Back to the ship

Ok my time has run out in the internet so I am going back to the ship to recoop and then maybe to my friends.  So tomorrow we are at Sea and I will be back on line on Sunday in Florida.  Till then enjoy!

Cozumel for me is one of the nices ports in Mexico.  It is clean and downtown there is alot to do and see.  It has some great food and I will list some resturantes the ext time.  I am going to stay close to the ship this time.  The weather here today is oh so hot and humid. 

Freedom of the Seas in Cozumel, Mexico 7/30

Well I am now here in Cozumel, Mexico, our last port stop before returning to the States.  I have a friend from the ships here and I am going totry to meet up with her since we are in port till 6:30pm.  This is a view from the ship and I will be listing a few pictures this time but will take more on my last week on the ship.  So now I will get my things together to go ashore.

Here are some fish that came to the surface when Johnny from Cuba threw some bread into the water so I could see the fish.  It may be hard to see but they were brightly colored tiger fish and large vibrent blue fish.  Maybe I have a better picture but later.

On my tender going back to the ship I meet one of the drivers who came from Cuba 15 years ago.  His father brought his family here to have a better life.  He was 18 when he left and told me a bit about his life in Cuba.  Nice guy and he was happy to pose for a picture for the international web.

There was a town center right outside the coffee shop so I went ahead and checked it out.  It is so peacefull here that I felt it as soon as I came ashore.  So it is only fitting to have a few monuments for peace and one for the Martime heros.  This is one of them.

This is what the streets of Grand Cayman mostly look like .  Not really much to do here except shop.  They have all kinds of fine jewelry and lots of designer items to buy.  You can take a tour of the Island but it's short and sweet.  There are lots of water activities you can do and the fish for snorkeling are fabulous.  I walked the streets and then headed to a coffee cafe that served Starbucks of all things and surfed the web.

As you exit the terminal and to the right is Garfield a local that pulls his truck up and will sell you cocnut .  They are shilled on ice and he will cut and clean it for you and you can even drink the milk that is a great health benefit for all.  So when u come here look for him and drink for life, lol!!!

Freedom of the Seas in Grand Cayman 7/29

I am here in Grand Cayman and I love it here it's sooo clean and the weather is just perfect.  This is a view from the ship and now I will collect my things and head ashore.  We have to take a tender to get to shore so it is a nice small boat ride away.

Writing my blog

I see so much while I am out here and travel to places I really never thought I would go again or for the first time.  I try to take pictures so everyone can see it thru my eyes and experience a litttle of what I do.  But if there is anything that anyone wants to see and has suggestions feel free to comment on the blog.  I am still new to this and it is fun to here any feedback.  And I will give as much as I can.  tomorrow I will try to get up to date with my visit to Grand Cayman and Cozumel, after that I am at Sea for a day and then back to Port Canaveral, Florida.

Bed buddie tonite

My cabin steward is an artist at creating towel bed buddies.  So every nite when I enter my cabin I am greeted with a different bed buddy.  This nite was a swan.  I save them because I get a kick out of how they give a little finishing touch every nite.  So I open my door every nite wondering what he will do this time.  They really work had to earn their well deserved tips.

Last picture before boarding the ship, of the hillside near the ship.  The hillsides here are as lush as Haiti but with more housing nestled into the vegetation.  I will take some pictures of the colorful downtown in 2 weeks when I return.  It is crazy downtown I just need to get back to the quiet walk along the beach.  But I will also include it next time.  Since I went there early I stuck out like crazy and sadly enough alot of beggars trying to do anything to be able to get a buck from you.  Some of the ways were giving directions, singing and asking if they can just help with anything.  But I have to warn you that they will not ask for money until after they have either given u the directions or sang a song even if you didn't want it.  Anyway I am going to eat a little something before going to work at 7pm to promote my even when we sail from Grand Cayman tomorrow. 

Beach on the Beach walk

OK back to the scenic views.  This one is of the beautifully manicured beach close to the ship.  This is the beach that has the walk that I show a few pictures ago.  It was early so not too many people.  It will be crowded soon because it is so hot and humid you have to want to get in the water.

I always like to take a picture of any ship I am on and more so when I am walking back to it because it marvels me that such a big mass of metal can stay a float and travel such great distances.  Ships have come along way since I was working as crew 15 yrs ago.  That was before the mega ships that are now.  Since I researched my Mothers side of the family and read lot of how the ships were in the 1800-1900's, it is amazing.  So I will always have to add the ship.  This one carries around 3500-4000 passengers alone not to mention crew.

