On Sunday night, the first formal night, the Captain, Thore Thorolvsen from Norway, had a welcoming party. Champagne flowed freely for about an hour. This replaced the tradition Captain’s cocktail party. The Captain made a welcoming speech from the Royal Promenade. He appears to hatch from what looks like a giant egg (O.k. it’s a giant globe above the pub) which splits in two and grows a bridge, so he can walk on in out above the assembled guest below. For the Farewell Party there was no champagne but lots of music and introductions of just about everyone who worked on the ship! All the characters were there dancing with the children. On other nights during the cruise there were street parades and parties “Rockin Rhythm Nation Street Party” (based on rhythms and ethnic diversity from around the world), Lollapalooza Street Party (a fantasy mix of characters, comic, and musicians) …
Studio B is an ice rink with tiered seating. When it is not being used for the show Frozen In Time passenger are allowed to ice skate. Frozen In Time is very loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tales was spectacular. The performance was wonderful and surprisingly a few were doing some very high level skating maneuvers. The Snow Queen The Ugly Duckling The Emperors New Clothes We became part of the show when the Emperor’s crown landed in my lap. A few minutes later the Emperor came over the railing and was almost sitting in my seat with me. We gathered the crown was a test to see how I would react. I must have done ok since he came back the second time. As you can see the seats are very close to the ice. We had center front row seats. A special treat during the ice …
Later in the afternoon we spent time playing miniature golf. Its not very big but perfectly situated near all the water sports and Zip Line. The panoramic views of the ocean were wonderful from this area. Along the edge of the 3rd hold you’re literally standing on the side of the ship with a breathtaking site of the Caribbean Sea. The golf area is lined with fun bronze-like statute.
Today’s Forecast: Partly Cloudy 76 Degrees with winds from N at 13 mph. UV Index: 8 Very High Sunrise: 7:14 Sunset: 6:35 Drink of the Day: Salud! A blend of cruzan raspberry rum, citrus rum, Mojito mix & cranberry juice $8.95 in a souvenir glass Farewell Message: As our cruise vacation draws to a close, we wish to express on behalf of the Master, Hotel Director, Officers, Staff and Crew our best wishes for a safe return home. We have been friends and shipmates for 2,292 nautical miles. Godspeed. Our last day on board, we started off with Breakfast in the Windjammer. The waiter took a napkin and made Samantha a rose. It only took him about a minute and a half to do it. It was amazing!!!
Aunt Ha and Samantha had a sleepover while Mom and Dad enjoyed a night out. First they took in a movie, Shrek 4, in the 3-D Theater onboard. Ha had picked up animal hats for them to wear. Samantha didn’t like it but she did like the balloon hat from Cozumel. After having pizza at Sorrento’s they had some fun with the photographers.
Today’s Forecast: Partly Cloudy 81 Degrees with winds NW at 9 mph, slight change of a rain shower. UV Index: 9 Very High Sunrise: 7:45 Sunset: 7:21 Drink of the Day: Mango Masti a classic blend of light rum, Cruzan mango, sour mix and a splash of orange juice. $8.95 in a souvenir glass Crew Fun Fact: By now, you’ve made your way through the ship and found plenty of ways to spend your day. But how does the crew pass their free time? Turns out there’s a whole other world in the lower decks – complete with a gym, bar internet cafe and cafeteria. We docked in Cozumel and the gang went into town while Samantha and I stayed on the ship. They found a very entertaining bar with a balloon hat maker, clown, drinking game (which Kristie lost and had to take a dip in the pool) and …
This classic car is a well loved feature of the Royal Promenade. Anytime, day or night, you will see people taking pictures of the car and with the car. It is also one of the spots you can find a professional photographer hanging out. The Speedster has a modern suspension system underneath with a replica body. That’s a body that’s made of fiberglass instead of steel so it’s a lot lighter. Royal Caribbean just needed it to look the part, so there’s no motor, no transmission, nothing that will make it go. Which is just as well since you are not allowed to sit in it. Sometimes there are two very large teddy bears sitting in the car. Â Â Â Â Â Â
Steve and Holan did the FlowRider on board of the Oasis. The FlowRider sends a thin sheet of water up a sloped and cushioned platform to create a wavelike flow water. After receiving safety instructions and a few tips from the instructor Steve was ready to get started. Wipe Out!!
Today’s Forecast: Thunder Storms 87 Degrees with winds ENE at 11 mph. UV Index: 9 Very HighDrink of the Day: Pocoloco $8.95 in a souvenir glassThis is the new $180 million port built in Falmouth to accommodate the newest and largest class of cruise ships. It opened in early 2011 with construction still continuing when we were there. It is very impressive and the locals want to make you feel welcomed. Falmouth was one of the busiest ports of Jamaica back in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. At that time nearly one hundred plantations were actively manufacturing sugar and rum for export to Britain. Falmouth was the world’s leading sugar producer. It was also a central hub of the slave trade with its economy largely based on slavery. When the slaves in the British Empire were emancipated Falmouth’s economy declined. It was a very hot and humid day in …
After having dinner we went to the Oasis of Dreams Show. It was a highly choreographed water show. Eighteen performers–6 divers, 4 synchronized swimmers, 2 specialty divers, and 6 acrobats perform in the Aqua Theater, an open air Amphitheatre and its 17-foot, 9-inch deep kidney shaped pool. Three pool lifts, lighting, a trampoline and underwater cameras enhance the shows. The divers use 3 different locations–the 3 meter springboards and two spots on the huge towers–one at 10 meters and the other at 18 meters. In this photo, besides showing Samantha and Kristie watching the show, you can see the aft Boardwalk-view balcony cabins and suites. They have great seats from their rooms.During the show we talked about the movable platforms and equipment that appeared and disappeared during the show. We thought it could be dangerous if the dived into the water and the platforms had not been taken down. I …