Traveling to Mobile Friday, Jan 17, 2025
Breakfast at Jacks
Hubby ordered a sausage and egg sandwich
I ordered a single gray and biscuit. We both ordered a diet soda
We bought fuel at Sam's Club
Spent 21.89
Jack 9.80 in Killen Hubby paid cash.
We stopped at Walmart in Russellville and bought hats, sunglasses, candy, and diet soda
We are traveling south Hwy 43/13.
We bought fuel at Welcome to Minute Stop on Saraland Blvd. We spent 27.54.
We stopped in Saraland for dinner or lunch at Wintzells Oyster House. We spent $32.96, and our sweet server was Ashley. We sat at table 32.
 |
| Cheese Grits with grilled shrimp |
I ordered grilled shrimp and cheese grits and a baked potato, which was delicious.
It was more than I could handle
Hubby ordered a lunch jumbo platter. We both ordered iced tea.
We arrived at the Battle House Hotel around 4 P.M. and checked into room 5244. Our 12-day stay, including parking, costs $358.96.
I took a long, hot bath. Since the temperature outside had dropped, we decided to stay inside and watch television.
I watched forensic evidence until I fell asleep.
Pictures
Mural Russellville Walmart 5270 @ 9.09 A.M. (1)
Wintzell 6271-4 @ 3:29pm (4)
Receipts 5275-6 @ 4:37pm(2)
View from room 5279-80@4.40pm(2)
Steps Zone 20, Miles 1.19, Calories 1,377, Steps 3.104
Saturday, Jan 18, 2025, Carnival Spirit 12-day voyage to the Caribbean.
Day 1:
I woke up early and wrote in the journal, anticipating my upcoming trip. We don't board the ship until 12:30 P.M.
We walked next door to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. I ordered a four-count chicken mini with lemonade.
Hubby ordered a chicken biscuit with hash rounds. We spent 16.93 cash at 7:22 A.M.
We took the shuttle to the ship
I boarded the boat around 12:30
All the tables near and around the buffet were full
Finally, one of the servers found us a table
I went and got us a guy's burger and fries
Our hamburger was overcooked
I got us some peanut butter cookies and vanilla yogurt
The yogurt was too sweet
Our room was ready at about 1:30 P.M.
We took our carry-on to the room.
I watched some TV and watched the people load the food needed to feed the people for 12 days.
It was dark by the time the ship left the port
Dinner in the Empire dining room
I ordered a salad, Szechuan shrimp, with scallion, garlic, angel hair noodles, peppers, and bok choy. Crawfish strudel
Dessert was cheesecake
Pictures
View from room 5281 (1) 7:07 A.M.
Walking around Mobile 5282-83 (2) 11:49 A.M.
Watching freight being loaded onto the ship 5284-96 (11) @4:59pm
Leaving port 5297-5304 (8) @5:19pm
Dinner 5205-10 (5)5 @6:22 pm
Steps 8,240 steps, 78 zones, 3.02 miles, 1,582 calories
 |
| Leaving Mobile |
Sea Day Sunday, Jan 19, 2025
Day 2:
Sea day brunch in the Empire room cheese omelet with bacon, French toast, hot chocolate, and water.
We made a bracelet with beads and sea shells. we went to the show
I didn't get any prizes
We stopped at another Travis show. Walked through the shops
I didn't buy anything
Now, in the lido deck for lunch
I ate Chinese noodles, hot spicy fish, veggies, and chicken Rangoon
We sat on the lido deck but got sleepy, so we went back to our cabin for a nap
Late dinner
Iceberg lettuce salad, Salmon with kale, arugula, walnuts, tomatoes, berries.
Dessert grand Marnie soufflé warm crème anglaise
Went to the Red Frog for entertainment band
We went to Pharaoh's Palace to watch a magic show with Cody Fisher.
Went to bed around 11:30 P.M.
Photos
Receipts 5311-13 (3). 7:09 A.M.
Ocean 5314 @ 7:10am
Breakfast 5315-17 (2) @8:42 am
Lunch 5318 @1:03pm
Dinner 5319-21 (3) @7:09 pm
Steps zone 0, miles 2.07 calories 1,390 steps 5,560
Sea Day Monday, January 20, 2025
Day 3:
Sea day brunch in Empire Dinner
I ordered a Skillet cake
Hubby ordered steak and eggs, toast with butter and jelly
And a plate of cookies
We did a coloring page and Golden Girls trivia
S.E.E. Caribbean show
Lunch shrimp tacos
Dinner: shrimp and crab cakes with apple slaw
Honey-glazed pork loin with potatoes and green beans
Dessert was key lime pie
Elton Jon's piano show
Photos
Sunrise 5322-23(2)5:58am
Brunch 5324 (1)8:29 am
Dr Sesus parade 5325-38(13)10:12pm
Lunch 5339 @ 12:2pm
Sunset 5340-44 (2) 5:38 P.M.
