Wonderful Day

Our eat drink and dance excursion was everything it was said to be and more. We did everything mentioned in the description and we had a wonderful time.

The cruise terminal was amazingly attractive. Lots of shops and lots to do. Because of our tour we did not take advantage of all there was ...next time.

The cruise terminal at Amber Cove was amazing

Next stop was independence square. It was bright and colorful and bustled with activity.

Popi was our guide and Dep was our driver. Popi talked all while we were driving and he told us all about his country.

First stop was for souvenirs and I found a very nice wood carving to be our souvenir of this trip, I also bought a pendant of Maralargo and Amber.

There was a large catholic church in the square. The population is 69% catholic, but JW

missionaries were this with their literature.

We then began our drive out into the countryside. Popi told us about their lives and their standard of living. ( Minumum wage is $230.00 dollars a month and gas is $5.00 a gallon). They lead very simple lives.

The highways were not bad but the 16 KL of dirt road was a bit of a nightmare. Senior Dep got us safely to Hacienda Catalina.

This place was amazing. The murals and the woodwork and the food and the birds and the gardens and it goes on. I will just post pictures to give you an idea of what we experienced.

There was a gentleman there and he was opening coconuts for us Then Popi was topping up the coconut water with coconut rum.... YUMMY.

At one point I took what I thought was an amazing picture of a butterfly. It turned out to be a garden ornament. The silk butterfly was on a wire and the wings fluttered in the breeze. I was positive it was real and that I had taken a very special picture. NOT!!!

The washrooms were bright and modern and clean. The ladies room was marked with a painting of a chicken and for the gents it was a rooster.

One of the staff was wearing an apron with Canada written on it. I asked her if I could take her picture since I was from Canada. She smiled and obliged. However she thought I wanted her to remove her apron so she did that and posed smiling. My request had lost something in the translation. I have 2 pictures of that lovely lady.

When visiting the birds in their large cages I did the usual and spoke to them in a silly high voice saying “Pretty Birdie” much to my surprise when I got to the cockatiel It replied “Olla” in an equally high pitched voice.

With unlimited fruit and main course and an open bar we really got our money's worth. We danced, we drank and we ate and soon it was time to reboard our bus.

We got answers to our questions and sang all of the way back to the cruise terminal. I took more pictures of what I had missed in the morning.

This was a wonderful day.

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Wednesday January 30,

Tucked on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove, named for the translucent gemstone found on its shores, sits just seven miles from the town Puerto Plata, a cinematic locale used as the backdrop for the first Jurassic Park film. Just steps from the dock take in the sparkling beach, which offers a plethora of water activities, and the serene, natural beauty from the comfort of a private bungalow. Or venture off the property to take to the high seas on a luxury catamaran snorkeling expedition or explore the 450-year-old San Felipe Fortress. For high-flying adventure, swing through the trees on a zip line or ride a cable car 2,500 feet to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for a look at its massive statue of Christ the Redeemer. And for those with a forward-thinking approach to social activism, delve into the culture and traditions of the friendly Dominican people while giving back to the community and making an impact on their lives. The experience will leave you feeling as warm as the glow from the amber sun

We have booked a Princess tour for this port.
It is entitled, Eat Drink Dance
Sounds great
Catch the spirit of the Dominican Republic with this enriching and immersive experience. From Amber Cove you'll travel to Puerto Plata, acclaimed as the first settlement in the Americas. Take in the sights from your comfortable seat as the driver winds his way around the city and along the scenic Malecon. Stops at the San Felipe Fortress and the Plaza Independencia offer great photo opportunities. Next, you'll travel to the town of El Cupey, the site of Las Catalinas ranch where a friendly staff will greet you with a rum punch or fruit punch. Then, learn to make "sancocho," the national dish and a "mamajuana" cocktail. After indulging in your culinary creations, you'll get the chance to work off your delicious meal with a dance lesson. Admire your teachers' colorful folkloric costumes as they perform the merengue. Then, get your heart pumping as you join in the festivities!

Tour Overview

WHAT YOU VISIT
Puerto Plata
Eat, drink and dance during this lively excursion that begins with a sightseeing tour of Puerto Plata. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in the 1490s, the city prides itself on its history, architecture and laid-back attitude. Sit back and relax as your driver makes his way around the city and along the Malecón, a beautiful one mile promenade that hugs the Atlantic Ocean and its golden-sand beaches.

Las Catalinas Ranch
Tucked near the town of El Cupe, the ranch is the perfect setting to discover the Dominican culture and cuisine. After learning how to make a specialty dish and drink, colorfully dressed folkloric dancers will teach you the steps to the spirited dance known as the "merengue." Feel the rhythms as you jump to your feet and join in the fun!

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Located at the center of Puerto Plata's historic square, the sprawling Plaza Independencia showcases the city's former status as a wealthy sugar and cocoa exporter with lovely Victorian mansions in bright Caribbean colors while a stop at the 16th century San Felipe Fortress conjures up images of Spanish soldiers on the lookout for pirates.

