Caribbean Cruise - Spring Break 2012



The Celebrity Eclipse in all her glory.

Spring Break is a glorious thing when you work on a college campus. If you work during the break it's nice and quiet and you can catch up on all the things you've put aside during the semester.  If you're really smart, you'll take advantage of the break and head out somewhere fun to relax, recreate and rejuvenate.

That's just what my husband and I did this year.  We flew to Miami and boarded the Celebrity Eclipse for a week long cruise in the Caribbean.  Since I'm always in search of beer, wine and chocolate, that's exactly what I did on this cruise.

The beer:  Whenever I can, I always like to drink local.  Even though the Caribbean is not known for their great beer, I still totally enjoyed the experience, and found a local beer I actually enjoyed.

There were no craft beer options aboard the Eclipse.  This may change in the near future. With the growing popularity of craft beer, Celebrity piloted a specialty bar that features 64 beer choices on their newest ship, the Silhouette.  I was told by the beverage manager that it has been a great success and they are planning to incorporate the concept on other ships. When I write my review next year, it may be totally different.

In addition to the usual, Bud, Miller, Heineken, Corona, etc, our choices aboard the Eclipse included some very flavorful beer, including Leffe from Belgium, Boddingtons and Newcastle from England. We enjoyed what we had but when we went a shore on the islands we searched for local offerings.



A bottle of Carib tasted mighty fine. 

My favorite, and by far the most fun beer experience, took place on the island of St. Kitts.  We took a catamaran with about 30 other happy folks on a snorkeling trip. We began our trip with an hour sail along the coast of the beautiful island to a choice snorkeling cove. We spent an hour snorkeling in the turquoise waters where we were treated to a colorful display of the ocean's inhabitants.

After the snorkeling was completed,  the bar in the catamaran opened, offering rum punch with freshly grated nutmeg, and beer.  I cracked open a Carib, a beer brewed in Trinidad and Tobago. After a few hours in the sun and surf, it tasted amazing.  A clean, crisp, slightly sweet lager, went down just fine on that gorgeous afternoon.  We sailed to a private beach where we enjoyed a barbecue and a few more Caribs and an hour or two of fun on the beach.  I'd have to rate this one great beer experience that I won't forget anytime soon.



This group of red wines did not require refrigeration. 




















The Wine:  What's lacking in beer selection aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, you make up in the wine selection.  It is impressive by most standards, and we enjoyed a number of great wine selections aboard ship. You can purchase a wine package and try a new bottle of wine every night, or partake in one of the wine tastings they offer  for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts.

The ship offers a unique wine experience in their Cellar Masters bar.  Wines are grouped and stored at the ideal temperature for the type of wine. A specially designed dispenser will let you pour the amount of wine you choose. You are charged a few dollars for a sample, a little more for a small glass, or as much as $15 - $20 for a full glass of the more expensive selections. This is a great way to find a new favorite without having to buy a whole bottle.



The wine steward prepares a flight of white wine for us.




















We sampled a flight of whites that were recommended by the wine steward. They included Elk Cove Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, Paco & Lola Albarino  from the Rais Baixas region of Spain and 2009 Chardonnays from Cakebread Cellars and Far Niente, both from the Napa Valley in California. I enjoyed all the choices, particularly the Far Niente, and would consider buying a bottle stateside.

My favorite wine experience on board ship took place one night when they offered skygazing on the top deck. One unique feature on the Eclipse and other Celebrity ships is that they have a full lush lawn on the top deck on the ship.  Not just for show, you can actually walk, play games and lounge on the lawn at any time during the cruise.  It's very relaxing and a nice feature.

During the stargazing event, guests are invited to lie out on blankets provided by the ship's staff, order a glass of wine and enjoy a guided tour of the heavens provided by on of the ships navigators.  The ambiance was amazing and a glass of wine enhanced the experience as we identified constellations and planets while the ship smoothly sailed through the Caribbean Sea.



Afternoon tea

















The Chocolate:  Celebrity cruise line is known for it's fine food, and in one week's time you can sample more chocolate than you can even imagine.  All the chocolate pastries and ice cream are made on board during the cruise. Even the sugar free options are amazing.

Start the day with a chocolate croissant at breakfast. How about some chocolate bread pudding, or chocolate cheesecake for lunch?  Mid-afternoon enjoy a scoop of chocolate ice cream or gelato. For afternoon tea enjoy a plate of delicate pastries of your choice. Instead of tea you may order a specialty mocha coffee. Dessert at dinner may be chocolate mousse, triple chocolate layer cake or baked Alaska.

After dinner you can savor a chocolate martini,and when you return to your state room, you'll find a gourmet square of unusually blended chocolate such as dark chocolate infused with ginger, on your pillow. The next day, just start all over again with a new selection of treats. It's no wonder the average cruiser gains a few pounds during the week.


Baked Alaska with homemade chocolate ice cream.  



Portland, OR - Pix Patisserie

The bright red exterior of Pix Patisserie. 

