The wind on Deck 15 hit like a jet engine.
It nearly blew HP off her feet and almost sent my glasses straight into the North Pacific.
That was my introduction to our first full sea day.
I thought sea days were going to be quiet and maybe a little isolating, mostly gambling and wandering the ship.
It turns out sea days have a personality all their own. Equal parts excitement, exhaustion, and moments you don’t expect to remember, but somehow do.
Day 2: At Sea
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: North Pacific, en route
🌅 Morning: Wind, Waves & Wobbly Walks
Seattle’s drizzle is behind us, but the morning was still grey, overcast, and brisk at 51°. A bit windy — which we discovered firsthand on Deck 15’s track. The bow was blocked off, so we walked as far as the sign would allow. The wind funneled through like a jet engine, nearly blowing HP off her feet and almost sending my glasses into the sea. We laughed the whole way back.
By 9:00 a.m., the swells started rolling. The ship began to sway noticeably, and everyone onboard looked like they were doing the “drunken sailor walk.” Arrrr! A finer ship I’ve never seen, matey.
Breakfast was at the Windjammer, Deck 14. (Side note: my iPhone stubbornly refused to adjust to the time change. I found that hour difference slightly disorienting when your stomach and phone don’t agree on the hour.)
We also learned that with the drink package you get a refillable insulated cup for unlimited soda. One of those is definitely in our future.
🌊 Afternoon: Sun, Clouds & Revelations
By midday the weather was a shifting patchwork of grey skies splitting to reveal bursts of sunshine. Windy, beautiful, unpredictable. Not miserable at all, despite what the forecast might suggest.
We spent the day wandering, taking a few selfies on deck, and just soaking in the rhythm of the sea. I had a moment of revelation: this is exactly the kind of adventure I love. Even with rougher waters and stormy skies, it feels invigorating. My only regret is wishing more freinds and family would be were here to share it with us.
While exploring one of the upper decks, we stumbled onto a retro burger place tucked along the promenade. Inside were steel stools at a curved counter, dark red carpet running halfway up the walls, and heavy flowing curtains that gave the place a strange mix of diner and theater.
That’s where we wandered into a Harry Potter trivia game (juvenile? sure — but very cute), followed by Name That Movie, where players had to match songs to famous films.
Both were hosted by “Magic Ian,” dressed in a tie and tails, who had energy to spare and kept the crowd laughing.
🍽️ Evening: Formal Night & Familiar Faces
Tonight was formal dining in the main dining room on Deck 4. The room itself set the tone — dark carpeting underfoot, long white linen tablecloths, polished cutlery, and rows of long-stem glassware catching the soft light.
Our waiter, Saif, dressed in the standard black-and-white formal attire, and our assistant waiter, Francis, were on point. He was friendly, attentive, and full of personality.
Dinner itself was better than last night’s, though I still stuck to safe choices. HP wore a blue dress, and I managed a shirt and tie, which somehow made the whole evening feel a little more festive.
The main vegetarian option was a stuffed portabella mushroom. I don’t like portabellas, so I went with a grilled cheese sandwich off the kids’ menu. Simple, with fries, and I was fine with it. That’s the life of a picky vegetarian traveling with meat-eaters: you make do while everyone else is cutting into prime rib and steaks.
But Saif wasn’t convinced. He leaned over, worried, “Can I get you something else? How do you like curry? Potatoes? Chickpeas?”
I reassured him that grilled cheese was fine, and he nodded, then disappeared.
Halfway through my sandwich, Saif reappeared with a steaming bowl of chickpea and potato curry, fresh naan tucked alongside. He grinned: “It’s spicy, but not too spicy, okay?” Before I could protest, he’d made space at the table for my second plate.
I later learned he had run up ten floors to get it. Not because I asked, but because he cared. And that’s when I realized , this wasn’t just service. This was friendship, or maybe even family, at sea. He wanted me to have a wonderful dinner.
We’ve already made plans to meet up back tomorrow morning for breakfast at 7:30.
After dinner, we stopped by Vintages again. I had a Manhattan; HP had not one, but two Duck Farts. Our favorite bartender, Amit, was there with his usual humor and strong pours. We even managed a group photo with Scott, Sue, and Eric — a nice keepsake from the day.
By 9:00, I was ready for bed. Strong drinks + sea swells + being up since 4:00 = no stamina left! Very cool and starting to relax.
⭐ Quick Ratings (1–5 stars)
- Food: ★★★★★
- Service: ★★★★★
- Cleanliness: ★★★★★
- Activities: ★★★★☆
📝 End-of-Day Reflection
Best part of today: Formal night dinner with friends and seeing the ship come alive in rougher weather.
Something unexpected: That wind tunnel on Deck 15 — nearly sent us flying.
Funny Vintages Moment
That night at Vintages, we noticed a guy who definitely stood out, tan snakeskin hat, eyeliner, and always surrounded by people. Kind of gave off that “I used to be somebody” vibe. We even joked that he looked like he wanted people to think he was famous.
Turns out… he was. We looked him up after we got home, and sure enough it was Bret Michaels from Poison. Yep. That guy. The real deal. Just casually partying on our ship like it was 1988.
Still can’t believe we didn’t recognize him. Just goes to show, you never know who you’re drinking Manhattans next to on a cruise.
Note to self: Don’t underestimate sea days. Even without excursions, they’re often the heart of a cruise; the mix of shows, trivia, long meals, and simply walking the decks creates some of the most memorable moments. With no port schedule tugging at you, there’s time to slow down, explore the ship, and soak in the rhythm of life at sea.
Sent off pictures to Dave – my brother, Jerry, and the guys today. Even squeezed in Wordle and Duolingo (chess, not Spanish keeping the brain sharp in new ways).
Day 2 reminded me that travel isn’t just about where you’re headed, it’s about how you move through it. Between wind, waves, laughter, and unexpected kindness, life at sea started to find its rhythm. Tomorrow, we reach our first port: Juneau , and if today was any indication, the adventure is only just beginning.
At the Forge
Day 2 was the sea’s lesson in balance, wind and calm, laughter and quiet, small moments that carry surprising weight. Between the salt air and Saif’s ten-deck kindness, I realized how easily strangers become part of your story.
Maybe that’s what travel does best: it reminds us that the world is full of people willing to go the extra mile, even when you don’t ask them to.
— Dennis D. Montoya
Stories Forged in Ink and Ash
Dennis D Montoya 