Day 7 of 15…. Colon Panama

September 27, 2023September 27, 2023w2bergen Leave a comment

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Thursday April 27, 2023

Day 7 of 15….Welcome to Colon Panama, the gateway to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic Ocean

Arrival 9am……Gangway Open 9:30am….All Aboard….5:30 pm

Yesterday, Cartegena Columbia…… Today, Colon Panama…….. Tomorrow, The Panama Canal….Its a very busy 3 days. Today our excursion will be the Imax Theater production of The History of the Panama Canal. We headed to the Aurora Theater again to check in and get our number and colored sticker. We waited to have our number called and then proceeded playing follow the leader again down to the 4th floor to get off the boat. We had docked this time at the dock. It was a very short distance to all the buses.

**There is our dock, and all the buses lined up waiting for us.**

**The red bus in the middle will be ours.**

We looked for the guy with a sign with our Tour Number. On the way we stopped and had that Quick picture taken again…..Ughhhh…..

Then followed the Guide to our Beautiful Red Bus. As we had come down the inlet to dock, we had seen all these warehousing looking buildings. We found out it is the Tax Free Zone. Colon is a Tax Free Port dedicated to re-exporting to Latin America and the Caribbean. It is the largest free port in the Americas and the 2nd largest in the world. Hong Kong is first. It covers approximately 130 acres. It is separated from Colon by a wall. As we drove by the many entrances, it looked like regular shopping streets inside. Each entrance is gated. Our guide said it is totally locked up every nite at closing.

The guide we had this time was not the best. He had a very heavy accent and was difficult to understand. We also didn’t realize the Imax was clear on the other side of Panama, on the Pacific side. That was about 50 miles. We also didn’t realize until later that the back of the Imax was against the Canal. So, we now had about an hour drive across Panama from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It really was a very pretty country. Lots of Trees, hills, just like the states, some small mountains, Lake Gatun, the manmade lake they flooded to make the Canal. There were plenty of small homes, very poorly made, hidden in the landscape. The main highway was Route 9, a beautiful highway, 4 lanes in places that ran from Colon to Panama City.

**Countryside and the Highway from Colon to Panama City**

**Lake Gatun….The man-made lake for operating the locks.**

We arrived at the Imax to a very large modern building. There were many buses there, not only from our ship but many others. It is probably a main Tourist attraction coming out of Panama City also.

**The Imax Theater 3 miles from Panama City**

We entered and was given free popcorn and soda. It was a very well-made movie about the History of The Making of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal was constructed at the Isthmus of Panama in order to save ships from going around Cape Horn in South America, saving 8,000 nautical miles. The canal is approximately 50 miles long from Atlantic Ocean deep water to Pacific Ocean deep water. The French first attempted to build the canal but gave up. So many men died of Malaria and Yellow Fever due to mosquitoes. Finally, the United States took over and acquired the Canal from France in 1904 and it was completed and opened in 1914. In total over 25,000 men died constructing the Canal, mostly French. Now what we did not know, was behind this Imax was the 3rd set of locks, Miraflores Locks. There was a stadium seating viewing area that they did not show us. The next day as we went through the canal, I seen the back side of the Imax. Now I sure don’t know why they didn’t take us there. We headed back to our BRIGHT RED BUS.

**Drivers seat with his hanging monkey friends.**

The tour guide drove us all through the area. The Canal was owned and run the United States from 1914 until a Treaty was sign in 1977. It stated that the Panama Canal would be officially handed over to Panama Dec. 31, 1999. During the United States time they owned it, they had constructed many buildings. Office buildings, homes for the officers and their families, as well as hospitals etc. All these were given to Panama.

**The Style of all the American Buildings. They were all given to Panama**

Our guide took us past many of these buildings that are successfully being used today. We drove by the Corozal American Cemetary. This land was designated for a permanent cemetery in 1914 when the US opened the Canal. Citizens of over 70 nations are buried here, among them over 5000 Americans, Veterans and Civilians.

**Rolling Hills of tombstones, in Corozal American Cemetary. 5,000 Americans buried their since 1914.**

Then we headed towards Panama City. We rode on the Official Highway 1 that connects the Americas. We saw the Bridge of the Americas through the trees and then passed some apartment areas with graffiti paintings.

**Bridge of the Americas….Highway #1 in the distance near Panama City**

**Apartment Buildings overlooking Highway #1**

We headed for a little strip of land that ended in an area called Flamingo Island. It was a beautiful drive to the point. The ocean was on either side. Panama City was in the distance. So impressive with its tall buildings.

**The Skyline of Panama City….This is as close as we got.**

We drove all the way out there to stop at a souvenir shop and a bathroom break. lol. But it really was a pretty area. At the Souvenir shop I bought this cute little purse. I bought this purse for a purpose. I will write all about that the next time. Its worth a laugh.

Time to head back to the ship. We were pushing it for time. I heard comments being mentioned about how late we were. But remember……..We purchased this tour through Royal Caribbean. They wait for any tours that come back late. So I wasn’t worried. So back across Panama we went to Colon and our ship, The Radiance of the Seas. Another pretty drive back through the trees, hills, some mountains, Lake Gatun to Colon.

**Pretty red curtains on our bus. You don’t find that in the USA**

**There she is “Radiance of the Seas” “Home Sweet Home”**

We finally got back, again tired and hungry. So off to the Windjammer for Dinner. We looked for Conmelia and Shane. As usual there they were. It is so good seeing them every day. Like seeing long lost friends. It was so good to sit down and relax in front of the windows and see the magnificent scenery that lays before you. Here we sit after a full day tour and are eating a wonderful meal before us, while looking out of the wall of windows from the 11th floor. Your looking at this magnificent view and think. WOW, Is this real? How Amazing life can be. We left port and are now traveling to Limon Bay near by. It is the entrance to the Panama Canal. We have to head out and wait for our turn to enter the canal in the morning.

**Ships waiting in Limon Bay to head across the Canal.**

Tomorrow, we will be entering the Canal and riding through 3 sets of locks to the Pacific side. It will take all day. This will surely be the highlight of the trip.