When I asked my friend Betsy to find us a great place in Portland that served chocolate desserts, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. If there is one person who knows chocolate, it's Betsy. When I walked into Pix Patisserie, located on an artsy block of Division Street, and took one look at the display case, I knew I  hit the mother lode!  Row upon row of pastries, each presented as mini masterpieces. Pix serves amazing chocolate, fine wine and tasty local beer, all served in a cozy, eclectic atmosphere that oozes ambiance and encourages friendly conversation. Not since visiting the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in Asheville was I so excited.  The desserts tasted as good as they looked which is saying a lot.


Kitchy, whimsical and cozy.

Our visit to Pix took place after a wonderful seafood meal, so unfortunately we all were pretty full.  But that did not prevent us from drooling at the site of the vast offerings.  The decor is  is warm and inviting with various sizes of solid wood tables scattered throughout the room. On the back wall there is another display case featuring individually hand made chocolates of every shape and flavor. Hanging from light fixtures are sock monkeys adding a whimsical feel to the place.  We were urged to grab a table quickly, and wise advice it was, since the room filled up just a few minutes after we arrived. 




Take your pick.

 What did we have:  This was a very tough decision since literally everything looked so good.  After some lengthy deliberation, my husband and I chose to share the Concord, a combination of chocolate mouse, chocolate meringue, chocolate ganache, so beautifully designed that I almost hated to take a bite.  Once I did, it was hard to stop raving. 

Betsy and Larry ordered a hand crafted, dark chocolate caramel flaked with sea salt, and a French almond macaron.  After checking out the selection of wine that paired well with desserts, we all chose a glass of our preference. The patisseries also features a few local draught beers and specialty coffee drinks.  If chocolate isn't your thing (really, it's not?) no problem.  Pix also specializes in numerous non-chocolate pastries, too.

What's fun:  Goodness, how can I be any more enthusiastic?  I have to say everything about a visit to Pix is fun!  The funky location on Division Street, the bright red exterior and warm yellow interior, the cozy atmosphere, and of course, the incredible selection of mouth-watering temptations accompanied with a glass of wine or beer.  It was a perfect way to end a wonderful day in Oregon with two of our favorite friends.

Asheville, NC - The French Broad Chocolate Lounge

The entrance of one of the great places in Asheville.

The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is a comfortable lounge to enjoy a multitude of chocolate desserts, paired with excellent coffee, wine or beer. 
What did we have:  Dark chocolate mousse blended with local black raspberry sauce topped with homemade whipped cream, ruby red Italian Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and Prosecco
What's fun:  Superb chocolate desserts, excellent wine list, local brews, live music, local art and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy it all

Making a decision on what to have is the tough part.

I know this is a major cliche, but if the French Broad Chocolate Lounge isn't heaven on earth, then I don't know what is.  When it comes to the joys in life, the chocolate lounge scores big.  Located just off the main hub in downtown Asheville, the business looks rather unassuming until you step inside and see the long line of folks waiting to taste the bliss of artisan chocolates and handmade desserts.  No worries, the popular lounge is up to the task of meeting the needs of their many guests.  The line moves fast as you approach the counter, and you'll get a good view of all the daily offerings.  You need the extra time to decide what you're going to have, and it will be a challenge to choose only one dessert.  Everything from cakes, cookies, brownies, chocolate creme brulee, pies, mousses, truffles, etc. etc. etc. All are homemade and there is something that will delight most everyone.  Even if you don't like chocolate, there are a few options that looked tempting including carrot cake and vanilla creme brulee.  Once you finally decide which sweet to choose, you'll have the daunting task to select a beverage.  They offer an extensive coffee bar, many types of hot chocolate and teas,  a lengthy wine list and four local draft beers.  I even saw a few adults and children with full glasses of fresh milk.  The lounge has three levels of seating, mostly tables and chairs, but a nice comfy couch is located by the front window.  The night we visited there was a group playing tasteful jazz, a perfect accompaniment to great food and drink. 

These are truly heaven on earth.

What did we have:  What a tough decision.  I would have been happy with almost everything they had to offer.  But when I saw the dark chocolate mousse with local black raspberry sauce, my decision was made.  My husband also chose the same dessert.  When asked if we wanted it topped with home made whipped cream, we both nodded enthusiastically.  We can always run a couple extra miles to work off this special treat.  To accompany the mousse, I chose a glass of red Piane di Maggio  Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.  It was ruby in color and had hints of pomegranate and a nice smooth finish.  My husband chose a crisp dry La Marca Prosecco and thought it went very well with the dark chocolate.  The mousse was rich in flavor and ultra smooth in texture.  The balance of fruit and dark chocolate was perfect.  Every bite was treat. The French Broad Chocolates' motto is:  small, local, organic, fair and superb.  Perfect.  We sat at a table on the second floor loft, and could look down on the muscians below.  What an enjoyable evening!  I simply can't wait to go back...
What's fun:  It is such an event going to the chocolate lounge, you could plan a trip to Asheville just to experience the place. It's so unique and special, I can't recommend it highly enough. There was an enthusiastic and lively crowd when we were there that always adds to the fun.  We anticipate many additional trips to Asheville in our future, and there will be many new places to experience.   But I guarantee, I will make no trip to Asheville that will not include a visit to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge.