Author: flgirl338

Trish Berry

Rachel Zoe Midi Dress

Royal Caribbean has entertainment every night of the week you are on your cruise.

Different cruise ships of the cruise line offer different shows.

Check your cruise compass or your Royal Caribbean app to help you decide your entertainment for the evening.

The starting time is 7:00, with new shows going until 11:00 p.m.

Work your dining schedule around the event you wish to attend.

There is no fee charged to see any performance.

• Broadway Shows
• Headliner Comedians
• Comics
• Aqua Show (on limited number of ships)
• Ice Skating Show (spectacular!!!)
• Love & Marriage Game Show
• Jugglers
• Impressionists
• Slapstick and Cerebral Comedy
• Live Tango Show
• Headliner Performers from Las Vegas

Reservations are required for most evening events because the theater fills quickly.

Make your reservations as soon as they become available. This can be done on your Royal Caribbean app.

Below is the entrance to the Royal Theater where the shows are held. The larger the ship, the larger the theater.

Below are views of the interior of the theater. Again, the larger the ship, the larger the theater.

 

No cameras are allowed when the ice skating performance is underway.  I took the below photo at the exit door, which is allowed.

Royal Caribbean does extensive work in finding the best entertainment possible for their cruisers. Their hard work is reflected in the enjoyable programs we get to choose from each day.

Have fun.

Be entertained until your stomach cramps from laughter during a program, and your heart fills with tenderness at such beauty.

Enjoy it all, as much as you can.

Safe travels. Stay safe.

Enjoy each and every thing on the ship that you can. You do not have to fly to New York or Vegas to see some of the most incredible shows. You can simply get on a ship.

Smile!!!!!

Trish Berry, May 2025

 

 

Ralph Lauren Top, Banana Republic Shorts, Jellypop Tennis Shoes, Sea Pass on Lanyard

You take a tender (sort of like a multi-leveled ferry) from the cruise ship to a port that is inaccessible by the ship due to environmental issues or lack of a dock for the ship to pull up to and anchor. Environmentally, the ports are surrounded by coral reefs and sea animals that are important to protect. And some ports are not large enough to accommodate the large ships now in use.

You are told what time to pick up your tender ticket by Royal Caribbean. You will be assigned a time to report to a certain deck to be ushered onto the tender. You wait elsewhere on the ship until your number is called.

The ship sits back from the island at a fair distance, but a tender ride usually takes less than ten minutes at any port.

A tender comes up to the side of the ship, is securely attached to it, and a walkway extends out from the ship to the tender. This same entrance-exit is used when people board and disembark a ship. Extension ramps are used.

Below is a photo of cruisers who are exiting the tender once it has reached the dock of the island.

Below is a photo of a tender that has its passengers on board and is leaving the large ship to go to the port of the island. We were on a tender that was returning to the ship when I took this photo.

Below is a photo us about to explore Grand Cayman, a port that uses tenders.

Tenders are safe and are well maintained. Crew members are always there to help you on and off the tenders, if you need a helping hand. It’s a pleasant ride back to the ship on a tender because the wind is blowing and you know there is air conditioning on that big ship you’re returning to.

Tender is a multi-use word. It can mean cash, caring, a person of a young age, something easily broken (such as a heart), or a bid on a job. But tender when cruising means a small boat that transfers you from a big ship to a dock of an island.

It’s always a little sad to leave a place where you have visited and had a lot of fun exploring, eating and learning about a different culture. And you always meet nice people. I took the photo below, the one with my finger in the upper left corner, as we pulled away from Grand Cayman that evening.  A little sad, but looking forward to the next place we were to visit.

Safe travels. Have fun. Smile, be happy, and the whole world will know you are a contented person.

Trish Berry

 

Banana Republic Silky White Pantsuit, Lands’ End Scarf/Wrap; Gold, Diamond and Pearl Jewelry

Aruba in the ‘A’ in the ABC Islands of the Southern Caribbean, located off the coast of Venezuela, in the Dutch Caribbean area in the Lesser Antilles.

It is called the ‘Country of Aruba,’ meaning a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Dutch is spoken, as well as English.

The people are hugely friendly and will answer any question you have.

If they don’t speak your language, they will find someone to help translate. The island is one of the more popular islands because of its beauty and friendliness of the people who reside there.

The list of things to do in Aruba are many.

• You can snorkel with giant sea turtles. You can go on a UTV or ATV excursion (only for the young and brave), where high speed is involved.

