Category: Blog

Wonder of the Seas 2024 – Day 3

Day 3 on RCCL’s Wonder of the Seas was another sea day. The sunrises are glorious across the ocean.

We ate breakfast in the Main Dining Room. Later we attended a Top Tier event for Crown & Anchor loyalty members in the Aquatheater. We sipped champagne while listening to the Captain talk about his experiences and upcoming new ships.

 

For lunch, I ate a cheeseburger in the Windjammer Café. And who could resist a dessert or two? They serve free ice cream here, too, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.

 

 

We wandered through the shops, pool area, and Solarium and hunted for rubber ducks. A pirate parade took place on the Promenade Deck that afternoon. It was fun to watch the costumed characters marching about accompanied by loud music.

 

 

Tonight was formal night. For dinner in the MDR, I had butternut squash soup with pumpkin seeds, beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes & asparagus, and apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

 

 

 

We briefly sat in on the jazz musicians at Central Park, but their quiet music made me sleepy. In contrast, the headliner show that night was “Voices” which showcased the different sounds humans can perform. The ship’s six singers exercised their vocal chords, but it sounded chaotic and noisy to us. We did not like this show and felt it wasn’t the best use of the singers’ talents.

  

Wonder of the Seas 2024 – Day 2

We spent Day 2 of our voyage on RCCL’s Wonder of the Sea sailing on the ocean. Since I’m an early riser, I got my first cup of coffee in the Promenade Café on Deck 5 along with a Dulce de Leche croissant. After watching the sunrise, Ann and I proceeded to the Windjammer Café on Deck 15. Here the Washy Washy crew member sings to passengers to wash their hands at the stations lining the entrance. What a fun job that would be! After complying, we helped ourselves to breakfast at the bountiful buffet. I always use hand sanitizer right before eating since we share serving utensils with other guests.

 

We relaxed after breakfast on a lounge chair in the Solarium, an adults-only retreat at the forward bow on Deck 15, at the opposite end from the Windjammer. In the middle are several pools, a kiddie splash area, water slides, and more pool fun. The Solarium is a quiet location that has its own Bistro and a gorilla sculpture. It can get hot there in the afternoon. The planters are good places to search for hidden ducks, a popular pastime on cruises. The seas were a bit rocky today. Later the captain told us the swells were 17 footers. I liked the rolling motion and found it soothing.

   

 

      

When we got restless, we headed to the Schooner Bar and picked up Suduko sheets that they had available for a competition. Then we attended the Port Talk. Unfortunately, it was more about the shops on the ship than the ones in port, but we did get maps of each port stop and a tip to buy the almond cookies at Amsterdam Cheese Shop in St. Maarten.

We ate lunch in the Park Café. Central Park is a lovely location on Deck 8. It’s a winding outdoor trail amidst shrubbery and plants with birds twittering in the background. It’s also another good location to hunt for ducks. The lunch fare is mostly panini sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

  

After a stroll around including peeking in the shops, we joined the Women of Wine Tasking at 2:30. These were wines from women-owned wineries and we tasted seven in all. A cheese plate helped clear our palates between samples.

 

 

Number One was a Chandon Brut Sparkling Wine from California. I liked this one. We learned that white wines gain color as they age and red wines lose color as they age. Next was Villa Maria, a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. I’m not fond of this varietal but if you’re a fan, you’d enjoy it. Number three was Lucien Albrecht, a Riesling from France. This was horrible. A deep golden color, this wine smelled like gasoline. It improved with soft goat cheese but I pushed it aside. Not to my taste.

I liked number four a lot better. It was a La Crema Chardonnay, one of my favorite brands back home. Next up was Zolo, a Malbec from Argentina. This was very good. So was Castellum Cite De Carcassonne, a red blend from France, although I liked the Malbec better. Last was a Decoy Cabernet from California, another favorite label of mine from home. All in all, it was a fun and enlightening experience. We all felt jolly by the end, which was a good thing because that night’s Aquatheater show on our schedule was cancelled due to inclement weather. My dinner choice in the Main Dining Room was fillet of sole with rice and broccoli. Tonight, we changed our clocks one hour ahead.

