After boarding our ship, the Ovation of the Seas, we were instantly aware that though huge, it was so well designed it felt intimate. After dropping off our luggage, we did a cursory explore and then found ourselves on the pool deck for Caribbean music by the talented and energetic Island Sounds Band.

Our dinner companions for the week are sisters-in-law Leslie and Marilyn along with Bernadette and Tony. All are native Aussies and very fun to learn about our different cultures and travels. The food has been wonderful and there is no fear that we'll go hungry anytime soon.

One of our favorite shipboard activities is playing Trivia. We had two opportunities to showcase our vast knowledge. The first round made us feel brilliant. Of the 20 questions, we got 18 right. How were we supposed to know how many gallons are in a FIRKIN (or even what a firkin was). Turns out a firkin is a barrel which holds 9 gallons. At least we knew what a gallon was. The Aussie playing along were at a disadvantage until Steve converted it into liters for them. The other question that perplexed us was , "Name the three tunnels in The Great Escape." Having never seen that movie from the early 60s, we were dumbfounded! The answer, for those clueless like us, was Tom, Dick, and Harry!

Our second round made us feel quite inferior. Of the 30 possible points, we got 5. Three of those points came from me knowing about Devo, the song Whip It, and the year 1980, its release date (I was the only one in attendance who had been to that 1980 concert). The other two points scored were for participation.

Our first day concluded with, Spectra, a Cabaret show which we felt a disconnect from but were quite impressed by its very talented performers and fabulous costuming. 

"Our Maestro and the Agents of Rhythm invite you to an electric multi-dimensional world where you will be transported into invisible realms. Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time to a multimedia show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors, and dazzling movement. Spectra's Cabaret creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all the while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart."

Since we only use an elevator twice on an entire cruise, get our bags to and from our cabin, we racked up 10,504 steps and fell contentedly asleep in our fantastic bed.

A sunrise and coffee on our balcony is always a cruise highlight!

Day 2 was less structured and decidedly more lazy. With the weather being less than poolside worthy, more time was spent indoors. It began with room service coffee delivery followed by breakfast out with the masses. I was tickled at the handwashing station's piped in ditty about washing your hands. The directions included continuing until the entertaining song had ended. Something about it made me smile.

The Veterans' ceremony was emotional and so worth attending. Various branches of the Military, from numerous countries, were recognized. The ships orchestra played hauntingly and I cried. The Empty Chair Ceremony was emotional and poignant. It is used to honor POWs, MIAs, and military heroes we have lost. It involves a table set for one with symbolic items, and a script which included explanations of the symbolism, a moment of remembrance, and a toast. Wow.

"Stunning, exotic and risqué, this combination of high energy performances and remarkable beauty delivers an unforgettable experience. A special collection of next-gen choreography, lavish costumes, amazing video effects, special musical arrangements and a fabulous group of international artists combine to pay tribute to the sexy side of Burlesque."

Our days are diverse, entertaining, and offer as much or as little activity as we can handle. So far, so groovy!