Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Brother on Board

Good morning,

It was such fun recently to have my brother and his wife on board Freedom of the Seas with us.  They have joined us several times on cruises, the first time years ago while we were aboard Splendour of the Seas sailing out of Barcelona, Spain.

It goes like this:  I get an email from my brother, "Where are you and for how long?"  I respond and within a day or two I get an email, "We'll be there on (insert date here).  See you on board!"  So, we've sailed together in the Mediterranean, to the Panama Canal, and many times in the Caribbean.

No, we weren't out there on those jet skis in the image above, we were sitting on board taking pictures of the people out there on jet skis.

This was one of those wonderful relaxing weeks when we could spend time talking with each other, enjoying good food, and none of us was responsible for doing the dishes. 
In addition to sitting on their balcony watching the action outside, my brother and sister-in-law spent a great deal of time with us at the Cafe Promenade drinking coffee...
...watching people go by.  On the deck above and across from us, we could see interior cabins that overlook the Promenade...
...which adds to the street-like atmosphere of the ship.  Here a lady was helping another lady with her make up as they prepared for the formal evening.
There are plenty of shows throughout the cruise, ...
...but part of the signature entertainment of Royal Caribbean's large ships is the ice show.
 Flash photography is not permitted...
 ...but these images give a very good idea of the fabulous show.
My favorite "show" of the week is the Captain's Corner in Pharaoh's Lounge.  The ship's Executive Committee is available to answer questions.  It's fun to listen to questions asked and the hysterically funny as well as very serious answers.
And, of course, there was the food in the formal dining room, Portofino Italian Restaurant, Chops Grill, and...
 ...even Johnny Rockets.
 
Every evening back in the stateroom, the attendant had left a different towel critter that always brought a smile.

It was a wonderful week of spending time and sharing space with my brother and his wife.

I wish this kind of a fun family gathering for everyone.  We will always remember this cruise as well as the others we have all taken together.

I hope you've enjoyed some of the images from our cruise.

Very best,
Lois



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16 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 15, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Those towel critters are amazing. A hotel in Tokyo did something similar using handtowels. I was always surprised to see how creative they were. And I would undo one and see if I could redo it and never was able to.

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  2. MontanagirlFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    I always enjoy your posts, as it's something hubby and I will never do in our lifetime (or the next. lol). I agree, those towel critters are just amazing.

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  3. MontanagirlFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    I always enjoy your posts when you're on a cruise. It's something hubby and I will never do in our lifetime (or the next. lol). Yes, those towel critters are just amazing.

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  4. Beatrice P. BoydFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Hi Lois, it was nice that your brother and his wife could join you and Kjell for what looks like a fun get-gether. It's amazing every time that through your posts, I am getting to see what "life" aboard a hugh cruise ship is like. Hope your hearts day was special too.

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  5. DianaFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    What a great time Lois. How nice to be able to enjoy each others company with no work involved! That sounds like something we all could use now and then. Love Di ♥

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  6. EG CameraGirlFebruary 15, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    That towel critter is absolutely amazing!

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  7. 2sweetnsaxyFebruary 15, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    So glad you're enjoying your trip and your brother. Ahhh, makes me want to go on another cruise. They're just great!

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  8. FABFebruary 15, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Now that is an elegant location to spend time with your nearest and dearest.

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  9. UnknownFebruary 15, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    I enjoyed your photos. Thank you.

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  10. ChristineFebruary 15, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Lois, how wonderful your brother was able to join you. Yes I have to agree they do some of the cutest things with towels. Maybe once hubby retires we can finally get to go on a cruise.

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  11. Carol.............February 15, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    What fun! I've never been on a cruise before and this certainly looks inviting!

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  12. Chubskulit RoseFebruary 15, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Beautiful captures!

    My Watery Wednesday

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  13. ElaineFebruary 16, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    That looks like you had a wonderful time with your brother and his wife. The cruise we went on was with my brother-in-law and his wife and it was very enjoyable. The ice show looks great. With such a large ship there are so many entertainment options.

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  14. Everything And EverywhereFebruary 16, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Wow! All photos are very stunning. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. RNSANEFebruary 16, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    I've done 88 cruises in my 66 years, 78 in the last 17 with my favorite line, Royal Caribbean. I love them, the crew are the best of all. My favorite class if the Radiance - not too big, lots of glass and glitter. I have been on the Oasis for their complimentary pre-inaugral sailing and it was so gigantic, I really don't want to sail on a mega ship. The Navigator was plenty big enough for me on my transatlantic crossing!

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  16. Lois EvensenFebruary 16, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Hi Everyone,

    Yes, we sure did have a grand time together. Ships are a great place for families because there is something for everyone. There are so many things to do or you can do nothing at all.

    Thank you, everyone, for stopping by and your kind words.

    Very best,
    Lois

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