My dessert at dinner

Cocktails after dinner in the Schooner Bar

Wonder of the Seas 2024 – Day 1

Day One of our cruise on board RCCL’s Wonder of the Seas started with an exciting view of the ship as we neared Port Canaveral. I was off on another adventure this time with my dear friend, Ann Meier. We swept through the boarding process with ease and made our way across the Promenade Deck to get lunch. The layout of this ship is very similar to the one on Utopia of the Seas, which I’d been on not that long ago. You can read about that voyage here.

   

First, we stopped at a desk to make our specialty dining reservations. A quick stop at our muster station to check in followed, then lunch in the Windjammer Café. At the buffet on Deck 15 for lunch you’ll find an array of international hot foods, burgers and hot dogs, salads, cold cuts, and much more. Not to mention the desserts and ice cream! I ate a chicken leg, spicy rice dish, beef and salad.

Our rooms were ready at 1:00 pm so we headed downstairs. We had balcony cabin 11290 located mid-ship on deck 11. The location was aft near the elevators. Our suitcases were already waiting for us so we took some time to unpack.

 

Then we headed back up to Deck 15 to watch the sailaway. This is always my favorite part of the cruise. You leave land behind along with your worries and cruise out to sea.

 

 

 

We’d made dinner reservations this evening at 150 Central Park for our first specialty dining. This is on Deck 8 amid the greenery of the tranquil park setting. Here I chose a beet salad with fried goat cheese, Lobster Thermidor for my entrée and a chocolate peanut butter tart for dessert. And I got a birthday surprise with my finale.

 

 

   

 

 

Happily fed, we headed to the Aquatheater to see the outdoor show, but it was cancelled due to the ship’s motion. It was a bit rocky this evening and very windy outside. They scheduled a makeup show so we could see it another night. Then off we went to retire for the evening. It had been a long day.

 

Coming Next: Day Two At Sea

 

Book Reviews – Historical Mysteries

Recently, I’ve read several historical mysteries that I’ve enjoyed. I like this genre because these stories immerse you in another era. The police are limited to solving a case with the means available to them at the time. Meanwhile, the heroine utilizes her intuition and deductive skills to root out the killer while struggling to maintain her place in society. It’s a learning experience as well to read these books that may mention historical figures and issues of the times. So grab yourself a copy and settle in to travel to another place where you can relish the blend of history and mystery.

 

Murder at Vinland by Alyssa Maxwell
The Gilded Newport Mysteries, Book Twelve

A series of mysterious poisonings afflicts society women in Newport during the Gilded Age. Reporter Emma Cross Andrews, a distant relation of the Vanderbilts, is dismayed by the case, especially when one woman she knows is arrested and might be innocent. Vinland is the seaside home of Emma’s relative, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. It’s after a charity luncheon there benefiting the Audubon Society that the first guest falls ill. Others soon follow, and Emma gets on the case before more ladies are targeted. Murder at Vinland is an easy read that will keep you guessing. I had no idea whodunit and was surprised by the finale. The setting details will have you feeling you’re in Newport among the elite, although Emma is just as friendly with her staff as with the upper crust Four Hundred. This historical mystery offers another winner by the talented Alyssa Maxwell.
(Book One is Murder at the Breakers, also a Hallmark TV Movie Mystery)

 

Peril in Paris by Rhys Bowen
A Royal Spyness Mystery, Book Sixteen

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, related to the King of England, is invited to Paris to stay with her friend, Belinda. Her husband Darcy accompanies her but takes up residence at a hotel so he can conduct his clandestine business. Belinda is working for Coco Chanel prior to the debut show of her fall collection. When Darcy asks Georgie to retrieve an item from one of the patrons, she’s happy to comply until things go terribly wrong and a woman is murdered. With a child on the way, Georgie can’t afford to spend time in prison which is where the French inspector would like to put her. She must muster her sleuthing skills to unmask the culprit before she becomes the next victim. A clever plot, a charming heroine, and a romantic setting conspire to turn this story into a twisty tale of lies and spies.
(Book One is Her Royal Spyness)

 

Uneasy Spirits by M. Louisa Locke
A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, Book Two