 

• There is catamaran sailing, horseback riding on the beach.

 

• Sea Glass Island is a wonderful excursion, but you cannot take anything away with you even though you find wonderful pieces of sea glass in wondrous colors. That sea glass belongs to the island, to Aruba. The shells belong to Aruba. The rocks belong to Aruba. I know you would never take something that doesn’t belong to you.

On any excursion, make sure you get back to the ship on time.

Some excursions cut close to ending at the time your ship is departing. Your ship will leave you if you are not on board at the appointed time.

We discovered a gem of a place to go to on Aruba. The Butterfly Farm.

We took a city bus and had no difficulty in getting off at the correct stop because the people who were on the bus and live on the island helped us with changing buses and getting off at the correct location.

I was fearful of going at first because I had a bad experience in Puerto Rico twenty-five years ago. We went to a butterfly museum in Old San Juan. I walked in and almost fainted.

All these beautiful butterflies were underneath glass and pinned to the wall. They were all dead. We turned right around and left. But you can see from the photos below that the butterflies were loved and well taken care of at the Butterfly Farm in Aruba.

Butterflies  filled the air, like a murmuration of birds.

They were so quick that I could not get a good photo of them swirling in the air together, moving back and forth and all around, but I was able to get some cute photos of solitary butterflies.

Below shows the delicacies that were laid out for them to dine on, much like Main Dining on a cruise ship.

The Butterfly Farm is a screened enclosure, but there is ample room for the butterflies to feel free. Lush greenery is all around, providing a natural environment.

There are numerous koi ponds at the butterfly sanctuary.

The waters are blue, the beaches are white, and nature is being preserved in Aruba.

Always take water with you. Exercise. You can grow muscles on Aruba and have fun at the same time.

You see in all our photos that we have a sea pass on a lanyard around our necks. You cannot get off a cruise ship or back on a cruise ship without this sea pass.

We take our passports with us when we get off a cruise ship because we are old people.

We keep the passports safely secured so no one can see them.

If we are injured or have a serious attack of dehydration or something else horrible happens, we would be able to be airlifted off the island back to our home country.

On your phone app you can contact the ship and let them know what is happening.

If you don’t have your passport with you, the cruise line will do everything possible to get your passport to you. But there could be a delay in their being able to do that in time.

Safe travels.  Have fun and drink water!!

 

Trish Berry

Rachel Zoe Midi Dress, White Royal Caribbean Wrap, Faux Pearl Bracelet, Gray Anti-Seasick Bracelet, Gold and Pearl Ring (inherited), Gold Ring, Gold Necklaces with Pendants, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (color #299 Pucker Up)

Bonaire (pronounced bon-air) is the ‘B’ in the ABC Islands, very close to the Venezuelan coast of South America.

The citizens are Dutch, and Bonaire is a municipality of the Netherlands.

The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Dutch is the spoken language in Bonaire, but English is often used by the vendors and the excursions operators.

There are many forms of entertainment on Bonaire:

• mangrove kayaking
• snorkeling on all the beaches (some beaches you can walk to)
•  landsliding (for the young and brave only)
• UTV tour (this takes eight hours and most ships are not in port that long–you could be waving goodbye to your ship as it sails away)
• water taxi to Klein Bonaire to the ‘No Name Beach.’

There are lots of excursions to go see many iguanas, many sea turtles and flamingoes.

If we go on an excursion, we make our reservations well in advance of departure day or the excursions are sold out.

Your Royal Caribbean app will show you the available excursions.

Bonaire is another country of pastel colors, but also bold colors.

Below is a beautiful painting of a young girl.  It’s on a wall on a random street.  It is not three dimensional, but flat paint.  It holds your eye.  Perfection in art.

There was no signature on the painting so I cannot credit the artist.  Wish I could.

Bonaire knows we like to have photos taken of ourselves to take home with us so there are many places for photos.

If you are alone, a stranger will take your photo for you.

If you are with someone, a stranger will take a photo for you and the other(s) with you. People traveling are happy people and are happy to help others along the way. 

Calypso Top, Marks & Spencer Shorts, Jellypop Tennis Shoes

Bonaire is filled with cuteness. Creativity is shown in the random advertising signs you see along the way.

If you decide to live on Bonaire, there are very nice apartments for sale close to the port.

The port contains all the amenities that you would find in an urban city where you walk out of your brownstone, purchase your market items, and walk back to your apartment (arrondissement), much like they do in France.

