Trish Berry

 

 

 

Crown & Ivy Dress, Ann Taylor Sweater

A qualified captain steers the ship when out in the ocean.

While exiting a port or entering a port, a special person, a ‘maritime pilot’, is on board ‘temporarily’ to guide the boat out to clear waters. Or to guide the cruise ship back into port.

This special pilot can be called a port pilot, ship pilot, harbor pilot or just pilot.

This ‘special’ pilot knows the local waters.

This maritime pilot knows the reefs, depths, currents and any hazards that could affect the large ship’s movement and safety.

This pilot knows the tides, swells, and shoals that the captain of the cruise ship will not know.

We are in good hands when the maritime pilot and our captain are taking care of us.

I say the maritime pilot is on the ship ‘temporarily’ because he is. He gets the ship out to sea, away from the port, and then jumps off the large Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship onto a small pilot boat.

When a cruise ship is coming into a port, the maritime pilot comes out to the cruise ship and jumps on to guide the large vessel in, or the maritime pilot is helicoptered to the cruise ship.

These are dangerous jumps from a ship to a small boat or from a small boat to a large ship. We have witnessed it many times.

Timing is crucial.

Below are photos of two pilot boats I was able to photograph.

 

Once the maritime pilot has made that leap from one ship/boat to another, the people on our large cruise ship cheer and yell.

We don’t know if he can hear us, but he always gives a wave of his hand.

His pilot boat is headed back to his port, so it immediately makes a turn back away from the cruise liner.

And it is his port, because he is qualified to know the underwater terrain and its dangers of his special (specific) port.

Requirements for a maritime pilot:

• A bachelor’s degree in marine transportation or maritime studies.
• Have at least three to five years of experience as a captain of a ship or as an officer.
• Required to go through pilotage apprenticeship or training program.
• Has to pass written exams.
• Has to obtain a maritime pilot license or certification.
• Has to undergo continued training and education.

 

Below is a photo showing my husband who was safely delivered to an island with the help of a maritime pilot and then the captain of a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship.

We place our safety in skilled hands. It takes coordination from land and from sea for a cruise to be safe.

Our many thanks to those who enable cruising.

I tip my hat at those ‘maritime pilots.’ They are brave, courageous men.

Safe travels!!  Have fun!!

Many smiles to everyone!!

 

 

Trish Berry

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is famous for many things, and one of those is the entertainment.

In the Royal Theater is held comedy acts, headliners from Las Vegas, experienced magicians, and various musical shows.

We once saw a group from Vegas who sang only Beatles’ songs. It was wonderful. The entire auditorium participated in singing.

The theater is so popular that you need to make your reservations on the Royal Caribbean app on your phone before boarding the ship.

The seating is limited, and you do not want to miss some of the greatest shows on earth while on a ship!

There is no cost to attend a show, but reservations are needed.

If you are not quick, you will not be able to attend the various shows. The reservations go fast.

Don’t miss out on any of the shows, shows that will always stay with you.

The larger the ship, the larger the theater.

Enjoy any show that is offered. They have all been screened by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to make sure they are of the best quality.

Royal Caribbean does everything they can to ensure that their cruisers have a good time, even if cruisers might sing off-key.

Have fun!! Safe travels!! Make that reservation!! Go see that show!!

 

Trish Berry

 

Gap Blouse, Gap Shorts, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299 Color Pucker Up)

Curacao, an island in the southern eastern Caribbean, located not far off the coast of Venezuela, is a place to visit over and over because there are so many different things to see and new experiences to enjoy.

I’ve written about Curacao before, but wanted to say more about this friendly, beautiful place, and show more photos, especially of the pontoon bridge and pretty buildings.

The pontoon bridge is known as the Queen Emma Bridge and spans across St. Anna Bay and connects the Punda and Otrobanda quarters of Willemstad.

The bridge was first built in 1888 and last renovated in 2005 and 2006.