Boarding house owner and widow Annie Fuller disguises herself as a clairvoyant to offer financial advice to her clients. She’d like to explore her budding relationship with lawyer Nate Dawson, but a plea from a boarder gets in the way. The woman’s sister has been suckered in by a trickster who holds seances and preys on grieving customers. But is he a fraud? He and his colleagues seem to know too much about a secret from Annie’s past. As she attempts to discern the truth from lies, someone means to stop her from digging further unless it’s her own grave. With a cast of intriguing characters, detailed settings, and a likeable heroine, this suspenseful story is a page-turner!
(Book One is Maids of Misfortune)

 

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur

June Hur’s books that take place during the Joseon dynasty are on my must-read list. Since I’m a fan of Korean period dramas, I’ve enjoyed her standalone mysteries that immerse you in this era.  When Hwani’s detective father goes missing, she runs away from her aunt’s home to search for him. It’s the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, where women are expected to be obedient. But Hwani is determined to find out what happened to him. She remembers the skills her father taught her and starts on his trail. He’d been investigating a town where a number of girls have disappeared and one might have been murdered. As she gets to know the villagers, several suspects emerge. So does her estranged sister, Maewol, who lives there with the town shaman. Can Hwani protect her sibling while finding out who had stolen the missing girls and why? And how did it relate to her own past, when she and Maewol were found lost in the forest years ago? This gripping story immerses you in a frightening world with a heroine who is persistent and clever.

 

Killing Time in Georgia by Susan Kiernan-Lewis
Savannah Time Travel Mysteries, Book One

Police dispatcher Georgia Belle travels back in time from 2023 to 1923 in Savannah, when racial bigotry was rampant along with a lack of women’s rights. Confused about how she got there, Georgia is taken in by the kindly Mary, a single woman living independently. Those were dangerous times considering a serial killer was on the loose, and current crime fighting methods didn’t exist. When an innocent man ends up in jail, Georgia vows to clear his name. But first she must put herself in danger to find the real killer. Detailed descriptions lend an aura of authenticity to this time travel tale that quickly becomes a page turner as Georgia narrows the suspects. Can she solve the crime before she returns back to the future? Mystery, history and romance mingle in this delightful series debut. I’ll definitely be looking for the sequel.

 

Murder on the Flying Scotsman by Jessica Baker
Lady Thea Mysteries, Book One

Lady Thea is on a train to Scotland to visit her cousins when she finds a dead body in her compartment. The man turns out to be the secret husband of her maid, Molly. When Molly is arrested for the murder, Lady Thea determines to find the real killer. She meets a quirky assortment of fellow passengers as well as a handsome inspector from Scotland Yard and a mysterious reporter. The suspects keep you guessing until the culprit is revealed in the final, suspense-filled scene. Even without the murder, the setting and sleuth are fun to follow. I’ll look forward to reading more in this delightful series.


GIVEAWAY

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Utopia of the Seas 2024 Coco Cay

Day Three of our 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas was a beach day on beautiful Coco Cay in the Bahamas. After a bountiful breakfast, we headed off the ship, our skin slathered in sunscreen and our faces shielded by hats. A sign welcomed us to this tropical paradise.

 

Near the entrance was a faux pirate ship that’s fun for kids. After a brief stop here, we continued down a shady lane lined with tropical foliage. Multiple beaches, playgrounds, and water slides abound throughout this island. You can even take a hot air balloon ride. We stopped at a splash pad water park that was fun for our 4-year-old grandson. I didn’t mind a dip under a sprinkle myself.

 

Then we settled in at Harbor Beach, a lagoon with a view of the ships in dock. While my family went in the water, I meandered further down the path. I browsed through the huts of the native market that had the same hats, clothing, water gear, souvenirs and trinkets as the Straw Market in Nassau. Then I got a Rum Punch at a tiki bar.

  

Back at Harbor Beach, I relaxed on a lounge chair. Most of the chairs came with umbrellas which was a nice touch. You just picked a chair and sat. When it got too hot, I went partially into the water to cool off. I was glad I’d worn water shoes that I had just bought at Target. The water in August was very warm. Aside from the lagoon, you could choose a beach that’s ocean-side or one at a secluded adults-only retreat.

 

The kids wanted to swim at the pool so we left our beachside perch and found a giant freeform pool a short walk away. There’s even a bar you can access from the pool. It was nice that you could just walk into the water. It stayed shallow for a distance so was very easy for our grandson. The pool is a nice option for people who don’t want to risk sea lice or jellyfish in the ocean.

