Category: Uncategorized

Trish Berry, May 2025

You receive a copy of the Cruise Compass daily either in paper form or in the Royal Caribbean app on your phone. Listed are the suggestions for the attire for Main Dining for the next evening.  Some nights are Dress Your Best. Others:  Casual/White; Caribbean Night; Formal; Casual Night; Tropical Night; Casual Resort Night; Resort Casual/Country. You find different variations on different ships. The recommended attire applies to both men and women.

The days of the tuxedoes are gone. The days of the furs are gone. The days of the boa wraps are gone. The days of petticoat dresses are gone. We live in a more casual world now, and it is reflected in the clothes we wear on a cruise ship and when visiting a foreign country.

Main Street Jacket, L.L. Bean Dress Shirt, Charvet Men’s Tie

Above is a photo of my husband on formal night/dress your best night.  He can remove his jacket or leave it on. It is usually a tad cool in Main Dining so he usually leaves the jacket on.

Nautica Long-Sleeved Man’s Shirt worn with Casual Slacks

This is a beautiful shirt that my husband wears with tan casual slacks.  It is a sharp look.  This is the attire he would wear for Resort Casual Night.

                                                                                                              Crossings Shirt and IZOD Slack

These two photos above show my husband as he dresses for Caribbean night (also referred to as Tropical Night). He can wear that clothing around the ship and be comfortable before or after dinner.

There are some hard fast rules about Main Dining attire. No wet clothing, no bare feet, no hats, no shorts. Most people adhere to these recommendations (rules).  I have yet to see someone with bare feet, shorts or a hat. I have seen men with polo shirts on, and that is perfectly acceptable. We are all there to dine and have a fun time, not worry about clothing.

When going to a foreign country, though, you need to be careful in your attire. Google to see what the recommended clothing is for that country. We have been to countries where camouflage clothing is not advised, as it is seen as a symbol of aggression. Political hats are not allowed in many foreign countries. Italy has a number of taboo clothing rules.  Just type into Google what not to wear in any country you are visiting. You will find your answers. Wearing the recommended clothing in any particular country will make your trip more enjoyable.

Below is a photo of my husband on an island we visited. He is appropriately dressed for that island.

Don’t put any worry into your clothing for your trip.  Just give it considered thought.  What will I wear for this?  What will I wear for that?  Don’t pack too much. Roll as much of it as you can. This seems to prevent a lot of wrinkles. Irons are not allowed anywhere on a cruise ship, so buy some Downy Wrinkle Releaser Fabric Spray. It works.

Have fun. Safe travels.

 

Trish Berry, May 2025

Victoria’s Secret Pajamas, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (299 Pucker Up), Acupuncture Wristlet

Wild woman upon rising from a deep sleep!!!

We don’t always look pretty and spiffy first thing in the morning, but it is okay as long as that just-sprung-out-of-bed look is confined to your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean offers free continental room service for breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day, except departure day. The American Breakfast has a service fee of $7.95 per room delivery.  The American Breakfast offers eggs, omelets, pancakes, and a variety of sides (meat products).  I always order from the free continental menu, have never used the American Breakfast menu where I would be required to pay, but I always tip the delivery person.

You fill out the menu and hang it on the outside of your door handle before 3:00 a.m. for delivery during your requested time.

I highly recommend the free continental breakfast foods.  The coffee is hot, any bread item is warm, the milk cold.

It is a luxury to have your food delivered to you. I rarely use this service, but on days that I do not get to bed until midnight, I will order room service for breakfast. I do this maybe two times during a 10-day sailing.

I have never had a late delivery. It has always been delivered at my requested time, which is within a 30-minute time frame.  I usually request delivery between 7:00 and 7:30.

 

After taking your time while indulging in your breakfast, cover your tray with napkins and place outside your door on the floor.  In no time, that covered tray has disappeared.  The crew on any Royal Caribbean ship is very efficient.

A cruise is a time in your life when you can pamper yourself by having someone deliver your food to you.  You just sit down and relax.

But a lot of work was spent in getting that breakfast to you on time and with everything that you ordered.  All crews on any Royal Caribbean ship go above and beyond to see that the passengers are well taken care of. They treat us with kindness. They are all efficient. They all smile and always ask if there is anything they can do to help us.  Don’t create a close bond with any of the crew members, though, as that is against the rules.  Treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve.  Don’t delay their work.  Appreciate them. Always thank them with a smile. Always be kind to them. They are away from their families for approximately seven months out of a year. They get to speak with their families daily, even zoom, but that is different from being in the same home with them. The crew give up a lot of home life to work on the cruise ships. But they can support their families by working the way they do.