Dinner 5345-49 (5) 6:59 P.M.
5 Zone, 2.04 Miles, 1,385 Calories, 5,843 steps
Grand Turk Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025
Day 4:
Duck boat Adventures Grand Turk (159.98)
We rode through Grand Turk. The island is about 7 miles long
We saw a military base.
 |
| Your Adventures Awaits with Splash Tours "The Duck" |
We had a restroom and a shopping stop. Hubby stayed on the bus.
I looked around and walked through the Turks & Caicos National Museum.
I saw information about donkey carts, Grand Turks Salina production stages, the Molasses Reef Wreck mystery, pottery styles, and maps.
We entered the water for about 15 to 20 minutes
 |
| Grand Turk Lighthouse |
We stopped to visit the lighthouse and shopping
We started back to the ship when a part fell off the duck
We waited for their maintenance man to fix the duck
They said we would get 40 percent off our Excursion, 25 dollars each.
 |
| Margaritaville Grand Turk |
We ate lunch at Margaritaville.
A shrimp salad that Hubby and I shared
We walked around looking in the shops and getting freebies
 |
| Splash Down (John Glenn) |
We stopped at the John Glenn Display to take pictures
We walked along the sandy beach
We went back to the shop
I took a shower and got ready for dinner
I ordered Queso Fondido, mushroom with cheese tortillas, and taco de camaron for dinner.
Pescado Frito: fried snapper served with three chili cream pico do Jalisco and two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
After dinner, we went back to our room
Photos
5365 breakfast 8:36 P.M.
103 zone, 3.03 miles, 1,615 calories, 8,719 steps
Sea Day Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025
Day 5:
Breakfast on deck 9
Scrambled eggs, sausage, and apple pastries.
We went to a show about Aruba shopping.
Lunch Lido deck: I got noodles, spinach dip, rice, key lime pie, white cake, and peanut butter cookies. I wrote in my journal and bought three excursions.
2 in Aruba and one in Jamaica.
Aruba Walking & Tasting Tour in Aruba (1)
Walking tour 3 1/2 hours
Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Aruba (2)
Sky Explorer in Jamaica (2)
Dinner was Queso-funded with mushrooms in cheese and tortilla chips.
Fried snapper, Pescado Frito with chili crema pic ode Jalisco, and
Taco de Camaros.
1 zone, 2.04 miles, 1,337 calories, 5,438 steps
Aruba Thursday, Jan 23, 2025, 9–9:30 P.M.
Day 6:
I did the Downtown Aruba Walking tour from 9:30 to 1:30. Cost 39.99.
 |
| Blue Horse Aruba Walking Tour |
We stopped at several historic buildings, statues, and blue horse statues. 1. Rosalinda is a gentle creature able to transform difficulties into opportunists.
2. Ambrosia is the immortal hero of the herd and the symbol of power and nobility. 3. Saturnina is always in her orbit. 4. Escapia is a sensitive and creative creature, able to transform limitations into fantastic opportunities.5. Sinforosa, the martyr of the herd, always looking out for trouble. 6. Eufrosina, always enjoying all that flows from the fountain of life. 7. Bonifacia is trustworthy, honest, and responsible to the extent that she sacrifices her needs for others.8.Celestina is unpretentious, pious, and a true Samaritan.
We took a restroom break inside the mall.
We stopped for a breakfast pastry.
Made with cheese, their go-to breakfast and a bottle of water.
We visited the Bible church to see bibles as old as the 14 century
We saw the statue of Ann Franks and stopped at several parks.
While I was on the walking tour, Hubby walked around town collecting free items.
Diamonds International (free bracket and charm), Milanos (Charm), and De Sole (two free necklaces).
We met up at the port and ate a steak sandwich.
 |
| Submarine excursion |
Excursion Atlantis Submarine Expedition $239.98.
At 2 P.M., we met with a group to take a boat to ride the Atlantis submarine dive for 1 hr 45 minutes.
There, we saw the coral reef and a variety of marine species
We also saw a couple of shipwrecks.
We came back to the port where
We split a cinnamon bun and drank a strawberry frosty.
 |
| I love Aruba |
We walked to the Diamonds International for a free charm.
We returned to the ship, rested, and then went for dinner.
I ordered a salad, fried shrimp, fried fish, and chocolate melt cake.
