To the Caribbean With Love: Day One at Sea

2 March 2015

Somebody told us this morning we were sailing past the northern coast of Cuba, so we rushed to the starboard side to see a far away island, lining the watery horizon like a thin skirting board. Around 3pm, we'd come much closer; Cuba is an island with significant coastal high ground. I gazed in wonder at the land of the Castros - picturing the many past escapees fleeing from communism in small boats in the waters we were now privileged to sail through - a land which has at last normalised relations with the US.

We felt excited to wake up this morning on a cruise ship. After breakfast, we met the cooking crew and toured the kitchens with Morris, a sous chef. We also toured the more expensive restaurants, such as the Qsine, the Tuscan Grill and the Murano. The food served in the Qsine is a work of art, representing the countries of the world. These restaurants cost extra. We booked to dine in Qsine on our last evening on the ship - 14 March, the evening before our 25th wedding anniversary.

Before lunch, we attended a tours workshop, which explained the various tours of the islands we will soon visit. We also attended a 'History of Diamonds' seminar, which told that diamonds were first discovered in India in 3000 BC, and Alexander the Great introduced them to Europe. After lunch, Jean spent some time in the casino on Deck 4, while I swam in the pool on Deck 12. I also investigated on Deck 6 what to do about getting wifi, which is not easily available without paying through the nose.

Tonight is the ship's first formal night, of which there will be three. Overnight, we should pass between Cuba and poverty-stricken Haiti, and enter the Caribbean Sea.