This is a map of the Panama City side of the Canal. The red flag is where the Imax was and the last of the 3 locks, Miraflores Locks. The long strip of land called the Punta Nature Center is where the driver took us. Panama City is on the right upper side of this photo. So tomorrow we get to stay on board, but it will be the Purpose for taking this Cruise. Our Passage all the way through the Panama Canal to the Pacific. It’s a once in a lifetime trip for us.

**This was an actual license plate that we purchased.**

Day 6 of 15…..Cartagena Columbia, Amazing

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023w2bergen Leave a comment

Wed. April 26 2023

Day 6 of 15….Welcome to Cartagena Columbia, in South America, Wow, are we really here?

Arrival: 7 am.—Gangway open 7:30 All Aboard—4:30, Departure 5pm

After Grand Caymen was another cruising day, so now here we are approaching South America. I woke up early to see us enter the harbor of Cartagena Columbia. It was a beautiful morning with the sun coming up.

We chose an excursion in Cartagena. It was a bus trip through the city seeing some of the top sites, traveling along the coast to a little fishing village, La Boquilla. We will board hand hewn mahogany canoes and travel through the swampy mangroves watching for wild life. This excursion will be one of the more exciting of our cruise. I have been wondering, when they have all these excursions at each port, how does everyone get on the right bus or van to their destination. I imagined chaos.

**Everyone** **in line to receive their sticker for their excursion.**

**Waiting** **for their number to be called.**

We received instructions to meet at the Aurora Theater at 8am. You check in with your tickets that were delivered to your room. They give you a colored tag and number to stick on your shirt. When your bus is ready, they call your number, and everyone plays follow the leader. You head out to the dock, going through x-ray and scanning Sea Pass Cards as usual. Outside, your bus’s, vans etc, are awaiting you. You board according to number and color. It really worked out quite well.

**OMG……Our picture coming right off the ship…. File in line…snap…..keep going**

We boarded our bus ready to begin this exciting day. Our Tour Guide was a young lady named Victoria. She had a very nice loud voice, great English, perfect for her job as well as a side of humor that was fitting. As we traveled into town, it became so so crowded. It became terrible. The traffic didn’t seem to care about anything. I had a passing truck loaded with trash, hit my window. Crazy. It seemed one of the popular sources of travel was the motorcycle, or minibikes. They were in work clothes, business attire, but had no concept of dying. They would zoom up from behind and drive right up between the 2 vehicles traveling side by side. It’s a wonder they weren’t smashed and killed.

**Cute hood ornaments…..lol…But this is how close we were. It is not zoome**d..

We made our way through Cartagena and down the coast to a little fishing village called, La Boquilla. We pulled off the road into a parking lot near a large grouping of trees. After we got out of the bus, we walked down a path to the canoes. Oh Boy, yes, they were definitely hand carved, or homemade, which ever you choose to call it.

**These look really safe, don’t they?…..lol**

They loaded us all into these canoes, 1 on a seat. (Thank Goodness) We were full. They told us to be careful about balancing. No sudden moves. OMG……I could tell. I felt tense as any move Rich made, he leaned one way, I leaned the other. I felt like we would Rollllllll…….But we did stay upright. Vicky was our guide also on the canoes, as the guides couldn’t speak English. There was one man in the back of each canoe to push with a long stick. She told us if we did roll and capsize, don’t worry…….JUST STAND UP…..It was shallow. They pointed out different things they seen in the water as we passed.

**This is a nest of termites. This is how they live in the wetlands. Their trails came from the nest all the way down a limb to the water…..Grouse….**

**A little crab hid out in the roots of the Mangrove**

**Entering the center of the open lake area. That was so cool as we approached it. I felt like we were explorers searching for new lands.**

**Beautiful Opening into the Lake Area**

This was such a quite beautiful ride. So peaceful. The Mangroves were just tunnels through all the roots. It twisted and turned until you would come up on a small opening. I can see how people could get lost or hid in these. We heard birds, heard the rustling of the trees, and the water splashing as the guides pushed our boats. But it was also HOT and SWEATY that day. When we came out into the lake, we seen a man in the distance. We headed his way and all the boats parked near him like a school class. Actually, that is rather what it was. Vicky told us he was a local fisherman. This is what they do to support themselves and their family. In Colombia, they are allowed to have more than 1 wife. Hence, they obviously have many children. He was going to show us how they throw out a net to catch crabs, fish, or turtle. Whatever is in the water.

**Showing us how to throw his fish net**

After that, of course they passed a tip basket around the boats. It was handed boat to boat. So, I guess everyone has a way to ask for a tip these days. We traveled on in the open lake to the little hole where the tunnel begins again to head back to the dock.

**Finding the hole for** **the channel back to the dock**

**Waiting at the dock to unload 1 canoe at a time**

We met this couple the day before for breakfast. We were surprised to see them on the bus. She took our picture, we took theirs. We would exchange later. She wanted all her friends to believe they really did this. Well later never came. We never seen them again on the Ship…..lol

Finally back out of the canoes. Dry also, nobody tipped the boat. I was so happy to get back into the bus and AC. Now we were going to go back into town to another shopping site. We passed many of the walls that were still standing around the city. They were built many many years ago to defend themselves from the pirates raiding their country. Then we stopped at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. It was built by slave labor, on a hill in the 1500’s at a strategic point to protect them from battles. Around the castle is a nice area of benches and trees and of course little shops of locals selling their trinkets. This is where the bus stopped. Before we got off, Vicki told us. She said, “You know how Mexicans usually barter and beg for a deal? That is nothing. DO NOT look at them, do not ask about an item if you have no intention of buying. Do NOT look them in the eye”. She was so right.

**Vicky warned us about this lady. She is always there. She will stop you and want you to take a picture with her. If you do not tip her, she will follow you until you do. She was very persistent.**

**So here is our picture with her. This smile only came out for her pictures…lol**

As we were walking, a guy kept coming after Rich to buy a hat. He wouldn’t leave him alone. He followed him all over as Rich walked by the little shops. Finally Rich bought a hat. lol. He was so persistent. I wish I had taken a picture of him. By that time, I was so hot, I was wanting to get back on the bus.