As a lover of art, my eyes shoot to the unusual, the beautiful.

Below is a handcrafted ceramic vase approximately four feet high.  Much work and authenticity went into its making.

It sits on a sidewalk. No signature so I cannot credit the artist.

Even the paved streets and sidewalks of Bonaire are paved with art.

Below is a flamingo formed into the concrete. There were turtles, iguanas and other local critters embedded into the concrete.

Below is me on an old beat-up truck that is used for photos only.  No driving this baby anywhere. Its engine is long gone. But it’s a cute photo location. And hubby joined me in the second photo. The photo of the two of us was taken by a kind stranger.

Dutch advertisement below. Wonder what they are advertising? Maybe ice cream? Haha It has a really cute cone holder.

Any restaurant in Bonaire offers fabulous food.  You can get fresh seafood and eat in a thatch-roofed, open-air restaurant. Now that is a delicious experience.

Tourists enjoy the festive train that chugs through the streets and deeper into the island so you see things you would never seen on foot.

It is worth the small amount charged for this ride.

It lasts approximately two hours. It is open, so the winds blows and keeps the heat at a minimum, but always have your water bottle with you so you can drink.

Bonaire is known for the giant sea turtles that survive through clean waters and protection provided for them by the Bonaire government. Nature to the island is important for all critters.

The government is preserving its island so it will remain a thriving place of creatures and animals as the years pass.

This is another one of my canvas tote bags that I buy almost everywhere I go.

They are not costly, maybe $5.00 to $8.00, but we always have them to carry our water in and essential papers.

Wherever I go, I always find a library, big or small.

This is a cute little library to take and give books for free.

It was located outside the Museum of Bonaire.

These freebie libraries are popping up all over the world. A wonderful idea. It encourages reading in the young.

If you take a young child to one and find a good book that they like, they could become a life-long reader.

The books will teach them about kindness (Dr. Suess), and getting along well with others.

As they get older, they will learn of foreign lands, local history, and maybe find a dream within themselves to follow.

Cute hubby below. Even he carries a tote with water in it. Stay safe. Stay hydrated.

I hope everyone gets to Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, one day.

You will always remember it.

It is a beautiful island filled with beautiful things to see and adventures for the young and old. And it has beautiful people who are always kind and helpful to a visitor to their paradise.

Have fun.  Safe travels.

Trish Berry

Yes, lobster tail night is still held on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as long as your cruise is at least seven nights.

Lobster tail night on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is usually a formal night (or dress your best). No tuxedoes, no boa wraps, no tiaras though.  All that is passe. Dress your best or formal night can still be a little formal night for some. Or not.

For the ladies — heels (or not), long flowing dress (or not) and updo on the hair (or not).

For the men — a suit jacket with tie, nice trousers (or not).

Or it can be more casual, with a sundress for her and a shirt with sleeves for him.

It’s a relaxed dining event but with a little spiff of glitter on some or not so much on others.

You decide what you want to wear.

Recommendations are give, but there are not hard-fast rules.

A table for two diners is allotted two lobster tails.  One for her, one for him. If the him decides he wants a steak instead of a lobster tail, the her is allowed two lobster tails. Otherwise, it is one lobster tail per person.

In years past, even a few years ago, you could order as many lobster tails for dinner as you wanted. But there were those who took advantage of this and ordered lobster after lobster after lobster after lobster. The system was abused. Think of the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street. Feed me, feed me.

As a result of the glutinous entities who abused the right to endless lobster tails, the rules were changed in 2023, and it’s now only one lobster tail per person. One lobster tail is enough for one person because you have sides. You have an appetizer, you have a bread basket, you have dessert. More than one lobster tail is a lobster tail too many.

And speaking of dessert, lobster tail night is the night we have Baked Alaska.

Way way way back in the 1960s and 1970s, Baked Alaska was an avant-garde dessert.

Only the finest restaurants served it. It was quite expensive, but it was delicious and worth every penny.

Eventually, we all discovered how to make it ourselves at a lesser cost at home in our own kitchens, possibly singed our eyebrows with the little kitchen blow torch while trying to get that blackish look on the top layer, and it soon became much less avant-garde. In fact, it sort of disappeared from most restaurant menus and from most home kitchens.

The first time I saw it on Royal Caribbean‘s menu many years ago, my eyes went wide with delight as I ordered it. Lobster tail, drawn butter and Baked Alaska for dessert — well, nothing much better than that.

