Travel News

I have just returned from a fabulous Caribbean Cruise aboard the Serenade of the Seas/Royal Caribbean International.  This was the fourth cruise we have sailed on and this ship was not as large as the others.  I was concerned that a smaller ship would hamper getting around and being served; quite the contrary!  The number of people aboard was perfect for the size.  We never had to search for a lounge chair and had prompt service.  The ship had a beautiful interior.  With fourteen levels and a completely open view from the 12th down to the 5th (main) level and sitting area the volume made the ship feel much larger than it was.   This cruise was mainly to celebrate my husband Dale’s birthday as well as a belated 35th wedding anniversary.  We were unable to travel last summer due to his injured heel.  Now he is up and around and even managed to take a few turns on the dance floor! 

His smile sums up his mood. 

This aerial view is taken from the 7th level.  My husband and new friends Bonnie and Abel are sitting down waiting for me.

The ship was decorated with lots of artwork and this amazing huge circular shape that was suspended from the ceiling.  It has rainbow colors of mesh that are attached like pieces of fabric to a metal rim.

We had a great time paling around!  We attended the mystery dinner which was fun and well done, including a fabulous gourmet meal.

We bummed together on the beaches.

On our last evening we made reservations at the specialty restaurant Portofino’s for a fabulous Italian dinner. 

Our return flight was cancelled and caused us to stay in Puerto Rico two extra days.  Luckily we found a nice boutique hotel and enjoyed yet another great beach!

We were not familiar with Puerto Rico at all.  By chance we were just around the corner from the El San Juan a beautiful ornate old hotel.  We had the best Mojito’s EVER at the hotel bar.  The decor was rich and historical. This ceiling led to the Casino and appeared to be covered in suede like fabric.  The chandelier  made me think of the Phantom of the Opera. There were multiple photo ops. I couldn’t resist wrapping up in these rich red curtains.

Now it is back to winter weather.  But I have these wonderful WARM memories to cling to.