**It actually was a pretty cool hat and looked nice on him.**

The bus took us back to the ship. We were so hot and tired. They took us instead to a parking lot to drop us off. But we were still aways from the ship. I wasn’t very happy about this. But it turned out it was a Bird and Monkey Aviary. It was so beautiful. The birds and monkeys were free to roam. Of course, it also had a very nice Souvenir shop.

**Isn’t she just beautiful. The full wing spread.**

**This tree was just so full of birds. If you look up, you seen them everywhere.**

**We looked up in the tree and also seen monkeys climbing limb to limb. These were not the same ones. I came out of the gift shop and their they were….so cute.**

**Beautiful parrots everywhere. all squawking. Have you ever heard one?**

**Beautiful white Peacock. He was hiding**

.

**What a better place to be for dinner. The back of the boat, with a view of Cartagena Columbia.**

Finally, we left the Aviary. There was a shuttle on the other side that took us to the ship. We were so hot and tired, and……. HUNGARY……Back to the Windjammer Buffet……Of course, we found Conmelia and Shane, they take good care of us. Such wonderful conversations with them. We sat at the back of the ship and watched the beautiful view of Cartagena. As we sailed away, we reflected on the day. All the things we did, the things we seen. We never ever dreamed this could be. It was like we were living a fantasy. What a day of memories. Tomorrow, we have to be up early again. We will be at Colon Panama. We will be getting off the boat and going to an Imax Theater and learning about the Panama Canal. Another Great Day It Will Be….

Day 4……Grand Cayman Islands, So Beautiful

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023w2bergen Leave a comment

Day 4– Welcome to George Town Grand Cayman Island. Overseas British Territory.

Arrival 7am.–First Tender Boat, 7:45–Last Tender Boat 5:15,–Departure 6pm.

We arrived at George Town about daylight. I went out on the Balcony to watch the approach to the island. What a beautiful morning it was. We watched as the Pilot Boat from the harbor approached our ship

**The Pilot boat from George Town meeting our boat. Look how little the fishing boats are. This was taken from our balcony on the 7th floor.**

The Pilot is dropped off on the lower level of the boat while still moving towards the Port. It is his duty to help the Captain navigate the Ship into the harbor. He knows his Port, the sand bars, the waters entering the channel and all things important to docking the ship. Here at Grand Cayman, the harbor is to shallow for the cruise ships to dock. They use Tender Boats {water taxi’s} to transport the passengers between the ship and the Port. The first Tender Boats showed up by 7:15 after the ship had anchored. All the passengers that had booked excursions were the first ones off the boat. We didn’t book any in this port as they were mostly all water fun. Diving, snorkeling, Trip to Stingray City to see the Stingrays in the ocean and possible pet them. Also, the many, many beaches and the Famous 7 Mile Beach. We have excursions booked on all the other Ports we visit, so we decided to just take it easy on this one. We waited till later to go souvenir shopping. Finally late morning, we went down to the 4th floor. We had to go through the x-ray machine like the airports and they also scanned our Sea Pass cards. You cannot leave or arrive at the boat without your cards. This is how they keep count of passengers on or off the ship. I like to book only Excursions with Royal Caribbean because they will wait till all excursions are back to leave. If you go ashore and simply take a tour somebody sells you, they won’t guarantee they will wait. Wouldn’t it be terrible if you arrived back late and seen your Ship with all your belongings sailing off into the sunset?……GOOD BYE…..Find your own way back to the states. We boarded the tender and proceeded to shore.

**The Port pictures begin. 8×10 pictures every Port.**

**Loaded Tender boat arriving at George Town pier**

These Tenders hold as many as 200 people. But remember our ship is technically a small ship of over 2000. You can imagine how many Tenders they have to transport passengers back and forth between the ship and the dock. We arrived at the terminal and did some shopping at the little shops. Then we proceeded out of the terminal into George Town. We found a few things but what was interesting was the cars drove on the left side of the street and the drivers sat in the right side of the car.

**The steering wheel on the right side.**

**Vehicles driving on the left side of the road.**

We walked the streets, did more shopping, walked by the fish market, where they were cleaning fish and many restaurants. We found this little Flea Market sort of tucked in an empty lot.

We bought a few souvenirs from the locals, and ran into a very interesting small time business man. He was selling items as well as Caymanite Jewelry. I had never heard of Caymanite.

This semi-precious gemstone is found only in Grand Cayman. It contains bands of red, orange, white, black and brown. The locals of the island make beautiful jewelry and gifts and sell it throughout the islands. This man makes trips to Miami to buy supplies for jewelry crafting as well as selling. Since he was such a friendly nice guy full of info, I asked him a question I had been wondering about. I had bought a visor. The visor and many of the things in the gift shops had “Grand Cayman BWI”…….“What does BWI stand for”? This was when I realized how stupid I was sounding…..Bristish West Indies. I knew that…..Grand Cayman is run by the British government.

Another well known fact is the Cayman Islands is home to over 160 banks from all over the world. They have been cited as a financial destination. They have so many tax benefits etc, that it has become known as a great place to park your money and grow your wealth.

**Heading** **back to** **our Beautiful Boat on our Tender Boat.**

We were getting really hot so we decided it was time to go back to the ship. We didn’t have to wait long. The Tender boat was loading and another one was ready to take its place after we left.

**Our Tender Boat will drive right up to this open door. The ladder will be extended for us to board.**

**Our room is the floor above the lifeboats all the way in the back. Very last room behind the pole.**

We boarded our ship, went back through the x-ray machine, scanned our sea pass card, so they know we were onboard. We went to our room and was exhausted. But what do you do after you’ve cooled down? off to the Windjammer Buffet. We hadn’t eaten since we left that morning.