Queen Emma Bridge has beautiful lighting arches that fill the night with colored lights.

The bridge is hinged at one end and swings sideways, parallel to the shore, to allow oceangoing vessels to pass through.

It only takes a few minutes for the bridge to move to the side and allow the boats/ships to pass through to the ocean.

The fabulous Queen Emma Bridge is known locally as the ‘Swinging Old Lady.’ A fine old lady she is, a beauty to look at and walk across.

The bridge is shown below. Those gray objects underneath the bridge hold it up. They are the pontoons.

Pontoons are hollow and made of lightweight materials that are less dense than water. That enables them to float.

The bridge moves when you walk across it. Gives you a funny feeling. Up and down with the water under it, but not enough to make you fall.

The entire bridge slowly moves to the left. Bells ring to let walkers know to get off the bridge.

You walk across the bridge to these beautiful buildings in Willemstad, the capitol of Curacao, Dutch Caribbean.

Curacao is a beautiful country with beautiful, friendly people.

If you are ever there, walk through the fort to get to the bridge.

Some people stop and spend time in the fort, as there is much to do in there, and do not get to the bridge. Go to the bridge!!!!

The bridge is a wonderful experience.

Have fun!!  Safe travels!!

Many smiles to you!!

 

Trish Berry

 

 

Crown & Ivy Dress, Ann Taylor Sweater

Cruise ships are built in shipyards. For the mega ships being sailed around the world today, some are built in Germany, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea — to name just a few of the locations.

When these cruise ships are built, an interior designer comes in and selects different locations for the placement of original art.

Here are a few of the beautiful pieces that are a permanent part of the cruise ship on which they were placed.

A collaborative piece of stained glass. Are those eyes looking at you?

The art pieces shown below were created by Fritz Roed, a famous Norwegian art sculptor.

His works have sold for millions at auction.

The gold statues below are lovely when you see them before you. They remind me of the ‘Handmaid’s Tales,’ and I wanted to tell them to protect their female rights.

The stone lady below is very tall. Made by Lars Widenfalk, a Swedish artist, whose art work is coveted around the world.

Above I’ve shown you famous works of art. Below I am showing you a cute piece of art that should be just as coveted. I can’t credit the artist, as the name was not posted.

He is a cute dude. The dude speaks of happiness. My kind of dude.

Below is an etched fish on black marble bench. It’s located in the art gallery. No signature, but it is lovely.

Be happy!!  Smile!!! Look at the permanent art around you in your world. It’s in the sky, the trees, the earth under your feet.

Have fun on a cruise ship. Look at the permanent art (not for sale) and appreciate it for its loveliness. Appreciate the artist who created it.

Safe travels!!  Many smiles to you!!

 

Trish Berry

Now that’s a fine-looking dining room. Three different levels.

Many chefs prepare the meals for these rooms morning, noon and evening.

Some prepare the appetizers, some prepare the bread, some prepare the entrees, and some prepare the desserts. Coffee, water and optional drinks are delivered to you by the waiter and assistant waiter.

Other employees are in charge of all the linens and dishes.

If there is a tiny itty bitty job to be done on a cruise ship, there is a designated person to do that chore.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line thoroughly trains their employees. And those employees do a fabulous job.

I had never had a ‘curry,’ as they say in England, until I cruised. I now love Indian food. Papadum is a crispy wafer that you can put the curry atop and eat away. Vegan is just as good as a curry with meat. You just have to request it. You can also get the hot curry, which I have not tried.

Just wanted to show you this beautiful room.

Safe travels!!  Be happy!!  Smile!!

(And always take a photo of any crew member who helps you in any way.

After you’ve returned home from a cruise, Royal Caribbean sends you a survey.

If you mention a particular crew member, that crew member gets rewarded.

They deserve all the rewards in the world.

I tell you to take a photo of their name tag, well, because it’s difficult to remember all those names when you get home!!)

