Saturday, February 14, 2015
Fort Lauderdale
We arrived in Fort Lauderdale at around 11:00am. Larry dropped me and the baggage off portside and parked the car in a tall garage right across the street. He presented me with a cute Valentine’s gift… my wish for a cowboy hat before we boarded the ship to have lunch at noon.
What a ship!!! It had an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, mini golf course, a full sized basketball court, a boxing ring, a casino, ten pools and whirlpools (2 cantilevered whirlpools hanging over the side of the ship held 24 people each), a full size gym, and all kinds of interesting nooks to explore. How many people does it take to run a ship like this? Well only 1360 crew members were on board! HA!
Ultra Florescent Blue Bar
What a gorgeous day it
was! Being further south, the temperatures were high 70’s so after lunch we
were able to sit out around the pool and soak up some Florida rays. At 3:30 we attended the mandatory life boat
drill and then scurried off to the first Dailey and Vincent Concert. Around 500 of the ship’s 3000
passengers gathered in the Platinum Theater to enjoy a wonderful hour and half
lively concert followed by an hour reception in the conference center.
Darren Vincent
The audience was the sweetest group of people who shared lots of Valentine’s wishes during the show. We were able to sit in the second row with Mom and Dad Cherryholms who came to support their son, BJ Cherryholms, the fiddle player in the band. What a talented guy!
Leaving Port Everglades
My Man and his cowgirl with the gorgeous sunset on Valentine's Day 2015
A smashing sunset!
Dinner was on the back of the ship in the Windjammer…having a vast assortment of yummy delights. After a little walk around the ship to work off the delightful dinner, we headed to our comfy cabin on the seventh floor….the ship has 16 floors…. and slumbered right off to dream about our next five days of adventures.
Their first concert attire was pretty relaxed
The audience was the sweetest group of people who shared lots of Valentine’s wishes during the show. We were able to sit in the second row with Mom and Dad Cherryholms who came to support their son, BJ Cherryholms, the fiddle player in the band. What a talented guy!
BJ Cherryholms
We walked out on deck afterwards to watch the ship sail out of Port
Everglades with a live band, a gorgeous sunset, and everyone waving to the other four ships
that were docked and waiting their turn
to head out into the Atlantic ocean.
The sail away band played nice tropical tunes!
Dinner was on the back of the ship in the Windjammer…having a vast assortment of yummy delights. After a little walk around the ship to work off the delightful dinner, we headed to our comfy cabin on the seventh floor….the ship has 16 floors…. and slumbered right off to dream about our next five days of adventures.
Sunday, February 15, 2015 Day at Sea
After a fabulous hour walk on the track on top of the ship
and a superb breakfast, we headed to the
front of the ship and claimed two lounge
chairs that sat in the gentle breezes of the ships forward bow. The sun was
warm….like the three bears story….not too hot, not too cold….but just right.
We had a lunch outside…The ship chefs brought out the grills and
proceeded to cook chicken and ribs right by the pool.
Although lots of activities were going on…like the belly flopping contest and destination talks, Larry and I choose to work out in the gym and sit in the sauna. At 4:00 we attended the second Dailey and Vincent Concert, another remarkable display of talent. Their band had a mixture of young guys who could really pick the banjo, guitar, and fiddle as well as older established guys with unbelievable talent who played the base guitar, drums, and organ. They really brought the Statler Brothers era back to life. This incredible show spotlighted Don Rixby.
Don Rixby
This evening was formal night so we enjoyed seeing so many people dressed up like the Prom. We had a wonderful dinner and retired early to bed….you can only take so much activity in one day.
Although lots of activities were going on…like the belly flopping contest and destination talks, Larry and I choose to work out in the gym and sit in the sauna. At 4:00 we attended the second Dailey and Vincent Concert, another remarkable display of talent. Their band had a mixture of young guys who could really pick the banjo, guitar, and fiddle as well as older established guys with unbelievable talent who played the base guitar, drums, and organ. They really brought the Statler Brothers era back to life. This incredible show spotlighted Don Rixby.
This evening was formal night so we enjoyed seeing so many people dressed up like the Prom. We had a wonderful dinner and retired early to bed….you can only take so much activity in one day.
Monday, February 16, 2015 Belize City, Belize
Sunrise going into Belize
We had breakfast out by the pool this morning. It was just a
drop dead beautiful day! Don Rixby walked by our table by the pool during breakfast and Larry had a long
conversation with him. The last time we visited Belize it was so hot you could
hardly stand walking about Belize City. After that April trip we decided
to only come to the Caribbean between November and mid March.
Approaching Belize City from the Tender Boat
We boarded a local tender boat and motored into the city dock where we met our bus that took us into the western mountain region of Belize and the city of San Ignacio.
Our leader, Fernando, was quite a funny travel guide who really was an artist when he was not leading tours. He kept us laughing for the hour and half drive through the varying terrains of Belize. This major two lane highway connects the east of Belize to western Guatemala and is the constant sighting of the Belizian “sleeping policeman”, better known as the speed bump so travel was slow going.
