Norwegian Epic: Barcelona to Rome/Day Two/ Solo Travel

The first two nights on the ship I didn't sleep very well. Although the bed was ultra comfortable, and the room was perfectly quiet, I was wired. My body felt jet lagged, and I seemed to get tired during the day. I was charged with energy at night. I just went with it.  Normally I sleep very well, but now I was dealing with a huge time change, having traveled from Los Angeles to Spain.  My body clock was way out of whack.

Sunday night I decided give up on sleeping and to call for a pizza at 2:00 a.m. They have 24 hour room service on the ship. When in doubt on a cruise, you usually eat. I got up, and enjoyed yet another meal. NCL had left  a complimentary bottle of sparking fruit wine on my bed as a gift, so I had a glass of that, too. (even though I normally don't drink.) It did the trick, and I gratefully fell asleep.

The second night I decided to just get up and take a walk around the ship. It was midnight, and people were still out partying. There was a movie with Judy Dench playing on the big screen in the Atrium. I ordered a fruit salad with banana bread at O'Sheehans, and then hoped to watch the rest of the movie. By the time I got down there, the credits were rolling. Next time...

Day two was a sea day. After having breakfast in the Garden Cafe, and eating outside on the deck, I decided to explore the gym. It was fantastic! I loved the view of the water. I used the stationary bike, the weight machines, and the yoga studio. I kind of overdid it. My shoulders were so sore the next day that I could hardly lift my purse. I was a bit concerned about carrying my bags. I've got to remember that I'm 54. Sometimes I still really push it, physically.

Once again, I had lunch at O'Sheehans. This time I ordered a salad and shepherd's pie. It was very good. I didn't go to any  of the specialty restaurants this cruise. My plan was to try the free places and pay for one pizza delivery. I had budgeted for a trip to Capri, and a pass at the spa. Next time instead of the spa I will try Cagney's Steakhouse and a couple of the other places. On my upcoming cruise I will receive a coupon for two complimentary dinners at the specialty restaurants. It's kind of like a rewards program. I am looking forward to it. I ate in a couple of them on The Norwegian Bliss last May, and the food was excellent!     

I headed back to the spa and soaked my sore body in the whirlpools.  They have a lovely station with citrus water, tea, and fresh fruit. Having a cup of hot tea really helped to warm me up, since I felt a  bit cold. I relaxed on the lounge chairs that are made of heated stones. They provide very cushy, white, plush bathrobes, too. I used the same one for the three days I was there. I did the same with the towels. You are given two blue beach towels, I believe. After that you are charged. I kept my bath towels and beach towel hung up, so that no water was wasted on laundry. Everything was very clean and new. If you leave a towel on the floor of your room, your cabin steward will replace it with a fresh one.

That evening, after socializing briefly in the Solo Lounge, I had dinner again at Taste. I enjoyed the view out the window of the sea. This time I ordered the chicken, sweet potatoes, and marinated vegetables. It was a nice meal. I loved the desserts. I sampled several at the different complimentary places on the ship. It's exciting to eat new foods and to get out of your regular routine of cooking.

I had a reservation to see Burn The Floor at 7:00 p.m. I was unprepared for what a phenomenal show this is. The ballroom dancers were incredible! I was thrilled, and had chills over and over again. It's a wonderful show on so many levels. The music, costumes, choreography, hair, make-up, and tech are all top notch. I could watch that show every night. The women, especially, were alluring and passionate. It's my kind of dancing.

I went back to my room and tried to go to bed at 10:00 p.m. Once again, I couldn't sleep. I had another glass of my complimentary sparkling wine, even though I normally don't drink. I was pretty wired from the show. The energy on a cruise ship is very "go go go!" I could feel it. You could stay up all night, and there is always somewhere to go or something to do. I wanted to sleep, though, since I was looking forward to arriving in Naples the next morning.

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