August 29, 2009 - So we left Nashville on August 29th, headed to beautiful Florida to board our cruise on Royal Caribbean’s, Liberty of the Seas. We flew into Fort Lauderdale where Penney’s friend Sue picked us up and we headed to the Port of Miami. You may ask, ‘why did they fly into FLL if they are going to Miami?’ Well if you know Penney you would know it is because it is less expensive to fly Southwest to FLL, and they have direct non-stop flights too.
So we reach the port, finally find parking and get out bags checked with the porter… along with 3000+ other guests, yikes, i hope my luggage tag is secure and my bags make it to my cabin. I need my thong bikini to go to the pool while Penney attends her classes!
This ship is HUGE! We have walked around for a couple of hours and haven’t even seen everything. We have however, found the windjammer cafe and had a nice lunch. They have many stations of food so you don’t feel like you are standing in line forever. They had a grill area with hamburgers and hot dogs, a carving station with beef and veggies, a pizza & pasta area and of course soups and salads (yep that is where Penney & Sue chose to eat).
Next we went to find our stateroom, what a nice surprise to see a verandah…. that must have been Sue’s idea.
Then it was off for more exploration, we visited the kids area, wow now that looks like a fun place to hang out, but they don’t allow adults! The living room is for the teens and have large video screens for music videos and tv programs, they also show movies, they have computers and conversational areas. the arcade is awesome, and you can use your sign & sail card to access them… watch out Mom’s and Dad’s!
After the life boat drill we wandered around a bit more and then they (Penney & Sue) started getting ready for dinner. I was not invited to go as they made reservations in one of the specialty restaurants, The Chop House. This steak house is known for their white glove service, gourmet food and ambience. I chose to stay in the cabin and order room service. When they returned to the stateroom, Penney shared with me that she had a fabulous meal including onion soup, filet, and a yummy Mississippi mud pie.
Since it has been a long day of traveling we called it a night early.
August 30, 2009 - Ok, this morning we started with a lovely breakfast in the Rembrandt dining room. I chose to stick with juice and danish, but Penney had her ‘cruise breakfast’ which is eggs benedict. Sue had a bowl of oatmeal, which actually looked very good.
Next we were off to our first seminar. I am not really required to attend, but thought i would go just to see what was going on. The mornings session were all CLIA classes, the first was Selling Cruises as a Homebased Agent The second was Knowing the world we sell, both we video based and then we had brief discussions before we broke for lunch.
We chose to go to Johnny Rockets… and how convenient…. the arcade and teen area is right next to Johnny Rockets. YUM, look at those onion rings and fries, and the entertainment is good too.
During our break, we walked by three of the pools, the first is the H2O Zone…. what fun! the kids and some adults were having a great time.
The next pool was the adult ‘active’ pool, where they were having a line dance class. These folks were having so much fun, i wanted to join in but party pooper Penney said no because we had more to see more before heading back to class.
The last pool we visited was the Serenity Pool, so quiet… I need to go get a book and find me a lounge, this is such a lovely place. They also offer a healthy choice light sandwiches and salads available. And there are two hot tubs that a built into the side of the ship…. what a view!
We popped into the fitness center to look around, I may try to come back later to get in a work out. :) They have several treadmills looking out the front of the ship… how awesome to exercise while looking at the sea. They offer spin classes, yoga, palates, and even have a full size professional boxing ring. No, i don’t think I will be getting in there. :) But would love to spend some time in the spa.
Hmmm maybe I will make an appointment with the acupuncturist!
Before heading back to class we walked the promenade. There is a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shop, Seattle’s Best Coffee & Pastry shop, Sorrento's Pizzeria, and shopping… oh my, there is a general store, cosmetics store, jewelry store and so many more.
Something that Royal Caribbean has in the common area of the promenade that other cruise lines do not is a community bulletin board where you can post a meeting or personal message for other passengers.
The Sphinx Lounge is a pretty cool place to hang out too
Right in the promenade they have an ATM machine for those that like to visit the casino or play bingo. Here is a picture of my with Sue, we wanted to go to play bingo but Penney said no, she is making us go back to the second session of our onboard seminar on Selling Tools. Hmmm, since the ship is so large we use the handy ship maps located near the elevators and stairways.
more later…. while Penney & Sue are being educated, I think i will get my afternoon nap :)
After my nap, Penny returned back to the cabin after class, we hurried down to the Ice Show. Those skaters are so talented and the costumes are fabulous. We had a light supper in the Windjammer Cafe tonight and turned in early.
August 31, 2009 First let me wish JP a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Ok this morning we ordered room service and had breakfast on our veranda, what a beautiful morning. Penney and Sue have class again all day so I think I will hang by the pool.
… back from a wonderful day of relaxation, i went and watched some folks at on the flow rider, who would have ever thought you would be able to surf while cruising?? What fun!
As Penney and Sue get back from another full day of training, I enjoy the sunset.
After a wonderful dinner, we walked around the ship (needed the exercise after that meal!). when we returned to the cabin, our cabin steward had tidied up our stateroom, turned down the bed and left me a little friend :)
September 1, 2009 Today we are in St. Maarten. We chose to stay on the Dutch side, taking a water taxi from the dock to Phillipsburg. We wondered, shopped, walked on the beach and enjoyed a Guava Colada, mmmmmm. Penney even bought a ‘feel good’ watch, you know the one that Oprah likes… by Phillip Stein
Sept 2, 2009
We were in San Juan Puerto Rico today… it was overcast and cloudy but we went ashore for a little while. Old San Juan is a quaint area, we walked the streets did some shopping, We found a lovely Starbucks with a comfortable area to have a smoothy, and of course, Penney and Sue had to check their email and do a little work.
Sept 3, 2009 We docked in the bay at Labadee Haiti today, this is Royal Caribbean’s own little paradise with water sports like an aqua park, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing or just relaxing on the beach. There are also many nature trails for the adventurous.
Sept 4, 2009 - So today is a day at sea, and Penney will be in classes for most of the day so I am going to soak up some more rays and relax.
When Penney and Sue returned from class, we all went to lunch in the dining room. It was really yummy but I ate way to much, Penney had committed to meeting with a couple of agents to talk so came back to the cabin to take a nap.
Tonight we all went to dinner at Portofino’s the Italian restaurant. It was wonderful!
After, we walked around more of this huge beautiful ship.
Sept 5, 2009 - Headed home today… we were originally scheduled on an afternoon fight but Penney’s wonderful husband called the airline and was able to change our flight to an earlier one… much earlier!
