Tampa, Florida - Out to sea!
Morning came too early, but we were both much more rested today. After breakfast at the hotel, we took a shuttle to the port. They said it was 20 minutes … HA! After loading passengers at our hotel, we stopped at another then two cruise terminals before arriving at ours … almost an hour later! Phil and Marcia were awaiting our arrival so we all boarded the ship at the same time.
It was time for lunch so we made our way to the Versailles Restaurant for a pretty tasty lunch before exploring the ship. Around 3pm our rooms were ready so we dropped off our backpacks and changed into swimsuits. We enjoyed a drink by the pool and the sail-away crew entertainment as we departed Tampa about 4pm. We spotted a few dolphins and looked back at the Carnival Paradise ship and the Margaritaville ship behind us.
Our dinner reservations were at La Cucina, an Italian restaurant. I had the pork marsala and Tobey had the shrimp. Mine was very tender and good but Tobey’s shrimp were overcooked, so I shared! We went to the Broadway Cabaret show in the theater. It was a nice way to round out the evening. Phil called it a night and headed back their room while Tobey, Marcia, and I grabbed another drink before turning in.
So far, the seas are calm and we are working on the relaxation mode! The moon isn’t full, but it definitely beautiful to see from our balcony. My phone tends to make the nighttime photos look more like day, but this was it!
Good night for now!
January 6, 2026
Another day in the books! One of the great things about a day at sea on a cruise is you really don’t have to hurry for anything! We had arranged to meet up with Marcia and Phil at 10, so we slept in a bit then headed out for breakfast. We ended up at the Versailles Restaurant and shared a table with a couple from Tennessee. It was pleasant and we enjoyed their company. Afterwards, Marcia, Tobey, and I strolled around the ship and stopped to get a drink by the pool when it started to sprinkle! We headed inside to walk around and fortunately, it stopped soon. Phil joined us and we found a spot that wasn’t windy (because it has been VERY windy) and played a game of Phase 10 Flip. Phil was the winner! Lunch was next up on the agenda so we checked out O’Sheehan’s. The food was okay, but none of us said we had to go back! They were going to take naps and we put our swimsuits on and found some sheltered lounge chairs where we could get a little sun and read.
We got together around 6 and grabbed a drink before heading to the Stardust Theater for the magic/contortionist show. Before going into the theater, we took a quick look outside and could see lights in the distance. We were supposed to be passing by Cuba, so I am hoping this is a picture of Cuban lights in the distance!
The magician/illusionist was good and his wife who is a contortionist was amazing. An unusual combination for a show, but very entertaining. We followed the show with a late dinner at the Aqua Restaurant. Tobey and I both had the Boston Blue fish which was delicious.
Marcia's steak:
Afterwards we all headed to the Bliss Lounge to listen to some music before calling it a night. I’m sitting on the sofa with our balcony door open enjoying the sound of the waves. Tomorrow is another day at sea so we are hoping for sunny skies and warmer temperatures!
Night sky:
January 7, 2026 - STILL at sea
We had a better view of Cuba this morning.
Tobey and I had breakfast at the Garden Café Buffet this morning – nothing exciting, but the fruit was good and my omelet was hot and made with my choice of ingredients, so life is good! We met up with Phil and Marcia and walked a lap and a half around the ship before heading to the Bliss Lounge to watch NCL’s version of “Deal or No Deal.” It was entertaining and a few people won money. (Of course, you had to buy your cards to participate. Maybe we will do it next time! Lunch was at the Aqua Restaurant. Tobey is a “Pepsi” guy and they have Coke products on the ship. He tries to order a Pepsi at every restaurant and they inform his, “Sorry, sir, but we have Coke.” Today he told our waiter that would be okay, but when he brings it to tell him it is Pepsi. He did, so Tobey gave him a 5-Star rating! We also had an announcement from the Captain during lunch that he was going to be speeding up the ship to arrive in the Dominican Republic at 2:00am, instead of 7:00am because of a medical emergency. We hoped whatever it is, the person
isn’t in too much distress! After lunch we headed to Deck 13 for some sun-time. After an hour, we split up and I found a shady spot to read after about an hour and Tobey wandered back to the cabin to rest. View from our cabin:
We met up with Phil and Marcia for dinner at the Ginza Restaurant. Tobey and Marcia were happy having sushi! The food was pretty good and we had an enjoyable dinner before heading to the theater for tonight’s show, “Women of Rock.” WOW! It was great - and we cleaned up pretty good!
Tomorrow we arrive in the Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic and can depart the ship after 7:00am. It’s a short port stop, back on the ship by 2pm. Hopefully, we’ll be able to connect to internet and I can post!
January 8, 2026 – Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic
We had breakfast with Phil and Marcia then gathered our things and got of the ship at Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic. It’s an unusual port. It’s about a 20-minute bus ride to get into to the town of Pedernales, which is a very small town. At the port they have built a small “town” where there are shops, bars, a Ferris wheel and a “beach” area with a lazy river.
This picture was taken from the Ferris wheel.
We looked around a little then took the free shuttle bus into town. At the town square we saw some school children dancing for the tourists and local vendors selling their wares.
After talking with a young woman (17) who was a senior in high school we headed to a small café so Phil could use their internet. From there we walked about 8 blocks to the beach. 
Tobey made friends with the local police and they posed for a picture with him, then it was back to the shuttle bus. Back on board about 1pm - sail away at 2pm.
We had lunch then played cards and took a lap around the ship and spotted this island.
We are going to the Versailles Restaurant tonight and the show is a juggler. We’ll see how it is!
Tomorrow we arrive in Curacao around 1pm. We have a shore excursion scheduled, so we’ll let you know how it goes later! That’s all for now.
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