**We found a great table overlooking George Town coast Isn’t that just a Beautiful Site**

**Beautiful Grand Cayman from Deck 11. I think we were leaving**

We found a nice table, filled our plates with goodies, and relaxed. Rich loves cookies. He had found which food island they put them out every meal. So he started bringing a bunch to the table every day. Then I had to stash them in my purse to take up to the room. I wish I had taken a picture. He loves the Oatmeal. Of course, we found Conmelia. We had to say our “Hi’s”. We found out something exciting. Conmelia is engaged. He fiance is the CHEF on board. His name is …..Shane……More about them on further blogs…….At 6pm, we finally pulled up anchor on time and “away we went” Now 1 more day at sea before we arrive at Cartagena Columbia. We seen several Entertainment Shows in the Aurora Theater. They were wonderful. Their was different shows every nite.

**Royal Caribbean Dancers and Singers Can you imagine dancing like this with the boat “rocking”**

**Piano Man in the Aurora Theater. He was very good.**

Evening in the Centrum. Look Close…..See the people sitting down below? Their are people standing 2 floors up while the Entertainer is playing the guitar on the stage below. This area was so busy. At least 6 or more different shows a day. Always checked out the shows as we walked by. The music carried down the halls.

**Doing some more exploring as we leave port**.

We had a nice time in Grand Cayman but we did miss alot. After reading more about the Island, their were many places to see, and it would be easy to get around by taxi or many reputable, local tour agencies. But that’s ok, we can always see more another time. One day at sea and then…….Next Stop…..Day 6 Cartagena Columbia. It will be much more exciting. We will be boarding a bus and traveling through the city seeing so many beautiful sites and then stopping at a fishing village. We will take a canoe trip in hand carved mahogany canoes through the Mangroves. It was hot but so exciting….As long as we didn’t tip the canoe….lol

^{…….Stay Tuned……}.

……We Met a Wonderful Lady that Helped Us Celebrate Our Belated 50th Anniversary…..

August 23, 2023w2bergen 2 Comments

The weather so far as been beautiful. Nothing but blue – blue skies, and lazy white clouds. The water is a beautiful blue with a few white caps as we sail south. No bugs in the air either. That is wonderful. But then we are miles and miles from land. So, no mosquitoes, or flies. But it is so quiet. No birds tweeting, nothing but sounds of the ship and the waves as we slide through the water. At night we usually sit out on our balcony after dark. Sometimes you may see the lights of a ship far, far away on the horizon, sometimes it’s just black.

**The Moon and a star….and the Beautiful Sunset**

Nothing out there but the sounds of the waves crashing into each other as the ship powers through the water. Sleeping has been no problem. I didn’t know if I might get a little nauseated. Rich has even done well. For me it was like being rocked to sleep gently like a baby. There wasn’t much movement. I would wake up in the morning and go outside and check the weather for the day. The TV was all Royal Caribbeans channels. Several Movie channels, but mostly channels about RC destinations and ships. The Activity Directors have a channel telling you all about the itinerary for the day. Then it was time for breakfast at the Windjammer and fun for the day.

On the last blog we stopped our exploration at the Solarium. After walking through their and testing the water….brrrrrr. we headed towards the double glass doors heading towards the front of the boat. There was a little hallway. In the center of the boat was another set of elevators. On one side was the entrance to the Hair Saloon and Spa. You can get anything done you want from your hair all the way down to your toes including a Fantastic Massage. They are there to please you. We took the stairs to the next level and followed it all the way down the side of the ship. It opened up to the very front of the ship….The Helipad…..

**Rich sitting on the bench of the Helipad area.**

It was very windy up there. The row of the dark windows is the bridge of the ship. Where the pilots control the ship. Above the Bridge, {which you can’t really see}, there are several more decks with some walk areas with lounges to lay and enjoy. They are lined with tall glass railings so you can’t fall off. Also a deck above the Hair Salon and Spa, facing the front of the Ship was the large Fitness Center

**Exercising with a Beautiful Window view, looking out the front of the Ship**

The small port holes were more rooms. I’m not sure if they are some of the officers’ rooms and other staff or not. On the map diagram they are not listed. The Heliport area was freshly painted, and everything was very clean and fresh. I was surprised the wooden benches looked so good, not sunbaked or waterlogged. We continued around the other side.

**Beautiful view of the waves made by the ship.**

**This bird kept circling feeding on fish from the ocean.**

We walked back to the elevator and went down to the 6th floor. There was the Aurora Theater. It is in the front of the ship and actually is setting on Deck 4, 5, and 6. It is beautiful.

As you see, It is huge. It contains 868 seats. It has entrances on Deck 5, and 6. The seats were so comfortable. They have regular scheduled shows every day with Singers, Dancers, Comedians, movies also informational slide shows with presentations of upcoming Ports that we were stopping at. It was also the area we had to go to when we were in port and ready to leave for our Port excursion. We decided early on to enter on Deck 6. We liked to sit in the balcony. It was less crowded, easier to get to our favorite seats.

Also on this floor they have a Cinema. It is small but sufficient. They show several movies every day. We tried to see a movie one day but it was so packed.

After the Cinema, heading back to the Centrum, is the Casino. It has a very nice bar, lots of slots and game tables. Usually, we don’t gamble much. This time also. The only thing I really like to do is play the slots. But I always lose. Its just my luck. On Deck 5, just below us is The Shops of Centrum.

They sell many high-priced items like diamond and other precious stone jewelry, Lots of souvenir items and a small area called the Drug Store for personal items you might need. Also the Photo Gallery is down the hall. They have walls of pictures displayed that they have taken of the guests on board. The photographers are always roving the boat as well as setting up outside at each port. They also have dress up sittings by the Centrum for your formal pictures. The Photo Gallery is where you pick out your pictures that you may want to buy.

**Conmelia is from Jamaica. She has a delightful accent**.

When we were in the Windjammer one day, we were wandering around choosing our food. There was a lady with a tall white Chefs hat on. She was standing very professionally watching and checking the different food islands, making sure everything was full and the servers were in place to help the people. She was very friendly. We started talking and I mentioned that this was our Cruise for our 50th Anniversary, January 14, 2022. It was delayed because of covid so it was really 51. She was so nice and excited for us. She is from Jamaica and has a wonderful accent. Her name is Conmelia. She is a Sous Chef. Definition of Sous Chef…..A chef who is second in command of a kitchen. They rank just before the head chef. They generally manage the members of the kitchen for the Chef who is busy with other duties. She came over and visited with us at our table. She works in the Windjammer and down in the main dining room Cascades. She told us to come back the next day and she was going to do something special for us. We came back and she was so excited to see us again. After we eat our meal, she came back with this beautiful dish….

