Day at Sea: Breakfast, Wine, and the Captain’s Toast
A Perfect Day at Sea: Coffee, Wine, and a Captain’s Toast
Lido Breakfast
I headed up to the Lido for breakfast around 8:00 a.m., and it was surprisingly quiet. The entire port-side serving area was practically empty — no lines, no waiting. I’m not sure if I caught them at a lull or if fewer people are choosing to eat breakfast up there these days, but it was a peaceful start to the morning.
Coffee Chat with Cruise Director Jayme McDaniel
At 10:00 a.m., Cruise Director Jayme McDaniel hosted his first Coffee Chat of the voyage in the Ocean Bar. About 75 guests attended.
Jayme shared his background in musical theatre, with a focus on dance and tap. After many years as a performer, he transitioned into directing and choreography, working in regional theatres and even collaborating with a group in Korea.
On previous cruises, Coffee Chat was a daily event. Jayme mentioned he’ll be hosting them periodically throughout this cruise — sometimes featuring interviews with crew members who work behind the scenes. He’ll also host Artist Chats in the afternoons, interviewing guest performers from the World Stage shows.
Jayme McDaniel, Cruise Director
Regional Wine Tasting
In the afternoon, 4- and 5-Star Mariners were invited to a complimentary Regional Wine Tasting hosted by Cellar Master Jobelle in the Main Dining Room on Deck 4. About 50 guests attended the session, which lasted around 45 minutes.
Jobelle walked us through the characteristics of five wines, describing their regions, flavor notes, and how to appreciate their nuances. Here’s what we sampled:
- Ca’ Mariani Prosecco – Veneto, Italy
Fresh citrus with hints of honey, white floral notes, and a touch of minerality and toast. - Le Grand Courtage Rosé – Burgundy, France
Vibrant notes of strawberry and blackberry with subtle nutty, brioche, and toasty undertones. - Joseph Cattin Riesling – Alsace, France
Balanced acidity with crisp, citrus-driven and floral aromas. - Decero Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina
Notes of violets, berries, and cherries with a light touch of oak. - Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon – Aconcagua Valley, Chile
Intense raspberry and chocolate aromas with juicy tannins and hints of cassis and graphite.
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- Cellar Master Jobelle
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- Pete sampling a nice Cabernet Sauvignon
Captain’s Welcome Aboard Toast
The Captain’s Welcome Aboard Toast took place at 7:00 p.m. in the World Stage. We arrived around 6:50 and found great seats in the third row — the theater never filled up. Sparkling wine was offered as guests entered, and the ship’s officers lined both sides of the starboard entrance on Deck 4, forming a receiving line.
Cruise Director Jayme introduced Captain Frank van der Hoeven, who welcomed everyone aboard and shared a bit about his maritime background. He then introduced 13 of his senior officers:
- Ron Houtman – Food & Beverage Director (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
- Rakesh Kumar Prasad – Staff Captain (Pune, India)
- Florin Dragomir – Hotel General Manager (Baia Mare, Romania)
- Paul Baldwin – Environmental Officer (Lincolnshire, UK)
- Pedro van Houwelingen – Chief Engineer (Plauen, Germany)
- Jayme McDaniel – Cruise & Travel Director (Troy, IL)
- Glenn Michael – Entertainment Director
- John Mark Piamonte – Guest Services Manager
- Metka Mocnik – Executive Housekeeper
- Frank Stankovic – Executive Chef
- Herbert John Pamis – Beverage Manager
- Lazar Mihasloski – Finance Manager
- Roxanne Rothman – Future Cruise Consultant
After the introductions, Captain Frank proposed a toast to a great voyage — and that wrapped up the evening’s formalities.
Capt Frank offering a toast
Dressy Night & Evening Entertainment
Tonight marked our first Dressy Night of the cruise. You can find a copy of the menu HERE.
Most men wore jackets, and many added ties. I counted around 30–40 tuxedos throughout the ship, which made for a festive atmosphere.
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- Judy and Pete
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- George and Kim
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- Fancy Napkins decorated the tables
The featured entertainer was Tricia Kelly, a vocal impersonator who combined comedy with musical impressions. She delivered an energetic, lighthearted performance, channeling everyone from Cher to Tina Turner. After the show, she stood at the exit of the World Stage, greeting guests — a thoughtful touch you don’t often see.
Her set list included:
- Express Yourself
- Piece of My Heart (Janis Joplin)
- Dreams (Stevie Nicks)
- Céline Dion Medley
- What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
- My Favorite Things (Julie Andrews)
- Believe (Cher – parody version)
- Girl on Fire (Alicia Keys – parody version)
- Stand by Your Man (Tammy Wynette – parody version)
- Downtown (Petula Clark)
- White Rabbit (Grace Slick)
- People (Barbra Streisand – parody version)
- Let It Go (Idina Menzel)
- Rollin’ on the River (Tina Turner)
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- Tricia Kelly with the band
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- Tricia Kelly
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- Tricia Kelly
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- Judy and Tricia Kelly
It was a fun and lively end to a full day at sea — from quiet coffee chats to sparkling toasts, and everything in between.
19 Comments
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Pete, BZ on your record keeping. We’re doing this cruise next year, joining Volendam at Montreal on 26 September 26. Looking forward to reading more of your reports – very helpful (like the advice that I might not be the only one with a tux),for our trip planning. Regards, Ian
Thanks Ian – I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people wearing a tux – very few – “collared shirts only”
Thanks for taking us along with you Pete & Judy !
Thanks for taking us along with you Pete & Judy !
Thanks Nancy – glad you are enjoying the blog
Hi Pete & Judy, so nice to see you back on a voyage. It has been several months since seeing “ The Inside Cabin “. Greatly enjoyed the posts you’ve posted last few days. I loved your tux jacket. You and Judy look so very beautiful and elegant. Hope to see you soon. Regards, Tom
Thanks Tom – when will you be back out cruising?
January 4. The 93 day Grand Pacific.
Thanks so much , both of you for sharing your journey..Sounds excellent!
Thanks – so far so good! Lots of sea days
Thanks so much , both of you for sharing your journey..Sounds excellent!
Did you ever hear back from the luggage company about the tear on the hand tab on the bottom of the suitcase? I didn’t. Thanks-enjoying your reports.
I didn’t hear back – I taped it up with some cloth tape and glue – it held up on the first leg of our trip.
I like sailing with Captain Frank and his wife Alexandra. I had the privilege of sailing the world cruise 2025 with him and hisbwife.
Thanks – they are very nice.
I’m enjoying your reports very much. Thank you for sending them along; I miss cruising very much, but just can’t do it anymore. Body said so!
Any gatherings of Tuxedo Junction planned for this trip?
Hi Ruth – We miss seeing you out on the seas. I didn’t get much interest in the Junction on the roll call so I left my sign at home. Will bring it on the world. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many men were wearing tuxes at the first dressy night.
Pete, please say hi to George and Kim and give them a big hug from Bob and I.
I sure will!!