My recent cruise on Regent Seven Seas Voyager was simply sublime. In general, I dine on healthy foods that feed my soul. From time to time, though, this soul craves something entirely different. Quite recently, this went on for two solid weeks. Yet I am still here, healthy and, as you can imagine, quite happy.
“Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” Erma Bombeck
As a holistic health writer, I usually practice what I preach. “Usually” is the operative word. I would say that my diet is 85/15. Eighty-five percent healthy, fifteen percent so-so. When I am in my 15% mode, though, I indulge exceedingly well.
I was planning on loosening up a bit on a recent cruise on Regent Seven Seas Voyager. Maybe 80/20? I was delighted to learn that Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) offers a number of Canyon Ranch Spa created dishes — low-fat, yet tasty. I was looking forward to these healthy meals, along with yoga classes and my daily tradition of two miles around the track.
These lofty goals dissipated quickly…within about one hour of boarding the ship. As we were walking toward the salad bar in La Veranda, the most heavenly aroma wafted out from the pizza bar. I glanced in, saw the chef take a fresh pie out of the pizza oven, slice it, and as if it were a sign that salad was not in my near future, he offered me the first slice. It was as good as it looked.
Fully sated, but curious about the salad bar, I headed over to balance my meal with something fresh and healthy. I came back with a plate filled with ruffles and ruffles of Parma Proscuitto, a tiny mountain of Roquefort, and about a dozen of assorted glorious-gleaming-gorgeous olives. All washed down with a lovely Pinot Noir. It’s okay, I thought… For dinner I will chose something from the Canyon Ranch menu.
Not that night. Nor most nights. The cuisine on board the Voyager was astounding. The variety of offerings, along with highly talented and creative chefs sparked a most welcome delight in dining simply for the sheer joy of dining.
Imagine my surprise when I learned that the Sunday breakfast tradition with RSSC is Champagne and Caviar. And what luck! We had two Sundays included in our cruise. Champagne and caviar at 9 a.m…a bit excessive but oh so exquisite. On our second Sunday, we had seconds. Divine decadence.
The only workout on this cruise was for my liver. Regent is an all-inclusive cruise line. Wine, spirits, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, transfers, air fare, pre-cruise hotel, and gratuities. Again … every now and then, let go, bend or break the rules, relax and enjoy the ride.
From time to time, surrendering to the sublime, with gusto (and without guilt) will bless you with the zesty deliciousness of life.
Mangia bene, vivi felice! (Eat well, live happy.)