I couldn't eat much because I was too full from lunch.
We returned to our room, and I fell asleep until around 9:30 P.M.
When I watched the ship pull away from the port, I went back to sleep.
I woke around 5:15 and wrote in this journal.
Steps 426 zone, 5.13 miles 2,180 calories, 14,582 steps
A Full Day of Curacao Friday, January 24, 2025, 7–3:30 P.M.
Day 7:
Apple Pastry for breakfast with apple juice on the Lido deck.
Excursion: Full Day of Curacao beginning at 7:30 A.M. Cost $169.98
We took a bus to the north end of the island to see Seven Mouth Park
Inlet view of the ocean located in Shete National Park.
 |
| Ocean Waves at Shete National Park |
We took a path down to the ocean to see the high waves
Another path down into a canyon to see the high waves come in
We stopped to get a photo of me on the large Guiana statue.
Our next stop was the Grote Knip Beach area. Here, we saw the poisonous tree.
 |
| Grote Knip Beach, the poisonous tree |
We also saw a yellow and black Oreo bird perched on someone's car. I took several photos.
We stopped at Landhuis Jankok Nena Sanchez Gallery
You cannot take pictures inside, but all you want is outside.
I talked to the curator. She was the sister of the artist who is deceased.
I bought three postcards for $15. It was a copy of the artist's painting.
She asked me where I was from. I said Alabama, and she said her son lived in Birmingham.
She said it was too far for her to travel
We took several pictures outside.
We rode back to the ship for lunch.
 |
| Welcome to Curacao. Feel it for yourself. |
Everything was closed except the sandwich shop and the Pizza Place, so Hubby and I ordered a Caesar salad and a pizza with mushrooms and pepperoni.
I didn't eat very much.
We went across the arch bridge to the other side of the island to the
Curacao Museum is an ancient building with large wooden arches
Historic furniture and maps inside.
It also had an airplane on display in another building outside.
There were also statues and other items on the grounds.
Next, we stopped at Senior and Company Distillery to tour and taste three drinks.
Curacao Triple SEE, Tamarin, & Chukulati.
We saw several yellow and black birds feeding in a tree at the distillery.
The bus dropped us off at the port and near the shops.
We still had enough time to shop.
We stopped at Diamonds International, where we got a bracelet and a charm.
We went to Dee Sole, where I bought some pajamas and a top made out of bamboo and spent 83.74.
We came back to the ship and watched it leave the port.
Dinner was in the Empire dining room.
I ordered a salad, Mahi Mahi, and chocolate melt cake.
It had been a long day, so we returned to our cabin.
67 Zone, 3.89 miles, 1,771 calories, 10,739 steps
Sea Day Saturday, January 25, 2025
Day 8:
Breakfast lido deck:
French toast, eggs, sausage
Lunch:
2 shrimp tacos.
1 sugar cookie and ice cream.
I Sat at the table and worked on my journal.
I napped on the deck behind the lido and bought a towel-making animals book. Spent $14.99
Came back to room work on my journal
Dinner in the Empire Dining room
I ordered a Salad, the entree was shrimp and lobster, and the dessert was
Baked Alaska.
No show tonight went to bed early.
25 zone, 1.64 miles, 1,327 calories, 4,293 steps
Ocho Rios Jamaica Sunday, January 26, 2025, 8–3:30 P.M.
Day 9:
Breakfast
4 apple pastries, sausage, eggs
Passion fruit juice on the Lido deck.
Excursion: Mystic Mountain Escape costs $109.98 for both of us.
We rode the shuttle from the pier to Mystic Mountain, taking the skylift up the mountain to the parking area. We looked around but did not do any of the rides. We took the lift back down the hill. We then took the shuttle into town.
 |
| Mystic Mountain |
We walked across the street to Margaritaville, where we ate lunch.
We ordered Coconut shrimp with veggies and creamed potatoes (piled high like a volcano) for lunch.
 |
| Margaritaville |
We both ordered a Diet Coke to drink. We spent $44.85.
We stopped at Pure Chocolate, bought a chocolate bar, and spent nine dollars.
At Des Sole, I bought two tee shirts and a free bag and spent $70.15.
We got two bracelets with charms at Diamonds International
We got a gem at the diamond in time, and Tanzania
We came back to the shop.
I ate dinner at Guy's and ordered a cheeseburger and fries.
Came back to the room.
We watch the 50s show at 7:30
32 zone, 4.47 miles, 1,809 calories, 12, 587 steps
Grand Cayman Monday, Jan 27, 2025, 8–3:30 P.M.