The photos above tasted just as good as they look. Salivate, as I do, when looking at those photos.

Thanks for reading.

Safe travels. Have tons of fun and discover a new dessert for all of us to go gaga over!!

Trish Berry 

Ralph Lauren Midi Dress, White J. Crew Short Sweater, Gold Bracelets, Gold Rings, Gray Anti-Seasick Wristlets, Gold Necklaces and Pendants, Diamond Studs, Gold Hoop Earrings, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299 Pucker Up Color)

Curacao (pronounced cure-uh-sal) is a Kingdom of the Netherlands constituent country.

You’re deep in the south of the Caribbean when in Curacao, about 50 miles from the coast of Venezuela.

It is a safe island, a beautiful island, with many different things to do and different places to visit.

This is a Dutch Caribbean island filled with vibrant flora and fauna and also filled with beautiful, kind people.

• Rent a Tuk Tuk, like the ones they have in India.
•  Jet Ski
• ATV excursion
• Visit Hato Caves
• Visit Flamingo Beach
• Go on a clear kayak to see what’s beneath you
• Tour the Curacao Liquor Distillery
• Take the underwater walking tour (unbelievable!!)
• Swim with the giant sea turtles
• Take an island tour on a bus
• Visit the Ostrich Farm

Some excursions are for the young.

Some of these excursions are on the expensive side, so take that into account when budgeting your money for your cruise.  Royal Caribbean has the best excursion fares when I compared them to the costs of other cruise lines.

We went to the Ostrich Farm, not far from the port, but it was closed that day.

I still got a photo of myself with an ostrich.  It was hot.  It was nice to sit under the ledge of this table for a few minutes.

(Always take water with you when in Curacao. We have been here four times and it’s always hot. Even though there is a constant breeze, we from the US are not acclimated to the kind of heat they have in South America and the islands off its coast.)

Chico Shirt, Banana Republic Shorts

Everywhere you look there is color in Curacao.

The photo below shows the pastel-colored buildings. They remind you of the painted ladies in South Carolina and San Francisco.

To get to those pretty buildings in Willemstad, you walk across Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge that crosses over the St. Anna Bay.

The bridge opens and closes on a regular basis to enable ocean-going ships to pass through.

It is disconcerting the first time you walk across it. You feel movement below your feet, you know there is water below you, but you get used to it.

We now cross that bridge with determined steps and no anxiety in our feet and brains.

A lot of the walkways and pathways are red brick. They are very pretty in design and complement the pastel buildings.Below is the cute, colorful tourist train. You can hop on this train (for a small fee) and it takes you around the island. You can hop on and off, like the Dart train in Ireland. While on the train, the breeze blows through your hair, cools your face, cools your entire body.  But drink your water anyway.

Curacao has the modern parking meters. If you rent a car and do not pay for your parking space, you will get booted. It will take a lot of time to get this straightened out with the authorities, so put your money in the meter.

The below photo shows what can happen to you if you don’t pay for your parking. You will be asking for help from your Embassy so you can make it on time to your ship.

Curacao is a safe island of love.

Once you cross the pontoon bridge and get to St. Anna Bay, directly on the lefthand side is a display of love hearts. When this photo was taken several years ago, locks were put on the hearts to show your love for your country.

On our last visit, the hearts were gone and a metal square was put in its place for locks to be placed.

This was a recent change, according to a native of Curacao, and was the result of the metal hearts being filled with so many locks that they had to be retired and a new device was chosen to hold new locks.  A brave display of love, but the hearts were nicer in appearance than the new square.

Below is the Delft Blue Ceramics Shop, where the items all come from Holland.

You walk through a fort from the port to get to St. Anna Bay.

That fort has many shops where you can purchase genuine articles from Holland.

I saw a red ceramic bull a few years ago. I went back to get it this time. Of course, someone else now owns my red bull. When you see something you like, you want, buy it then, don’t wait until years pass and expect your Red Bull to still be there.

I usually buy a canvas tote bag from each country we visit.  Because of the painted ladies, I purchased a pastel color. It will always remind me of Curacao.

Curacao is a unique island. A lot of love everywhere. You leave the island with peace inside your heart. You look back at that beautiful place as your ship is pulling out of the port, and know that one day you will return.

Wherever you go, spread your love of life with a smile. You will get a lot of smiles right back at ya.