Conmelia brought this plate with a beautiful tasty dessert and 2 forks. She even sang a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY song to us. It was wonderful. This became the start of a new friendship. We all started looking for each other for each meal just to visit a little.

**OMG….What a picture. Did I really look like that? lol**

I’ve covered most of the big areas of the ship. There are many areas I haven’t covered. There are many bars and lounges situated all over as well as 11 different dining options. Some are just little snack areas, and some are upscale restaurants. I will probably cover some of those later. We have been at sea for 2 1/2 days. We will be Docking at our first stop, “Georgetown Grand Caymen Island, British West Indies” in the morning. It’s time to head for our room and get ready for bed. We are excited.

This is our hallway to our room from the **Centrum** at the middle of the ship. I bet you can’t see the last room at the left. Thats our room……***.so far far far away***…..

Our Trip to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel……Part 4

August 2, 2018August 3, 2018w2bergen Leave a comment

This is my last Blog of our cruise from last April….So so far behind, but I figured I better wrap it up. It was certainly a great time with great friends, old and new. Memories for a lifetime.

We managed to survive Costa Maya. After a very Adventerous day on Thursday on the beach, and a good nites sleep, we arrived at Cozumel on Friday morning very early. Everyone had different plans for Cozumel. Mel and Travis was renting a trike for a fun tour of the island. Theresa and Ron, Lorie and Mark were renting a Jeep for a tour. But the rest of us were just going to just be tourists and shop. Rich actually felt pretty good considering his condition the day before. Now I woke up feeling nauseous. But after several attempts at getting up it went away. But I was really tired. Too much sun the day before I think. We were already docked in Cozumel, so we went to breakfast. Everyone leaving the boat for tours was already gone. I never dreamed that Ron would be up and at it already. He wasn’t in the best of shape either the day before. We went to the Windjammer and looked at the beautiful view of Cozumel.

You have to realize we were on the 11th floor looking over the city. The view was spectacular. The amazing shades of blues as the sun passed over the water. After breakfast we went ashore and did a little shopping. We were rather tired from the day before…..lol..go figure...so we didn’t go far. We looked at souvenir shops, sat down and did some people watching and Rich of course did a little alcohol sampling. He bought several bottles of booze, then we checked them in at customs. They took control of them, by labeling our room number. They would be brought on board and finally given to us the last day of the cruise.

Finally back on board we went, time to rest up the rest of the day. We did a lot of people watching. That night a had a fabulous party on the Promenade Deck. On the crossovers high above the people, they had a 60s-70s party.

It was non-stop music and dancing. They sang some great Songs.…like YMCA and many others. It lasted for hours.. I watched from the window in our room. Their was so much wonderful entertainment on board. Every night was a show in the Theater. We had Comedians, Magicians, and also a couple doing an Aerial Act.

Also my favorite show was Stephanie Parker. She sang Whitney Houston songs. She was so so talented. Such a quality show. I talked with her later. She has a contract with Royal Caribbean for the season. She was going to have some time off. When we arrived at Cozumel, she was flying home to Las Vegas for some R & R.

Also they even had a Skating Rink. It was open for free skating at times, and they also held several shows.

It was really a quite elaborate show. They had beautiful costumes, fabulous lighting, and such creative choreography. On the last nite, we watched the last show in the Platinum Theater. It was a synopsis of all the shows of the week. A storm had come up. The seas picked up and you could feel the boat start to move side to side. You could feel it as you walked, so I was somewhat tense so I wouldn’t stumble. We went and sat in the theater, and waited for the show to begin. We watched the stage curtains. Some had strings of lights hanging down in them. As we watched, the curtains swayed one way……and then the other way……then back the other way….and then back again. lol. I asked Rich, “Do you see those curtains???” He said “yes, I’m trying not to look”...lol….As I sat their, I kept thinking…..above me is a huge swimming pool full of water. lol. Well it was fine. Show was over and we went to bed for the last time. Rich had collected his liquor and purchased more of course. Everyone else had also collected theirs also. We were packed for our departure in the morning. We woke up in the morning and had our schedules as when to get ready to debark. We had set all our luggage out the night before. They take it and unload it for us. All we have to do is claim it in the terminal. Everything is very orderly. Sadly we headed for the terminal. Now all that wonderful warm weather turned to dreary chilly weather. Vacation is over. We were picked up by the parking lot van and returned to our cars.

Now came the time for goodbyes. Ron, Theresa, Rich and I would head south to Harlingen and the sun. The rest would head north west to the cold of Nebraska. Great Trip……Made some Great New Friends…..Everyone vowed to do it again….

This was our magnetic door signs that Ron and Theresa made for us all. We autographed them all at the end of the trip. Even Barrington our Room Steward. Next, these are some of our fun shots.

Now here is our Group Shots.

It was a FABULOUS CRUISE. I would do it again in a minute. We had such a good time. I believe Royal Caribbean was an AWESOME Cruise Line. You can make this cruise as affordable as you wish. You can relatively spend very little after you board if you wish. All shows are free. So many restaurants and buffets to choose from. All the swimming and fun on the top of the ship. Or you can spend as much as you want in the bars and casino, or shopping. One can buy that special diamond or other precious gems. So its totally up to the person as to how to enjoy the cruise.

This was “A CRUISE OF A LIFETIME”

Our Trip to Roatan, Costa Maya, & Cozumel….Part 2

April 24, 2018August 2, 2018w2bergen 2 Comments

Finally we were heading to sea. We had went to the Heliport to watch our casting off and now we were moving. As much as I would have liked to have stayed outside and watched us move out through the channel, it was to cold and windy. So time to go inside and EXPLORE our ship. Dinner was at 5:30. Tonite would be dress casual in the formal dinning room. We had our luggage, but many people did not. They said it could take up to 7 pm for the late arrivals to get their delivered to their stateroom. It pays to be one of the first to board. So therefore that is why dinner was casual. Everyone has the option to eat in the formal dinning room assigned or just eat at the Windjammer Café Buffet. We were assigned to the Michelangelo Restaurant on Deck 3 at table #424. Their are 3 Formal dining rooms, The Botticelli on Deck 5, The Michelangelo on Deck 4, and The Rembrandt on Deck 3.