Kindness, smiles and genuine appreciation for the crew.  And always tip!!

 

Trish Berry

Banana Republic Linen Blouse, Gold Rings and Bracelets, Diamond Studs, Gold Hoop Earrings, Apple Watch, Gray Acupuncture Wristlets to prevent sea sickness, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish, (299 Pucker Up)

You’ve flown into the port or you’ve driven to the port.  You’ve had on the same clothes all day long.

You get to your room, which is available to you usually around 1:00 p.m., and your luggage is still in the bowels of the ship.  You wait patiently.  You know your luggage will be delivered.

There are as many as 6,500 people on the ship. That is a lot of luggage. You have a set time for dinner.

The time for dinner comes, but you head to Main Dining because you know it’s okay to go dressed as you came on the ship that first night.

You may be rumpled, wrinkled but never cranky because no one is cranky on a cruise ship.  Those who sail are happy to be there, happy to wait their turn for anything, even their luggage.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is very understanding of any delay in getting our luggage so there is much leniency in recommended dress code for the first evening.  It’s a come-as-you-are affair that first night.

Some, once boarding the ship, go directly to the pool, as they have traveled with their swimsuit under their clothes.

Swimsuits are never allowed in Main Dining, but with something on to cover the swimsuit, such as a beach coverup, that attire is acceptable the first night.

You cannot be wet in Main Dining.  You cannot be barefoot in Main Dining.  But, on that first night, there is much understanding from the cruise line. They welcome you.

Always wear compression stockings when you travel a great distance where you are seated for a long time.  Below is my collection of compression stockings.

These can be purchased at Walmart, any drug store near you, or on Amazon.

I wear them openly, if I have on shorts, so the entire world can see because a vein in my leg was damaged when I had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

That leg throbs at times even now, seven years later, and the compression stocking makes the throbbing go away. There is no solution for that throbbing. I will always have that throbbing, but it does not prevent me from enjoying life from day to day.

If I’m in Main Dining, the compression stocking on that one leg is covered by my clothing. Or, I have a compression stocking in my handbag that I can discreetly slip up on my leg if I’m going to be seated for a long time.

When traveling for a South Pacific cruise, you will be flying for long periods when coming from the United States. This is a dream-of-your-life cruise.  It lasts 18 days.

I would suggest you fly in the day before ship departure because there could be a delay in your flight. Stay in a nice hotel for that one night. There are many to choose from.

You fly from the US to Sydney, Australia, then on to Bay of Islands, New Zealand, then Papeete, Tahiti, then on to Moorea, French Polynesia, then on to Raiatea, French Polynesia, and on to Honolulu, and Oahu, Hawaii. Then you have your flight home. Lots of sitting on planes and in waiting areas.

Put on those compression stockings!!

It was a number of years ago that I had the blood clot.

Blood clots are stealthy. In layman’s terms, it’s when your blood sticks together (coagulates) into a tiny, minute thing, and clogs the direct flow of blood. It can cause great harm.

These clots can travel to your heart or lungs. They can develop anywhere in your body – arms, legs, lungs.

Blood clots cause death. I had known someone who had had a blood clot in their leg so I knew the symptoms.

Pain on my ankle bone when I had not hit it on anything; red, white and blue discoloration; warm to the touch; swelling.

I went to urgent care, had an ultrasound, and one DVT was discovered along with another small clot that was not considered dangerous. Blood tests were run, and I was put on a blood thinner for six months.

To this day, I am on a daily 81 ml Aspirin. I always will be.

What causes blood clots?

In my case, it was estrogen, but your age (I was 69 at the time), pregnancy, obesity, smoking, certain medical conditions, dehydration and prolonged sitting.

So, NO prolonged sitting.

Get up and move around when vacationing.

On an airplane, go to the bathroom at least once an hour. Intermittently, get up and stretch, moving your entire body around.

Put on your compression stockings, both legs, when on those long flights or when sitting for hours and hours.

If you work at a desk, wear compression stockings.

