December 25, 2024

We are cruising the Atlantic Ocean on our two day sail back to Miami. The ship is very festive and Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves made an appearance this morning. The cookie and goodie table was full and hot chocolate was available to all.

The Grinch even showed up! We did have a one year old on board and just a few other young people too. Simon announced that there were some small elves hidden around the ship and that a small Santa holding 50 Big O points was also hidden. Mark and Ramsay had an idea where that might be but were just a moment too late to find it before two kids got it!

After doing yesterday’s blog I headed for my cooking class – La Cocina Mexican. Noelle was our instructor. We took classes with her last year and also on Marina before that. She’s really a great person and instructor. We caught her appearance on the Today show a couple of months ago.

We made Carne Asada, Pan roasted snapper en papillote with spicy pepita yogurt, Mexican chocolate pepita shortbreads and Paloma cartuja.

Mark, Ramsay and Norm came at the end to do some tasting. I would make all of them again at home.

For Christmas, everyone who played trivia got 3 big O points today. They can be traded in for merchandise tomorrow. We give all of ours to our kids, but I did have some for socks at the end of our last cruise in the spring. Love those socks!

In the afternoon blackjack tournament, I survived four rounds to make it to the finals where I placed second, only one chip behind the winner! And Norm had his second relaxing massage.

Craig, the guest magician on board, did a close up show in Horizons before dinner. We all enjoyed it.

After that, since Hanukkah falls on Christmas this year, we went to a Hanukkah candle lighting in the Vista lounge. We were surprised at the large number of guests who were there. One of the guests led it. We were given a printed program and they served wine, latkes, mini challah and jelly doughnuts. It was really beautifully done.

We had dinner in the Terrace Cafe with our favorite server, Melissa and our favorite sommelier, Tina. Afterwards, we did the 8:30 trivia and went to the show – Headliners, which was the talented entertainment team’s last performance.

It is our last day on the way to Miami tomorrow. I have one more cooking class and will post about the day probably when we get home.

It has been a wonderful family time and Oceania remains a favorite for us.