Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Just Cruisin'

Dearest Friends,

I blame my recent blog sabbatical on too much sun on the high seas, where the world of 
wi-fi was left behind, along with dry land, work deadlines, college exams, daily life stresses...and above all, reality. I joined the Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas cruiseliner for a memorable voyage along the tranquil waters of the Persian Gulf. 
These are a few snapshots from the trip.


The ship sails along the United Arab Emirates, through the Sultanate of Oman and Abu Dhabi. We were over 2200 guests on board from 65 different countries. It's a luxurious floating island fitted with a cinema, theatre, rock climbing wall, mini golf course, outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, steam room, a casino, spa, fitness centre and a range of bars & restaurants.



The Centrum (pictured above) is the central meeting point of the ship where all 13 floors reach a pinnacle. It's a great place for relaxing the day away, listening to live bands perform everything from Jazz to Lounge and Latin music. I spent hours here attending fun creative classes like sushi making, towel folding and cake decorating. The entertainment varied with quiz shows, dance classes and amazing aerial acts, with performers from Cirque du Soleil.


The best place to be while out in the 36 degree sun is at one of the swimming pools. 


 This dining room with the sweeping staircase reminded me of The Titanic (in a good way, of course). The decor along the many bars and cafés on the indoor decks was richly opulent and grandly romantic in velvet burgundy, cream and gold.

 One of the themed evenings was an Arabian White Night, where the dress code was all white or anything out of Aladdin's wardrobe. The spicy scent of hookah shishah filled the air, spirits were through the (open-air) roof, buffet tables were laid out with an abundance of delicious midnight snacks & the DJ spun the perfect soundtrack for guests to dance the night away.

A Beautiful Sunset at Sea 

Another themed event was the very lively and energetic 70's Disco Party, where the entertainment team led everyone in line dancing - although, to some people that meant 'zig-zag'. Also, the Village People made a surprise appearance to perform their 2013 cruise-line edition of 'YMCA', (pictured right). Not really - these guys are actually part of the crew. I hope they're being paid well enough to wear these costumes.

A scenic view from the shoreline.


I hope you've enjoyed my mini tour onboard the Serenade of the Seas. I will share pictures of some of the ports of call I visited soon.

*All images belong to me. 


99 comments:

Ice Goddhez Blog said...

Gyaaah! This mini tour is sooooo cool Sam! Love the photos! Looks like you had a great time! Don't worry, we missed you enough and now you're back, post and post and post your adventures :)

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Unknown said...

OMG!!!!!
Awesomeness at its peak!
I love this post and want to hear more about your trip.
Missed you too darling!

Unknown said...

Lord... Wouah looks fabulous!! The pictures are amazing! Do you feel nice and relax?! :)
Welcome back anyway my lovely xx

Unknown said...

OMG! How fabulous!

http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com/

Dawn

tres chic chica said...

Sam!
So exciting! Looks like it was an unbelievable time! Happy you enjoyed and relaxed :)

xo Marie
http://nyorkeratheart.blogspot.com

Rahul Bhatia said...

Thanks a lot, Sam for giving us the inside view of the floating fantasy:)Look forward to more of the pics and places u saw on this great trip!

Popcorn, Pugs & Peonies said...

I had no idea you could take a cruise to the Persian Gulf. The ship looks incredible!!

Rakhshan said...

wow it looks like you had one hell of a vacation! how cool is a cruise trip! looks beyond interesting from the photos! good to have you back Sam, been missing your posts! xx

thefashionpersonal.blogspot.com

A Very Sweet Blog said...

What fun Sam!!! There was so many wonderful things to do! Glad you had a great time. I surely did miss you. When I saw your comment I was like Sam is back! HaHaHa Again, it was a beautiful ship and so glad you had a fabulous time.

Adriana Carmen said...

Welcome back, Sam!We've missed your posts!It looks so amazing!I'm sure zou had a great time!
Looking forward to your future posts!
XOXO
Adrielle
http://dailyfashiondream.blogspot.com

Mimi said...

wow, that looks amazing! i would love to go on a cruise sometime. :)

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
Win a pair of Saltwater Sandals!

Madame Chic Bcn said...

Hello Sam darling!! Welcome back!! I hope you've enjoyed your holiday. By the pictures you're shown us it seems so!!! Can't wait to see the rest!!
xoxo
Patricia

PS: I've added you to my blogroll so I won't miss any of your posts!! ;-)

http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

FASHION TALES said...

