Friday, April 10, 2015

I have my Own Rum

                      I have my own Rum!

Vintage Poster About Don The Beachcomber Rum

Don the Beachcomber rum cocktails Hollywood CA and Chicago IL

Host to Diplomat and Beachcomber,
Prince and Pirate

1727 No. McCadden Place
Hollywood, California

marked 1941

101 East Walton Place

Chicago, Illinois

Ship Of The Day Grandeur Of The Seas

Outside view












Grandeur of the Seas: is a nice and bright ship of the Cruise Line Royal Caribbean International, that was put into service in December 1996 as another ship of the "Vision"-class. A big variety of great entertainment, delicious food and the international flair characterise this white ocean liner.

Atmosphere on Board

Just like all the other Royal Caribbean vessels, Grandeur of the Seas has got something to offer  everyone. There are many international guests on board. The menus and daily information are available in several different languages.
Overall, the atmosphere on board is relaxed. During the day it is rather casual, but on special evenings formal dress is expected in the main restaurant.

Cabins

All staterooms are furnished comfortably and quite spacious. The size of the cabins ranges between 13 sqm (inside cabins) and 14 sqm (outside cabins) up to 95 sqm (Royal Suite). Numerous cabins have got their private balcony.

 

Dining

The main restaurant is located on two decks and offers a great view through the panorama windows. From the Windjammer Café you can also look over the sea while enjoying the food from the buffet. Overall, the food is very good and tasty.


Entertainment

Whether you prefer a quiet atmosphere or a party in the disco: from piano music to Broadway-style shows to disco there is a huge range of different entertainment offers. On board there are art auctions with pictures from famous artists, the ever-popular bingo games and lectures about the ports of call.



Sport and Leisure

The spa offers a large fitness area with stunning ocean views, a swimming pool with a relaxation area ("Solarium"), various sports classes such as aerobics or Pilates (some at an additional charge), a sauna and a steam room (separated by gender). In the spa, a wide range of wellness and beauty treatments is offered (extra charge).
Besides, there are further pools and whirlpools on deck which invite you to swim and bathe.



Our Recommendation

Grandeur of the Seas is a vessel with international flair operated by an American cruise line. Almost everything is possible on board, from playing miniature golf to climbing the wall. The cuisine is delicious. The main on board language is English. You can expect a professionally organised cruise of high quality.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

The Building of the Carousel Aboard Oasis Of The Seas








Oasis of the Seas - Carousel
The centerpiece of the Boardwalk neighborhood will be a one-of-a-kind carousel – the firstever
at sea. Hand-crafted from poplar wood and especially created for Royal Caribbean
International, this full-sized, traditional carousel took eight months to complete. It will feature 21
figures suspended from stainless steel poles showcasing a time-honored menagerie of animals such
as zebras, giraffes and lions, alongside a variety of hand-painted horses including a princess horse
and a crowned frog prince. Below are some of the key features of the carousel.
Dimensions:
• Weight: approximately 11,000 lbs (4,989 kilos)
• Height: 22 ft (6.7 meters)
• Diameter: 23 ft (7 meters)
Carousel Figures:
• 21 figures & 1 stationary chariot including: horses (11), a lion, a tiger cub, a zebra, an impala,
a jaguar, an elephant, a frog prince, a giraffe, a rabbit and a peacock “chariot” (ADA
accessible)
o Each weighs 40-60 lbs (18 – 27 Kilos) with the “chariot” weighing 149 lbs (67 kilos)
• All figures have glass eyes of different colors and sizes.
o 21 sets of glass eyes, each approximately 1-inch wide
• The carousel was designed using elements from turn-of-the-century boardwalk carousels.
• The lead horse, a carousel’s fanciest figure and normally placed behind the chariot, is
designed in Royal Caribbean’s blue and yellow; the shield is adorned with the crown and
anchor logo.
Construction/materials:
• Material for figures: Poplar wood, hand-carved
o Total of 1,500 lbs (680 kilos)
o 40-70 2-inch boards is used to create each figure
o Approx 40 lbs – 60 lbs (18 - 27 kilos) is used to create each figure
• Facade: Metal
• 31 gallons (177 liters) of paint and 4-5 coats of sealant to protect against salt water
conditions. Shore-side carousels normally have 2-3 coats of sealant
• 130 sq ft (12 meters squared) of real gold leaf gilding
• 1,800 ft (549 meters) of wiring is used in the carousel, primarily for lighting
• The carousel will use approximately 200 light bulbs
• The carousel is constructed in 8 sections

• The carousel was constructed by Carousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Which Caribbean Island Are You?

Which Caribbean Island Are You?
The shopper. The beach bum. The adventurer: No matter who you are, there’s a Caribbean experience for you.

Close your eyes and imagine your dream Caribbean vacation — are you lounging back in a hammock on a white-sand beach, piña colada in hand? Or are you hiking up a mountain so you can zip line through the jungle?

No matter what your vacation interests are, there’s a Caribbean experience out there for you. And with all the great destinations Royal Caribbean sails to, you can get there in style!