Safe travels. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trish Berry

Rachel Zoe Dress, White Royal Caribbean Wrap, Modified Flip Flops, Gold Rings, Gold Necklaces and Charms, Gold Bracelets, Faux Pearl Bracelet, Gray Anti-Seasick Wristlets, Diamond Stud Earrings, Gold Hoop Earrings, Apple Watch, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299 Pucker Up Color)

All Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships have an art gallery where original art is displayed and for sale.  Auctions are held, champagne is served, purchases confirmed. This is a special event. I have never attended because I’ve never purchased art on a cruise ship. I always go to the art gallery, though, and study the art on display,  but I don’t need any new art at this time in my life. If I did want to buy original art, I would purchase from Blerta Fili, Chris Bolton, Joshua Stewart, and other artists whose art I’m familiar with and love.

Cruise Ships are huge, with lots of open spaces and niches. Into these open spaces and niches, the cruise lines place extraordinarily huge pieces of beautiful art. This art was chosen by the interior designer of the cruise line while the ship was under construction.

The artist is given the measurements of the area to be filled with a piece of art, and then the artist’s creative genius kicks in. On the older ships, some of the permanent art pieces have been there since the ship was built, as far back as the 1990s. The pieces are sturdy, durable and long lasting. They have to be because sometimes your hands can’t resist reaching out and touching a piece of art.

Laurence Broderick, Artist of both Marble Statues

Below are photos of two magnificent swans. Photos do not do them justice. They are superb in creation. And they are approximately five feet tall. They were made by the artist Diana Durant. Meticulous detail in each swan.

Below are some photos of different permanent art on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. I could find no signatures or plaques that named the artists. I could see the brushstrokes, so it is painted art and not wallpaper. They are magnificent pieces. They are huge.

The cute metal fish work of art above is located in the Windjammer (buffet).

It takes days, weeks, months, years to create art in any form. I tip my hat to those creative people with their creative minds, creative vision, creative hands. And I thank them for allowing us to see a little of their soul, because an artist puts a bit of their soul into each piece they create.

Have a safe trip. Stay safe. Enjoy the art of the world around you.

Trish

 

Trish Berry

 

White Kim Rogers Coverup, Jellypop Tennis Shoes, Diamond Studs, Gold Hoop Earrings, Gold Rings, Apple Watch, Gray Anti-Seasick Wristlet

Whether at the pool or in the solarium, a nice swimsuit coverup can be worn just about anywhere on the ship.  I prefer a coverup that you cannot see through. The women I see wearing the see-through coverups are always near the pool. They don’t parade around the ship.  I do because you can’t see through the ones I wear. In the above photo, I’m looking out over the centrum.

I always pack two coverups — one white one and one black one. The below photo shows me in the solarium.

I wear the coverups to the Windjammer (buffet) for breakfast or for lunch. I go to Sorrento’s pizza for a slice of vegan pizza at times for lunch. At least once during the duration of our stay on the ship, I go to Sprinkles. I love Sprinkles. Sprinkles gives you soft ice cream in a cone. On some ships, Sprinkles uses soft yogurt for the cones, but most of the time it’s real ice cream. Either way, it’s decadent and delicious.

And it’s bad for you because of all the sugar. But once during a two-week period is not too bad.  We have to treat ourselves at times. And you should see the children and adults going to Sprinkles who have been burning tons of calories in the pool. They are all wet, laughing and having so much fun. There is usually a line at Sprinkles, but it moves quickly. (You see a hot tub behind me. Don’t ever get in one of those. They are filled with germs.)

Denim & Co. Coverup, Jellypop Sneakers, Apple Watch, Gold Rings, Gray Anti-Seasick Wristlets, and a great book ‘Frozen River’

If we are at sea, I walk 5,000 steps each morning on the walking track, which is usually located on Deck 5.  Deck 5 is covered, so even if it’s raining, the walkers and the joggers are out there.  Here’s a photo of my covered walking track. You go round and round a very large ship.

Below is a photo of the front and back of the backpack that I have on my back when I walk.  I bought this years ago in one of the shops on a cruise ship so it’s a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line backpack.  I have a bottle of water in that lightweight, silky backpack, along with any other essentials, like my cell phone, my sea pass on the lanyard that likes to swing around and hit me in the face when I pick up speed.  Tissues, wipes. You get the idea.

Back side of backpack is below.  It’s a simple little thing that fits my needs. Easily packed.

