Showing posts with label Pacific Ocean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pacific Ocean. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

The Last Frontier- Day 6

High Flying Fun
June 4, 2025
Sea Day #2 

Flying high on the Open Seas! 

Morning
I woke up around 7:45AM after having decent sleep on the terribly hard beds. TIP- Royal Caribbean is known for awful mattresses and beds and this was true on the Anthem of the Seas; even Luke complained. The boys already ate breakfast in the Windjammer and were at the indoor hot-tub when I passed by so I changed to join them. As I mentioned on a previous blog day, this indoor pool and hot-tub were NEVER busy in the early morning hours. Water Aerobics started at 9AM and it was dead prior to that. 


Hump-day on the Anthem of the Seas!

We got out shortly after 9AM and I went to change and wake up Sleeping Beauty- Natalie. Then I went to 270 for Starbucks and freshly squeezed OJ while the boys went to Schooner Bar. Natalie and I met them at Schooner Bar for the morning Sudoku Puzzle and Morning Trivia. Once again, we did not win this trivia but came in second place so getting closer. 


Morning Sudoku... This is new for us but we enjoyed this "brain" time each morning! 


Time for morning Trivia! Luke really LOVED playing these each morning!

The kids and I then went to the Royal Esplanade to shop for ship souvenirs. Chris then met us in 270 for the Captain's Corner, which is a Q&A session with the Captain, the Cruise Director and other higher level officers onboard. They usually have great questions and give out any info they may have about upcoming Royal projects. We actually learned about Icon of the Seas on our 2018 Liberty of the Seas cruise. This session didn't share any gossip but we learned a lot about the ship and the officers. 


Our CD was a little "lame" but our Captain had a great sense of humor! 

After the Captain's Corner it was lunch time so the kids went to the Windjammer while Chris and I went to the MDR when they opened at 11:30AM. TIP- We love this dining experience and it seems it is getting faster and more efficient the more we dine here. Plus the full service option and food options are better than the Windjammer. (Lunch is typically when I miss the Guy's Burgers and Shaq's Big Chicken of Carnival... but that's it). We really enjoyed this lunch and we were in and out within 45 minutes. 


The Main Dining Room Lunch Menu
TIP- The MDR offers lunch on Sea Days ONLY (11:30 to 1PM)


Seafood Risotto- 4.5
This is always a favorite of mine! 


Mozzarella Sticks-5.0
I don't know why we like these so much but we LOVE them! 


Quesadillas- 3.5
The salsa was TERRIBLE but overall decent entree! 


White Chocolate Raspberry Mouse- 4.5
I wish I could order this nightly! 

Afternoon
After lunch Chris went to take a nap while the kids enjoyed the indoor and outdoor pools and hot-tubs. I opted to lay out in the indoor area of Deck 14. Despite not being in the adult only section, this was very peaceful and not a lot of kids. Our entire sailing we hardly ever noticed kids. Being that this was the last week of May, I think most US school were still in session or our Embarkation Day was the last day of school. Even the kids we did see on our voyage were incredibly well behaved; and for me to say that as a teacher is saying something. 


Unlike our first sea day, these seas were CALM and smooth as glass! 


Another view of Celebrity Edge. 
We sailed with her from Seattle and saw her in Juneau and Skagway. 


Luke in the outdoor pool living his best life! 


Anthem of the Seas Main Pool Deck (Deck 14-15)

The FlowRider was actually open with a temperature of 50* and light winds so Luke made his way to there at 2PM. He did VERY well and really enjoyed this activity. After he did a couple of tries on the FlowRider, Luke and Natalie went back to the outdoor pool and hot tub while Chris and I went up to Deck 15 to the North Star Bar. The vibes at the North Star Bar were our favorite on the ship and the bartenders were some of the best and funniest on the ship. 


Luke was pretty impressive on the FlowRider. 


He was able to get up and ride 2-3 times in his 3 minute try! 


