Nov 04.2009 - First Day At Sea in the Atlantic

DKP : We woke to some of the most spectacular weather on the trip so far. Bright sunny blue skies with plenty of warm breezes... a gift and possibly a good omen for the 5 day crossing. I have heard tales of the Splendor's Crossing last year around this time; they were not as lucky as the Dream. The weather revealed an angrier Atlantic basin and seas were rocky the entire time.

My step Mom, Diane, Sandy and I found our way up to the Aft Deck watering hole, as did a good number of other passengers. The layout of the aft deck is far and away more accommodating than the Splendor in my opinion. Between the array of deck chairs fanned around the stern, the oversized plastic pool rockers and the outdoor dining tables, there seems plenty of room for all who want to hang.

The mid Lido deck is all abuzz with an afternoon movie on the jumbo screen overhanging the pool. The ping pong tables are in use and the multi-water slide park is in full use by the mostly adult passengers onboard, who make for their own version of children as they laugh and "whoo-hooo" their way down the twists and turns to the splash pool below. It's a great site to see the slides, a unique feature on the Dream, being used by all ages. When she reaches her ultimate port in Cape Canaveral where the 7 day Caribbean cruises begin, the kids will stake their claim once again and I wager you will see very few brave adults in the mix.

The Serenity Spa deck is nicely full, the hammocks are filled with the folks who know how to relax, the 10+ jacuzzis onboard are bubbling away with conversation serving the same purpose as a water filled piazza.

The 5 consecutive sea days will be more work for the crew but keep in mind, this is the A-Team onboard, they are invited to the new ships because they have what it takes to do the hard work involved. The new rotation system is still taking it's toll, it's more than apparent and we've barely seen our friends compared to our time on the Splendor once they had adapted to their routines, but they are giving all they have to make the guests experiences the best they can be. I am very impressed with the level of service so far except for a few isolated incidence which have been corrected quickly by management, let's see how the next 4 days develop.