Friday, “Fourth of July” ~At Sea off the coast of Scotland

Ruby Princess Atrium decorated for the Fourth of July

I love “at sea” days.  I have a chance to really relax.  But today I was more in hibernating mode.  There seems to be a pattern developing, I am more home-sick on holidays.  I spent the morning thinking of friends and family, envisioning how they are spending the day. Some will be at the beach, or watching a parade, or having a BBQ.  Some will be entertaining a crowd, having a drink or two, and anticipating the evening fireworks.

On days like this I miss “home” and all that implies – comfort, familiarity, friends and family, the known routines and what have become traditions.

The crew have decorated the public areas in red, white and blue to honor those from the USA, even though there are many nationalities on board.  It helps take the sting away a little.

Here are a few pictures taken around the ship:

Watching Movies on deck. I think this is “Frozen” on at the moment

Another pool in the aft of the ship. I think I counted five different pools and 10 hot tubs.

There are many activities available.  Daily lectures, games, gambling, use the large and well equipped gym for a workout or take an exercise class ranging from Zumba to yoga, have a spa treatment, watch a movie, play a variety of sports, several shops and an art gallery where you can spend your money, dancing or listening to a variety of musical groups, nightly shows and of course you can eat until you are in a coma…

Miniature golf anyone?

Or how about basketball?

Walk the deck, pay ping-pong, read a book…

And of course there are several bars and lounges to have a drink, snack, get online, read or visit with a new friend

The central atrium is the hub of the ship where you find reception, tour desk, shopping arcade, bakery and snack counter, ice cream parlor, musical entertainment, internet cafe, and more

And of course since it is a “Formal Night”, Gus had to get decked out for the evening.

Gus in black tie, garters and his own invitation to attend the Captains cocktail party

Gratitude Moment:  Today I am grateful for the amazing engineering marvels that somehow manage to create a huge, magical environment that contains so many options, moves from one interesting place to the next and actually floats! You can do as much or as little as you like while on board.