This is the interior of our dinning room on Deck 3. It is so elegant. The center of the room is open to display all three floors. In the center is a Beautiful, Stunning Elegant Chandelier. It is surrounded by beautiful gold columns extending from the bottom to the top. Beautiful lights and decorations make you feel like your in an Italian Palace.

At the far end is an elegant circular staircase joining all 3 dinning rooms together. At the end of our cruise the cooks and waiters filled the stairways and sang several songs and paraded through all 3 dinning rooms…..It was pretty awesome. So we found our table and were seated. Linen table clothes and silverware placed for every course. We were presented with the Menu. It was clipped to a board and was changed every meal. We had choices of Appetizer, Main course and Dessert. You could choose as many as you wanted. The waiter brought each course and then as we ate, they would take the finished dish and the proper silverware would be taken and the new silverware arranged appropriately. We had a head waiter as well as his assistant. They worked in unison together as they took care of their assigned 4 tables. So that was 32 people.

By the 2nd nite they not only new your name, but they also remembered what you drank. Our favorite was Oral C. The assistant on the right of the photo. He was so nice, friendly and did his job meticulously. He always was ready for a joke or small talk if he had time. They loved their job obviously. Finally it was time to explore the ship.

This is one of the 14 elevators on the ship. They went from Deck 1 to Deck 14. It was so cool to ride and look out at the Promenade Deck as you rode up.

This is the walkway to the Promenade Area, the main street of the ship on Deck 5 . This area is full of shopping from clothes, purses, alcohol, to Fine Watches and Diamonds. It also had many Pubs, Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream, Sorrentos Pizza, A Cupcake shop and tables and chairs set out to sit, converse and just people watch.

On the other end is the Platinum Theater. The stairways were cascading white marble steps with Brass Handrails…So Elegant…They held a program for us newbies in the Theater to Welcome us to the ship and tell as about upcoming events.

This is a beautiful Theater. It also had a balcony and held 1,300 people. Every nite they held a fabulous show. They also had bar service and you could order at your seat.

This is another view of the Promenade area from the end areas. Every floor had a crossover to the other side that was open to the Promenade. Notice Shrek in the foreground. This is also a “DreamWorks” Cruise. Many of the characters were out and about everyday.

Another view from the end looking down to the entrance of the Platinum Theater. I am actually standing on Deck 6 and the bottom of the stairs is Deck 3…..

Another one of the Characters with Ron on the right. So now down to Deck 3.

We walked through the Casino. Yes if you were a gambler, you could surely enjoy your time here. Everything available to you in every type of game. Their is almost 300 slot machines and 19 gaming tables. We choose not to enjoy this area of the boat. I would have a hard time stopping, so better not to play. Their was a number of bars on this level, including a Piano Bar. They were small and intimate. A place to relax. It had been a long day, so time to head back up to Deck 6 and our new home for a week. We entered and found that the room steward had been their, Turned down our bed, closed the curtains and left us with the new addition of The Cruise Compass.

It is the daily schedule of everything going on. All the dinner schedules, entertainment schedules, time we dock if going into port, or anything we needed to know. Every evening he brought a new one when he turned down the bed. Every afternoon while at lunch, he would make our bed and change our linens. We were so pampered.

This is our Room Steward, Barrington. He had knocked at our door the first day and introduced himself. He is from Jamaica and has worked for Royal Caribbean for 19 years. They work for 10 months and then have 2 months off. Difficult way to live I think. Barrington was just Awesome. He was so friendly. His goal to make sure we had fun and enjoyed everyday. I mentioned to him one afternoon that my shower was leaking at the bottom. He said he would take care of it. The next morning during my shower, I noticed it was fixed. …..Amazing…..I couldn’t believe it was already fixed, and we didn’t even see anyone. Barrington knew all our names immediately and made us all feel special. He always seemed to know when we left so that he could do his duties.

Many times during the week, we would come into our room to find an animal made out of towels. This was my favorite. He put my sunglasses on the BAT. So as we got ready for bed, we sat their and realized we could feel the gently rocking of the boat. It wasn’t much, but Rich could feel it. He had taken a Dramamine that afternoon, just in case it might bother him. We could hear the Hang tag in the bathroom gently rocking back and forth. We slept pretty good, in fact I slept longer than normal. Their was no daylight to tell you what time it was…..lol…In the morning, we explored the TV channels. Their was very little outside channels. Just a couple old movie channels. They had their own RC TV. You could watch and see what was happening today. How to shop for Diamonds and Precious Gems on board as well as when you were in Port. They showed you different Ships they had and the Trips they had available. Down stairs you could book you Next Cruise with a discount at a considerable savings. Also, the most important thing on the TV was you could watch your account daily. Any credits you might have attained on purchasing your tickets were added on as a credit. Anytime you purchased on board with your Seapass Card were their immediately, and the Daily Gratuity’s of $14.50 each person were also added. These tips would be divided between the Room Steward and the Dinning room waiters. Possibly others but not sure. So it was your option to give extra if you thought they deserved it. As I mentioned before, this account is either set up as a cash account before hand, or attached to a card of your choice. In the morning we slowly got up and headed for the Windjammer for Breakfast. What an AWESOME selection. Anything you could imagine. We found a table by the window and enjoyed watching the sea…..The endless water, the swell of the waves flowing up and down. They said they were about 6 ft, but it sure didn’t look like it. We were on Deck 11 looking down. Their were just small white caps. Nothing was in the distance except for the sea ending in a haze as it met the sky……So this was our next 2 days. We would be at sea till Wed. when we docked at Roatan Honduras, our farthest point…..(Or so we thought)….So now time to explore the top decks…..11-14….Ill start at the front of the ship. Well not really the front but behind the heliport and the Captains Bridge. We entered the Solarium. It is the pool area for the over 18 year olds….Now that would be our area. It was a small but beautiful pool…plenty of lounge chairs all around in the sun or shade. A bar of course. Adults always have to have a bar near by…..Or you could order by the pool also. It also had an easy step entrance. Love it when you don’t have to climb the ladder to get out. On either side of the ship were 2 huge beautiful half moon spas, lined with windows. The sun shinned through from all the glass on top. They stuck out 12 over the edge of the boat. The view was just breath taking. The strangest part was knowing that their was nothing under you for 11 decks down till the sea at the bottom. One evening I was in the spa when the jets were off. As you sat their and enjoyed, you would feel the rocking of the boat. It would rock to one side and the water would fall into the gutters, and then it would rock the other way and fall away….Back and Forth….Back and Forth…. What a strange sensation. Now behind this bar are several more pools for family’s. Several hot tubs are also in this area. You can get poolside service here also for drinks of your choice. Many of the activities took place in this pool. Sexiest man competition, Adult Belly Flop Competition, Concerts and Movies on the Big Screen.One nite we went up and watched Star Wars. This area was always busy….Behind this area is the Childrens Area….This is the H2O Zone and Kids Pool. This is a great place for the little kids to have fun. If you look at the area above with all the windows, This is on Deck 14.There is a very nice bar up their. This is the view from the windows. You can see the kids area, past the wall is the regular pools and the Solarium pools more up front.