I would call his FlowRider session a success. Next Try- Harmony of the Seas, February 2026!


#LuketheDuke killing it on the FlowRider! 


The North Star Bar- A Davis Favorite! 

Luke also LOVED the North Star Bar as the bartenders would make him just about any weird "mocktail" he would ask for. We stayed up here for quite a while! 


Again, Luke double fisting it with ice cream- living his best life! 


We LOVED the North Star Bar- Check it out! 
Great views, great vibes and OUTSTANDING Bartenders! 

The kids got out of the pool and got dressed for their 4PM reservation at iFly. TIP- The Anthem of the Seas offers iFly sessions for $59/ pp and extended sessions for $79/pp. We did get ours on sale in the Royal app for $42/pp and this is a bargain compared the land prices. This whole excursion took just over an hour and included training, briefing and 2 one-minute flights for the kids. They both did really well and both really enjoyed this. 


He seemed SO nervous as he approached the air tower. 


But he settled down and was ready to FLY! 


Natalie was cool, calm and collected the whole time! 


Luke's first flight was wild! 


But he did SO WELL! 


Natalie loved both of her flights and it seemed as if she had done this countless times. 


Luke did better the 2nd try! 


Natalie- LOVE THIS! She did so well! 


iFly was a HUGE success and money well spent! 


This was worth the money and the kids LOVED it! 
I won't tell them the land version is 2 miles down I-45 from our house- I may go broke! 


Natalie's Band Director was on this ship sailing TOWARDS Alaska! 
Hello Mr. Wimberly- Have a great trip! 

After iFly I went to get ready for dinner and the kids and Chris went to the Sea Plex to play ping-pong and Xbox. This is when we learned you have to check out a controller from the Sea Plex desk for a 30 minute time slot. Chris and Luke enjoyed playing Xbox at sea and Natalie enjoyed the Open Play Volleyball on the lower deck. 


The boys enjoying Xbox in the Sea Plex. 

The all went to shower and get ready for dinner and then we all went to get a Johnny Rocket's Shake to hold us over until dinner. TIP- These shakes are included in the Ultimate Beverage Package and as a Platinum member with Crown and Anchor, we all got 1 free shake as well. We drank our shakes as we made our way to Vintages to play cards before dinner. 


The Anthem of the Seas offered a Johnny Rocket's EXPRESS. (a la carte pricing)
This was not full service but most options were available. 


The Oreo Milkshake was yummy! 


We really enjoyed the MASSIVE Vintages the Anthem offered. 
We had pre-dinner drinks here almost nightly! 

Evening
We sat in Vintages enjoying pre-dinner drinks and mocktails while we played spades. We played cards for over an hour before it was time to go to our Formal Night dinner in the Chic Dining Room. This meal featured Lobster and we were all excited for this menu overall. Luke actually ordered THREE entrees, and ate them all. We have a growing boy on our hands! 


Nightly Dinner picture! 


The Royal Night Menu
(only 1 Lobster per person) 


French Onion Soup (girls)- 4.5
Natalie was not a fan of the cheese but this is my FAVORITE soup! 


Onion Tartlet- 4.0
This was more of a quiche but it was very flavorful! 


Lemon Butter Baked Cod (Luke)- 4.0
He ate every bite! 


Maine Lobster Tail (all)- 5.0
We all loved it! 


Cheese Tortellini (C/K/N)- 4.0
This was RICH and flavorful. 


Warm Chocolate Cake (C/N/L)- 4.5
They all loved it! 


Strawberry Shortcake-4.5
Light and moist. 

After dinner we made our way to 270 for the Disco Inferno Party. This is always one of my favorite events on a Royal Caribbean ship and this party, while the vibe was different from a Royal Promenade party, was AWESOME. Even the kids liked dancing around to 70s music. We stayed for a little bit of the after party music but called it a night around 11:15PM as we would have to lose an hour due to time change. 


We LOVE the Disco Inferno Parties on Royal Caribbean. 