Movement means more fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trish Berry, April 2025

The above is an American cupcake flag for the celebration of veterans and heroes of the world on the Wonder of the Seas.  Each Royal Caribbean Cruise ship holds a special event for the heroes who walk among us. They play taps. We all cry in honor and sorrow for the fallen ones.

Each war is called out, each branch of the military is called out. We clap our hands and yell out in glory for those onboard who have fought to save lives, whether they were in the military or were/are a fireman or EMT.  They are all heroes.  This is an event that touches the heart of all present.  We bow our heads in honor to them.

The Wonder of the Seas is one of the largest ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.  It is a ship that holds a maximum capacity of 6,988 passengers and has 2,300 crew members.  It is a massive ship that we enjoy sailing on as often as we can.

As with any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, there is an innumerable amount of things to do for entertainment while you are at sea cruising from one country to another.  But the ship is filled with unusual, rare forms of art. You will always find me dallying in the Art Gallery or taking photos of different art around the ship.

I will show you some of the creative, elaborate, intricate bakery art.  This a form of art not far removed from ice sculpting, but the way the bakery art is made makes it stay around a long time.  It does not melt.  It is not edible, for display only, but there is immense creativity and technical skill involved in designing such bakery items.

Below is a photo of art made of baked dough.  Breadsticks, small buns, and white flowers.  The center is Styrofoam in the shape of a tall cone.  The bakery items are attached with glue. 

Below is what I call ‘heart art.’ Balsa wood was used for the base structure, white foam covered in white paint and black paint was used to make the fake white and dark chocolate. The round Styrofoam base is  covered with brown/black paint. Baked puff hearts in red. It looks so real!! Ingenious!!

Below is what I call the ‘castle cake.’ Balsa wood was used for the archway, turrets and platforms and then covered with goldish brown paint. The boulders are baked dough covered with paint.  It’s a masterpiece when you see it in person.

 

Below is what I call the ‘square delicious.’  Made with balsa wood at a slant, then small squares of multi-colored Styrofoam.  This is a beautiful display.  My photo does not give it the credit it deserves.  

Below is what I call the ‘waffle cake’ statue. It is magnificent. Think of the hours and meticulous care that went into making this. Again, balsa wood and paint and a very creative mind.  The teddy bear makes it even more special. Children stand around admiring it.

The decorative display below is what I call the ‘balloon stand.’ You think of balloons or M&Ms when you look at it.  Carved Styrofoam and covered globs of baked dough were used in its construction.  It is amazing to walk into a room and see such a display.

Below is what I call the ‘Rice Krispie’ display.  It is huge, but it does look like Rice Krispies were used on the Styrofoam base.  This is a royal piece of art.  It is very large. You walk into the Windjammer and your eyes fly right to it.

My non-chef bakery hat is tipped at the creators of these beauties.  Many thoughts, much planning, a lot of baking, a lot of construction, a lot of attention to detail was put into each display piece. It is bakery magic.

Look at time, enjoy the eye candy, but do not touch.

Have a great day of traveling.  Be safe.

Trish Berry, April 2025

Make a list, check it twice when packing.

We all have a list of items we pack when we cruise. Medications, toiletries, swimsuits, beach coverups, main dining outfits, hair products, body products, your own personal soap, if desired. The list could go on and on because we are all individuals with our individual needs.

Little necessities that you forgot to pack can be found behind the counter in the liquor store on all Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. The prices can be an eye-opener.

If you use Sensodyne Toothpaste, it is $7.00 for 0.8 ounces. In April 2025, you can purchase 4.0 ounces of Sensodyne for $5.00. In an emergency when you forgot to pack your toothpaste, you do not mind paying that higher price on the ship. But next time you go, you will not forget your toothpaste.

We all might need a Band-Aid at one time or another on a cruise, especially if you have children traveling with you.  Pack them so you do not have to pay a higher price on the cruise ship. The Band-Aids below sell for $7.00 on the cruse ship but cost only $2.99 (April 2025 price) in the USA.

The Aquaphor below comes in the seven grams (or 0.035 ounces) size on the cruise ship. You can purchase, as of April 2025, Aquaphor for approximately $10.00 in the USA and that is for the seven-ounce tube. That is a great difference in price.

The Chapstick (never travel without it) priced at $4.99 per tube. You can purchase Chapstick for $3.99 for three tubes in the USA (as of April 2025).The photo below shows Dove Soap (one bar) for $4.50. In the USA (as of April 2025), the price of Dove Soap is $1.50 for one bar.

