Today was the day of the rescheduled MTP lunch and tonight was a formal night and the combination of the two always seem to occupy a day at sea. Though we were awake early, I was determined to sleep in a bit longer and plugged in ear buds and started to listen to an audiobook and that put me back to sleep until 8am. G had gone to breakfast in the Panorama Buffet but I didn't want to eat and instead walked on Deck 10 (our weather today was sunny and warmer and stable. Yay!). We returned to the cabin for haircut time (both of us) and I believe we're set now until we return home (it's hard to believe that we are that close to doing that).
The luncheon today was truly a feast, a wonderful combination of menu and presentation. It was nice to be hungry when I sat down but, honestly, just the starter was enough for a meal. But that didn't stop us; it's hard to not eat such delicious food. We have a new pastry chef and the dessert was superb. Even the red rose sorbet was served topped with a sugar rose petal. Beautiful!
I'll include photos eventually, but for now, even the menu is drool-worthy.
Starter
Sea and Land Triumph- Combination of seafood, vegetables and cured meat 
G's starter was a non-seafood one
Intermezzo
Red roses and candied ginger sorbet
Entree
Baked Chilean sea bass- In a crust of red new potatoes, accompanied by fresh tomato salsa and seasoned baby begetables
OR
Tournedo of beef 'Botticelli'- Wrapped in Parma ham, topped with a rose of pate de fois gras, served on a Brunello di Montalcino essence, creamy potatoes and vegetables (G and I both ordered this)
OR
Risotto ai frutti di Bosco- carnaroli rice with fresh berries, lemon and mint
Dessert
Delizie al limoncello
Petite fours
MTP luncheon wait team
Accompanied by wine, how does anyone accomplish anything after a lunch like that? It was perhaps the most amazing MTP luncheon we had ever been invited to. We were seated with the Hotel General Manager Leonardo and I believe we were fourth or fifth most traveled. The cutoff for the luncheon was right around 400 days on Princess cruises.
Of course, we were ruined for the rest of the day and didn't want to have to shower again before dinner. G did buy bingo cards and tried to win the $1000 big jackpot (no luck), but I finished the book about the history of the world and now must choose a third book to read for next cruise. We skipped the PES Lounge and went to dinner where we had just appetizers and salads. There was a farewell party in the Atrium beginning at 7pm and we are sitting in the Cabaret Lounge awaiting the start of production show Do You Wanna Dance. We'll likely finish the evening with Jere Ring in the Casino Lounge.
We are getting excited about our return to the US on Tuesday. We have several things to accomplish and have started a list of things to do Internet-wise (download new videos to watch tops the list), and a few items to buy at Walgreens or Publix. It will be wonderful to be back on such familiar ground...and to wear shorts and t-shirts again. I will spend some time tomorrow packing away the clothing I know I won't be needing again, holding out just one set of clothes for the flight home.
And, finally, a few miscellaneous items...
I have neglected to mention that, on that really rough evening, two nights ago, the ventriloquist had started his late show before just a 26-person audience and became too seasick to continue (though he tried). Our joke is that even the dummies were throwing up. (Yes, it was that bad.)
This one for Carol and Grant...our next door tablemates are from Edmonton and shop at Carol's Quality Sweets, Carol's wonderful candy store. They said they will stop by to give you our regards, so watch for Richard and Joanna. It's a small world!
And Suzan and Greg; we'll see you in just 36 hours. I bet you're at Princess Cays tomorrow. Enjoy!