 

Trish Berry

 

Crown & Ivy Dress, Loft Tee Shirt, Ann Taylor Sweater

As you can see from the photo below, Cabo Rojo’s port in the Dominican Republic is still under construction.

But Cabo Rojo still has lots to offer.

ATV rides, amusement rides, plenty of shopping, bars, the lazy river, hammocks, and very very kind people.

Their language is Spanish.

Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, is found on the island of Hispaniola. It sits in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean. Hispaniola is a tad smaller than Cuba.

Hispaniola is divided on land into two countries: Dominican Republic and Haiti. The Dominican Republic is larger than Haiti.

Cabo Rojo is located on the southernmost coast of the Dominican Republic and is known as the ‘Red Cape.’

Cabo Rojo is a safe place to visit.

The port was opened in 2024. The view below shows the mountains that are huge when seen in person. This photo I took could not get the height and breath of their size.

When we were there, my first thought was of the red rock in Arizona. Buildings are red, adobe style.

You expected John Wayne to come strutting down the walkway, but he didn’t.

The parts of the port that are completed are beautiful, with blue waters and cacti.

There is an excursion called ‘lazy river‘, as seen below, and I would highly suggest going on this excursion.

But lather on three layers of sunscreen because it is hot hot hot at this port, lots of concrete, and a huge hot sun shining down on you. Drink our water.

On the ‘lazy river,’ you drift down a long river on an inner tube. You can see below how clear the water is. Such a gentle ride.

Away from the port, it is very rural. You eventually run into dirt roads, lots of native flora and fauna.

It’s safe, but I would only venture out on a Royal Caribbean excursion.

We felt very safe there. We stayed at the port.

Lots of things to take photos of at the port.  Below is a huge old-time bank.

The developers of the port used organic materials from the island. Sticks can be lovely when used to create art.

Hammocks are available. You can fall off intentionally and lower that body temperature.  Drink water, drink water!!!

Part of the fun of traveling is to interact with others, even a beautiful singer on top of a truck.

I didn’t know how she could stay there all day long with the intense heat. She told me they worked in shifts, but they were long shifts.

It was a beautiful introduction to a beautiful port to see the band perform behind her and hear the blasting music. Got your feet moving.

I dub the truck below the largest ‘bubba’ truck I’ve ever seen. Each time I come out of my supermarket when home, there is a ‘bubba’ truck parked on each side of my car. Aggravation.

I call these large trucks ‘bubba’ trucks because our son, occasionally tagged as ‘Bubba,’ had a huge ‘bubba’ jeep. It was really big.

I did not want to see it parked beside my car. I drove his ‘bubba’ jeep in the snow. It could plow through anything with those huge tires. No snowplow needed.

The creativity of the designers amaze me. An octopus coming out of a door.

We all know an octopus can escape through a tiny opening.

A great book, Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt is a bestselling novel that will introduce you to the intelligence and cunning of these beautiful, slithering sea creatures.

Below is the red, adobe-style coloring that made me think of Arizona.

Everything around the Cabo Rojo port makes you think of being cool. The water fountain below is an example.

I was still hot. Drink your water!!!

(I just love to take photos of part of my finger. It appears in a lot of my photos in the upper lefthand corner. You can see my entire finger in many of my other photos, but it seems I like to stick it in front of my camera a lot.)

Below is local native art. Imagine the time involved in making this butterfly. It was beautiful. Buy from local artists. Your purchase might change their lives.

You can see dolphins in the water off the coast of Cabo Rojo.

They leap, they stir the waters, they wave at you. But they wouldn’t stay around long enough for me to get a photo so I took a picture of a beach towel instead.

They do like their trucks in Cabo Rojo. They were plentiful.

Cacti were used in many flowerbeds.

See that blazing sun below???  Drink your water!

Below is a massive stick archway. This was a new design for me. It was lovely.

They deceive you with this cool water. They want to make your body think it is cool, but your body is not cool unless it is in that water.  Drink your water!!