The 270 had a different vibe but it was still SO MUCH FUN! 

This was a great day spent aboard Anthem of the Seas and we were able to check every thing of our Anthem bucket list. 


Day 6 was a success- We love the Anthem of the Seas!

Did you miss day 5? Check out our BEST DAY HERE!  

Up Next... Another "half" Sea Day and Victoria, CANADA! 

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Independence of the Seas- June 2024







 


Carnival Conquest- 2006 

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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Sisters in San Francisco- Day 4

 Let the Top Down
September 3, 2024 
Pacific Coast Highway, CA 

Morning
This day was also a "BUCKET LIST check-off" type of day as we would be driving the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) from San Francisco down to Carmel, CA in a convertible. We woke up bright and early to make our way to the San Francisco airport to pick up our rental car for the day. TIP- The San Francisco airport is about 15 miles south of the downtown and tourist area. You can take the BART to the SFO airport and it does not cost very much.

Once we arrived at the SFO airport, we made our way to the Rental Car plaza just outside the terminals. After a few misdirections, we finally arrived at the SIXT counter and began the process. TIP- This would be the first time I had used SIXT Rentals and they are known for the nicer and higher level of car rentals. I would agree with this as our Ford Mustang was superb. They are a little higher in price compared to companies like Avis or Budget but the service and car was top notch. We had to add Allie as a driver but even with that paperwork, we were in and out of the airport within 30 minutes.


We have the keys and we are ready to go! 

We opted to try and get out of the San Francisco metro area and on the PCH just as soon as we could since it was 8AM and still rush hour traffic. We took the closest road to the west and within 20 minutes we were on the Pacific Coast Highway. 

The drive to Half Moon Bay was through some pretty curvy mountain roads and that is where I realized, I am just not cut out for that type of mountain driving. I was praying the whole time. I told Allison she would need to drive those mountain roads.... My blood pressure was just too high! 


Windy mountain roads are just not for me...

Once in Half Moon Bay, we stopped at a local Coffee Truck to get us a HOT coffee, it was only 57* and breezy, as we started our journey south. Even with the colder temperatures, we opted to let the top down and it was GLORIOUS; albeit COLD! 


This was REALLY good coffee at a random gas station in Half Moon Bay! 


Time to let the top down! 

We got our first view of the Pacific Ocean within about 7-10 miles and it was absolutely GORGEOUS! Allison was driving this stretch and the sites were stunning and nothing short of amazing! 


Hello Pacific Ocean... You are GORGEOUS! 


I seriously LOVE the Pacific! 


This is just as I imagined and I felt like I was in a movie! 


These waves and little inlets were just glorious! 


This drive was SO PEACEFUL! 


Our last approach to Santa Cruz! 


This was the coolest thing we did the whole trip! 
Now to drive the WHOLE HIGHWAY- #Goals! 


The northern tip of Santa Cruz from PCH! 

We casually continued driving south until we got to Santa Cruz where we stopped to get some snacks and more caffeine. 


Hello Santa Cruz! 


We wanted to get a lighter breakfast and found this donut shop! 


These donuts were MASSIVE... Like seriously huge! 
The donut holes were the size of a regular donut in Texas! 

Once we left Santa Cruz the drive became even more beautiful as the ocean waves were just crashing on the beach. There was not a lot of traffic and we really enjoyed this portion. I was able to drive us all the way to Ocean Beach just north of Monterrey. We opted to get out at several locations and just take it all in. The weather was near perfect and the conditions were exquisite. 


Some of the beach area between Santa Cruz and Monterrey!

Afternoon
Once we left the many beaches of this area, we made it around the bend to Monterrey and made several pit stops here. Then we decided to go to Pebble Beach and experience the 17 mile drive. This cost $20 but it was worth EVERY PENNY! We were able to see cypress trees and gorgeous views of the Pacific and despite the fog, we were also able to see the Lone Cypress Tree near Pebble Beach. Once at Pebble Beach we were able to get out and experience all that the golf club house had to offer.