Vendor encounter along walk

I wanted to take her picture of her and her booth but she insisted that it would be good for me to be in it, so I gave in.  I usually don't like my picture taken but a friend has told me I should so I will from time to time and more so after a few days in the gym, lol.  She wanted me to put my hand on this hand carved wooden statue with his jewels erect.  She said it is Jamaica man, lol.  so when in Jamaica and you take the scenic walk down town stop by  and see her.

Ochio Rios beach walk

I was looking for a Burger King because a crew member told me the cafe was to the right of it.  So I asked and I was advised to take the beach walk that is was easier and she was right.  I was a scenic walk to the left are apartment buildings, probably costly to live in since the beach is just to the left of this picture.  I wasn't sure at first because no one else was on this path but I realized I left the ship early and all the passengers were heading to tours.  So I had a nice quiet walk with a few Jamaicans wanting to tell me something so they could make some money.  But not too bad.

Freedom of the Seas in Ochio Rios, Jamica 7/28

This is a picture of the port where we dock in Ochio Rios, Jamica.  It is a lot prettier then I remember when I was last here 15 yrs ago.  I talked to a few crew members that live here and they told me that they have been beautifying the Island for the tourist trade.  Since I have seen Jamica alot in the past I decided to walk to the nearest Internet cafe, which was downtown.  I spent 3hrs on the Internet.  I didn't realize how much I use it until I have been unable to access for a few days.  I could on the ship with the shop manager but only business and you can pay for it in the passenger area but it is 70 cents a minute and very slow.  So I wait till I get into port and go to a free Internet mostly where u buy a drink or something to eat and it's free.  But I did pay in Ocio Rios. 

i also wanted to show you the inside of the the ship I am on so thru out my blog I will post some pictures and this is the adult pool only.  I love this there are 3 different pools and on is a kids pool, then an everybody pool and last an adults only pool and Jacuzzi.  On this cruise there are 1400 kids and they can be a handful.  But there is so much for them to do which makes it great for the kids.

This was one of the many hammocks they have set around the resort and i was tempted to stop and try it out but i knew I would not get up for a long time.  i think the next time i am here, in 2 weeks that is what I'm going to do.  Under the shade and with the ocean breeze blowing what more can u ask for.  They also have these closer to the beach but they get snatched up early.  They will also serve you drinks while you are just laying there.  Ahhhh the life............

I can't resist posting another picture of the different colors of the waters.  This is just as you have walked off the ship and it makes me want to jump in right there.  But I waited.

So much to do which way do I go? lol

Zip lining over the beach

How cool is this to Zip line over the beach after going over the lush green hills of Labadee.  I am not sure I would try it but is does look fun.  I think I would try the para gliding more then this. 

local Artist showing their items for sale.

There is also a open air market where the local artist can sell their items.  it is very picturesque set into the bottom of the lush hillside.  With all the colorful art is makes a great place to take pictures.  This is on of the many sellers that wanted me to buy something but he settled for me to take his picture and to publish it on my blog.  Nice guy and they try so hard for you to buy something that my heart goes out to them. 

Labadee, Haiti on The Freedom of the Seas 7/27

Ship at Dockside

Ok everyone this is my first port that our ship is stopped for the day in Labadee, Haiti which is a private resort on a far side of Haiti.  It is beautiful, very lush green Forrest line the hillsides and the waters surrounding it are of beautiful emerald greens and aqua blue and so clear.  I love to just gaze at it.  I walked the resort and took all kinds of pictures that i will be listing Thu out the next week.  There is so much to do here besides just laying on the Beach and swimming in the water you can zip line over the land and water, para glide, there are Seadoos, sailboats to take you around the shore, volleyball courts on the beach, scuba diving, snorkeling and a few other things that i will find out and let you know.  We are here until 5pm so a great day to just relax.  After I walked the resort i went as far as I could and then headed to the beach where i took my shoes off and walked in the refreshing waters all the way back down towards the ship.  The ship also brings all the fixings for a delicious barbecue for the passengers, while still having a buffet on the ship for anyone not wanting to eat in the heat.  

After finishing my walk back i decided to do some people watching under a tree at the small bar they have set up by the entrance/exit back to the ship.    