 

Lunchtime brought us to the nearest dining venue, one of several scattered throughout the island. We indulged in hot dogs, burgers, barbecued chicken, salads, fruit and cookies.

 

 

We encountered some of the native wildlife including chickens and iguanas. Fortunately, we weren’t accosted by any no-see-ums or mosquitoes. After lunch, we eyed a series of approaching clouds with trepidation. This being rainy season, afternoon showers were common. We were already hot and sticky and yearning for the air-conditioned comfort of our cabins. Back aboard we went, diving into our showers to get clean. Then it was time for a rest.

 

 

Dinner was Shrimp in Garlic Sauce and Blueberry Crumble for dessert.

 

That night, we attended the ice-skating show. It amazes me how they can do these performances on a moving ship, although we hardly felt any motion at all on this voyage.

  

The day for me ended with a drink at the Schooner Bar. I’d missed the piano player, so it was a fairly quiet atmosphere. Sadly, our trip would come to an end in the morning.

 

I wanted more time on board to explore other venues and try some of the specialty restaurants. And so, after I told a friend about how much I enjoyed this cruise, we booked a 7-night adventure on Wonder of the Seas for the fall. It should be less hot then, and this would go to the Eastern Caribbean plus Coco Cay so I’d get to explore more of the island. The best remedy for post-cruise blues is to book another one. As for our grandson, he’s eager for his next cruise. What impressed him the most about our trip? “The ducks,” was his response.

And so ends our sojourn on Utopia of the Seas.

Tell me, did you enjoy these posts? I like doing journal entries to share with my readers, but it does take time away from writing the next book. Recently I read that blogs were passe. If true, should I call it quits, keep posting about my life experiences, or change my focus to writing topics only? LEAVE A COMMENT with your response and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a hardcover copy of Shear Murder, my wedding mystery. This story follows Killer Knots, where Marla and her fiance find murder on a cruise ship. Now they’re ready to tie the knot for real.

Utopia of the Seas 2024 Day Two

Back onboard Utopia of the Seas after lunch in Nassau on Day Two of our 3-night trip, we had a brief rest in our cabins before exploring Central Park on Deck 8. We searched for rubber ducks, evidently a Big Thing on cruises, and only found one hiding in the shrubbery by the Solarium. Some kind ladies gave Caleb ducks during the voyage so he went home happy.

 

Central Park has a number of specialty restaurants, the Rising Tide bar that goes up and down the center of the ship, a café with complimentary food, and concerts in the evening when you can catch the musicians there. The greenery offers a peaceful interlude in the midst of sensory overload.

 

Dinner on the second night for me was a Mediterranean appetizer, shrimp cocktail, braised lamb shank, a peach dessert and crème brulée. Yes, I ate two desserts. Why not?

   

   

Satisfied with our meals, we headed to All In! Production Show with singers and dancers. What stood out from my previous 30+ cruises were the special effects. Utopia of the Seas is a brand-new ship and it showed in the technology. From doors that open at a wave to ship-wide WiFi that allows you to text your companions, the level of technology was impressive. This show used it to greater heights. Lasers provided illuminations such as I hadn’t seen before, and drones circled the stage with twinkling lights. This event truly dazzled the senses.

 

Coming Next: Coco Cay

Utopia of the Seas 2024 Nassau

On Day Two of our 3-night voyage on Utopia of the Seas, we visited the Port of Nassau. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. Once a pirate haven, today the islands are a popular tourist destination. The tropical weather and natural wonders bring in many visitors. Since I’d been here before, I didn’t need to take a tour to see the forts, the government buildings, or other attractions.

 

But first, I indulged in a hearty breakfast on the ship. Ms. Washy Washy greeted us and steered us to the row of sinks in front of the Windjammer Café. Breakfast is my favorite meal on a cruise. Look at all these delights! They had every one of my favorite dishes. You could have fresh omelets made, too, although I opted for either a ready-made omelet slice or a prepared fried egg.

 

 

 

 

   

 

We exited the ship to walk down a long concrete pier straight into downtown. There are some shops right outside the port and more on Bay Street. We crossed over to the Straw Market and jostled our way through the crowded stalls. As I learned later, you can buy much the same goods on Coco Cay at their native market.

