch. You would watch this molten liquid turn into a beautiful vase or bowl. The people who did the show were also very funny and entertaining.

Dan with his starter bubble

Jamie adding a blown foot

Almost done!

 The night was also formal night. So we got dressed up for dinner!

Us in Blu

And what did I eat for formal night??:

Pan Fried Macadamia Crusted Sea Scallops with a Pink Grapefruit Emulsion

California Blue Crab Bisque with Caviar and Scallions

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

I forgot to take a picture of dessert that night, but I think I got a pecan honey icecream or something like that. Delicious!