Denver, Colorado Dec. 9th - 12th, 2011

Denver, Colorado
December 9th - 12th, 2011
Bob
On December 9th, Bob headed out to Denver, Colorado to visit with his son, Ryan, his wife Tami and their daughter Selah while at the same time, get some snow skiing in. The above photo is of the beautiful Denver, Colorado airport.

After a much needed night of sleep, it was off to Copper Mountain for a day of skiing. Bob was able to pick up a ski lift day pass on Craigs List from someone that had to cancel their day of skiing so off him and Ryan went. This was Bob's first time at Copper Mountain it he said it was very compared to Winter Park where he usually skis. They had a great time there. Here is a little information about Copper Mountain Ski Resort:

Copper Mountain is what the locals call “a nearly perfect mountain”, one of Colorado’s best ski areas. In 1971, Chuck Lewis, Copper’s founder, negotiated a deal to purchase 280 acres at the base of the mountain for the ski area. That summer, the initial construction began on the ski trails. Over the years, new lifts were added and Copper grew to its current size of 2,433 acres. Then, in 1997, the resort was purchased by Intrawest – a worldwide leader in resort operations and development. Colorado natives appreciate Copper Mountain and the short lift lines, the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful and spacious terrain. The US Forest Service says, “The mountain has good snow and sparse tree cover created by old burns, which offers a tremendous opportunity to create natural type runs that blend in with the surrounding countryside.”



Sunday was a day of church and opening CHRISTmas presents. Then Monday was back to St. Louis.

Of course, Bob does not take photos. So all the photos used above were taken from the internet. They are not actual photos from his trip but photos of the places he visited.


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Voyager of the Seas Nov 25th - Dec 3rd, 2011

Royal Caribbean

Voyager of the Seas


November 25th thru December 3rd, 2011


New Orleans; Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman (canceled due to rough seas); Falmouth, Jamaica; New Orleans


Bob and Debe

After flying into New Orleans - arriving around Midnight, we checked into the Marriott, just across from the Convention Center, which is just beside the new Cruise Pier. New Orleans was filled with college fans for the Bayou Classic. Places where lit up for the CHRISTmas holidays all around town.

The next morning, as we walked to Bourbon Street, we could see the remnants of Mardi Gras with beads hanging all over the street lights and structures holding the street lights. Then on to Bourbon Street for beignets for breakfast. Why not? lol



After breakfast we decided to walk along the river and up to Riverwalk Mall. On the way we found things that accented New Orleans along with unique menus at places to eat. Once inside the mall, we found the famous Cafe Du Monte known for its beignets. Yum Yum





For those that drive into New Orleans to take a cruise, there is a popular parking area right at the corner by the pier. (not sure the price as we took a flight into New Orleans) From our hotel, it was also a very short walk (pulling our luggage) to the ship and a quick process getting on the ship and to our cabin. A Promenade Overlook on deck #7.







Above photos show the beautiful Natchez Bridge and Riverwalk all lit up during our sailaway. What a great sailaway followed by a nightmare. Yes, the below photo show sthe line of people who were called to pick up their luggage at security. Ninety percent of the luggage where held due to alcohol, soda, and bottle waters that people try to take onboard and Royal Caribbean doesn't allow. But for us, it was a small pair of scissors they scanned in our suitcase. We ended up getting to keep it but it was a miserable wait. (from the photo, we were in the beginning of the line as it continued on behind us with another 50 or so passengers yikes)


Our first port of call was Cozumel, Mexico. Known for its great snorkeling, hot weather and occasional hurricanes. But this day, it would be known for its cool weather, strong winds, and canceled tours. We decided to just walk from the International Pier (takes about 1 1/4 hours) into the main town of San Miguel. We went to a great internet shop behind the main square area for $1 an hour. After checking with the office, it was off to walk around the square, hit up some stores and then back to the ship. You know it is windy when Senor Frogs and Carlos & Charlies are closed at our pier due to storm winds. (photo below shows Debe sitting in one of Senor Frogs swings at their closed bar)












The next day we were to stop in Grand Cayman but the strong winds caused all ships to abandoned that port of call. That is because the ships have to anchor out in the water and tender into a dock and the water was to dangerous to do this process. So, it was off to Falmouth, Jamaica and to their new port of call opened up in the Spring 2011. It was nice to see it has been just about completed. There are several shops set up or you can catch a horse drawn carriage ride and/or tram ride if you didn't book a tour. We walked out of the port and into the town for internet time.








Back on the ship, the entertainment on the Promenade Deck continued. Between the kids on board doing a song/skit, to parades, (Party Around the World and Island Parades), 70's party and, of course, since the ship was out of New Orleans, it had lots of football fans. So we had the football fans watching the game on the open Promenade Deck. Definitely not a boring cruise.





One thing that had changed since being on this ship two weeks ago, was the entertainment at the Pig And Whistle. What a great change. Derrick entertained us almost every night with his Kamakazee Kareoke. He had us singing, laughing, jumping up and down in our seats and at times, sitting with our mouths wide open in shock. But we Loved It. So to Derrick - thanks for the fun and may our paths cross again in the futre. Oh, and congrats for your upcoming nuptials.


Unlike our last trip on the Voyager of the Seas, this trip the Peep A Boo bridge was open for viewing.


Another unique event that RCCL VOS planned for this cruise was a "Top Tier" luncheon. They had a special lunch for the Diamond and higher passengers. A staff member sit at each table for a question and answering time. It was very impressive and we loved it.



Speaking of food - nothing like a BBQ on the Pool Deck. Yep!! And of course, we ended up with a great group of table mates for dinner dining. Jim, Darrell, and Amanda, along with a father/daughter, helped make our dinners great. Thanks for making our cruise so fun.




It is always fun to see the towel animals made by the cabin stewards. But this time, it was unique to see them with Mardi Gras beads. And we love being on a cruise and seeing CHRISTmas decorations go up. This huge tree on the Promenade Deck towered over everything and was the center attractions of thousands of photos.


My normal sunset photo is a little different this time. As we sit in the port of Jamaica, I watched from the front of the ship and saw the sun go down over the hillside of Jamaica. It took on the look of a huge forest fire as it dropped behind the hillside changing into beautiful orange hues. So not the typical sunset over the ocean.


Some of our favorite cruises are just relaxing and enjoying the service that cruise ships give you. And this was another one of those cruises. And of course, meeting great people. So thanks again for yet another wonderful trip before the hectic holiday season of cooking, celebrating and spending valuable time with family. May each person that reads this have a Blessed CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year. Remember the reason for the season. Jesus Christ birth.


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