December 23, 2023

 How does sailing the Caribbean Sea sound. We are still rolling along, traveling 300 miles since we left Cozumel. The temperature today was 81 degrees, with winds of 25 knots. We have seen some squalls nearby.

Mike was walking the track and noticed a Cormorant catch a flying fish along side the ship. I have been watching for them but haven't seen one yet. I will be watching even more to try to catch this and maybe get a picture.

We are learning how we are going to spend our sea days. We have a quarter of a mile walking track, full gym, lounge chairs for sunning, multiple venues for port talks, and presentations, Spa, Nordic spa, and 2 swimming pools.

Today I attended a writing workshop, trying to make sure this blog is interesting and improve my journaling. If you see an increase in my use of adjectives, better descriptions, you will know I was paying attention. Mike went to lecture on "Understanding Planetary Climates" he missed the other watching our laundry.

We made time to lay out in the sun, I want to make sure to arrive in London and than home with a tan. We decided this was the day to try the Nordic spa. They call it a Nordic bathing experience, alternating the sauna's soothing heat with a refreshing plunge in a cold pool. Your other option is a warm pool with wave and jets, a hot tub both to warm you up, then a small room with a bucket of water over your head. You stand there and pull the chain and get drenched with cold water. Mike is my witness, I did it, and I am willing to do it again. I will make sure Mike has photo evidence the next time. I jumped back into the hot tub to warm back up, then Mike and I both entered the snow grotto. It is a small room with very cold stone benches, and snow on either side of you. I tried to encourage Mike to have a snowball fight with me, but he declined. Hahaha. The thought behind this is to increase circulation, strengthen immunity and deeply relax your muscles with these cleansing treatment. I hope Lynda and Stephanie are reading this as we were discussing this before I left, and I said no way. See I can change my mind.

We ended the night with a delicious dinner, and after dinner drinks. The entertainment played a few Christmas songs, which helped to remind us tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We are going to listen to tonight's entertainment on live stream from our room.