St Thomas

St. Thomas Overview 

St. Thomas is one of the world's most heavily trafficked cruise ports. Its lofty popularity is earned because St. Thomas offers something for just about everyone, and it's an island that can accommodate a huge, daily population influx. Plus, its duty-free shopping scene is relatively unparalleled. Other on-the-beaten-track sites include the world-famous beach at Magens Bay and a scenic tram ride to a mountaintop.

But it's also amazingly easy to find some respite from the inevitable crowds by exploring St. Thomas' quieter, more undiscovered side -- a lovely historic district, trips to Water Island (the fourth, and youngest, Virgin Island), north shore beaches and fabulous restaurants in Frenchtown; it is also an easy jaunt via 20-minute ferry to tranquil St. John. Even Red Hook, which is traditionally thought of as nothing more than the jumping-off point for the far more stunning St. John, has local character (you'll see residents of St. Thomas engaged in everyday activities) that's a far cry from Charlotte Amalie's shopping mall vibe. Just taking local transportation to the eastern end of the island will give you a modicum of emotional distance from the hectic pier.

Virtually every ship sailing an Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes St. Thomas as a port of call as do many Southern Caribbean voyages. You'll even see St. Thomas on Panama Canal and South American itineraries (when a Florida port such as Ft. Lauderdale or Miami serves as a port of embarkation or debarkation). It is not uncommon, particularly during the Caribbean's winter high season, to see six or more ships docked and/or anchored in a day -- and that can mean an extra 20,000 people infused into a population hovering in the mid-50,000's.

Day in St.Kitts

we arrived at nine and so Ken and I had an early breakfast upstairs and then we disembarked early. I met with Thenford right away and then waited for the other 21 travelers to arrive. On schedule at 10:30 we boarded the transport and headed out. The bus was a medium sized vehicle with room for 22 passengers. It was air conditioned and fairly comfortable.

We headed out with Thenford narrating the trip as we went. He pointed out each of the building , telling us their history. The architecture was varied showing historical significance of the ages past. This community of Basseterre, the capital was founded in 1634. The port of Port Zante was opened in 2005 to accommodate the big ships and Thenford showed us the reclaimed land and told us how the port had to be built several times because of hurricanes.

We saw Bloody Point where 2000 Caribs were massacred, We viewed Black Rocks . A big event of the day was our visit to Romney Manor, once owned by Thomas Jefferson’s grandfather. Today it is an amazing botanical garden with plant specimens from all over the world. I was amazed by Thenford’s knowledge of the plants. We also saw how they make batik clothing and had the chance to shop.

The next major stop was a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress. This is a complex of bastions and barracks built by the British and it is one of the best examples of 17^th century military fortifications in the Caribbean. The views from up here were spectacular.

Our last stop before the return to the ship was a stop at Shipwreck beach. There was beautiful sand and an amazing shoreline along the Caribbean Sea.

We were amazed by the roads that we traveled. I have never seen turns so sharp or steep. There were times when Thenford would have to start into a turn and then stop and back up part way before he could make the complete turn. The roads were unbelievable narrow and steep and twisty. I was so glad to be in a passenger seat and not in the driver’s seat. During the tour which lasted from 10 till three Thenford held us spellbound by his knowledge of the country and its history.

The day was wonderful in all ways. I am so glad we joined Thenford.

This was Island night so I wore my Samoa dress and Ken wore his tropical shirt to dinner.

Dinner was special because it was Italian night complete with Lemon Chello.

The evening show in the theatre starred a comedian magician named Timm Metivier. He was good, not great but good. Then we strolled around the deck before returning here to call it a day.

St.Kitts

St. Kitts Overview In 1493, Christopher Columbus was so smitten with this volcanic island that he named  it after himself. Since its discovery, St. Christopher -- later shortened by British sailors  to St. Kitts-- has been fought  over by the Spanish, British and French who, tragically,  made it a center of the West Indian slave  trade. Pirates, including the notorious  William Kidd, enjoyed lucrative careers in Basseterre Harbor. St. Kitts and sister isle Nevis were part of the British Empire until 1967, earning  semi-independent  status when they were named associated states of Great Britain  In 1983, the 65-square-mile St. Kitts  and Nevis became an independent, two-island  nation with a parliamentary government headed by  a Prime Minister. While British  holdovers such as cricket and driving on the left side of the road  remain, the  Kittitians are extremely proud of their history and how far they've come  on their own. The island's lush geography lends itself to eco-tourism, starting with the dense  tropical rainforests  that surround dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga  (known locally as Mt. Misery). Colorful birds and butterflies, as well as the green Vervet monkey, reside here. Sugar cane, the staple of the economy since the 17th century, was St. Kitt's  main export until production stopped just a few years ago. Particularly  in the west, the sugar cane fields remain, offering a scenic ambience  that is more reminiscent of Hawaii than the Caribbean these days!  While tourists have discovered St. Kitts (especially the row of rowdy  beach bars on South Frigate Bay, known as "The Strip"),  the island is still relatively unspoiled and crowd-free , with a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.

