Catalina Island

Yesterday we anchored off of Santa Catalina Island.  Angie and I both decided to stay on the ship. We had been here in May 2022 and felt we had seen what we wanted to.  We'd stay onboard and have sea day.

We found there is only about 1400 passengers onboard the Solstice for this sailing.  The ship only has 1425 guest cabins. So it's about half it's maximum double occupancy. Hasn't been any trouble finding a seat in the lounges or outside.  Compared to the 4700 that were on the Panorama last week. 

I started the day by going to Cafe Al Bacio for some "to go" Chai tea to bring to the room. Angie did a little work and then we headed up to the Sky Lounge on Deck 14 Forward at 10 AM for some morning trivia.  It was general knowledge trivia. We didn't do very well, only getting 9 out of 20.  Angie then completed the timed sudoku challenge but five other people has better times. At 11 there was Food and Beverage trivia.  Something we should be good at.  We did much better on this one and tied for the win!!   Should have gotten two more points but we stumbled on which sports drink had the slogan "Sports Fuel".  We knew it was either Gatorade or Powerade but guessed incorrectly. Also we should have known which vegetable has more protein by weight than steak.  Answers below.  

After the trivias it was lunchtime.  The weather was sunny, although a bit cool at about 10°C. But we wanted to enjoy some fresh air.  So we went to MastGrill which is the burger and hot dog grill on the ship.  I got a cheeseburger and Angie got a hot dog. Both were decent, but we've had better.  After that we both wanted some salad so we headed to the Ocean View Cafe (buffet).  The salad bar has so many choices. Three types of greens.  So many other veggies. One strange thing is their blue cheese dressing is very thin and watery.  It has some great flavor, but the thinnest dressing I've seen other than traditional Italian dressing.  

After lunch we headed to the Sunset Bar which is an outdoors bar all the way aft on Deck 15.  When the sun was out, it was quite pleasant. But when a cloud came in, the wind picked up and it got quite chilly.  I grabbed a couple of pool towels but it wasn't enough to h itold back the cold. We decided to head to Cafe Al Bacio for some more tea. We also played on game of Quirkle and I barely edged out a win by three points.  Angie was not happy that I was blocking all the Quirkles. Just part of my strategy.  I am sure a rematch will be happening soon. 

We then headed to the Martini Bar and had a Beefeater and Tonic with orange and chatted with Andre, one of the bartenders.  After awhile we headed back to the cabin to get ready for dinner.  We had looked at the menu for the main dining room and had some good things.  We have "anytime" dining on this sailing.  That means we can go to the podium at the restaurant when we're ready to eat, check-in and then we get seated when a table is available.  It was super fast and we were seated at a table for two.   Every night they have a bread service with different spreads. There is always whipped butter in the middle and the other two vary.  Tonight is was a nicely spiced hummus and an avocado mousse.  Hummus for the win!!   I ordered shrimp cocktail, onion soup and turkey parmesan.  Angie had a wedge salad, butternut squash soup and grilled branzino.  All very good - especially the branzino and turkey parm. Dessert was chocolate cake and pistachio ice cream.  The pistachio ice cream was okay but didn't have any pistachios or any nuts at all.  A bit disappointing.  

After dinner we went to see one of the two solo guitarists named Max. He was playing in the Ensemble lounge.  He had some great versions of many songs included one you probably know from Rick Springfield.  Also a few from James Taylor. And a few instrumentals.  We stayed for a couple of his sets.  It was then time to head back to the cabin.  

Today is our first of two sea days as we head to Cabo San Lucas for an arrival on Tuesday.  The weather should be getting a bit warmer.  It'a 8:30 ship time and already 11°C!!  As long as the clouds stay away, we should have some outside time later.  Tonight is formal night so will probably be in the dining room again.  Lunch is open.  Hard to beat the great salad bar.  

Trivia answers:. Gatorade and Broccoli