Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[Sea Dog]

20 minutes ago, brillohead said:

 

If you like snorkeling at all, the Water Taxi is $25pp round trip to Klein Bonaire, and it's an easy walk from the ship to the Taxi pickup location.  

 

 

Thanks I will add that to my list.

 

 

 

13 minutes ago, Keksie said:

Princess Bride or Blazing Saddles.

 

Risky Business. One of Toms very early films. Pretty funny. 

[aussielozzie18]

46 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Does anyone have a suggestion for a movie to stream tonight. I’ve been on a bit of a Tom Cruise kick lately. After watching the New Top Gun and followed it up with his to Jack Reacher Movies. 
 

Last week I was nostalgic for the 80’s so it was a few Molly Ringwald classics. I’ve binged every sitcom I want watch. 
 

im out of ideas. 

Have you watched Tom’s Mission Impossible series? Ghost Protocol onwards are worth watching, in order.

[aussielozzie18]

2 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

We are on Serenade and looks like whoever ordered new fridges for the cabins for the world cruise really goofed.

 

They were installed on our deck (7)  on day 1.

 

Yes, they are actually refrigerators but they are super tiny.  Cannot put a small plate inside and hold maybe 3 or 4 water bottles at most.   Definitely cannot fit much of anything in them.   I bet the world cruisers will be very unhappy with them.

 

Sounds more like a medical fridge….

[aussielozzie18]

We need a wow button in this group.  @Jimbo those photos are stunning!

[ReneeFLL]

On 9/18/2023 at 12:48 PM, Jimbo said:

Pretty much why we won't be doing anymore Caribbean sailings, Been There done that, too hot !!

I totally agree about the heat, but for us just getting on a ship is good.

[ReneeFLL]

On 9/18/2023 at 5:42 PM, dani negreanu said:

Patti, @Coralc

The neighboring cat came to visit... After seeing Bobby's pic, I think they're related.

 

 

 

 

Today we started touring a bit of Amsterdam, using the very efficient public transport.

 

On our way to the Hermitage museum (big disappointment -- the nice collection of impressionist paintings is no longer there), we came upon a memorial of all the Dutch Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The huge number of names was dauting, and DH had tears in his eyes.... Seeing so many names of babies .aged 2-3 months was heartbreaking.

 

We looked for Anna Frank's name. The guide mentioned that her real name was Annelies. She died aged 15.

 

Our canal boat guide told us a lot of things went back to Russia from the Hermitage.

 

6 hours ago, Jimbo said:

It's a good,just like any cruising day on your balcony. Just had a nap on the balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where’s your Irish Coffee or hot chocolate? 

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

 

That beach looks amazing. Was this a particular excursion? We will be in Bonaire in April on Beyond. Need something to do. This would work.

 

 

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a knockoff as I am pretty familiar with the Sea Dog website and have looked at just about every shirt they make. I’m probably their best customer.

Royal was selling Highlights of Bonaire with Soroban beach for $64.99 pp but we decided to see what we would find with locals at the dock.

 

Found local group for $25 pp did the exact same tour and was more personalized since there was only 3 couples (including us) in the van.

 

I think I kept the wristband with tour group name.  I'll check tomorrow.

 

I didnt think about it being a knock off since it was in the row with many others I recognized inside the shop, but I didn't look closely at the tag.

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by Sunshine3601

[Sunshine3601]

30 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Sounds more like a medical fridge….

That's about all it will hold. 

 Suspect someone will be in trouble for ordering ones too small.

Our room steward said they couldn't believe when they saw them arrive.

[ReneeFLL]

Just now, brillohead said:

A friend took some pictures of the Northern Lights on her farm in southern Michigan... and I had to share this one here b/c her cat insisted on being in her picture!  LOL

 

Looks like the tiki torch is growing out of the cats head. 😊

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, brillohead said:

 

If you like snorkeling at all, the Water Taxi is $25pp round trip to Klein Bonaire, and it's an easy walk from the ship to the Taxi pickup location.  

That is definitely a good option for snorkelers   We want to take that ferry next time we are there.

