Para Sailing at Labadee

Good morning,

One of the popular activities at the Port of Labadee is para sailing.

It is gorgeous to see the brightly colored sails against the blues of the sky and water...

...as people rise higher and higher into the sky.

So pretty!

Enjoy,

Lois

Sunrise at Sea

Good morning,

This is the view from our window.  What a beautiful way to begin the day.  :)

Enjoy,
Lois

Captain's Party Begins Another Week at Sea

Good morning,

It's time for another Captain's Cocktail Party and Introduction of Officers. 

Above Captain Tore Grimstad is standing on the bridge across the Royal Promenade where he welcomes guests from more than 50 countries and introduces his senior officers to the cruise ship guests.

The Executive Committee is introduced...

and information about the ship is shared.

Then, it's off to a gourmet dinner in the formal dining room.  Or, if some guests don't want to get all dressed up there are alternative restaurants for more casual dining.

So begins another week at sea!

All the best,
Lois

Gloria from Dreamworks is Cruising with Us!

Good morning,

As I took my morning stroll down the Royal Promenade of Freedom of the Seas, who do I spot coming my way, but Gloria, star of Dreamworks Madagascar fame!

It's as much fun to watch Gloria and her antics as it is to watch those who are watching her!

The children are always curious.  Some run over to meet Gloria, some are more reserved and just watch.

 Gloria tried to sit on a stool at the Cupcake Cupboard...

 ...but the stools just didn't work for her.

 Some people pass by pretending not to notice Gloria.  Of course, we KNOW they DO notice! 

 How can you not notice Gloria???

 Oh, that man is definitely an admirer!

 Of course, it's the kids who get the biggest kick out of being able to be in a picture with the movie star.

 What a sweetheart!

Enjoy,
Lois

Needlework Update - June and July, 2012

Good morning,

We have traveled a great deal in June, so the June and July Needlework Updates are combined this time.

The crochet hooks and knitting needles have been busy, though.  Above is a lace shawl crocheted in lavender with a silver thread that makes it very, very dressy.  The thread is fabulous to produce a fabric that drapes and swings beautifully.  

This classic hat in wool is one of my take-along projects. It's so nice to have a little project that travels so my fingers can always be busy.  A matching scarf is on the knitting needles now.

Patch is back!  This sweater is to restock my shop in a size that sold out just before we left home.  There are matching sweaters available for children and even 18 inch dolls. My original design is inspired by a sweater worn by the Cat in the Hat in a recent movie.

These little ladies all in a row are pretty wine bottle covers.  I've made some to give as hostess gifts and more to restock the shop once again.  I'm into school colors this time!

If this Lady Bug Baby outfit looks familiar, it's because this is another item to restock a sold out item in the shop.  I absolutely LOVE this outfit.  This one is size 18-24 months; on the needles right now is a similar jacket sweater in child size 8.

So, that's the needlework update for this time.  What are you making?  I truly enjoy seeing what other bloggers are knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidering.... There are so many talented people out there!

For those interested in finding our on line shop where many of these items can be found and/or the newer items will soon be listed when I get home them from the high seas, click here, or click on the links to Evensens Productions Etsy Shop in the right side bar.  Our daughter, Catherine, is my enabler who ships items while we are away from home.  Thank you, Catherine!

We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging. ;)

All the best,
Lois

Captain's Corner

Good morning,

At some point during most cruises, usually toward the end, the Captain and his Executive Team hosted by the Cruise Director are available for questions and answers. The Executive Team works exceedingly well together.

For new cruisers, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask all of those questions that they've had about cruising, the ship, and the officers, staff, and crew.  For experienced cruisers, it's fun to go and listen to these sessions.  There is always something new to learn and there are always some funny questions and answers. 

If such a session is offered on a cruise you take, I highly recommend you take the time to go and enjoy.

All the best,
Lois

Shopping and Eating - What's Not to Like!

Good morning,

Here are a few more images of the Royal Promenade aboard Freedom of the Seas.

These first two images were taken on a sea day when the promenade is host to a sidewalk sale.  I'm often asked if it is expensive to shop on board a ship and I'm happy to say there are plenty of things you can buy for yourself or as gifts that are very reasonably priced.  Of course, if you want the more expensive items, you can find those here, too.

Above is the Cafe Promenade.  It's open 24/7 where you can get coffee and light snacks.  Note the dog tied up to the post outside the cafe.  ;)

The Britto store is new since the dry dock revisions last year.  Britto is an artist who produces bright and happy designs to hang on your wall, wear, and use.  From all the Britto shopping bags I see, I think the shop is quite successful.

 Ah, the Cupcake Cupboard.  It's closed right now since we are in port, but this is the place to find a sweet treat and lessons about how to decorate them yourself.  There are also cupcake related items for sale in the shop.

 The General Store is open today while we are in port.  It's where you can pick up some booze to take home or small sundry items you may have forgotten to bring:  toothpaste, combs, shaving cream, etc.

 Items in the window of this shop are available for purchase when the ship sails and the shop opens.

 And, finally, one of my favorite restaurants.  Sorrento's Pizza is so very good!  We just love the thin crispy crust and the variety of toppings changes daily so you can get some pretty exotic pizza in addition to the old standbys. 

You will never go hungry on a cruise ship!

;),
Lois