This year, we went on the same ship as we did last year, Navigator of the Seas. Out of all the cruises we have taken, this ship is probably my favorite. I don't have an exact reason why, but it speaks to me. Royal Caribbean had done some cosmetic renovations shortly before we got on board, and those little touches just made her that much more beautiful. It was so good to be back!
Our cabin this year - no balcony (sniffle), but it was still fantastic.
Our room.
My folks' room.
The grand main dining room (where we never eat). We aren't the dress-up type, so we prefer the casual buffet up on deck 11 at The Windjammer.
The main pool deck, with a newly added giant screen TV.
The Solarium (adult-only pool), where we never get to go since we cruise with our kid.
*crying into my vodka tonic - I can't stand other people's kids*
The views from the Solarium are awesome.
The Royal Promenade, which is the heart of the ship. Several bars and small eateries line the main thoroughfare, and they added the touch of making it change colors every so often. This was the normal color of it ...
This was when it was blue ...
And this was when it was red. The only color I didn't catch on camera was when it turned yellow, but that's ok. Guess I'll just have to book another cruise to get that shot.
This was taken from deck 11, looking down, during one of the blue periods.
This was taken standing on deck 5, looking up.
This was Izumi - a delicious new Asian restaurant on board. For those of you know me well, you know I usually avoid seafood at all costs, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new -- and LOVED it. We ate here twice. And I didn't puke! Yay me!
The other side of Izumi.
My crispy Philly roll.
A's crispy shrimp roll.
My Dad's ACTUAL hard-core sushi plate. Nothing fried or disguised here. And no, I wasn't that ballsy - I just stuck to my panko crusted, flash-fried Philly roll.
The newly added Flowrider. It's a simulated surfing area that gushes out like 30,000 gallons of water a minute, and makes it really difficult to do anything. But, Z loved it, nonetheless! As did every child & teenager on the ship -- the line was always super long. (Groan ... I still dislike other people's kids.)
Z, testing it out.
Of course, there were several opportunities for shots of sunrises and sunsets. The amazing views are never far away when sailing on a cruise ship ...
This one was a sunrise, believe it or not. Yes, we actually got up early to run one morning.
(Notice I only said "one" morning ...)
(Notice I only said "one" morning ...)
Then there were the places we stopped. Since we've gone on several cruises, and all but one has been to the Western Caribbean, we've seen a lot of places more than once. But, we were very excited this time to go to a Caribbean spot we had not yet seen -- Roatan, Honduras. We chose a beach excursion that was utterly perfect -- they had a bar, some food, great views, and the chance to get a massage on the beach. All for $25 a person? Sign us up!
My view for the day.
Happy Z and even happier Mom.
This was $35 well spent. If you ever get the chance to get a massage on the beach in Roatan, I would highly suggest it. Pinch me - did that really happen?
Thanks, Z.
Such beauty, everywhere you look. Happy sigh!
The other two stops were Belize and Cozumel. We've been to both before, so I didn't take a lot of pictures, since we just walked around with the sole purpose of finding local things to eat. Here are the few shots I did take, though, as we wandered around, happily.
The first thing we saw when we got off the boat in Belize.
A content Lawson clan, on the tender boat back from Belize.
Took this in Cozumel - our ship parked at the pier (on the right), and one of Royal Caribbean's giant ships (Allure of the Seas) parked next to us on the other side of the pier. Just when you think you are on a mind-blowingly large vessel, you see there is something even bigger out there. Wowsa!
Then there were the towel animals and the general lounging around on board ...
Suffice to say, it was a fantastic, wonderful, fun-filled week of laughter, food, and adult beverages. And of course, we cannot wait to do it all again next year. No solid plans have been made quite yet (hence the blank cruise ticker at the top of the blog page), but that's only because we are waiting for them to post sailings taking place next summer and next Christmas. We know we want to tackle a new part of the globe on the next trip, as well, so we have to narrow down which destination looks most appealing to everyone. In the front running now are the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. We've done Alaska once and the Western Caribbean four times -- time for something new. And you know I'm excited, because new adventures are what get my blood pumping! CANNOT WAIT!
PS - I'm the most grateful girl in the world.
☮✝✿
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