I Want… The. Best. Shopping.
Are you looking to shop ‘til you drop? Get yourself to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Frommer’s has described this cosmopolitan port as a “shopping mecca,” and the spot is considered one of the best duty-free destinations in the world. Go crazy for brand-name jewelry, clothing, watches, cameras and much more.

I Want… The Beach. That’s Really It.
Is your perfect vacay full of white sand, palm trees… and not much else? Head to Aruba, whose name is synonymous with powder-fine white-sand beaches and calm, clear waters.   And what better way to wrap up your beach day than with a catamaran cruise?
A second opinion: If the ocean is where your heart really goes wild, take a trip to Bonaire in the Dutch Antilles, best known for its snorkeling adventures.

I Want… The Local Fare (Bonus Points If I Get to Learn How to Make It)
Experience the flavors of Jamaica. From the port of Falmouth, try this culinary immersion at an 18th century Great House. You’ll learn how to make Dolphin Cove Special Blend Jerk Sauce and Coconut ‘Run Down’ with Shrimp from Chef Irie using herbs and spices from the house’s own gardens.

I Want… The Great Outdoors
Enjoy some of the best nature has to offer in St. Lucia. Scramble up The Pitons, primeval twin peaks that top 2,000 feet and serve as the island’s most famous landmark.

A second opinion: In Dominica, you can check out volcanic peaks, boiling waters and underwater springs. Adventure awaits!

I Want… A Great Romance
A great way to set the mood is chocolate, right? In the Bahamas, take your sweetie to the Graycliff Chocolatier. You can learn how to make delicious treats like chocolate truffles and bonbons with tropical flavors inspired by the island.

I Want… An Adrenaline Rush, Stat
So hiking just doesn’t cut it for you. Puerto Rico’s Toro Verde Adventure Park holds the holy grail for adrenaline junkies: “La Bestia,” one of the world’s highest and longest zip lines, extending more than 4,700 feet through the forest canopy.
A second opinion: Hang on tight during this dolphin encounter on Grand Cayman. The dolphin glides you through the water as you grip on to its fin.

Helicopter Motorhome Flying Winnebago?

An interesting look at the flying motorhome from Winnebago that never quite took off like they thought it would in the 1970’s. The Helicopter Motorhome known as a Winnebago Heli-home was built on a Sikorsky S-55 or S-58 helicopter. I would think that a flying camper would be a dream come true for any helicopter pilot who loves the great outdoors. This could be luxury living for Alaska Bush Pilots flying into remote areas.

Awesome Shore Excursions on Freedom Of The Seas

snuba
Sun, sand and sea: The Caribbean’s got it all. And you can get the best of the best with a cruise on Freedom of the Seas. Newly refurbished, Freedom is sailing the Caribbean’s warm waters now with the addition of new restaurants, including modern Mexican concept Sabor and Italian trattoria Giovanni’s Table, plus a retro-chic cocktail lounge R Bar, and refreshed staterooms and public spaces.
There’s so much to see onboard that you might never want to leave. But guess what else Freedom has to offer? Some pretty amazing shore excursions on some of the Eastern Caribbean’s hottest islands. Check out this list for a few of our favorites — or see all the shore excursions (more than 100!) for yourself.

What it is like working on a cruise ship?




What is it like working on a cruise ship. This is pretty close although we may exaggerate  just a little for this article..but pretty close!

If you've ever watched (reruns of) The Love Boat, then you know that working on a cruise ship is about the best job ever. All witty banter, hilarious hijinks, and sage romantic advice from Captain Stubbing. While traveling around the world!
But what's it really like to work aboard a cruise ship? Do they put in crazy hours? Hit on passengers? Throw giant frat parties in the middle of the night?
We wanted to know, so we asked three cruise industry veterans for the dirty details about real life on the high seas.

The top 10 cruise destinations in the Caribbean



If you’re looking for a tropical getaway, the Caribbean Sea’s warm waters and lively islands are a must-do. Whether you are into adventures like snorkeling and ziplining or more laid-back activities like beach reading and sipping a frozen daiquiri, there’s aCaribbean island that’s right for you.
But which one should you explore first? Read on to learn more about each of the top Caribbean island destinations. Royal Caribbean sails to all 10 — so start dreaming now!
Labadee.1

Amazing jobs on a cruise ship





Amazing & Curious Jobs on a cruise ship.






On land, a rock wall instructor may not know how to operate a zip line. Likewise, a zip line operator probably doesn’t manage many basketball tournaments. At sea, however, there is a job that involves all three of these activities and more in any given day. That job is a Royal Caribbean International sports staff member.
The sports staff on Allure of the Seas hail from around the world and have a variety of professional experience, from personal training to teaching high school physical education. But there are certain qualities they all have in common that led them to take on their multi-faceted role: they love being active and have serious amounts of energy to maintain constant motion

Why book a Royal Caribbean International Shore Excursion?