LUNCH
Once you arrive at Las Catalinas, you'll be treated to rum punch or fruit punch while serenaded by lively music. Then, you'll be instructed in making "sancocho," a traditional meal full of vegetables and plantains. After lunch, enjoy a refreshing tropical fruit dessert accompanied by a cup of Dominican coffee. Then, you'll learn how to prepare the most popular beverage in the Dominican Republic known as "mamajuana," which is made with rum, red wine, honey, herbs and tree bark.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Among the sights you'll see in Puerto Plata includes its colorful city center full of historic buildings, cultural museums, and plenty of restaurants and shopping.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Thursday January 31st

Shore Excursions Best Price Guar

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Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a small island bursting with turn-of-the-century Caribbean charm, retaining the look and feel of the Caribbean 40 years ago. Grand Turk was founded by Bermudan salt rakers some three centuries ago and its Bermudan-British-colonial architecture surrounded by colorful local dwellings make the island a treasure to visit. It is recognized as being one of the first places in the New World where Christopher Columbus landed and also gained worldwide attention when John Glenn splashed down near Grand Turk on his historic first mission to space. Grand Turk is six miles long and just over a mile wide with a population of only 6,000. It is blessed with miles of uncrowded, beautiful beaches and is close to several uninhabited cays such as Gibb's Cay, home of the stingray encounter. While there are many landside attractions to explore such as the Old Prison, Lighthouse Park, and the re-created salt salina, the real beauty of the island lies underwater. Grand Turk is world-famous for its healthy and beautiful coral reefs that surround the island, stretching almost from the coastline to the 7,000-foot vertical wall just offshore.

I recall when the Turks and Caicos  asked to be part of Canada and they were turned down. Was that a big mistake? I am not sure but it would be nice to have our own tropical paradise.

This is our last port day and because Ken so loves the sea and the water we have made plans to go to Bajeri Beach.

We have been in this port before and we know there will be no problem getting to the beach

This is the description given by Princess.

Spend the day at one of Grand Turk's premier beaches and enjoy the ample amenities while you have fun in the sun. At your leisure, meet your open-air shuttle transportation at the Cruise Center and travel through Cockburn Town en route to Bajari Beach, a tropical oasis. Sparkling sands, turquoise waters and all the amenities you could wish for greet you. This beach escape includes a water trampoline, beach volleyball, chaise-lounges, a lively beach atmosphere, a Wi-Fi area and games for the kids. Bajari Beach has its own watersports center, so if you have always wanted to try to snorkel, here is your chance! Rent all the gear you need, then take to the warm waters filled with tropical fish and vibrant coral. When hunger strikes, visit the well-stocked snack bar and take a moment to peruse the lively souvenir shop. You may return via shuttle service at you leisure

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Our Visit to San Juan

This was our day to visit San Juan. Randy had arranged a private tour here as well.

The day dawned warm and sunny so we knew we needed to take hats and sunglasses.

I was really surprised to see what a big modern city San Juan was. Somehow I expected to a more rural setting and I expected to see a lot of hurricane damage. There are 5 large ships in port today so it may just be a zoo. I am glad we have a private tour.

We had breakfast in our room and then we met the gang at the International Cafe.

Around 8:45 we disembarked and headed for the CVS drug store which was right across from the place where the ship was docked. Our guide Ellis met us almost on time.

He was driving a Ford SUV and it really was a bit small for 6 adults. Ken and I were seated in the back and getting in and out was a bit of a challenge.

Basically Ellis drove us around for 3 hours with a few photo stops. We visited the El Junque National Forest.. Getting there involved lots of hills and switch backs. Much to my surprise I did not get motion sick.

The first stop was Copper Falls. It was not very dramatic now but Ellis told us there were torrents of water falling during wet times.

Next we went to the tower. This spot provided several great Photo Opportunities. Ken climbed to the top. I did not. He reported that it was a very easy climb with nice wide steps.

We stopped at a spot where Ellis fed fish. I forget what type of fish it was but apparently they use them as bait fish. Once the food reached the water there was almost a feeding frenzy.

Then we went to Canovanas Beach. It was beautiful, almost an idyllic tropical setting. We took pictures and then we went into a local eatery and had lunch. We took Ellis' recommendation and we had a kind of Bar b que chicken Kebob. It was very tasty and the cost was 3 dollars each. I had a diet coke and Ken had a local beer.

Ellis drove us back to San Juan and Ken and Randy returned to the ship and the rest of us strolled back passing wonderful colorful buildings, the fort and lots of vendors.

Our tour had come to an end.

It was not bad because the vehicle was new and had great air conditioning. Ken and I were a bit cramped. Ellis talked continually and we learned a lot about the history of Puerto Rico. Unfortunately he did now have a mic and it was very difficult to hear what he was saying.

We shopped a little and I bought a sea glass necklace. Then we returned to the ship.

We have a full days excursion booked for tomorrow so we will be taking it easy tonight.