There are walking areas near the top of the ship, sometimes the very top, but I don’t like to walk there because it’s always extremely windy.  So windy that I once felt I was going to be blown off the ship.  So the covered walking track is for me.

I can wear the coverups when I’m walking on the track, but I prefer shorts so I can get in long strides. I get in lots of other steps during the day by just going around the ship from one entertainment to another, but I add oomph to my day by going up and down stairs as often as possible.

I do go to the gym (they always, always have wonderful gyms on each and every Royal Caribbean ship) occasionally.  A lot of people go to the gym daily.  I prefer the outside air and the freedom of going on each deck to see the different offerings.

When I’m on a cruise ship during the day, I don’t bother much with makeup or dolling up my hair. I slap on my eyeliner, some mascara, and moisturizer.  I pull my hair back in a sloppy bun.

The older I get, 76 now, I look healthier with my hair up. My hair is long, and I have not yet decided to let the gray show. Maybe one day not too far off in the future I will, but not today or tomorrow or next week. I color my own hair.

Each time we are in the tropics, the intense sunshine causes blondness in my hair to become bold.  I have to color my hair almost as soon as we get home, if I have time, because sometimes we go on another cruise within a week’s time. We know how fortunate we are to do this and say that to each other every day.

Have fun. Safe travels. Try to avoid that top deck when walking. You might be tossed from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Trish

 

Trish Berry

 

Banana Republic White Linen Shirt, Diamond Studs, Gold Hoop Earrings, Faux Pearl Bracelet, Apple Watch, Gold Bracelets, Gold Ring, Green Garnet Ring With Small Diamonds on Sides (inherited), Multiple Gold Necklaces with Charms.  Louis Vuitton case for my Apple Phone. Wrinkles on my face are courtesy of my 76    years of a happy life filled with laughter.  

The ABC Islands are Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.  They are sprinkled gem islands in the Leeward Antilles, just miles off the Venezuelan coast.  They are referred to as the ABC Islands because they are not far from one another, and they make an excellent destination choice, and they begin with ABC!  All three islands are colorful, have many activities to offer, and have glorious beaches.  The three islands are considered part of the Dutch Caribbean.  Aruba is an island whose homeland is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Bonaire is a little different in its categorization. It is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Curacao is also a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curacao is pronounced as cure-uh-sal (like the first three letters of the name Sally at the end).

You run into people on the islands who speak English, Dutch and Papiamentu.  At times it is difficult for them to understand us, and at times it is difficult for us to understand them. But we eventually connect after a few goofs and giggles. A few years ago I was taught some Dutch words.  It makes you smile hugely when you can connect with a country, with a resident of that country, with the kindness of that country.   

Aruba.  It is hot, but there is always a wind blowing so you don’t feel the heat as much. You can take an excursion through Royal Caribbean or safely hire a taxi driver to drive you all around the island to visit museums, beaches, and their famous desert.  Really, a desert in the middle of a tropical island.  You can go on the ATV excursion, which takes your right through the desert.   

Rafaella Shorts, Old Navy White Top, Jellypop Tennis Shoes, Apple Watch, Diamond Stud Earrings, Gold Hoop Earrings, Gold Necklace with charms

Bonaire, probably my favorite island, a land of scrumptious beaches, friendly people, a breeze always blowing your hair, color everywhere. It is an island you need to see.  Many activities are available.  Check with excursions on Royal Caribbean, or take a taxi around the island to your different choice places to visit.

Calypso Linen Top, French Cuff Shorts, Jellypop Tennis Shoes, Apple Watch, Diamond Stud Earrings, Gold Hoop Earrings, Gold Necklace with Gold Pendant,      Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299, Pucker Up)

While on Curacao, try to get to the Ostrich Farm and the Hato Caves. The ostrich farm will make you want to stay on the island for an extended period because the ostriches worm their way into your heart.  You might want to move to the island when you see the glorious Hato Caves, a marvel of nature that I hope everyone can see one day.

Chico Top, Kim Rogers Linen Shorts, Jellypop Tennis Sneakers, Diamond Stud Earrings, Gold Hoop Earrings, Gold Necklace with Elephant Pendant, Sally          Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299 (Pucker Up)

I hope you make it to the ABC Islands.  Nature did itself proud in creating such beautiful places.

Safe travels.  Have fun!!  Laugh.  Get some wrinkles from those smiles!

