We boarded the ship after lunch on Friday. After finding out stateroom, we began to explore. I can already see that a certain level of exercise is built into living on a cruise ship. Our room is on Deck 5 in the bow. We eat on Deck 8 in the stern. The pool is on Deck 10, the hot tubs are on Deck 11, the gym is on Deck 12, and the walking track is on Deck 13. Shows are in an auditorium on Deck 8, and the Purser's desk is on Deck 9. We are going to be climbing stairs and walking from one end of the ship to the other all day.

Our first dinner was quite an experience. Everyone dressed up, not necessarily in formal wear, but in nice slacks and dresses. We were served a four-course meal. My appetizer was asparagus soup, and it was delicious. The salad choices were romaine and tomato tossed with a house dressing or a mixed green salad with a choice of dressing. Because I wanted only olive oil, I chose the mixed greens. It was about half iceberg lettuce and half beneficial greens. The olive oil was excellent quality.

My entrée was lamb. It came with potatoes and root vegetables. I asked if I could substitute the green beans that came with a chicken dish for the potatoes. Our waiter seemed flustered by the request; evidently I had asked for something that would hamper the system. However he brought my dinner as I requested it. I think the lamb I cook at home is delicious. This lamb was even better. It was tender and superbly seasoned. The vegetables were wonderful.

For dessert I chose something called lavender ice. I'm not sure what was in it, but it melted in my mouth. After dinner we went out on deck. It is so relaxing to hear the swoosh of the water and look at the stars.