shadowmeboy

We returned to the boat and went to get some lunch. We got back just after the MDR's closed, so off to The Local we go! Menu Cobb Salad Pretzel Bites with beer cheese fondue We both got our own because one is not enough Caesar Salad I got the Cheeseburger Susan got the Tavern Battered Fish Sandwich Carrot Cake Brownie Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake The view out Deck 8

No. It is really flat and only a 7-8 miles wide, at most. So what you see is what you get for the entire island. Its because the island lies outside the hurricane zone and is similar to the top of Venezuela.

Ah, Thank you!

I love seeing the ship all decorated. Its my favorite part of cruising during the holidays!

Stop #4 - Eagle Beach The beach was nice but crowded. We didn't bring swimsuits either. We went and found a bench in the shade. It was fun to people watch! selfie time! Poor coconut We loaded up the bus to head back to the ship. Back on the boat!

A note about the lighthouse: It costs like $5 to climb up to the top.

Stop #3 - California Lighthouse We picked up our travel wall item from Aruba Selfie time! pano time!

We headed along the West shore of the island to the Northernmost point of the island. California Lighthouse

Stop #2 - Royal Aruba Aloe Museum and Store Aloe close up! So our experience started with how aloe is processed. Then we went and looked at the museum/production area. No one was working as the day after Christmas is a holiday in Aruba. After going through we headed outside to wait for the rest of the people. I dislike these stops that are effectively hard sell locations, but I guess it does keep prices down some. Back on the bus Okay? German restaurant in a Dutch protectorate? Oh look, more local island cuisine

Susan made it back down! See the green hummingbird? It was time to head back to the bus. Not those buses! Off to the next stop!

Close up! Selfie at the top! We were one of 3 ships in Port that day. You would not believe is the Caribbean if it was a stand alone picture. You would probably guess New Mexico or somewhere in the Southwest. Heading down the other side, on the "good stairs" as Susan described it. More garden photos! See why I said good stairs in quotes I love the reflection in the water!

Stop #1 - Casibari Rock Formations Susan took one for the team and climbed to the top of the Rock. Yes that is the line going up. I stayed down below and took pictures in the garden area The steps Susan was going up. I loved the rocks and cactus! She is making progress! At one point, you have to duck under this rock. Susan said she almost had trouble, so she said I would not have wanted to that part. My picture of the people on the top!

We got on the motor coach for our excursion Aruba's International Airport authentic island cuisine here 😉

Due to when our excursion left, we headed down to The Local for breakfast. The Local Breakfast Menu The Local was really calm this morning! Seasonal Fruit Salad Susan got the Fruit Salad, Oatmeal, and bacon on the side. I got the breakfast sandwich and the oatmeal. No we were not going on the Party Bus Or even those We headed to the theater to await the allotted time for release by the Shore Excursion personnel. Two pet peeves of mine: 1. Shore Excursion personnel who think they wield so much power and demand that you pay attention to them. I enjoy ports where the meet up is on the dock, so you don't have to listen to the redundant monotone of the same information over and over again coupled by by bad jokes. 2. In person Life Boat drills where a housekeeper or other low level power hungry person is in charge of the muster station and wants your undivided attention for way too long. Dude I am on vacation not a College lecture. This is why I enjoy the video muster drill with the simple check-in at the muster station. Ok, rant over, lets resume our regularly scheduled review! Someone is way to excited for this nonsense! Freedom! Welcome to Aruba!

Day 4 - Port #1 December 26th, 2022 Location: Oranjestad, Aruba Good Morning Aruba! They were still getting lines situated Enough looking out at Aruba, it was time to grab our stuff and head down to breakfast.

After the show we went to dinner in the MDR for the special Christmas Dinner. Red Beet Salad Caesar Salad Roasted Turkey Glazed ham to share! Beef Wellington Pumpkin Pie Christmas Log Our excellent server for Christmas Dinner with the tip bag! After dinner we went to the Comedy Show! Comedian Julie Bar was on stage. One of the bands preforming in the Atrium When we got back to the room, our laundry was ready! We sent it out that morning. We called it a night! We had a fun filled Christmas Day. Tomorrow is our first port stop! -- Stopping here till most likely tomorrow

So they were having a special Christmas performance tonight. We got ready for that performance and then headed down to take photos! We love props! One of the hard working Photographers Time for the show! We had good seats! The production show casts and musicians were great! The skit with I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas was really funny! The violinist from Choir of Man was amazing. The lead singer from Kinky Boots was such a great singer. The Nellie Rich Band even got in on the action! They all did an excellent job. I got video but haven't had time to put it together yet.

We finally burnt of the sugar from the cupcakes and headed to lunch in the MDR. As we were sitting at lunch, I started talking with the table next to us. We asked where they were from and they said Sammamish, WA. We were shocked. We told them we were from Washington as well, and we got talking. Let's just say we became good friends over the cruise! Susan had the Nicoise Salad I had the Spinach Caesar I also had a Caprese Salad Susan had the Chicken Parmigiana I got the BLT Sandwich I got a Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Susan got the Raspberry Panna Cotta Oh look, more display photos! The figurines are outfitted like the officers! A lot of work went into these displays! We ended up going back to the room and got ready for Laser Tag. Since I needed both hands, I couldn't bring my still camera. But we got video! Both of us wore GoPro's! Susan wore a chest mount, and I wore the head mount.

Look at that smile! She had a blast! Here is the video from the Speedway!

Here they go! There is Susan It was super windy up on the deck.

We headed up to the room. It was a beautiful day to be at Sea! The main reason why we went up was to allow Susan to get proper shoes on. Also to grab the GoPro gear for the next activity. It was time for Susan to go to her Speedway reservation They were running doubles when we got up there. Check-in line Double Go Cart Susan getting ready! Heading to her cart!

Hey I know that person! Chef called up volunteers to try making one of the three types of cupcakes. Susan decided to make the tree. All done! Here she is with her creation! A closer look! The little girl sitting in front of us also got selected. She did an excellent job. another look at Susan's The third victim, I mean volunteer! We had fun! Chef brought premade cupcakes so others could have one! So I indulged! Susan eating the tree! Real romantic there! We had to get a picture with "Santa"

After breakfast, we headed to the Atrium for the Cupcake Decoration Demonstration! The chef started out showing how they made the gingerbread houses that were on both displays. Susan and Mom's house didn't look like that. The chef then started decorating cupcakes. Chef makes several fun cupcakes. He then starts three festive cupcakes. a Christmas tree A poinsettia type cupcake

We headed down to Savor for Christmas Day Breakfast Susan found a duck under the tree as we went into Savor. Fruit Salad with, OMG, Cottage Cheese Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Open-faced smoked salmon bagel Mushroom and Ham Omelet

Look who finally joined me.