Also below are the smallest sizes possible of TRESemme mousse and hairspray at a price of $10.00 each.  If purchased in the USA (as of April 2025) the price is $2.99 each at Target.

Vaseline is used frequently when traveling for tender skin from the sun, protection from the sun, and for moisturizing at night. On the cruise ships, it costs $8.00. You can purchase this size Vaseline at Walmart for $2.48 (as of April 2025).

Extra Strength Tylenol might always be needed by some. A late night, a bad sunburn, a headache from the sun. You can purchase Extra Strength Tylenol at Walgreen’s for $3.99 for 10 caplets.  The same size can be purchased on the cruise ship for $8.99.

Secret Out Last Deodorant can be purchased at the Dollar Tree for $1.25 (as of April 2025), but costs $4.99 for the same size on a cruise ship.

If you travel often, you know what you need, and where to buy it before you depart. But we all forget some important item at one time or another.

As I said above, check your list twice. It may be a small amount of money in the minds of some, but for others it is a price they do not want to pay.

Who wants to waste money? When you tally up that money, it could help pay for an exciting excursion. Or it could help your local SPCA.

Safe travels.  Have fun!!!

Trish

 

Trish Berry, April 2025

J. Crew Sleeveless Top, Ann Taylor Shorts, Gold Bracelets and Rings, Diamond Studs, Gold Hoop Earrings, Eric Javits Hat

There are many ways to get too much sun while on a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line always has multiple swimming pools on all their cruise ships. Getting too much sun is easy while onboard. Getting too much sun while in a foreign country with a big blue sky, full sun all day long and beautiful beaches as far as the eye can see makes it even easier.

To prevent that redness, always use a high-strength sunscreen. I use Equate Sunscreen, 50 SPF Sport lotion on my arms and legs.  This product will last for 80 minutes.  If you sweat a lot in a tropical location, you will need to reapply the sunscreen. If you get in and out of the water, you will need to reapply the sunscreen. This product works for me. I purchase it at Walmart. This is an economical sunscreen.

I use Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion and Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on my face.  This is an effective sunscreen for my face and neck. You can purchase this economical product at Walmart, Target, Amazon, or at any of your local drug stores (Walgreen’s or CVS).  (You can tell I use it a lot because of the grubby bottle. But it works so I do use it a lot.)

If I get too pink (never red), I use Eucerin Redness Relief.  It is a Broad Spectrum SPF 15, but I use it to soothe any pink I might have on my body.  It takes the pink out.

If you do get sunburned, your skin will dry and peel.  That is when I would recommend Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair (Intense Moisture) designed to heal very dry skin.  This is a fabulous product, economical in cost and can be purchased at Walmart, Amazon or any local drug store.

There are many excellent hand and body lotions on the market. For the past 50 years, I have used Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion.  It soothes and softens the skin and is recommended for extremely dry skin. This is economically priced, extremely economically priced, and can be found at Walmart, Amazon, and at any drug store. I use this lotion on my hands, neck, arms and legs.  I feel soothed with calmness and love. Sounds silly to say that, but this lotion does more than wrap your body in moisture. It seeps into your senses, makes you take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment.

I always wear a hat when not swimming but in bright sun. I prefer an Eric Javits hat, their Squishee Hats that can be rolled for packing and then they pop back into shape when you unpack them.  Eric Javits hats provide UV protection. You can order these hats online at the Eric Javits site. You can also purchase them at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Locker Room By Lids, and Zumiez.  These are luxurious hats, and the price reflects the quality of the hats. You see many celebrities wearing these hats.

I also have a dated Eric Javits handbag.  I don’t know how many years ago I purchased it, but it is still in excellent condition.  Eric Javits products are meticulously made to last year after year.

A baseball hat also gives coverage for my face.  I wear a baseball hat a lot.  I just pull my ponytail through the loop hole in the back.

Sunshine is good for us, giving us vitamin D and a jolt of happiness. It can also damage the largest organ of the body, our skin.  At an early age, protect that large organ. You will be protecting yourself from different skin cancers in years to come. As the years pass, your skin will be smoother, less wrinkled and less blotchy. Your skin will thank you when you are 76 years old, as I am now and in the above photos. My skin is far from perfect, but I’ve tried to take care of it as the years have passed.

