Sabatini's dinner

If it seems at times that much of cruise ship life is taken up with eating or looking forward to the next meal then that's only because FOOD is a great part of the experience. You don't have to shop for food, carry it home, stack it in the refrigerator, prep it and cook it and then wash the dishes afterwards. On the ship there are people who do all this for you and do it expertly on a Princess ship.

On land breakfast, lunch and dinner are highlights of the day so it's no different on sea where you can eat as often and as much as you like. All you have to do is pick where you want to eat. even on a tiny ship like Ocean Princess there were 4 places to get a hot cooked meal each evening; the MDR, the Buffet, one of the two specialty restaurants or the Trident Grill (up until 7 pm but on the larger ships up until 11 pm)

Tonight was Sabatini's Italian Restaurant, where we normally have breakfast. it costs $25 a person to eat here but tonight it was complimentary, gift from Princess.

 

Compared to the MDR Sabatini's is a very quiet relaxed atmosphere where personal attention from the service team is at a high level.

 Carol's Shrimp Diavolo with fennel and white beans- my bottle of white wine was brought to the table to accompany this.

Penne with short ribs-delicious dish!

Carol had penne with what looks like spinach

A steak with more white beans ( a little of those goes a long way-very filling!)

This was my shrimp dish with tomatoes

The crew who served us. The Assistant Maitre 'd on the left had just joined the Ocean Princess from the Royal Princess, the largest ship in the fleet. It was a promotion for him and he was very industrious as well as being a nice person to talk to.

My favorite "dessert"- a glass of Sambuca and a double espresso which was paid for by the coffee card laid on the table. The other card which is our room key and ship I.D. is also on the table. You use this card on the ship like a Credit Card, to pay for things not included-like Sambuca!

Often, after heavy meals like this, and with an early start next morning when the ship would drop anchor half a mile off the coast of Sorrento, Italy, we would just take a walk on the deserted decks and look at the stars while breathing in that sweet sea air. Even though there was entertainment happening in a couple of rooms on the ship we thought it better just to have an early night and return to our cabin, where we could sit out on our balcony  and watch the mesmerizing wake trailing behind the ship.

Tomorrow we would realize a long-held wish-to visit the ruins of Pompeii....