A winter getaway, January 27 to February 5, 2023

JoAnn booked us on a seven night cruise on the new Celebrity Beyond. We flew to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, January 27th for a two night stay at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard. We’ve stayed at the Riverside on many occasions and really like it.. Here is a photo of our room and two views, day and night, from our balcony

Then, on Sunday the 29th, we were on our way to the Beyond for what promises to be a really pleasant voyage. It all began the moment the taxi dropped us off at pier 25. We are staying in a Sky Suite and there was a dedicated check-in line for suite passengers. We flew through the process in minutes and before we knew it we were on board heading for our cabin, 9148. The cabin is quite spacious and well appointed. The color palette is pleasant and relaxing. Have a look.

The ship is lovely and different. I truly like our cabin and the amenities suite life has to offer. I’m spoiled, there’s no getting around that. But more about the ship later. I think to start I will take you on a visit to Nassau in the Bahamas, our first port of call. We’ve been here many, many times before and change comes gradually. The main street is much as it was over 35 years ago when we first set eyes on it. Some of you may recall it from an early James Bond movie, Thunderball, starring Sean Connery. I can still picture him lurking behind a pillar looking for the female villain. Maybe here?

The Straw Market is a colorful and interesting place to stroll around.

JoAnn and I both thought this tree, reaching between buildings for the sun, was interesting.

This cigar club and lounge is further along the main street which is clogged with traffic.

We visited Christ Church, Anglican Cathedral, on George Street. It is a lovely place. The stained glass behind the altar is beautiful.

Let me take a moment to share a sign I saw in a shop window. I love it. I can’t tell you how disgusting I think it is when I see people leaning against a wall with their dirty shoes supporting them. I alway ask myself, do they treat their homes the same way they treat the property of others?

On our way back to the Beyond we saw Atlantis from across the blue bay waters; only a water taxi ride away.

I liked this tug with the ships in the background.

As we sailed from Nassau, I snapped this photo of the Celebrity Reflection on the right and Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas on the left with Atlantis in the background. Goodbye Nassau, on our way west to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman.