Day at Sea: Our first full day on the cruise ship was a sea day. We didn't stop in any ports and entertained ourselves with onboard activities. The day was overcast and chilly, typical Alaskan weather for this time of year. We were prepared, though, having brought along rain gear and warm coats, as well as long pants. The seas were a bit choppy, but there were no large waves to toss the ship about. Neither Peep nor I experienced any affects of seasickness.
Exercise & Detox Seminar: After waiting a bit for our breakfast to settle, we were ready to suit up, head to the fitness center, and get in some exercise. This being mid-morning on a sea day, the place was packed. However, a treadmill opened up shortly after we arrived and I was able to grab it before anyone else. I set up the treadmill for Peep's use. I was just starting to feel the effects of a head cold that would stay with me the rest of the cruise, so instead of exercising I grabbed a mat, set it up on the side of the exercise floor, and did a lengthy stretching routine. As I was stretching, chairs were set up on the exercise floor and a seminar on detox had begun. I had heard of detox but had little knowledge in it, so we ended up staying to listen to what it is and how it can be beneficial.
Ballroom @ Sea: Cha-Cha & Tango: Having seen my parents at breakfast, they mentioned their plans to attend the Ballroom at Sea and invited Peep and me to learn the Cha-Cha and Tango with them. Since I wasn't feeling well and am not much of a dancer, I sat out and watched as Peep, my mom and my dad learned the steps to the dances. However, when it was time to partner up, Peep left the dance floor. There were a couple of other ladies without partners that traded off with the instructor. But, my parents stayed on and had a blast performing their new dance moves.
Introduction to Acupuncture: We headed from the dance lessons to a nearby room to attended a seminar on the benefits of acupuncture, another subject I knew a limited amount about. The Golden Princess had an acupuncturist on board and treatments could be received for an extra fee. While the history and benefits of acupuncture were interesting to hear about, I was most curious to hear the theories on how and why it works.
Formal Dinner & Portraits: As a special surprise for my parents at dinner, we ordered them a cake and the waiters sung "Happy Anniversary" to them before they blew out the candle. Later, a sign and a couple of balloons were placed on their cabin door.
While the majority of the dinners were smart casual, two nights required formal dress. I had packed a suit and Peep a dress, so we were looking sharp at dinner. The rest of the family was dressed to the nines as well and, this being the first time we were all dressed up together in years, my parents wanted to have formal pictures taken. Ship photographers were on hand to take portraits after each of the dinners. My dad had scouted out the background he liked best, so we all lined up to get a group shot of the entire family.
Comic Jim McDonald: After portraits, Peep and I had plans to go see the comic in the Princess Theater. We let my parents know and they decided to join us. They had seen Jim McDonald perform the night before at the "Welcome Aboard" show but weren't too impressed. However, they found him much more entertaining at his full show. He must have been saving his best jokes for the second night.
Ship's Activities: There were plenty of other activities on board to keep the whole family entertained. They could choose from adult lounges, teen lounges, shows, movies, an activity center, a fitness center, a library, dancing, contests, a casino, bingo, lectures, ping-pong, putt-putt golf, basketball, and plenty of dining. But, the most popular with my nieces and nephews had to be the swimming. Along with two kiddie pools, there were two family pools and two adult only pools. One of the family pools was covered and this is where they spent most of their time swimming, the water sloshing around with the movement of the ship. Next to each of the main pools were hot tubs.