 

This time we enjoyed wandering around town and touring south end of the island.   The town is beautiful..kinda a mini version of Hamilton, Bermuda with a Dutch flair.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Sunshine3601

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, voyager70 said:

We were in Bonaire in April and thought about going to Sorobon Beach but decided not to. After seeing your pics I wish we had. Beautiful!

Next time!!

The outdoor bar/restaurant Sebastians was nice too.    We didn't eat but heard from many others on the beach they enjoyed their food.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Sunshine3601

[ReneeFLL]

Just now, Jimbo said:

Here is what we just took pictures of,didn't exactly look like this with the naked eye,but this is what our cameras saw.

 

 

 

 

Really cool you got to see them.

 

Just now, Sunshine3601 said:

We are on Serenade and looks like whoever ordered new fridges for the cabins for the world cruise really goofed.

 

They were installed on our deck (7)  on day 1.

 

Yes, they are actually refrigerators but they are super tiny.  Cannot put a small plate inside and hold maybe 3 or 4 water bottles at most.   Definitely cannot fit much of anything in them.   I bet the world cruisers will be very unhappy with them.

 

Yikes, I agree. There are going to be some unhappy cruisers.

 

Just now, Sunshine3601 said:

The pink water at the Salt flats is even better in person.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=pink+water+in+bonaire+salt+falts&oq=pink+water+in+bonaire+salt+falts&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKAB0gEJMTA0NTRqMWo3qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-boostdish-us-revc&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

That’s cool. I didn’t know about the salt flats.

[grapau27]

Good morning.

It is 64°F raining and very windy here at 07.55am.

I hope everyone is safe and well.

[Sea Dog]

7 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Royal was selling Highlights of Bonaire with Soroban beach for $64.99 pp but we decided to see what we would find with locals at the dock.

 

Found local group for $25 pp did the exact same tour and was more personalized since there was only 3 couples (including us) in the van.

 

I think I kept the wristband with tour group name.  I'll check tomorrow.

 

I didnt think about it being a knock off since it was in the row with many others I recognized inside the shop, but I didn't look closely at the tag.

 

Thanks Debbie please let me know.

[Jimbo]

Current Temperature,a brisk 33 degrees.

It's 9am here now,due to pull into Nuuk at 10am,we can see land now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by Jimbo

[Arzeena]

8 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Next time!!

The outdoor bar/restaurant Sebastians was nice too.    We didn't eat but heard from many others on the beach they enjoyed their food.

Will vouch for that. The food is very good there!

We take a taxi/van shuttle every time we go there. $5 pp shared ride.

 

We also like Klien. Very pristine in its true sense. There is nothing there, except for a small tin "shelter" and some garbage cans. No food, no bars nothinggggg. NO REST ROOMS.😁 So go before you board the ferries. And hold thereafter. It is truly a snorkeler's paradise. I don't snorkel so I just sat in the sand for 3 hours till the ferry came back for us. There is no dock, you either get off the ferry via their ladder, ramp, or jump off in calf deep water. Some ferries have a ramp right out to the beach. We also dd the submarine, which goes from Karel's dock to Klien.

 

Delfin's is good for a day pass. Plaza resort (now Vander Valk) hotel next to the dock is also great, as is Divi Flamingo. DF does not have a beach as such but lots of snorkeling, pool, casino, great vibe. We used to go to Harbor beach all the time. Their pass was $50 with a meal in La Balandra their restaurant. Went up to $65. Now no passes, only for hotel guests. Eden /Spice Club are ok. I find them very crowded.

I haven't ventured out on a golf cart.

Edited September 20, 2023 by Arzeena

[Keksie]

Sunrise this morning.

 

[Ocean Boy]

I have never managed to be on a ship with a stop in Bonaire. I have only seen lights as we passed by during the night.

[bobmacliberty]

9 hours ago, brillohead said:

 

If you like snorkeling at all, the Water Taxi is $25pp round trip to Klein Bonaire, and it's an easy walk from the ship to the Taxi pickup location.  

 

9 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Thanks I will add that to my list.