We reached our final destination of Cahal Pech, (known as Tick City) a Mayan Palace, that in its heyday, may have been the primary center of the central Belize River Valley region.
Fernando lead us to a structure that was built around 900BC.This site clusters 34 buildings arranged around a series of 7 plazas on 6 acres.
The steps were very steep for a short legged person.
Yes, we went all the way to the top!
Many of the structures have been identified as elite residences indicating that Cahal Pech served mainly as a royal compound.
Digging and restorations found masks, facades, terraces, stairways and structures of an era of long ago. Larry and I both marveled at history that lay about us.
Loving this historical treasure.
Homes today in the local town were actually built on many of the architectural ruins that ancestors had not protected until the 1970’s.
After climbing about the structures, we toured the small museum and headed into town for some delicious Belize pastry and coffee. A great afternoon pick me up!
Liquid refreshment on the ride home!
On the hour and half trip back to Belize City we passed one of the Quality Schools International or QSI, the educational company that Larry and I had worked for right after we retired. Discussion of the Belize QSI School’s opening occurred while we were living in Dilly, East Timor.
Belize has the largest US Embassy in Central America. It is a preplanned refuge should other embassies in Central and South America have to be closed on short notice due to terrorist or other emergencies. Anyway it was cool to spot the school on our journey back to the ship.
Tender boat ride back to the Liberty
We boarded a local tender boat and motored into the city dock where we met our bus that took us into the western mountain region of Belize and the city of San Ignacio.
Our leader, Fernando, was quite a funny travel guide who really was an artist when he was not leading tours. He kept us laughing for the hour and half drive through the varying terrains of Belize. This major two lane highway connects the east of Belize to western Guatemala and is the constant sighting of the Belizian “sleeping policeman”, better known as the speed bump so travel was slow going.
We reached our final destination of Cahal Pech, (known as Tick City) a Mayan Palace, that in its heyday, may have been the primary center of the central Belize River Valley region.
Painting of Cahal Pech long ago
Ruins of Cahal Pech today
Fernando lead us to a structure that was built around 900BC.This site clusters 34 buildings arranged around a series of 7 plazas on 6 acres.
Many of the structures have been identified as elite residences indicating that Cahal Pech served mainly as a royal compound.
Digging and restorations found masks, facades, terraces, stairways and structures of an era of long ago. Larry and I both marveled at history that lay about us.
Homes today in the local town were actually built on many of the architectural ruins that ancestors had not protected until the 1970’s.
After climbing about the structures, we toured the small museum and headed into town for some delicious Belize pastry and coffee. A great afternoon pick me up!
On the hour and half trip back to Belize City we passed one of the Quality Schools International or QSI, the educational company that Larry and I had worked for right after we retired. Discussion of the Belize QSI School’s opening occurred while we were living in Dilly, East Timor.
Belize has the largest US Embassy in Central America. It is a preplanned refuge should other embassies in Central and South America have to be closed on short notice due to terrorist or other emergencies. Anyway it was cool to spot the school on our journey back to the ship.
After catching the tender boat back to the ship, Larry and I
headed to the hot tub that was hanging over the side of the ship. It held 24
people easily, but we two were the only ones in it at the time.
Star gazing out by the pool.
We watched the sun set as the ship pulled out of the harbor. After dinner we attended the ice skating show called “ Encore”. What incredible international talent out there skimming the ice as the themed show spotlighted Russia, France, India, China, Australia, Brazil, and Las Vegas.
The music was terrific and the skaters were phenominal! After a stroll around the ship we returned to our cabin thinking “What a absolutely fabulous day!”
We watched the sun set as the ship pulled out of the harbor. After dinner we attended the ice skating show called “ Encore”. What incredible international talent out there skimming the ice as the themed show spotlighted Russia, France, India, China, Australia, Brazil, and Las Vegas.
The music was terrific and the skaters were phenominal! After a stroll around the ship we returned to our cabin thinking “What a absolutely fabulous day!”
Tuesday, February 17,
2015 Cozumel, Mexico
After breakfast we walked off the ship hoping to find the
port that we enjoyed during our last visit to Cozumel. We were surprised to find
that our ship had docked at an older port just south of the one that we were
looking forward to spending the day at.
This particular port is not as scenic as Puerta Maya
Another surprise was the Brilliance of the Seas, the cruise ship that we had taken from Great Britain was docked right beside us bringing back great memories of our fall travels.
Liberty of the Sea and Brilliance of the Sea
We walked through the local shops and out to the street going about a mile north to find the port with the beautiful sea views....Port Maya.
Our favorite Port in Cozumel
We spent the morning sitting under the shade of the palm trees and listening to Mexican tunes just relaxing. The weather was nice.
The Liberty and the Brilliance
At noon we gathered up our things and walked back to the ship enjoying several shops along the way. We had a lovely lunch and then went to the gym to have an invigorating workout. We attended the 4:00 Dailey and Vincent Show which was a tribute to the Statler Brothers .
Their outfits reminded us of something that Elvis would have worn.