This area reminded me so much of La Jolla in San Diego!


The waters were just gorgeous and the sun was shining bright! 


Another view of the northern part of Monterrey. 


I could have stayed here and watched these waves ALL DAY! 


I LOVED THIS AREA probably the most of our entire drive! 


As we begin to stay here longer, the fog started to roll in! 


A view just outside Pebble Beach south of Monterrey! 

My dad has always been a HUGE golf fan and both my sister, Allison, and myself played golf in high school so this experience was so cool for us. We were even able to walk all the way out to the 18th green and see people completing a round of golf. I really would like to take my dad back here once he is retired as the whole experience was just incredible. I hate that the late afternoon fog rolled in and we could not see more of the actual golf course but I loved getting to walk out to the green.


The drive through Pebble Beach was phenomenal! 


The "Lone Cypress" at Pebble Beach! 


The fog was HEAVY and it was windy but it was SO PRETTY! 


Another gorgeous picture of the Lone Cypress! 


Pebble Beach Golf Course and Lodging! 


Pebble Beach 18th Green 
It is hard to see but the ocean is right behind!
This was literally a DREAM! 


Pebble Beach Golf Course shop area! 
(Come prepared with lots of MONEY- It was crazy expensive!) 

We then drove another 15 miles or so to Carmel by the Sea. This cute little village type town offered all kinds of shops and stores with a quaint old school feel. We did lots of shopping in the local stores before deciding to eat a late lunch at A.W. Shucks Oyster Bar. This was perfect for the lighter fare we needed. 


This tomato soup was so rich! 


And this Fish and Chips plate was some of the best I have ever had- outside of LONDON! 


We fell in love with Carmel by the Sea.
I'd love to go back and stay for a few days! 

After lunch we did a bit more shopping before deciding to get on the road back to San Francisco as we didn't want to have to drive too much in the dark. I did a bit of the driving back north but Allison took over as the sun began to set and the trees started messing with my eyes and head (thank you Allison). The views on this stretch were just PERFECT as the ocean and sun rays made gorgeous blues and purples on the scenery.  


This drive back to the north was just incredible as the fog had lifted and the sun was setting on the mountains! 


I am grateful that Allison drove this stretch as the sun shining through the trees was too much for me but I am also grateful we could BOTH experience scenes like this! 


Another view as we continued north to Pacifica! 

Evening
We wanted to drive all the way to Pacifica on the PCH as Allison learned that the most picturesque Taco Bell ever is right on the beach in Pacifica. We drove over lots of mountains and even in a very long tunnel, which Allison did not like, but we made it to this Taco Bell right as the sunset. I thought the whole thing was a little crazy at first but it turned out to be so cool and I am so glad we hurried to get here before the sunset. How often can you eat a Doritos Loco Taco RIGHT on the beach? Thank you Allie for this suggestion! 


We made it before the sun set... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 


A view from the seating outside the Taco Bell! 


I thought this was kinda crazy but it turned out SO COOL! I am so glad Allie suggested this and we were able to see the sun set. This Taco Bell was GORGEOUS (and the cheapest meal of the trip)! #Memories! 


And while we were driving all over CA, my little guy had his very first Junior High Football game... EVER! I'm so grateful my parents were there to see it all in my absence! I LOVE YOU #LuketheDuke

Then we made our way back to San Francisco and to the SFO airport to turn in our convertible before the 10PM return time. I was very sad to see the Mustang go... It was AWESOME to drive a convertible. Once we returned the car, we got on the BART back to Powell Street Station (it was crazy, once again!) and then back to Bob's Donuts for one last sweet treat before our flight home the next day! 

I am SO GLAD Allison and I decided to make this trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. The sights and scenes were nothing short of incredible and now I have a new BUCKET LIST ITEM- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Washington to San Diego! 

UP NEXT... Our last morning in San Francisco and our return to God's Country!  

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

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