 

We stopped at Senor Frog’s for lunch. Here I couldn’t resist ordering a Bahama Mama. We shared a platter of nachos with cheese. The appetizer portion was enough for all four of us. This venue is very noisy but upbeat and cheerful. If you want a quieter location, go outside to the bar in the back that extends over the water.

 

   

I love the color of the sea in the Bahamas. Its turquoise clarity lets you see clear to the bottom.

 

 

Coming Next: Day Two Afternoon

Utopia of the Seas 2024 – AquaTheater

We ate in the Main Dining Room early seating on Utopia of the Seas for dinner each night. Our server was excellent, being prompt with the menus and the food and making paper origami designs for my grandson.

 

For this first night, I chose a crab cake appetizer, prime ribs and this yummy chocolate dessert.

 

 

After dinner, we strolled along the Promenade on Deck 5, noting the bars and shops and the band playing. My favorite lounge here was the Pesky Parrot. I tried their version of the Painkiller. I’m not a fan of frozen drinks in general and this one did nothing to change my opinion.

   

   

 

The AquaTheater show was amazing. High dives from way above into a small pool below astounded us. Diving, acrobatics, loud music, and colored lighting all came together into a spectacular show.

 

Coming Next: Nassau, Bahamas

Utopia of the Seas 2024 – Sailaway

The pool deck on Day One of our 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas was lively, with bodies crowding the lounge chairs and music thumping at the two pool areas. We saw a food truck that offered wrapped snacks later in the voyage and free soft ice cream at a dispensary called Sprinkles.

 

At the far end Forward was the Solarium, a quiet area with a clear roof for adults only. This has its own bistro as well. I didn’t have any difficulty finding a chair in the Solarium during the cruise.

     

 

Up on Deck 16 were the basketball court, miniature golf, slides, wave rider, and zipline. Also, there’s a Mexican eatery here to quench your appetite. This food is complimentary.

 

Then we went to watch the sailaway at a good vantage point on Deck 16. Glass windows were all around. If you want to find an outside jogging track, it’s on a lower deck.

    

It always gives me a thrill to watch the last strip of land go past and to head out to sea. This time was no exception. Our grandson was awed at being on a ship sailing on the ocean.

 

Time grew short, and we had to go to the Main Dining Room for dinner at 5 pm.

Coming Next: Evening Activities on Day One

Utopia of the Seas 2024 – Embarkation

Day 1 – Embarkation

Embarkation for our cruise on RCCL’s Utopia of the Seas went smoothly at Port Canaveral. We parked in the adjacent garage. You take a ticket and pay as you enter. Then you scan the ticket at departure. The terminal was crowded at 11:30, which was our allotted time to board. I was traveling with my daughter and her family. Our grandson did a great job of managing his own luggage.

 

We showed our boarding pass and passport to the proper personnel and went right onto the ship. On board, we were told our rooms wouldn’t be ready until 1:00 pm. On Deck 5, we crossed the Promenade to the aft end of the ship.

  

We took an elevator to Deck 15 and the Windjammer Café for lunch. The buffet was mobbed as everyone congregated here along with their carry-on luggage. The lunch buffet offered lobster tails and shrimp cocktail, salads, deli meats, hot dishes, and an Asian section among others.

  

Our grandson was goggle-eyed by everything, including the pool deck that we crossed to access our rooms Forward on the Starboard side of the ship.

     

We each had balcony staterooms on Deck 7. The room key cards were outside the door. In the room, I put the card in a slot and the lights went on. Beside the bed, my stateroom had a couch and a small desk, a bureau with a mini-fridge, two closets, and some shelving in the bathroom. The shower was circular with a glass door. The shower gel/shampoo came out easily from the dispenser. One bar of soap was provided for washing hands. I was glad I’d brought extra supplies including lotion. Out on the balcony past the sliding glass door were two chairs and small table. You can easily hear your neighbors talking next door when outside, but the cabin was relatively quiet.

  

We unpacked and did the safety drill, which consisted of watching a video on our phones and proceeding to check in at our Muster Station. That done, we returned to the pool deck to watch the sailaway.

Coming Next – Day 1 Sailaway