That's wonderful Sam, welcome back dear. The photos alone look like it was a mighty good holiday. Thanks for sharing. xx/Madison

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Great potos! It looks like a good time was had! Thanks for sharing!

www.shareasecret.wordpress.com

xoxo

Valeria said...

I hope you had a great time. Thanks for sharing these nice pics.

Valeria.
http://myurbanmarket.blogspot.it

Elly @ Caribbean Living said...

Wow Sam this looks like a fantastic holiday!!! Wonderful piccies, I loved the ones up top of the cruise ship in particular. I'm looking forward to seeing more!

It's interesting to hear what it's like to be on a cruise - we saw sooooo many of these huge ships when we were living in the Caribbean, but never got the chance to take a trip on one. Think I shall add it to the holiday wishlist now...

Daniella said...

Hi Sam, I hope you had a wonderful trip my dear and if these photos are anything to go by i'm sure you did! The photos are great, the cruise looks amazing and that picture of the sunset is so so pretty! :)

Take care,
Daniella xox

Denisa said...

Oo, I was before years on a big ship like that. It was gret, we see 4 countries. Have a great day.

http://www.fashiondenis.com/

Unknown said...

Wow! I love your photos and it seems like you really enjoyed your vacation! Wish I could go on a cruise too, someday :)

Airish ♥
http://gorgeousglance.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Anyway, I followed you on Bloglovin :)

Airish ♥
http://gorgeousglance.blogspot.com/

Lilli said...

Hi Sam!! So happy to have you here again! Welcome back dear! I am seriously speechless cause make a cruise is always my deepest dreams! This ship is too stunning for words, my jaws are dropped in fact! Glad you had fun and I'm looking forward to see more photos from you! These ones are all fab, the sunset is something magical!:) Kisses dear, have a good day!♥

Nhi said...

oh wow Sam! looks like you had the best time ever!!:) i'm so happy you enjoyed it and got home safely. to do a cruise trip is definitely one of the things on my to-do list!:) thanks so much for sharing those beautiful pictures with us! i can't wait to have vacation soon...

lots of love <3
looking forward to your next posts!

miasmode said...

May I say that I´m soooo jealous??? Wow what a wonderful ship and the sunset at sea looks so marvellous. I can´t wait to see more photos from your journey while I sit in the cold and the rain is pouring from above <3

xx

glamdevils

Nicole said...

Hello Sam! Thank you for your kind words!
Looks like you had an amazing time - I've never been on a cruise ship, so it's lovely to see photo's of what it looks like. Sushi making? Can we be friends? :p
Good luck with all your work lovely.
xxx
:)

Unknown said...

WOW!!! Amazing! Its one of my biggest dream to get into the same place!!!! I hope you enjoyed, and btw did you have some kind of sick? or this ship was big enough so you even didnt feel waves? Just I'm very sensitive to this and I'm really afraid to get sick there:)

煒霖 said...

Wow, those views are just so beautiful!!! =]

Bold Barbara said...

I want!!!!:)
http://ladybirdcastle.blogspot.ro/

Ivana said...

Yayyy, Sam, I'm so happy to have you back! I missed you! And oh my goodness, how amazing does this holiday sound? I may, or may not be a tiny bit jealous :) It looks like just the perfect voyage to forget all the stress, deadlines and worries! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself, and I can't wait to hear more about it! I have to shoot you an email with all my questions :)

Have the loveliest day! (I'm already looking forward to the next posts!)

xx Ivana

Macarons and Pearls

miss b said...

Welcome back! I certainly did enjoy your mini tour on board this beautiful ship. It looks like you had a really fun time. I'm looking forward to more photos of your wonderful holiday in one of my favourite areas of the world! Thanks for your lovely comment and you are right - it looks like we might both have been in Dubai at the same time!
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

Stella said...

So beautiful!
I want to have a cruise experience one day too!
x
Stella from a A Shiny Place

Unknown said...

Im fine thank you :)
what about you ?
pictures are fantastic



Http://Fashioneiric.blogspot.com

Coline ♡

Gina said...

Wonderful pictures! I missed you lots, Sam...but I'm glad you had a relaxing vaca. Thanks for sharing some highlights.

XO, Gina
http://classyeverafter.blogspot.com

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

Wow!! What an amazing trip!! It's like a city on that ship! So happy that you had such a wonderful vacation!!

Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

agasuitcase said...

Stunning pictures
Kisses
Aga

New post Black, white and neon!
Follow me at Bloglovin!
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Silvia Negretti said...

