One day my friend Ann and I were talking about how much fun a cruise would be. Before I knew it, we had booked one! We made a long trip of it, going down the Mexican Gulf side of Florida (and you can see some of my other posts about it). At the tip of Florida, we headed across what they call "Alligator alley" and ended up in Miami. Then, we went up the A1A coast and ended up in Cocoa Beach, a stone's throw from Cape Canaveral, where we embarked.
Before we entered the ship, we had to go through security which seemed as intensive as security at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta! But finally, we got through and entered the ship. Believe it or not, we entered on the fifth floor of the ship. and to this nice man's wave.
This is what we saw, as we entered: The Royal Promenade. It reminded me of a large mall.
So big, they had a car in the middle of the way.
The red lettering was a pizza restaurant. The thing I liked was that it was all free. All the restaurants were like that - except the specialty restaurants. As I said, it reminded me of a mall because there were lots of stores. Regalia was a jewelry store.
On another floor was the Boardwalk. Wow!, what a place!!
It led out onto an open deck facing the ocean. You can see interior cabins on multiple floors facing the Boardwalk.
They were serving cake to anyone who wanted a piece!
Five floors of suites facing the Boardwalk.
Look at the rock climbing wall! If you will look closely, you will see that the person climbing was attached to a cable which was attached to the wall. That way if he slipped and fell, he would not fall all the way down.
The picture below, they were having "the sexiest man alive", contest. The one on the far right, won it.
The floor where they were standing, opens up at night to a deep pool, into which divers would dive from the top where those rails are.
This was our dining table each night. Ours was the only one with the large red chairs. We would meet here each night and have the same dining partners each night.
Below, was the entrance way into the dining room.
These were some of our dining partners each night.
This gentleman was one of our nightly waiters. He LOOKS Asian but he was Indian, with an Indian accent. He delivered SUCH great service. The first night, he asked me what I would like to drink and he remember each night without me telling him.
Below, are pictures of a less formal restaurant up on the top floor. This is where we would eat breakfast each day. We could have eaten in the regular dining room but we preferred this one for breakfast.
This man was our housekeeper. I didn't see any women; just men. But he did an excellent job. They had men from many different countries working on the ship.
And this was our cabin. It wasn't too big but it had every amenity that we needed. The bathroom was just behind that closet that you see. On that desk where you see the QT cup, was a television.
Looking onto the floor in the elevator, everyday it would change. I was taking this picture on a Monday.
We were up on an upper deck and this man offered me an ice cream. Free, of course. SUCH great service on this ship. I imagine they must go through a rigorous training to be able to work on such a ship.
As I mentioned earlier, most of the restaurants offered free food. But there were certain specialty restaurants and this was one of them. Our travel agent arranged for us to have a free dinner here, however. And we certainly took advantage of it. This was an upscale restaurant with impeccable service and delicious food.
Here was my friend, Ann.
And then, we went to another specialty restaurant on another night: 150 Central Park. This restaurant was on the level that they call Central Park because there were so many live trees and plants.
Our waiter . . .
Look how much I paid for this wonderful meal!
Then, it was time for a little music. Here we were in one of their night clubs. Those men on the stage were from many different countries.
But this was my favorite place. The picture above and the picture below are of two different music venues. The one below, was jazz and we went here almost every night. Such great performances.
And on the ship, they had a large theater where they gave feature performances. They performed "CATS" several times during the week, as well as other performances. This theater reminded me alot of the Fox Theater in Atlanta. The layout was pretty much the same although the decor was different.
In addition to "CATS" they had a performance of "Come fly with me" and they actually had people flying around in the air. Such great music!! I took this picture before the auditorium had filled.
See the gentleman standing in the isle? He was selling drinks. I noticed they did this at every performance.
The picture below was during intermission of "CATS".
People were beginning to fill the auditorium in the picture below.
In the picture below, I was standing up on one of the top floors on a balcony and I took this picture. You are looking at "Central Park" below. Those are live trees and plants
The ship had a walking -jogging trail that went around the ship.
Below, is one of the pools.
And here was another pool.
Looking out onto the ocean from the top of the ship.
This gentleman below was performing Sinatra hits in the lounge. But he was also one of the stars of "CATS". Listen to his wonderful voice, here.
This was where you could book your excursions . This was where I booked my trip up into the Jamaican countryside.
And this was where you could book your next cruise. Ann and I booked a cruise flying over to Barcelona and sailing back across the Atlantic. It was supposed to be for November of 2020 but because of COVID, it was cancelled.
This looks like the Mall of Georgia, here in Atlanta.
They had a parade right down the middle of the Royal Promenade.
Here, they were serving cake up on the Boardwalk.
This was in Central Park. They were having a classical instrumental concert.
This large hot tub stuck out over the side of the ship.
One day I was on the elevator and I noticed, through the glass of the elevator, they were having an employee meeting in the hallway. I wonder what he was saying to them?
Here we were as we were leaving the ship.
This man helped us with our luggage.
And here we were as we were entering Georgia. Home, sweet home.
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