Top Reasons to Book A Royal Caribbean International Shore Excurison



Top Reasons To Book Our Shore Excursions:
  • Guaranteed First Off Ship: Guests booked on our tours enjoy priority departure in port.
  • Hassle-Free Cancellation Policy*: Excursions can be modified or cancelled up to 24 hours prior to tour departure without penalty.
  • Guaranteed Return To Ship†: If our tours are delayed, the ship will wait for you.
  • In-Depth Destination Expertise: Discover the heart of the destinations with our knowledgeable and experienced guides. Your excursions are planned by insured partners who adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry.
  • Our most popular tours and activities often sell out so we recommend advance booking for the best selection and availability.


Saturday, April 4, 2015

Fly By!

Fly By!

The Blue Angels, Marine Corps' C-130 Hercules, affectionately known as "Fat Albert," flies over the Silent Drill Platoon at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 4.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Oscar L. Olive/Released)








You may also donate if you like to our Make A Wish

Riley's Amazing Make A Wish Story

Riley becomes a Marine
“ A Make-A-Wish experience can provide that positive edge for kids like Riley to stay strong. ”
You may also donate if you like to our Make A Wish





Wind rushes in through the Huey’s open doors. From his center seat, Riley feels the air tug at him as the helicopter rolls into a steep banked turn. They’re sensations unlike anything he’s ever experienced.
The smile on Riley’s face reminds his new Marine Corps friends of their first helicopter flight. It’s part of their everyday work – but for 11-year-old Riley, it’s a wish come true.
A Life of Challenge
Riley was diagnosed with pulmonary disease. It’s a condition he’ll have to manage his entire life and it prevents him from joining the ranks of those he admires most – the U.S. Marine Corps.
Make-A-Wish® offered Riley the chance to wish for anything. And he wished to be a Marine for a day. Though he admires every branch of the military, Riley sees a toughness in the Marine Corps that sets it apart.
Riley’s father, Aaron, says his son displays the same brand of toughness every single day in the face of a difficult medical condition. A Make-A-Wish experience can provide that positive edge for kids like Riley to stay strong.
Marines Feel the Impact of Granting a Wish
Marine Staff Sergeant Jeremy Hager noticed something about Riley immediately – all the qualities that make an “outstanding Marine.”
“Riley was definitely motivated,” he said. “He was very disciplined, polite and courteous.”
Hager was one of many people who pulled together to grant Riley’s wish. Drill instructors, pilots and aircrews at Camp Pendleton gave Riley the ultimate first-hand look at their lives. They arranged activities that are normally off-limits to everyone outside the military.
“I see how events like this can really stick in a child’s memory,” Major Chris Chown, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, told a Marine Corps journalist. “Anytime you are able to come through on a child’s wish, the expression you see on their face makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
One Chance to Change a Life
What is a typical day at the office for Chown is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Riley. Living with pulmonary disease prevents him from serving in the military. But his wish gave him something to look forward to. And now that his wish is over, he has incredible memories that overshadow his daily challenges.
“I really loved the helicopter ride because at one point, I felt like I was floating,” Riley said. “And then, all of a sudden, we just dropped.” By designating the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, CFC #11375, you can share the power of a wish®.
Anytime you are able to come through on a child’s wish, the expression you see on their face makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
— Major Chris Chown

Margarita Cup Cakes Just In Time For Easter









You may also donate if you like to our Make A Wish






Margarita Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

1 box white cake mix
3 egg whites
2 Tbs vegetable oil
1.5 oz triple sec
2 oz tequila of your choosing
7 oz lime juice
zest of 1 lime

For the frosting:

1 1/2 sticks butter (12 Tbs)
4-5 cups confectioners sugar
1 Tbs tequila
1 Tbs lime juice
zest of one lime
lime slices for garnish (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with cupcake papers.

In a large bowl, prepare batter according to package directions substituting the 1 1/3 cup water with triple sec, tequila and lime juice. Add lime zest. Mix well. Pour into cupcake tins, filling about 2/3rs of the way, and place in oven. Bake for 19-22 minutes until cupcakes spring back when touched.

Meanwhile, prepare frosting. Using an electric hand mixer, cream butter and 1 cup confectioners sugar in a high sided bowl until fluffy. Add tequila, lime juice and lime zest. Mix in remaining sugar, adding more if necessary to reach desired consistency, if piping, it should be a little stiffer.

Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting. If garnishing, cut lime into very thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. cut each slice into quarters. Pat dry with paper towels and place on frosting.

Eat. Can be refrigerated up to 3 days.

Royal Caribbean Official Coco Loco



You may also donate if you like to our Make A Wish











Coco Loco (Royal Caribbean s Version) from Food.com: A fruity frozen drink from Oceans Potions: Royal Carribean Cocktail Recipe Book. This was my favorite drink to have poolside on our last cruise.

Coco Loco (Royal Caribbean's Version)

4 mins to make • Serves 1

Produce

1/2Banana

Condiments

1/4 ozGrenadine

Nuts & Seeds

1/2 ozCream of coconut

Drinks

1/2 ozOrange juice
1/2 ozPapaya nectar
1/2 ozPineapple juice

Beer, Wine & Liquor

3/4 ozCoconut rum
3/4 ozRum, dark