CARTAGENA, SPAIN

Before dinner we enjoyed some canapés and wine in our suite.  Each afternoon the butlers offer a selection of canapés which changes day-to-day to those in the suites.  This is the first time we had this since boarding.

 
We dined at Tastes for the first time of this cruise with friend Victoria and her daughter Chloe.  We had a great time.
 
Tastes has an array of tapas representing different regions of the world. We ordered taps while Victoria and Chloe ordered tapas for themselves so we could share ours and they could share what they ordered.

Before becoming Silk which served Asian cuisine Tastes was on Serenity.  The major differences between the new Tastes and the original one is three-fold. There are some new items that we have not had before, although the former Tastes would update its menu every few months removing some items and adding in new ones. The menu is now subdivided reflecting what they consider to be appetizers on the left side of the menu and the right side includes items they consider to be entrees. For example, salad on the left side of the menu and steak on the right side. The menu is now two sided hard copy and on a card stock versus paper which was rolled up.

Typically people share three-to-four appetizers and four-to-six of the entrees.


 

Last evening's entertainment included a comedy performance by comedian Martin Beaumont in the Galaxy Lounge and a 10:30 pm performance of Sweet Soul Music in the Stardust Lounge.

​The city has a rich history of Roman ruins. Originally, we had a private tour featuring the ruins but we decided to cancel the tour.

Keith went off by himself soon after we docked and Anne Marie went to the salon to get pampered for a pedicure/manicure.  

The other day Keith asked the Shore Excursion team if maps of the local area could be provided for guests going ashore based on feedback her received from fellow guests.  The plan is to provide this information in the future including a map and highlights. Since this is not yet ready the shore excursion manager said they could provide maps used in the past which is precisely what they are now doing. This is terrific.

Keith walked for quite a while with map in hand. The part of the city he saw features beautiful architecture on the facades of its buildings and blends new with old.  Everywhere he went they were cleaning the street. Many streets have separate pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes.  People were friendly.

While we have been to Spain several times it was on three back-to-back Serenity cruises totaling 21 days in September and October of 2018 when we visited several ports in Spain which we didn't see on prior trips and saw the beauty and uniqueness of each city.

Today's Reflections.

We will post about this afternoon tomorrow.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith