A Romantic Day At Sea, An Evening At The Ball !
Trip Start
Sep 22, 2009
1
16
17
Trip End
Oct 14, 2009
Kythira, Peloponnese, Greece
Monday, October 5, 2009
Today, with the Ruby Princess enjoying a relaxing day at sea, it was also an opportunity to celebrate a "Day of Romance"!
Tonight's formal night highlights a New Year's Eve Ruby Ball! To add to the romance, the Ruby offered five romantic tips for the day! These included: 1) One of the greatest gifts you can give your partner is your own happiness; 2) Great relationships don't just happen, they're created; 3) Don't wait till Saturday night to go dancing - move the furniture and dance by yourselves at home in your living room; 4) Flirt with each other at a party just as if you were single; and 5) Don't forget to laugh together every day.
This morning started by Rick and Elsie heading to the fitness center. Rick took in the 9am spin class and Elsie walked the treadmill. This was the last scheduled spin class and Rick's last opportunity to thank and say good-bye to the Ruby's South African instructors Nathan and Brian! They provided great instruction during six classes offered throughout the cruise. I wonder if they have room for a 49 yr old fitness instructor?
For lunch, we chose to eat in the dining room! It wasn't often that we ate lunch in the dining room as we were usually in port somewhere. However, today, we took advantage of the day at sea and chose a more distinguished eating experience to the more "roller derby" like elbow to elbow, shoulder to shoulder, fight for every inch experience of a lunch hour buffet!
The final Art Auction was held this afternoon and we weren't going to miss it. Occasionally, over the duration of the cruise, we viewed the artwork in the art gallery. We had a few pieces of artwork in mind however, the cost was an impediment to making a serious bid. But the art, many of them original pieces were fantastic. They would've looked great in our living room or dining room!
The art auction was scheduled to begin at 2:30pm with preview at 1:30pm in the Explorer's Lounge! Complimentary champagne was offered to all those attending the Art Auction. As the art action began, and more champagne was served, our inhibitions regarding cost seemed to disappear. Elsie kept reminding me not to raise my arm for any reason! Then, as my champagne glass became empty, I raised my arm to call the host for another glass. Before I knew it, I bid on a painting worth $500. Fortunately, it was an early bid of a popular painting and my bid was soon a distant memory. And so was getting my champagne glass refilled! Because I was not going to make another attempt at calling the lounge host.
Before dinner, we met a number of fellow Princess Gold Members for a "Meet the Captain" Cocktail Party. This was an opportunity to formally meet the Ruby's captain, enjoy a few complimentary drinks and ask him if we could water ski behind the ship tomorrow! Just Kidding!! From the cocktail party, we made it to our dining room for dinner and more.......wine.
Since the evening was formal, Elsie had reserved a window in the dining room. Although our cruise only had two formal evenings, we were able to acquire a window table during both evenings. Elsie said it was my tux! I'm not sure but it was nice as a window table offered a much quieter and intimate experience.
A New Years Eve Ruby Ball was planned this evening which meant a large crowd gathered at the Atrium in the midship. The Ruby Princess band, Junction 21, played some great music from the past and current hits and got everyone dancin'! Our cruise director James led the entertainment team. Elsie and I had a fantastic time dancin' up a storm! Much like we do when the opportunity arises! As midnight approached, everyone was given noise makers and streamers. A countdown brought the time to midnight and then, it seemed that everyone who had streamers released them, from the seventh, sixth and fifth decks! OK! It wasn't New Years Eve but it sure felt like it!
A few more dances to those favourite Abba, Beatles, Rolling Stones songs, and Elsie and I made it back to our Stateroom to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine on our balcony with the darkness of the Mediterranean seemingly passing by!
Tomorrow, we arrive in Venice, Italy! Just wondering how we're goin' to fit the Ruby down the Grand Canal!
Good Night! Rick & Elsie!
