Don't Be Late!

Good morning,

As we were preparing to depart Ocho Rios, Jamaica, I walked down to deck four of Freedom of the Seas to watch the departure.

It was a warm, overcast day...

...and most of the guests had returned to the ship.

A tour boat was returning, but tours booked through our ship had all returned already.

 A few more guests came down the dock...

 ...as the Hotel Director and Port Agent...

 ...paced and waited for the last two guests until the last possible minute.

 Suddenly we heard, "We have two runners!"

 And, sure enough, those last two runners were trying to beat the clock and the ship as they ran past a man waiting to release Freedom's lines.

 Oh, it's such a long way!

 People on the entire port side of the ship on deck and balconies were cheering and applauding...

 ...as the runners kept running...

 ...and the security officers were ready to move the gangway onto the ship.

 This was definitely a close call!

 A crew member signed off (the lady with the luggage)...

 ...and the gangway was pushed onto the ship.

 Dockside workers and those in that little white boat way out there were ready to release the bow lines...

 ...while another man released stern lines.

 Giant winches pulled the lines aboard...

 ...as Freedom of the Seas sailed off to her next port of call.

If you are on a cruise and take a port excursion sponsored by and booked through the ship, the ship will wait if the tour is late in returning.  There is contact between the tour operator and the ship.  If, however, you book your own excursions or take a walk on your own and do not return to the ship in time for sailing, the ship will not wait for you.  Then the ship will leave any documents found in your cabin with the port agent who will arrange for you to fly to meet the ship in the next port of call.  Of course, required hotels and air fare to the next port would be at your own expense.  Hopefully, you would be wearing more than a swim suit and towel!

So, the moral of the story is:  Don't Be Late!!!

Enjoy,
Lois

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The Rough Guide to Jamaica (Rough Guide Jamaica) 

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Flowers from My Honey

Good morning,

Isn't it wonderful to get flowers for no particular reason? 

These were delivered to our stateroom by the Freedom of the Seas on board florist while I was out taking pictures of Radiance of the Seas departing Cozumel, Mexico, yesterday. 

My Honey sent me the flowers just because he is such a wonderful, loving guy.  Have I mentioned lately that I love him?  I told him, too.  ;)

Very best,
Lois

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 Roses 2011 Wall Calendar By Avonside [Size: 12 " X 12"]

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Freedom of the Seas Alongside Radiance of the Seas - Cozumel, Mexico

Good morning,

This image may look somewhat familiar, but it is different from any I have published here before.  This time, the ship to the right is Radiance of the Seas.  I am standing on board Freedom of the Seas, deck 4, to capture this view.

Don't miss the video link at the bottom of this post of the sights and sounds of the departure of Radiance in the sun's golden rays.

Radiance of the Seas is another in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, but has a very big difference from most of the other vessels.  Radiance is a Gas Turbine Vessel.  Her engines were made by General Electric Aircraft Engines.

Radiance was designed to produce less emissions, especially for cruises to Alaska.

 

 Radiance has expansive windows allowing for dramatic views from inside as well as outside.

  Whenever two Royal Caribbean ships are in port together...

 ...crew members from both ships are able...

 ...visit one another.  Often there are family members working for the company, but on different ships.  Sometimes crew members are able to see others they have worked with years before on other ships.

 My Honey and I were aboard Radiance when she first arrived in Miami about ten years ago.  She is still just as beautiful as she was then.

 I took images mid day, then returned...

 ...in the early evening to record her departure.

 As soon as the last guests were aboard the gangway was removed...

  ...and Radiance was on her way...

 ...to her next port.

 Here the golden rays of the evening sun illuminate this gorgeous ship.

Click below to experience the sights and sounds of her departure.



Enjoy!

Very best,
Lois

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Royal Caribbean International Cookbook 

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Lunch at the Delly Deck - St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

Good morning,

We left Freedom of the Seas to have lunch at the Delly Deck in St. Thomas.

We have had lunch here before...

...so returned for another of their hot club-style sandwiches with Mexican sauce and a Diet Coke.

 There are fancy drinks available that look terrific, but we prefer soft drinks.

 Others came and went during the short time we were there.  Beyond this couple there are slot machines and from time to time people came in and played on them.  We didn't see any winners.

We noticed there was a good carry out business at the Delly Deck, too.

Then, we walked over to another set of buildings were there is a US Post Office to mail some cards before walking back to the ship.

St. Thomas is so very pleasant at this time of the year. The temperatures are in the 70's and 80's F and there is a gentle breeze.

I hope you enjoyed our trip ashore with us today.

Very best,
Lois

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Fodor's U.S. & British Virgin Islands, 22nd Edition (Full-Color Gold Guides) 

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Freedom of the Seas Flow Rider

Good morning,

We have a Flow Rider here aboard Freedom of the Seas.  Time is set aside for lessons for those who would like to learn and other times are available for experienced riders.

I have a series of still images here of two people learning the skills, then a video at the end that includes the sound as well as the action of a third person on the board.

First some directions are given so students know how to stand on the board. 

The teachers are Royal Caribbean cruise staff members.

For just learning...

...this young lady did an excellent job.

But...

...as with all new learners...

 ...there is usually a...

 ...big splash at the end.

 This man's attempt...

 ...was a bit shorter in duration...

 ...but...

 ...he sure made a big splash at the end.

 Now here's a video that gives you the sound as well as the sights:




It sure looks like fun!  Would you like to do this? 

Lois

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 Speedo Aquatic Xtra Life Lycra Conservative Ultraback Swimsuit Swimsuit, Black, 16

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High Level Jobs

Good morning,

My Honey and I went ashore in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. for lunch and a little shopping.  We looked back up at our ship, Freedom of the Seas, and saw two men with very high level jobs.

Here's another view without zooming to get the image.  The men were cleaning the aft part of the ship above the Windjammer Restaurant.  Of course, they are wearing safety harnesses, but not having a fear of heights is also very important for this high level job.

Just a few steps further, we saw this little bird behaving very much like a hummingbird trying to get into this window to get to those boxes inside.  This was the only image I could catch, but does anyone know what this little bird down here in the tropics is?  It was fascinating to see how it moved, but nearly impossible to catch with my camera.

Very best,

Lois

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St. Thomas, USVI Beach Dark T-Shirt by CafePress 

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Tie-On Hat for 18" Doll - Crochet

Clothing for 18" Dolls is available for purchase at 

EvensensProductions.com

Knit and crochet patterns to make clothing for 18" Doll are also available.

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 American Girl of the Year 2010 Lanie Doll and Paperback Book

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