The sea is calling. Can you hear it? It has been months since I sailed the high seas; in fact, it was right as the world closed their borders to COVID, slipping home at just the right time. My brother was on a ship of another flag and it was the last ship allowed to dock freely in the United States. The port was rolled up behind him and his family. We had met them at several different ports and our Captain cut short the trip to get home. I booked a trip so far into the future, I may expire by then.
Today is #MarketFriday initiated by 
Hive account@dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) I hope you will join me as we share different markets across the globe. I always look forward to seeing what you send me! It is amazing to see so many markets from all over the world, sharing different cultures. So unique they are, in many ways.
Please leave the link to your post on here so it can easily be found by others. They are so much easier to find in one place. Where else can you take such a quick trip around the globe? Thank you so much for joining us!! ❤
I have to wonder what the new normal will be like on a ship? The tables are so close, there are crowds in some places. I need to revisit some of this and see if it has a chance of recovery.
There are beautiful staircases everywhere. Everyone touches the handrail. I have learned how to never touch them. I can only think how many cooties I can get from that!
Above is one of the ships I cruised on last year. I like destinations and it is just an alternative to going on a traditional vacation. Let's call it a floating holiday. There were times it was a quick, spur of the moment booking when I got some time off and truly it feels good to get pampered and waited on. A little anyway...but those days are over, for the moment.
Le sigh.
This is just another different #MarketFriday, but, who doesn't love to be a little bit different? I can be from a traditional market, but it doesn't have to be. But, then, I love being practical too. So there is no right or wrong here, just what drives you to post that week. Wherever money is exchanged for a service or for merchandise. Be different if you wish! It does not have to be a traditional market! Don't forget to use the hashtag #MarketFriday and Hive account@dswigle.
The first time I saw a car parked on the promenade of a ship, I couldn't believe my eyes. Why? Well, it does make a nice addition to the photo ops around and quite nice to be sure. No, I didn't. If I wasn't driving it, I wasn't faking it. To be clear, the promenade is the wide boulevard or main walkway where people stroll. It is usually the widest part of the ship, as far as boardwalks.
On this ship, the last time I counted, there were five pools on this ship, plus the kiddie pool. That is a lot of pool. Now granted, they don't make them too big, but nice enough that you can have an enjoyable time without too much suffering.
Nobody is allowed to suffer here.
Music. All of the ships, big and small have music, everywhere you go. It is soft, playing there in the background, the mood lighting making a peaceful atmosphere. These are the moments cherished, where you find yourself living the dream, your imagination blowing through the ship. On the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Sea, you go down a flight of stairs to a place called the Crypt, a nightclub that will play appropriate Goth-themed music. You want it, they have it. Karaoke is a favorite. I may or may not have done it. What happens on Royal Caribbean stays there. You know the rules of the road.
The shops onboard are abundant! Big ship, little ship. They have it all, but, you don't have to buy it. I like to look and even try it on. Jewelry, sundries, upscale clothing, shoes, purses, watches... You name it, they may have it. The shops are open late and where else can you shop for a bangle or a diamond tennis bracelet at eleven-thirty at night? I tried on a tennis bracelet and a black sapphire and diamond bangle. Hmm... Which do you like better?
STOP!! BRAIN TEASER AHEAD!!
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Question: What travels faster, hot or cold?
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Answer: Hot is faster because you can catch a cold!
One of the newer ships in the fleet of Royal Caribbean and it has murals painted all over the ship. Truly like eye candy, it was. It is no secret that I love art - from street art to the Masters, hanging in the museums. This ship was right up my proverbial alley. Nice job, Royal! I think that truly many of the big ships on different cruise lines have the wow factor. You can go small and very laid back or you can be wowed the entire time on the big ships. I like to mix it up and go on both, although, I will say that the bigger ships cannot get into many ports, so if you are looking for unique ports, the small ships are what you should lean towards.
I am from the Washington, DC area, so my idea of peace is someplace with a coconut palm and a sandy beach, preferably white. The epitome of tropical paradise. Yes, please.
However, I have a true love for rocky beaches, someplace where the water beats on the rocks and you would never swim there, but, you love it anyway.
Did I talk about the food? Oh, the food! They had a meat-eaters banquet every night, along with fish, vegan, and every other kind you can think of. Above: Prime Rib, one of their favorites to offer up, and below is Beef Wellington and lobster tails, with an array of veggies and whipped potatoes. Truly an art the way they serve. We played with the food a little bit before I took the pictures. Sorry!
I love their presentations. Even if the food weren't as awesome as it was, it looks so good, I would want to try it. But, this is heaven right here. Rack of Lamb. This is actually the best lamb I have ever had. New Zealand Lamb and I have it every time they offer it and it is consistently amazing.
If I had one special service allowed me in life, I think I would have a chef. I have learned how much more I enjoy the meal when I haven't spent all that time toiling in the kitchen, but, rather enjoying it. Does that say I am lazy? It's just a fantasy.
CUE THE MUSIC MAESTRO!!
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We'll let Lorde sing about Royal. I probably could have chosen better, but, I couldn't resist the urge to pair Lorde's song Royals with Royal Caribbean.
The dining rooms are all stunning. They set the tables formal (although there are plenty of informal places to eat if you prefer) and you select from a varied menu every night. That makes it nice to have different choices. If you are allergic to something, they take good care of you. Of course, it is not only Royal that does this, but, most of the cruise ships. If you go on enough of them, you will pick a favorite.
I want to thank you for taking this trip with me. There were literally hundreds of other venues that we could check out, but, I will cut it off here! I will have to think long and hard about sailing again. There is so much risk involved. So, what do you think? Would you go after COVID is put to rest? I appreciate your taking the time and energy to read the post and I hope that you have a most wonderful #MarketFriday!
¸.♥´¸.•♥¨) Let the sun shine in on your life
So the joy may touch your soul
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•´ ♥
A flower. There must always be a flower to color my world. #alwaysaflower
You are so beautiful, my lovely
Each and every day
Like the sun rising after the dawn
You are so beautiful
And I love you. And you. And you. I do.
Thank you for visiting my post 💖 I know I have said it, but, even though many places have been cleared to carry on as normal, please wear a mask when you go out and use proper social distancing.
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