 

If you'd rather not DIY Greg, and don't mind spending a little more money ($85 pp), I'd HIGHLY recommend Woodwind for a snorkel tour.  It's one of the best excursions that we've ever done.  Great snorkeling, good food/drink after snorkeling, high quality gear, and excellent service.  It's about a 15 minute walk to their dock from the ship.  They sell out well in advance so it might be too late.

[Sea Dog]

Just now, bobmacliberty said:

 

 

If you'd rather not DIY Greg, and don't mind spending a little more money ($85 pp), I'd HIGHLY recommend Woodwind for a snorkel tour.  It's one of the best excursions that we've ever done.  Great snorkeling, good food/drink after snorkeling, high quality gear, and excellent service.  It's about a 15 minute walk to their dock from the ship.  They sell out well in advance so it might be too late.

Good to know. TBH I’ve never snorkeled. I have been meaning to try or learn. Not sure I would pick up the whole breathing thing and I can’t float at all. Usually I’m just as happy standing waist high in the water or using a noodle. I guess I should get out of my comfort zone and do something new.

[Jimbo]

Take notice of the name on the bus.....Need I say more.

 

 

 

 

[Ocean Boy]

24 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Good to know. TBH I’ve never snorkeled. I have been meaning to try or learn. Not sure I would pick up the whole breathing thing and I can’t float at all. Usually I’m just as happy standing waist high in the water or using a noodle. I guess I should get out of my comfort zone and do something new.

You could still use a noodle, or something else, for buoyancy while being able to keep your face in the water with a snorkel and mask. After the first few breaths breathing through a snorkel becomes quite natural. You just have to be sure you don't take quick shallow breaths or you will be rebreathing the air in the "dead" space of the snorkel tube.

[TravelGirlinDallas]

10 hours ago, Keksie said:

Princess Bride or Blazing Saddles.

Ooo yes. Also:

 

Three Amigos

Napoleon Dynamite

Hoosiers

So I Married an Axe Murderer

My Best Friend's Wedding

Big Fat Greek Wedding

Office Space

[akcruz]

31 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

 

If you'd rather not DIY Greg, and don't mind spending a little more money ($85 pp), I'd HIGHLY recommend Woodwind for a snorkel tour.  It's one of the best excursions that we've ever done.  Great snorkeling, good food/drink after snorkeling, high quality gear, and excellent service.  It's about a 15 minute walk to their dock from the ship.  They sell out well in advance so it might be too late.

 

I will 2nd Woodwind, we used them a few years back, great day, have never seen so much snorkeling as that day. My only con is that we really didn't get to see the island, common with these type of tours.  Did go into town for a drink and quick shopping but that's all we had time for.

 

26 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Good to know. TBH I’ve never snorkeled. I have been meaning to try or learn. Not sure I would pick up the whole breathing thing and I can’t float at all. Usually I’m just as happy standing waist high in the water or using a noodle. I guess I should get out of my comfort zone and do something new.

 

Most reputable snorkeling tours will have noodles or vests to help you.  When we went with Woodwind they had one group that was all beginners.  I always take a noodle with me to lay on, I am not one those who does not dive under but just floats on top.  Of course there were a few who just lazed on the boat while the rest of their party snorkeled.

[Sea Dog]

12 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

You could still use a noodle, or something else, for buoyancy while being able to keep your face in the water with a snorkel and mask. After the first few breaths breathing through a snorkel becomes quite natural. You just have to be sure you don't take quick shallow breaths or you will be rebreathing the air in the "dead" space of the snorkel tube.

 

Thanks for the info. I also wouldn’t mind taking a lesson just to make sure I know how to do everything right. 
 

 

3 minutes ago, akcruz said:

 

I will 2nd Woodwind, we used them a few years back, great day, have never seen so much snorkeling as that day. My only con is that we really didn't get to see the island, common with these type of tours.  Did go into town for a drink and quick shopping but that's all we had time for.

 

 

Most reputable snorkeling tours will have noodles or vests to help you.  When we went with Woodwind they had one group that was all beginners.  I always take a noodle with me to lay on, I am not one those who does not dive under but just floats on top.  Of course there were a few who just lazed on the boat while the rest of their party snorkeled.

 

I think I would be a noodle kind of guy. Thanks.