Day 10:
National Hero Day (Government Holiday)
Breakfast on the lido deck
I ate four apple pastries and passion fruit juice
Around 8:30, we took the shuttle to the Grand Cayman
At the pier shopping, we stopped at Effie for a palm charm
We stopped at Milano for two ray charms
We stopped at Diamonds International for two ray charms
And bracelets
Hubby bought a sleep bracelet and necklace for 195
Excursion: Blue Iguana Conservation & Botanic Gardens $269.98. There was a total of seven people on the Excursion.
 |
| Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens |
At 10 A.M., we took a shuttle to the 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park and the Blue Iguana facility. The iguanas ranged in size from small to large, and some roamed freely.
We saw a variety of plants and trees. Our guide was from London, England, and had been with the park for three years.
He was very knowledgeable about the plants in the park.
Our driver to the park, Big Albert, was very knowledgeable about Grand Cayman and pointed out several points of interest on our 45-minute ride.
He said there were only three fire departments and a couple of high & elementary schools.
We took the water shuttle back to the ship.
There were a lot of people going Back to the Royal Caribbean independence of the sea.
We ate a late lunch. I ordered two shrimp tacos, a small white cake, and a sugar cookie.
We had bought a bag of Cheetos and a can of Diet Coke at the park
We saw our hostess on the lido deck. I told her we were not eating in the dining room because we had eaten a late lunch
We watched TV and went to sleep
38 zone, 2.23 miles, 1,482 calories, 5,905 steps
Sea Day Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
Day 11:
Breakfast lido deck
 |
| Cloudy Sunrise |
3 apple pastries with a shrimp Mexican burrito
I ate some of the inside of the burrito.
We went to the back of the ship so I could work on my journal.
We went to the cooking show. The chief began with the Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, a Baby leaf spinach salad with fresh mushrooms.
 |
| Cooking Show |
The chef had his assistants bring out the broiled supreme free-range chicken, which he served with Mac & cheese and skillet potatoes.
Our pastry chef made Tiramisu. The audience was served a good portion of each item the chef baked.
We went to the Lido deck to listen to the music and watch the duck dance.
I went to the Mad Hatter Tea Party, where Salmon on toast, hot tea, and scones were served.
From 3–4 P.M.
We went to Epic Rock 7:30-8:15
Dinner at 8:30
Salad, broiled lobster tail with fork mashed potatoes and broccoli
Dessert was crème brûlée
I went back to the room and rested.
4 zone, 2.11 miles, 1,417 calories, 5,680 steps
Sea Day Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
Day 12:
We ate breakfast on the Lido deck.
French toast with cranberries and almonds.
Passion fruit juice to drink.
We sit at the back of the ship during breakfast.
We did a chocolate tasting from 12–1 P.M.
I got some Chocolate cake and some ice cream with chocolate syrup.
 |
| Chocolate Tasting |
We went back to the room.
Hubby rested while I went to Tea time from 3–4 P.M.
I sat with a family of five, and we enjoyed talking while we were being served.
We were served scones, smoked Salmon, various cakes, and hot tea.
We both ate Guy's burger and fries for dinner.
We ordered two Crispy apples with other natural flavors, such as Angry Orchard hard cider.
There, they served Hot tea, Salmon on toast, scones, cucumber sandwiches, and cake.
I bought the Cat & Hat and Thing One and Two stuffed animals and a sucker for Ava and spent $44.85.
At 4:30, we went to Pharaoh Palace Theater to watch The World Works here.
12 zone, 1.78 miles, 1,362 calories, 4,729 steps
Travel Day Jan 30, 2025
Day 13:
Breakfast Lido deck.
I ate three apple pastries and drank water.
We disembarked from the ship a little before eight.
We called the shuttle at the Battle House Hotel. We were picked up and taken to the hotel, and our car waited for us.
We loaded our luggage into the car and began our journey home.
We stopped at Walmart in Jackson, Alabama, to use the restroom and buy a Coke and candy bar.
We traveled Highway 5 to the interstate, which took us to the eastern part of Birmingham and I-65 to Hartsell.
We stopped at Oh' Bryan's in Hartsell for a late lunch/dinner.
 |
| Dinner at Oh' Bryan's Hartselle |
Hubby ordered a steak and baked potato.
I ordered grilled chicken fingers with baked sweet potato.
We both ordered Ice tea.
We stopped at Murphy's in Hartsell to fill up.
We stopped in Elgin to wash the car.
When we arrived home, we washed our laundry.
41 zone, 1.94 miles, 1,555 calories, 5,098 steps
Another fantastic trip on the Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship.