Now were on the back of the ship. Their is a rock climbing wall and a basket ball court.

On the very back is the water slides. Their are 2 water slides on the left and 1 on the right. The one on the right is a 2 man raft. In the center is the Flow Rider, the surfing simulator. We sat their for a while and watched. The were giving lessons. Some people did well, but many wiped out, fell and washed up to the top of the slide. It looked like fun, but I wouldn’t want everyone watching me make a fool of myself…lol….Also a Mini Golf Course is back here somewhere. That was something we never came across. How can something like that be hidden. There was so many things we really never did see. It is amazing that all these things are on the top of the ship. So by Tue. we were excited to be getting close to Roatan Honduras. We were suppose to dock Wed morning and have all day in town. Ron had planned trips for all of us. It was going to be so exciting, some shopping, beach, and tour in the jungle. Late that afternoon the Captain made an announcement. A ship had come into the dock to fast. Something went wrong and it ran into the dock and destroyed it. It was the MSC Armonia.

It didn’t take long for a video to be on U Tube. By that evening I think everyone on board had seen the video. The captain had tried to find another port like maybe Belize. It just wasn’t going to happen, seems they didn’t have tenders for us. I believe that is transportation for us from the ship to the village. So he decided we would just do another day at sea. We were so disappointed. So now we would be doing a huge circle until it was time to go to Costa Maya. Wed evening finally came. We were going to arrive in the dock at Costa Maya around 7 am Thur. morning and bebark around 8. Then another announcement. We suddenly had a medical emergency. We had to head to Cozumel. Someone was very ill and they would be taken off the ship. We would head back north to Cozemel arrive around 2 am. Then head back south to Costa Maya. So now we will arrive 2 hours late.

Here is a picture of our tv screen. We could also always see where we were, how fast we were going and our position. As you see we were heading to Cozumel after a big circle at sea. We were traveling over 21 knots which was top speed for the ship. Our first stop should have been, Roatan Honduras on Wed. Costa Maya Thur. and Cozumel Fri. But things change don’t they. We had another day at sea to enjoy all the activities. Their was always something to do. No reason to be bored, just disappointed. We did stop at Cozumel around 2am on Thur. morning, but unless you were awake, you would not have noticed. We arrived at Costa Maya later Thur morning around 9am. Ohhhhhh now this will be the best part of this story….lol….Just a Clue……..“Not everyone Remembers All That Happened This Day”.…..But many of us will NEVER FORGET…..

Our Cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya, & Cozumel….Part 1

April 19, 2018w2bergen 2 Comments

We have just returned from our “Cruise of a Lifetime”. We went on a 7 day Royal Caribbean cruise, aboard “Liberty of The Seas” to Roatan Honduras, (well, maybe not), Costa Maya Mexico, and Cozumel. It was absolutely beautiful, and so much fun. Definitely a experience to never be forgotten. So how did this all happen……

A little over a year ago our friends Ron and Theresa were telling us of this cruise. Ron has a Travel Agency on the side, “Get Out Their Vacations”, Check out the FB site. He is always looking for good deals. This trip was a very good deal. Better if we all booked early. He was also signing up friends and family back in his home town in Nebraska. Rich has always wanted to go on a cruise, so we decided this was the time. We would be with Ron and Theresa and others, so they could guide us through all the steps. Ron ended up with 6 couples counting them. That is 12 people, 8 who were first timers. So how did we meet Ron and Theresa……

2 years ago we workamped at Adventureland in Des Moines. Ron was also workamping and worked Rides with Rich. Theresa works from home for a Computer Company. We became friends their and I gave them info on Eastgate, and all the fun things to do in the Rio Grande Valley in the winter. They decided to come down last year and spend the winter. We’ve become good friends. Then they came back this year as a Workamper.

So finally after waiting for a year, the time had come. We all waited patiently for the winter season here at Eastgate to be over. On Sat. April 7th, Rich and I, Theresa and Ron, packed our car, very tightly I might add, and headed to Galveston. The day before, 2 cars also packed to the hilt, left Nebraska with 4 couples. We were all headed for a motel for Saturday nite. Fortunately our trip was only around 7 hours. We arrived first, and several hours later the other 4 couples arrived. Now they had left bitter cold and snow. Ron had promised them sunshine and warm weather……It was cloudy, overcast, and chilly. Jacket weather. Darn…..Its gonna get better, I’m sure…..

We met the couples and alot of visiting was done. It was like an old friends and family reunion. We all ate out, did our last shopping for forgotten things and hit the sack. In the morning, the last minute repacking was done, and then repacked the cars and headed into Galveston. Ron had also arranged parking, which also supplied the Shuttle to the Ship. After we unpacked the cars, we practically filled the bus with luggage and people. We only had 2 medium bags and 1 carry on…..OMG….Some of them had huge bags and many more than us. But we made it.