They had beautiful totes at very reasonable prices.

If you look carefully at the photo below, you will see how the red dirt was placed on top of ordinary brown dirt.

It made me think the red dirt was hauled in from a different part of the island, but I could not get an answer from anyone about this.

We did have a medical emergency onboard while docked at the port. It occurred right about the time we were departing.

Below is the ambulance that took the passenger away. We saw the patient. He did not look like he was in distress, thank goodness.

I would venture a guess of heat exhaustion, a dangerous condition if not treated immediately because it can lead to heatstroke.

IV fluids can be administered on a cruise ship, but anything major requires that you be removed from the ship and taken to the nearest medical facility.

The Dominican Republic is a large country.

There are over 1,400 hospitals, some with only 25 patient beds.

You need your medical travel insurance plan and all documentation so you can get back into your homeland.

The Dominican Republic is not far in aerial miles, but New Zealand is a long way off.

This cute cat below was on a tote bag. I would credit the artist, but can’t. I can’t read the name. Maybe you can.

Remember your local SPCA.

Donate your time, and your old linens.

Pick up some dog food or cat food when you are at the market.

You will feel less irritation about those ‘bubba’ trucks surrounding your little vehicle when you know you are helping something, someone.

Safe travels. Have fun. Always smile!!!! That kitty above loves you!!! (Drink your water!!)

Trish Berry

Banana Republic Black Dress, Gold Jewelry, Apple Watch, Gray Anti-Nausea Wristlet, Vintage Vera Scarf, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299 Color Called Pucker Up)

Vintage Authentic Designs Laurel Burch Cat Scarf

Below is a photo of me with the fantastic artist Jampito, who lives in Curacao.

Jampito makes his art from debris from the coconut palm trees.

Coconut palms are everywhere around the beach in Curacao. They litter the ground at the base of the tree as they grow, expand, reproduce.

Jampito took something that flourished in his land and made art, beautiful art. Each art piece he makes is made only from pieces of the coconut palm tree.

Gap Blouse and Gap Shorts, Jellypop Tennis Shoes (always have my sea pass on my lanyard so I can get back on ship) and the famous Jampito

Giant sea turtles crawl up the sand and bury their eggs on the shores of the pristine beaches of Curacoa.

The sea turtles are protected and respected by the people who live there.

Yes, spiders and dragonflies are native to the island. And they flourish, as they do in our homeland.

If you are on a cruise ship (Royal Caribbean is our cruise line that we always use), when you dock in a foreign country, whether it be Australia, New Zealand, any port in the Mediterranean (Egypt, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Spain, France, and numerous islands in the middle of the Sea), there will be locals who make and sell their wares.

Many of these people do not have access to a kiln, a sewing machine or a craft store.

They make their art from what their homeland’s nature has given them. They are creative.

They are geniuses at the art form they chose. They practice, experiment, and work, work, work.

Buy from them. Many, like Jampito, make their living by selling handmade items. His items are unique.

You will not find his art in a local store of your homeland.

These foreign destinations are giving so much to us by allowing us to visit their countries.

Support the local artists.

The phrase ‘struggling artist’ is known to us all. They do struggle as they create. Support them.

Safe travels. Have fun!!

Buy from a local artist in your homeland or in a country you are fortunate enough to visit.

In the language of Papiamento, ‘Dushi’ means affection and warmth.

Make your heart warm. Be kind to someone who works hard to provide a living for themselves and their family.

Dushi to all out there traveling the world.

Big smiles always. Smiles are lovelier than any clothing you will ever wear.

Hugs to all my friends!!

 

Trish Berry

Land’s End Palazzo Midi Pants, Vintage Christie & Jill Blouse, Royal Caribbean Scarf

Most people take a vacation with Royal Caribbean to rest and relax, exercise, eat, have fun, laugh. Others work while they are on their Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean, on every cruise ship, has an online room devoted to those who choose to work and travel. These rooms are expansive, have plenty of outlets and let you connect with your employer or work on your own company. WiFi is available.

