STILL CRUISING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

As many of you know, I spent part of my life as a sailor in the United States Navy and obviously also spent time on a ship as part of the overall mission of the navy. Of course, the luxury and comfort of the Viking cruise is no comparison with that of a naval surface vessel but terminologies used to describe locations and objects, e.g., port side for the left side of the ship; starboard for the right; aft for the rear; forward for the front, etc. are the same. And one more common similarity is – you get seasick when the waves are as high as a small building fortunately, we haven’t experienced this yet; however, there was a time the waves were so bad that a port itinerary was cancelled as I mentioned in my previous blog.

**Heavy seas while I was on the treadmill – not easy**

We are cruising with our friends of 40-something years, Aurea (Oya) and Tommy Holgado. We are also lucky to have the company of Oya’s cousin, Nelia and her husband Val Macasait (from Virginia Beach, VA). Val and I share things in common – he is also a retired U.S. Navy with 22 years behind him and a retired federal employee. Nelia, Oya and Trini are all retired nurses.

**Out group with Salvatore Hasard. From Left to right: Nelia, Salvatore, Val, Oya, Tommy, Trini and that’s me in front**

We continue to enjoy the nightly shows at the Star Theater. The cruisers were treated with a fabulous performance from a very talented artist – Salvatore Hasard! He wowed the audience with his ability to sing Endless Love by himself! The original track was sung by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. People sang along with his rendition of The Piano Man! Salvatore’s voice range was truly amazing. He also plays different instruments – piano, keyboard, guitar, drums and saxophone. It was a show that equaled or surpassed those in the Las Vegas Strip!

**Julian Gargiulo with Oya and Tommy** (reminds me of Howard Stern)

**We always try to get a photo with the night’s performer**

Julian Gargiulo who’s stage name is The Pianist with the Hair (I wonder why). He treated us with his soul-lifting classical music but he also entertained us with knee slapping pieces. Not only is he a gifted pianist, he also is a great entertainer that kept us roaring with laughter!

**David Mayer and his wife, Dawn after their amazing show**

David Meyer‘s instrument aptly called xylosynth is a combined xylophone/synthesizer that produced unbelievable sounds! It can reproduce various instruments from piano to guitar. Throughout the performance guests were rhythmically clapping with the upbeat music.

David also demonstrated how he can create music with “rays of light”. It was magical!

However great the performances are if you are hungry then you may not enjoy them! Viking really did a stupendous job providing cruisers with eclectic gastronomical experiences ranging from the popular grilled burgers to fusion dishes to the exquisite French cuisine! Name your favorite and chances us they serve them. Last night we were back at The Restaurant to partake in their specialty for the night – lobster and braised short ribs! Personally, I think lobster is overrated (no offense to those who love them), I prefer crabs getting my hands all messy trying to separate the juicy meat from the shells. Having said that, I ordered the braised short ribs. It was heavenly delicious and so tender! I washed the food down with a bold Argentine Malbec from the famous Mendoza Vineyard.