This was one of our first views of the ship. It was nice to be with people who had done this before. We waited for the porter to load up our bags to be checked. Ron had supplied us with our baggage tags.

We then entered the building and were herded like cattle through the maze of paths to the check in area and then the Customs area where all bags are scanned. Finally we walked up the enclosed walkways and entered the ship.

By that time, our luggage had been checked. Our carryon’s had been x-rayed. Our Passports had been checked and our Sea Pass cards had been issued. These look like credit cards. You buy a lanyard and wear them around your neck. This is your life line for the rest of the cruise. This supply’s your name, room number, dinning room and table number, account number and allows you to purchase anything on board. It is attached to an account that you have set up using a credit card or cash. You will also have taken a photo that is attached to your account. Every time you scan that card, your photo will show for identification. It also has your area to assemble for a life boat drill on the outside deck. Heaven forbid that is ever needed. Late in the cruise, we were given some facts about the ship which I’ll share now. The ship can actually hold almost 4,000 passengers. The crew amounts to over 1,300 representing over 50 countries around the world. At the beginning of a 7 day cruise, they load 496,000 lbs. of food on board. Every day they cook 26,000 meals. It is amazing.

Our rooms weren’t ready till 1pm so we went to lunch. We found the Windjammer Café which has the buffet. As we entered we met the Washy Washy man. There were several Purell dispensers. They are encouraging everyone to Washy Washy your hands so you don’t get Sicky Sicky.. He would sing his little jingle over and over. Everyone loved him, especially the kids.

We walked past tables and areas of food. Their were several other resturants on our way to the Windjammer. Once we arrived, their were islands and islands and so many stations of food to choose. All the tables in the dinning area were around the outside lining the wall to wall windows. What a view. Right now we were still in the Port overlooking Galveston, but I just couldn’t imagine what it is going to look like once at sea.

We choose our food and drink and sat down to eat. We watched as a window washer attachment with a worker washed the windows one by one. We found out they are constantly cleaning on this ship. Never a dull moment. Cleanliness and trying to be germ free are so important to Royal Caribbean. They were constantly cleaning and disinfecting the miles of handrails on the stairways, cleaning all the glass, as well as even the dust that accumulates in the corners. They are an amazing crew. Purell dispensers are everywhere. Finally while eating, the announcement came, our rooms were all ready. Windjammer Café is on Deck 11 and our rooms were on Deck 6 on the inside. We have a window overlooking the Promenade.

So Ron and Theresa herded us all to the elevators. They said to expect the elevators to be so busy the first day, and they were right. Finally we got one, arrived at our floor and walked down the hallway. Ron had positioned all our rooms together near the center of the ship. He said it is the best for first timers to see how the movement of the ship might affect them. I was anxious to see our room, as I had always heard rooms were so small. I was impressed. I really was laid out very nice. King Size bed with rounded corners, a nice L shaped sitting area with coffee table, and a desk area.

The window was overlooking the Promenade Deck which is Deck 5. What an awesome view out the window. We would be able to watch all the people walking and shopping down below. So many shop, restaurants, bars and entertainment will be going on in this area. You can see the other rooms across from us. So now what about the bathroom.

It was very close but also very efficient…Plenty of room for all your essentioals, and the shower was just a capsule, lol, but it was fine also. We had brought 2 medium sized suitcases, so we unpacked quickly, hung up everything we could, and placed everything else on the shelves in the closet. Just enough space for us. I really don’t know how the others with their huge suitcases did it. We had everything in our closet. They also had a safe for valuables, and of course a TV. Now we had the announcement that at 3:30, we all had to go to our designated spot on Deck 4 on the outside for Safety training. Another words…...If an Emergency and the ship is sinking….How to save yourself in a Life Boat…..lol….TITANIC??? lol That’s what came to my mind….. We all gathered in our designated areas. Everyone had to check in by our Sea Pass cards being scanned. It would begin after all had arrived. Training was quick and easy. Finally it was approaching 4pm. That was the time to leave. Ron and Theresa lead us up to the Heliport in the front of the ship. It was a great place to watch our departure. It was freezing and so windy. Also in the dock was a Carnival ship that was leaving at the same time.

He had told us about the Port Webcams. I sent the link to the kids. Tammy was watching as we left the dock area. We were on the deck right below the little white windows. After Carnival left, we cast off our lines and we started our adventure.

Also in the Port was the TALL SHIPS. They were so small compared to us, but so impressive. They were so beautiful with their tall sails and many flags waving in the wind.

So here we sat on the benches around the front of the ship. The wind was blowing, we were freezing. Remember we just came from the Rio Grande Valley, 80 and 90 degrees. It was only in the 50s. I guess we are wimps now. We were now embarking on an Adventure. We were a floating ship as big as a city. Everything was aboard that we would need for the next 7 days. So as we were leaving Ron knew where the different cameras were in the distance. He was watching the camera feed on the website also. He told us when to wave….

AND WE DID…….Tammy caught this shot of us on the Web Cam……I’m of course the short one, Rich is next to me. Ron I believe is on the edge of the Photo…….Pretty amazing isn’t it…….So this is the beginning of our Adventure for the 7 days. So much to learn now about the ship, so much to see, ……SO MUCH UNKNOWN YET……For many of you, I’m sure you’ve been on cruises, but for us its a “CRUISE OF A LIFETIME” This is actually Ron’s Quote, and he’s so Right. This is Just the Beginning…..

………….''AND LET THE FUN BEGIN''……………..

Our Diaries of Daily Life and Travel

Royal Caribbean

Day 7 of 15…. Colon Panama

Day 6 of 15…..Cartagena Columbia, Amazing

Day 4……Grand Cayman Islands, So Beautiful

……We Met a Wonderful Lady that Helped Us Celebrate Our Belated 50th Anniversary…..

Our Trip to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel……Part 4

This was “A CRUISE OF A LIFETIME”

Our Trip to Roatan, Costa Maya, & Cozumel….Part 2

Our Cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya, & Cozumel….Part 1

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This was “A CRUISE OF A LIFETIME”

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