 

Trish Berry, May 2025

Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt, M&S Marks and Spencer Shorts (available in England), Jellypop Tennis Shoes, Diamond Studs, Gold Hoop Earrings, Gold Bracelets, Apple Watch, Acupuncture Wristlet, Gold Rings

Each Royal Caribbean cruise ship has a restaurant/buffet called ‘Windjammer.’ It is a huge area. The Windjammer is almost always located near the top of the ship. (Good to walk up the stairs and get exercise both before and after eating.) It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (if you choose not to go to Main Dining for those meals). The buffet foods are always warm to hot, never having sat long enough to grow germs.

Dress attire is more casual in the Windjammer. Swimming pools are nearby so swimsuits under coverups are okay.  Shorts and tee shirts are okay.  No bare feet though.  No bare feet anywhere on the ship except when getting in and out of a pool.

The menu for breakfast in the Windjammer is usually the same each day.  Eggs cooked any way you can imagine, pastries, oatmeal, grits, yogurt, nuts, sliced fruits, a selection of cereals and on and on.  You want something for breakfast, just about anything, and you will find it in the Windjammer.

Each day for lunch and dinner, the cruise line varies the menus.  Some nights it is The American Classic. Hotdogs, hamburgers and fixins’. Fried chicken, crab cakes, various soups. One of my favorites is ‘Meal in the Med.’ The dishes are Spain and Greece foods. Fresh seafood. Kebabs and souvlaki, paella and croquetas.

Another night could be ‘Savor LaFrance.’ This is really good.  Chicken cordon bleu, French desserts, croque madame and coq au vin. The crepes are delicious.

If you like Tex-Mex, they have it in the Windjammer.  Chimichangas, fajitas, tacos, chili con carne.  If you want it, they have it or will prepare it for you.

Another night is ‘Flavors Across the Caribbean. Jerk chicken, Caribbean beef pepper soup.

Along with all the different dishes are the desserts. They are plentiful. All are delicious.

Eat lightly while in the Windjammer or you will gain a pound or two during your trip.

(Always remember that it is illegal to take food off a cruise ship.  No sneaking pears into your suitcase or handbag or taking little bags of nuts and seeds to take home with you. You will be caught.  You always go through Customs after getting off a cruise liner. We were randomly stopped by Customs one time after disembarking and our suitcases were checked for food items. We had none. We know there are certain rules you have to follow to be able to cruise. We follow the rules. I know you follow the rules as well. We all want to be able to go on another cruise so we all follow the rules.)

A delicious variety of breads is always available.

You can get your own drinks at the drinks stand or a crew member is always around with a tray filled with drinks that they will give you what you need.  If you need refills, they will be there to help you.

Hearty dishes are always available.

 

 

 

Sugar-free desserts are available and are delicious.

Fresh fruit is decoratively arranged and available all around the Windjammer.  They have fresh kiwi, bananas and the best pears I have ever eaten.

Notice the grabbers at each station. You never use your hands to pick up any food item, always use a grabber.  To prevent illness, after filling our plates, we use an alcohol wipe on our hands before eating. Most people are very good about washing their hands or using Purell before entering the Windjammer, but we have seen people ignore this request; therefore, we always use wipes before eating.

You can have a beautiful view of a different country while eating in the Windjammer.

A lot of work by the crew is put into making your dining experience in the Windjammer as safe, as happy and efficient as possible.  The chefs work hard to please those cruising.

We are all a little rumpled while dining in the Windjammer for breakfast when we are about to disembark. We get up early (approximately 5:30 a.m.) to get off the ship between 7:00 to 9:00.  So we all put ourselves together as best we can, eat and then disembark as quickly as allowed because the crew has to prep the ship for new incoming guests.

Disembarking is an experience to be talked about another day.

We have our passports around our necks in a secured packet, and our sea pass.  A ‘sea pass’ is the size of a credit card and opens the door to your stateroom. This sea pass is at your stateroom door when you are first allowed to go to your stateroom.  Depending on which ship you are on, you either slide the sea pass into a slot in the door to your stateroom or you tap it on a little box on your stateroom door. You must have this sea pass with you when you get on and off a ship at a foreign location. You must have your sea pass to get back into your home country. We wear our passports around our necks when getting on the ship and getting off at our home country. When disembarking, photo ID is now used. You stand where they tell you to stand, you see your face on a small screen, and then you are approved to go forward to the exit.

Be safe.  Have fun!!!!