Welcome back sweetie!!!! :D
I'm very happy you took a relaxing vacation, that sheep looks amazing and it should be so fun have a ride on it!
xxx
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

Rebecca said...

What a fabulous trip! I loved the tour of the boat! So much fun! I can't wait to see more pictures! I liked your post on bloglovin!

Rebecca
www.winnipegstyle.ca

Always Maylee said...

Looks like it was a wonderful cruise!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Demi Mist said...

the ship looks great!
I hope you enjoyed your trip.
looking forward to more photos!
demi mist

Dominika | Into the Bloom said...

It looks like an incredible trip, I hope you had the most amazing time, sweetheart! I can't wait to see more pictures. It actually made me a little bit jealous, considering the fact that winter is slowly coming to an end here and I'm seriously in need of some sun. Wish I could experience something like that.

http://glamourxkills.blogspot.com

Street Fashion Paris said...

WOW!!! amazing!!!

VintageDanielle said...

Looks like you had the time of your life. I'm glad you were able to leave the stresses behind and have fun. I've been on a couple of cruises, and it's a blast.

Mon Cherries said...

You had amazing holliday... I dream of such a trip.

Why Girls Are Weird said...

SO jealous, I LOVE going on cruises!

Kati said...

That swimming pool looks absolutely fantastic!

Have a fantastic week,
-Kati

Jessi said...

Oh, awesome!! I didn't know we were both going on cruises around the same time :) how funny! I love looking at your photos! Your ship looks awesome, ours was pretty similar and we had a white night too! Can't wait to see more and to post my pics soon!
Jessi
haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love your photos! I have never been on a cruise but would love to go on one!

LUXESSED

Rakel said...

Love your photos!! amazing post!

Sin12012 said...

WOOOW ! Look so Cool ! 8D

www.sinbowtie.blogspot.com

Alessandra said...

Fabulous! Kisses dear!

http://lapetiterobenoire-ale.blogspot.com

Preity Lama Tamang said...

great post!!
xx

Unknown said...

Thanx for your comment my dear, really nice post .
When I see this I wanna go on holiday... To bad but okay haha
Shall we follow on bloglovin? let me know x suponog estilo

Style-Delights said...

Wow..such a fun cruise vacation! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style Delights Blog

Josie said...

Sammmmmm, welcome back! I've missed your posts! I'm good thanks how are you? This cruise looks like it was absolute luxury, glad you had a fab time. Look forward to your other posts on your trip! xxx

Unknown said...

I was wondering where you were ;) Sounds like you had an amazing experience on that boat ! Really looks beautiful!
I wish I could go soon :) Can't wait to see more
http://www.melolimparfaite.com

Diana Marks said...

wow! It must have been an amazing experience! thanks for sharing with us

LA By Diana Live Magazine

Alba - Petit Sweet Couture said...

awesome!

xoxo

Elle Sees said...

great pics! i'm sp glad you're back

Jessica said...

I love your pictures. It looks like you had an amazing time. I have never been on a cruise. My parents went on a cruise last year and still have not stopped talking about it.

Tracy

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

Welcome back Sam! That ship looks so luxurious and amazing! From your photos it looks like you had quite a fantastic time. Hope you returned well rested and looking forward to hearing more about your ventures off the boat.

Rowena @ rolala loves

trishie said...

That looks amazing! Glad to hear about your fantastic trip.

Unknown said...

What a fabulous trip! I definitely missed your blog and came back often to see if you were back yet - haha. I have to ask you if you can label some of the items you have in your must pack post - in particular the shoes! I am loving everything!


Zahra

sonia // daring coco said...

Amazing, but a little disappointed about UAE not being like SATC, what a shame.

SDMxx
www.daringcoco.com

Antee Gurung said...

Omg so this is what our Sam has been doing.... Wat a perfect way to celebrate life......loving the cruise post....nice for change.... Wanna see ur pics aswell...missed u loads...

Xoxo

The Dragonfruit said...

Oh my word, girl, this is so amazing!
Definitely can see why you took a blog hiatus :)

Trendy Teal

Coco said...

Welcome back gorgeous! I can't wait to see what you wore on the cruise!
Thank you for stopping by! I'm glad you enjoyed such a wonderful vacation!!!

xoxo
Coco et La vie en rose
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Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook

joy said...

Ahhhh looks like you had such a lovely vacation! The cruise looks soooo fun and the decor is so beautiful and so is the scenic view! I so wish that I could go on a cruise soon. LOVE this recap and pictures:)

Fashion-Bridge said...