Many people choose to live on a cruise ship and work year round. Work-at-home jobs do not mean that you have to be at a desk in your home. You could be visiting the world while working.

Just imagine working from a cruise ship. Someone cooks for you, someone cleans for you, someone does your laundry, nightly and daily entertainment (when you’re not working), beautiful views outside your balcony window. You take time out to visit a foreign country, when your work allows. You live a life that was unimaginable only a few years ago.

Travel. Work. Have fun!!  Enjoy the world while you work!!

 

Trish Berry, May 2025

 

White Palazzo Pants from Amazon, Modified Flip Flops from Walmart, Robert Louis Floral Top, Gold Jewelry, Diamond Studs, Faux Pearl Bracelet, Apple Watch, White Royal Caribbean Scarf, Gold Hoop Earrings, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish (#299, Color Pucker Up)

 

Coral Bay Blouse, Liz Clairborne White Cotton Skirt

A cruise ship is very active around the pool area. Children playing in the pool and having the time of their lives, with watchful parents and lifeguards nearby. The laughter and fun can be distracting. The sun can become too intense. That’s when you head to the Solarium.

The Solarium is glass-enclosed, even the roof. Sunshine falls down on you but not the rain. It is peaceful and always beautiful on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

You must be above eighteen years of age to go into the quiet Solarium. Those over eighteen tend to be less boisterous. There is calm and peace in the Solarium. There are smaller swimming pools, and this is where one of the hot tubs is available.

(During the past few years, hot tubs (spas) have become known for their germs and causing illness. I would not use a hot tub on any ship.)

When the cruise ships are constructed, great detail is taken in all areas of a cruise liner. The Solarium, on the cruise ship when these photos were taken, had a lot of distinctive detail in its unique architecture. Exclusive Italian tile on the walls. Tiny mosaic tile pieces are around the upper walls.

Beautiful Italian columns.

Mosaic tiles at the entrance. You walk on craftsmanship, beautiful craftsmanship. Artwork with tile.

Peace and quiet. Take your time selecting your spot to read a David Baldacci book. (I love his Memory Man series.)

You can read. You can fall asleep. You can dip your toes in the pool water. Stay out of the hot tub.

You cruise to see new places and relax. The Solarium is the perfect place to find your happy spot.

Stay happy. Smile. Rest. Relax. Enjoy. Stay out of that hot tub!!!

Safe travels!! Have fun!!

 

Trish Berry

Loft One Shoulder Dress, Gold Hoop Earrings, Faux Pearl Bracelet, Grey Anti-Nausea Wristlets, Diamond Studs, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish, Royal Caribbean Scarf

Photos taken on vacation are important to you. Many years ago, they were kept in a scrapbook to be brought out when the potential bride came to visit. Now they are on our phones.

Photos are not always perfect.

In those scrap books our parents kept were some goofy ones, the photos that showed our real identity, our personality.

Well, here are some photos of my attempt at getting set for my husband to take a photo of me in the Main Dining Room.

I tend to get the giggles. These photos are not pretty. These photos are honest. Laugh with me at myself!!

After I have calmed down from the trauma of having my photo taken, my husband gets a nice photo, one that I wouldn’t be ashamed to show to anyone.

I like my age, 76, and enjoy each and every day because I am happy to wake in the morning and know that I have another day. At my age, you appreciate each day.

Below is a photo a stranger, a kind stranger, took of me while my husband was off somewhere else on the cruise ship. A nice stranger who became a friend.

Like I do, appreciate each day you have.

Don’t care if a goofy photo is taken of you. Share it with the world so they know the actual you.

We all have goofiness in us. It’s an added spice of life. Let that spice out!!

Have fun!! Safe travels!! Show your goofiness, either accidentally or on purpose. Be you. Love you. Smile with those eyes.

Be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!