The last full day on Splendour of the Seas would be spent motoring from Corfu back to Venice, so the prior night was the perfect time to stay up late and party. Yet, the usual late-night dancing machine, Jered, had not made the scene. After breakfast, we learned that Jered had fallen asleep after returning from Corfu and apparently slept in a weird position, resulting in a severe pain in his neck which brought him to the Medical Center to be under a doctor’s care. As to whether it was the odd sleeping position, extensive swimming in Corfu or those crazy twist moves that won him a tee shirt a couple of nights earlier, we will never know, but he was in bed most of this sea day.
Anyway, we enjoyed a great breakfast followed by a leisurely morning hanging out around the pools. We skipped the Trivia game, retiring for this trip as champions. Julie and I attended the Crown & Anchor Platinum and Diamond Member Party at noon in the Viking Crown Lounge. They serve complimentary hors d’eurvres and drinks to guests who have cruised more than ten times with Royal Caribbean. We gained entry due to several weekend cruises from San Pedro. Like the song says, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” and this rule always applies on sea days. My buddy Mike Rood gives everyone permission, even if he’s not there, so we each had a drink. The chocolate covered strawberries were the best treat. After we had been there a few minutes, chatting to various crew members who stopped at our table, we saw Rollie, who was on his first cruise, walking over from across the room. He and Cheryl had been relaxing there, Rollie said, enjoying the views, when this party started. They received free drinks and appetizers, without knowing why. The captain came over and talked to them, and they told him they were really enjoying their first cruise. Rather than spoil the moment, the captain told them to enjoy the party.
Eleven of us met at the dining room for lunch at one, but with a table that sat only ten available, I decided to pass. Instead, I wandered over to the Art Auction preview and eventually up to the pool area, where the outdoor barbecue smelled too good to pass up. I had some delicious barbecued ribs and oatmeal cookies, because once I gave up my seat at the dining room table, carbs didn’t count.
I met Jay down in the Art Auction, where we watched others buy the pictures described by the auctioneers. I left early, but Jay managed to snag my free art for attending, which he gave to one of my nieces. One way or another, the afternoon passed. Gina, Laszlo and Amy scaled the rock climbing wall and played mini-golf, Julie, Jacque, Kendra and Kelsey read by the pool, and I kind of floated around checking out what everyone else was doing. It was a relaxing day, other than packing for our arrival in Venice the next morning.
After our farewell gourmet dinner in the King & I Dining Room where we cheered for and then bid adieu to our excellent wait staff, we headed over to the 42nd Street Theater to see the juggling duo of Lajos Nereus & Kathy Donnert. When the lovely Miss Donnert came out on stage, we thought she would be primarily eye candy, but she proved to be an excellent juggler using large balls in an artistic and challenging routine. Then her partner came out with a dazzling exhibition of ring juggling. The Royal Caribbean Singers & Dancers also performed admirably, and of course the Splendour of the Seas Orchestra professionally and skillfully backed everyone as they did throughout the trip.
Julie and I couldn’t stay awake for the “Battle of the Sexes” game, but Amy and Gina said it was fun. Before turning in, we sadly put our bags outside our room in preparation to depart after one last cruise breakfast in the morning.