Caribbean Itinerary 7/25-8/8

I am preparing for another Cruising adventure. I fly from Orange Counties John Wayne Airport (named after the actor, who I always saw around town growing up) the nite of 7/24. I make 2 stops one in Phoenix, Az, and Charlotte, NC. and finally arrive 7/25 at Port Canaveral, Fl. 11am. I then join Freedom of the Seas, which is another Royal Caribbean Ship and set sail at 4:30pm. My itinerary will be as follows;


WEEK 1- Western Caribbean 7/25

Day 1 Port Canaveral
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 Labadee, Haiti
Day 4 Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Day 5 Grand Caymen Islands
Day 6 Cozumel, Mexico
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 Port Canaveral

Week 2 - Eastern Caribbean 8/1

Day 1 Pt Canaveral
Day 2 Coco Cayes
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 St. Thomas
Day 5 St. Maarten
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 At Sea
Dat 8 Pt Canaveral

Week 3 Western Caribbean 8/8

Same as Week 1, the only difference is I go home at the end of the week. So check in with me for more beautiful pictures as I take you thru the Caribbean with me.
Till then take care and live life well!!!!!

Early Morning Hot Air Ballooning in Temecula

This is what we saw as we approached the Winery in the early morning. What a site. I have gone up Hot Air Ballooning and what an experience, the silence is deafening. I truly believe this needs to be on every ones Bucket List, lol.

Maurice Carrey Winery 7/17/2010

This is a Winery in Temecula California that my sister and I go and sell at a Craft Fair they have every weekend. It has wonderful scenery and I am told was one of the first to be established in Temecula. They have a Hot round bread with a melted Brie cheese in side, yummmmmmy! Oh and then there is the wine, you can come for a tasting. Which one do I like?

Back onboard and up in the Sky Bar with a good book, a cold drink and silence while the passengers are ashore. I do love meeting and talking with passengers but I love my down time onboard. Sometimes I feel like I am the only person on the ship. aon a ship this size you can always find a little nook where no one else is. Then off to the gym........

Tomorrow we will be at Sea for 2 days and then back to San Pedro, Cali.

These are more towards the front of the ship. Could you imagine having a condo in the a high rise? Even though the weather is over cast it is still a beautiful port.

Puerto Vallarta w/Mariner of the Seas 6/17

Okay today we are in Puerto Vallarta and sorry to say it is a little overcast but humid. We are in port till 7pm so lots of time to do stuff in port. I am going to Wal-mart, go figure I am in Mexico and going to Wal-mart, lol. But it is a good place to get essentials. This is a beautiful port when you take a taxi downtown. I will go on the next voyage here and then I will list some more picturesque spots. For now a panoramic view of the port.

Mazatland w/Mariner of the Seas

This is what you see when we walk off the ship. Mazatland is the most industrious port or city of all Mexico. So this is why there are so many cargo containers at this port. But there are beautiful areas of Mazatland. I will post on my next visit. But beyond the bright pink building is shopping, music and eateries.

Tomorrow Puerto Vallarta.............

Mazatland a port w/a view

This is a view that is more to the foward part of the ship. The water is so Emerald green.

Mazatland w/The Mariner of the Seas 6/16/2010

Today we are in Mazatland and I have taken pictures from the ship on both sides. This is the side with a nicer view.

My Tender awaits

This is a tender port so we have to take a small boat over to shore. That little blue one is waiting for me so long for now..............

More Cabo pics

Just a few more pictures from the ship in Cabo.

Mexican Riviera on Mariners of the Seas w/Royal Carribean 6/2010

I am here at our first Port of the cruise on The Mariner of the Seas, Cabo San Lucas. We had smooth Seas with beautiful weather on the way over so it is only fitting to have wonderful weather while in Port. The ship is spectacular, on deck 5 where the Promenade is reminds me of a shopping mall back home, South Coast Plaza. It is lined with shops and a few bars and an eatery where you can get a little something to eat from 7am till 3 am. Anything from a piece of fruit to a piece of pizza.

Anyway I have already meet some interesting passengers from different parts of the world. We have a lot of celebrations on board from Birthdays to Anniversaries and even a few family reunions. What better place to bring a large group together and travel but on a cruise ship.

I have a great big cabin where I can take all my stock in and organize and I don't have to move from cabin to cabin.

Labadee returning to the Ship

As I returned to the ship I decided to take some closer pictures of the Waters of Haiti. I will let the pictures speak for themselves...................................

Scenes of Labadee

After having a very delicious lunch on shore I made my way back to the ship. As I approached the security check point I decided to sit a small bar and take in the scenery. So this is what I saw. God it is spectacular and I am very fortunate to be here. I breathed in the fresh air, watched the passengers, listened to the wonderful sounds of the local birds and drank a cold bottle of water. Ahhhhhhh could life be any sweeter? At this moment I think not..........