Thanks for reading.  Have a bright sunny day filled with happiness.

Trish

 

Trish Berry

 

Zara Midi Dress

When looking for an expensive item, check the price in your home country and compare with the price offered in a different land or on a cruise ship.

All Royal Caribbean Cruise ships have exquisite shopping available. From beautiful handbags to delectable jewelry, you will find it on your ship.

The items can be found on the Promenade level of the ship, usually Deck 5 or Deck 6.

If the ship is of a smaller size, and has a Centrum in the center, then the shopping will be along The Shoppes corridor.

Luxury items — Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Effy Jewelry.

Beautiful Gucci Handbag

Some of the items are pre-loved (used) and have been certified.

When buying a used item at any location in the world or from any dealer, make sure it has been verified to be authentic.

All Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offerings of pre-loved handbags have been authenticated.

Authenticity Guarantee

Pre-Loved (Used) Display of Handbags

Pre-Loved (used) Display

Vintage Pre-Loved Chanel Handbag

Different styles, different eras — Royal Caribbean has it for you to choose from.

Pre-Loved Vintage Gucci Handbag

Beautiful Vintage Chanel Handbag

Below is the most sought-after Chanel handbag. The most famous Chanel design of handbags.

Vintage Chanel Handbag

Display of New Louis Vuitton Handbags

All these handbags are beautiful. The vintage ones are in pristine condition.

Always check with the Customer Service Desk before purchasing a high-end product while onboard.

Sales tax and Customs Fees are owed on many expensive items, especially the jewelry.

You don’t want a surprise by owing money when going through Customs when you disembark.

Safe travels!!  Have fun!!

Many huge smiles to you!!!

 

Trish Berry, April 2025

Effy Jewelry is the epitome of luxury, sophistication, stylishness and beauty.  It is high-quality jewelry, the type of jewelry that will escalate in value as the years pass, the type of jewelry that will be handed down generation to generation, much like Cartier jewelry.

The very finest of gemstones are used in the creation of these elegant pieces.  Fourteen carat gold, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other precious gemstones placed in intricate designs.

The price can be high, as noted by the ring on my finger, which had a cost of $5,995.00. The panther necklace was priced at $60,000.00 — sold white and yellow gold, with clear diamonds and black diamonds on the head, with emerald eyes. A statement piece.

I tried on both rings and the necklace. They are more beautiful on than in a display.

I have long fingers. The rings are large, long in length, and went almost to my knuckle.  They were so beautiful on my hand.

I had on a white outfit with a black scarf the night I tried on the necklace.  I must say that I looked like a billion dollars. The necklace is showy but lightweight.

Effy jewelry is beautiful, no matter the piece or style, even on me, a seventy-six year old woman.

Effy Jewelry was started by Effy Hematian (1943-2023) as an emigrant from Iran who was trained as an electrical engineer.

He started his jewelry line to offer affordable, fine jewelry. As the years passed, he began using higher quality gems, higher quality metals, which reflects the higher cost today of some pieces.

There are less expensive Effy items for everyday wear, but the bold, brightly colored, distinctive pieces are saved for special occasions.

The Effy line now includes rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and watches.  The panther line of accessories is absolutely gorgeous, but there is a new dragon series that is just as unique and lovely as the panther series.

More panthers below.

You can find an Effy store on any Royal Caribbean ship, as well as Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Line, Cunard Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, MSC cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Below is a photo of one of the Effy Jewelry stores on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship (the gold lettering), along with two other Effy Jewelry stores located on different islands in the Caribbean.

(When purchasing any expensive item outside of the United States, always check on whether items are duty free. You will always be required to pay customs fees on any high-ticket item. Verify the fee before purchasing an expensive item. Customs fees are due, required, for any item purchased that goes over a certain sum. These sums change at times, so check what fees you will owe at the time of your purchase.)

Inside an Effy store.

Effy Jewelry can be found in the United States at their flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York, at any high-end department store (Macy’s, Nordstrom, Belk), Zared the Galleria of Jewelry and Zales.

You can also find their precious, beautiful jewelry at Effy’s online store, as well as the Blue Nile website.  Some local independent jewelers may carry Effy Jewelry, but Effy Jewelry can always be found in large cities or high-end shopping districts.

Effy jewelry is exquisite.