Dear Sam, welcome back! we've missed you! But you have a perfectly understandable excuse;) Oh my! The photos are breath-taking. Only that sunset took my breath away! I'm happy to hear that you had such a wonderful time on such a magical boat.

Xx

Alexandra

www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

AdinaA said...

Hi sweetie!

Loving the pictures, so jealous right now! :) It seems like you had loads of fun, and I am so happy for that. I think it was a welcomed and needed getaway. Looking forward for your newest posts!

xx

http://micorfashionology.blogspot.ro

Unknown said...

Great! Have a fun!

Unknown said...

WOw that looks amazing :D

I really want to cruising as well !

Especially on a boat like that one :P


Happy Thursday love :)

xxx

BELULOVE said...

guauu amazing!!! did u like it?? could u sleep ?? or did u feel the sea moving jajaja


kisses

KONSTANTINA TZORTZI said...

wow!!!!!!!!
lucky you!
xoxo
LS

Jessica said...

Hi Sam!
welcome back dear, we've missed you!
Your ship looks awesome, and thanks so much for sharing those beautiful pictures :)
Have a nice day!

The Fashion Heels
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mademoiselle mode said...

So lucky ^^
I dream to do that ^^
Lovely pics

New post - Kisses
http://www.mademoisellemode.com/

The Garage Starlets said...

Nice! Looks like lots of fun!

http://www.thegaragestarlets.com/

Heather Nixon said...

I love royal caribbean cruises, I have been on four :) x


www.ofbeautyandnothingness.blogspot.co.uk

Carmen said...

Wow, this looks like so much fun! Great pool area :D
xx
www.clothesandcamera.com

Beauty Follower said...

Ok this is awesome!

gigi said...

omg lucky you! looks like the best vacation ever. have been super seasick in the past so have never considered a cruise but after seeing this I am totally booking this for my next vacation the ship has so much to do...hope you had a good time! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Sam! I love that you shared these photos of your trip because I feel like I went with you. Please fit me into your suitcase next time you take an adventure though! I think we would have such a good time on holiday together, lol. Glad you got to relax for awhile and enjoy yourself. Glad to have you back tho!

-Nico

www.SatinAndSalt.com

Sandra Leiva said...

Looks AMAZING!

Sakuranko said...

Wow that looks really beautiful many thanks for share with us!
I hope see many post!
I hope you have a lot of fun

xoxo

Anonymous said...

oh wow! how cool! Ive always wanted to go on a cruise, its on my bucket list! I hope youve had a nice get away with no wi-fi, stress, or work! ha!

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

Glad to see you back! :) And thank you for sharing these photos - looks like you had an amazing time! x

Unknown said...

very very nice my dear!:)
www.borsadimarypoppins.com

angieporelmundo said...

oh give me envious. traveling more great.

http://losviajesysibaritismosdeauroraboreal.blogspot.com.es/

RetroStreetStation said...

Thanks for your lovely comment, dear :)
I'm fine, I hope you as well!

Wonderful pictures!

Wendy said...

WOW! I'm jealous! Here In holland it's still looks winter :(. Thank god sunday will it be 20degrees :)
Beautiful poto's!

XxX
http://fabulousstylews.blogspot.com

Sisters In Style said...

Mmm...I dream about some cruise:))) Lovely pictures!
xxx

Carolyna's world said...

so so great pictures, I dream about this kind of cruise :-)

Unknown said...

Thanx you so much beauty! We speak us soon, follow you back of course xoxo lots of love SE

Elegantesque said...

Nice cruise ! looks like you have a great time !

Kisses
Hannah
Elegantesque Blog

Unknown said...

Looks like a great vacation!

www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
www.daisyraeboutique.com

Danny said...

never been on a cruise, must be awesome!

Kashaya said...

Looks lovely.=) We're actually thinking of taking a cruise this summer.

MateaTPol said...

torally great! have great time, and I think you will!

Unknown said...

This just looks amazing and like so much fin. It reminds me of when my sisters and I went on our first cruise back in 2010!
XO Wil Harris

Lima said...

Omg you went on a cruise?! WELL JEL.

The pictures make the holiday look oh so luxurious. Not sure I can live without wifi, ha! What a sad life life I lead!

Halima

xx

margaret cruzemark said...

Sam!! Welcome back!! So glad you had such a lovely time.
Best Regards
Miss Margaret Cruzemark
http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/