This concert spotlighted two sons from the Statler Brothers Band, Wills and Fairchild Reed. After their performance, Dailey and Vincent sang only Statler Brother tunes. What talent! What great music! This whole show was excellent! We enjoyed every minute! The Liberty sailed away from Cozumel as we watched the sun sink behind the island.
Port Maya from our ship
Dinner was fabulous in the Windjammer and we wandered through the casino and several venues with music before heading to our cabin. We had no trouble drifting off to sleep as the ship gently rocked back and forth.
Another surprise was the Brilliance of the Seas, the cruise ship that we had taken from Great Britain was docked right beside us bringing back great memories of our fall travels.
We walked through the local shops and out to the street going about a mile north to find the port with the beautiful sea views....Port Maya.
We spent the morning sitting under the shade of the palm trees and listening to Mexican tunes just relaxing. The weather was nice.
At noon we gathered up our things and walked back to the ship enjoying several shops along the way. We had a lovely lunch and then went to the gym to have an invigorating workout. We attended the 4:00 Dailey and Vincent Show which was a tribute to the Statler Brothers .
This concert spotlighted two sons from the Statler Brothers Band, Wills and Fairchild Reed. After their performance, Dailey and Vincent sang only Statler Brother tunes. What talent! What great music! This whole show was excellent! We enjoyed every minute! The Liberty sailed away from Cozumel as we watched the sun sink behind the island.
Dinner was fabulous in the Windjammer and we wandered through the casino and several venues with music before heading to our cabin. We had no trouble drifting off to sleep as the ship gently rocked back and forth.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Day at Sea
Everyday at sea is
marvelous! It is always great to relax with a book, watch a movie, or go to one
of the many interesting activities that are going on about the ship. Larry and
I thought we were going to spend the day on top of the ship sunning, but ole
man winter decided to come further south giving us a lot of cloud cover and
wind all day.
Shifting gears, we went to plan 2 touring the tremendous promenade of the Liberty….it was like a huge shopping mall with restaurants, specialty shops and entertainment.
Larry and I
planned a picking party at 11:00am in the Conference Center for the
cruisers who had brought their instruments. Having it announced the day
before at the Dailey and Vincent Show caused a large group of watchers to show up as well.
These amateurs but talented people had the cruisers singing along and clapping
hands for two hours. Fun, Fun, FUN!
After lunch we went to the final Dailey and Vincent Concert at 2:00. It spotlighted both Wills and Fairchild and Don Rixby as well as all the ten members of the Dailey and Vincent Band.
Wills and Fairchild Reed
Don Rixby
Everyone hated for the show to end. The Conference Center was opened to sell memorabilia and sign autographs afterwards. Regretfully, we trudged back to our room to pack our bags. What a quick five days! I told Larry that he has spoiled me royally and that I preferred the longer cruises. Hint, HINT!
Other cruise ships were always easily spotted during this trip...a popular sailing path.
That evening we dined in the Windjammer on skewered shrimps and other yummy selections. Although this 5 day cruise seemed short, it was the first themed one that we had ever attended....adding additional activities to our daily calendar. Larry really enjoyed the bluegrass music and I really enjoyed the tunes from the Statler Brothers. It definitely was a five star event for us both.
My favorite art piece on the ship...tile tapestry...gorgeous!
We docked in Ft Lauderdale at 8:0s0am and found the temps to be a crisp low 50’s. Brrr! What happened to our fabulous Florida temps? We certainly wouldn't be riding home with the top down today! We usually disembark around 10:00-11:00, always enjoying the last couple of hours relaxing on the reclining chairs outside, but because it was brisk, we decided to head on home at 9:30. What a great cruise! My man certainly made this Valentine's treat full of many fabulous memories!
WOW!!!!!!!!
Shifting gears, we went to plan 2 touring the tremendous promenade of the Liberty….it was like a huge shopping mall with restaurants, specialty shops and entertainment.
After lunch we went to the final Dailey and Vincent Concert at 2:00. It spotlighted both Wills and Fairchild and Don Rixby as well as all the ten members of the Dailey and Vincent Band.
Everyone hated for the show to end. The Conference Center was opened to sell memorabilia and sign autographs afterwards. Regretfully, we trudged back to our room to pack our bags. What a quick five days! I told Larry that he has spoiled me royally and that I preferred the longer cruises. Hint, HINT!
That evening we dined in the Windjammer on skewered shrimps and other yummy selections. Although this 5 day cruise seemed short, it was the first themed one that we had ever attended....adding additional activities to our daily calendar. Larry really enjoyed the bluegrass music and I really enjoyed the tunes from the Statler Brothers. It definitely was a five star event for us both.
We docked in Ft Lauderdale at 8:0s0am and found the temps to be a crisp low 50’s. Brrr! What happened to our fabulous Florida temps? We certainly wouldn't be riding home with the top down today! We usually disembark around 10:00-11:00, always enjoying the last couple of hours relaxing on the reclining chairs outside, but because it was brisk, we decided to head on home at 9:30. What a great cruise! My man certainly made this Valentine's treat full of many fabulous memories!
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