Our Day In Barbados

Our Day in Barbados,

When we awoke the ship was already docked even though it was only 6:20 and we were not supposed to dock until 7:oo.

I jumped out of bed and went out on the balcony right away. I could not believe my eyes. None of this and I do mean none of this appeared familiar. I don’t know if we were docked in a different spot or what. My memories of the last visit involves sun and sand and surf, not large warehouses and cranes.

Before long we were surprised to see another ship making her way into the dock. This ship is large and all white in color. The stack is blue with a stylized happy face on it . The name of her is Thompson Dream. I could not believe that there is a cruise ship that does not send us advertisements. It is obvious that she is an older ship because there are no balconies, only port holes. All she appears to be in good shape.

We were enjoying our morning coffee when the Maarsdam began to make her way into port. I watched in admiration and the captain of the Maarsdam wiggled her way into the space in front of us. Somehow it is not fair that he can maneuver  that huge ship into that spot and I can’t parallel park the Chev.

Before long it was time to disembark. That went quickly and smoothly. As we left the ship there were shuttle waiting to take us to the cruise ship terminal. We were inside no more that five minutes when we connected with BJ and Henry. It was so much fun to see them again. We talked in the terminal and decided that we would go to Harbour Lights beach here in the city of Carlisle. The drive to the beach cost 5 dollars each. We were a bit surprised when we first saw it but once we passed the gate we came to an amazing white sand beach with warm turquoise water. There were lots of chairs and umbrellas to rent but we just went into the water and then came back to the restaurant for a cold drink.. BJ and Henry looked the same except that BJ no longer needed a cane. We caught up on time missed and had a most enjoyable visit. Before we knew it the time had come to return to the ship.

There was a taxi right there so we did not have to wait. At the terminal we bought rum cakes that BJ recommended. If they are real good we may just buy more to bring back home when we are here next time.

We said our good byes and they began their walk back to the Maarsdam and we caught the Princess shuttle.

I am so glad we were able to connect with BJ and Henry. We are going to stay in touch and perhaps we will be lucky enough to be able to meet again in another part of the world.

The evening went as normal, we had dinner, went to the production show, went for a special coffee with our brandy and called it a night.

Barbados

Barbados Overview 
Barbados -- or B'dos, as the locals abbreviate the name -- was a British territory until 1966 and remains greatly influenced by the United Kingdom. Brits on holiday make up the largest number of visitors to the island. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and afternoon tea is a respected ritual. Anglican churches are the anchor of all 11 parishes, although, in recent years, more evangelical churches have become the choice of many Bajuns.

But those of all nationalities will feel at ease there. The Bajuns are open, friendly people, proud to share their home with visitors. There's little crime and a general sense of safety and well-being.

The easternmost of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is technically in the Atlantic Ocean. An excursion to Bathsheba on the rugged eastern shore leaves no doubt about the vast forces of the Atlantic, unchecked for nearly 3,000 miles between there and the coast of Cape Verde, Africa. Some say the freshest air on the planet blows there. The surf looks gentle, but don't be fooled -- the undertow is something to be wary of, even for the best swimmers.

Despite heavy development along the western and southern coasts, the rest of the island is full of sweeping natural vistas, from rippling fields of sugar cane in the interior to the Atlantic surf pounding against the cliffs at the island's northernmost tip. The island rewards independent exploration; rent a car or hire a driver to see its unspoiled side.

Though today the sugarcane fields speak more to the island's past than its present (tourism, not agriculture, now drives the Barbadian economy), visitors can still experience the island's heritage at a number of plantation houses and rum distilleries. If you'd rather skip the history lesson, there are plenty of places to just get away from it all, from Bridgetown's duty-free department stores to the soft, white beaches of the south coast.

St.Lucia

Our Day in St.Lucia.

We were greeted by a wonderful day of sunny warm breezy weather. It was ideal. By afternoon it became a bit too hot and too bright for my comfort.

Our excursion was on a catamaran, cruising to the western end of the island to the Pitons. There were about a hundred people on board but it was not at all crowded. There was lots of room to move around and visit and take pictures and the like.

After about an hour of touring the captain maneuvered the boat into a shore line where people disembarked through an opening at the front of the ship. There were steps leading into the water and a rope to guide you. After just a few strokes a person could stand and walk to a dark sand beach. On your return one of the crew rinsed some of the salt water from you. Ken went to shore but I stayed on board.

After a cruise and a short swim we were treated to a rum punch that sat you on your ear. Wow! We also had sandwiches and fresh fruit.

On the return trip there was a conga line and dancing and singing. (I think the rum punch had kicked it).

Our catamaran was called the Tango Party cruise and it was a lot of fun. In all we were gone from 8:45 till 12:30. It was a lot of fun.

We can back and had lunch at the international Café, we has a quiche and a small salad. Then we took our things back to our room and headed our again. There was and is I should say a beautiful cruise ship terminal with lots of beautiful shops so I had to at least have a look. I also had to collect my free charm from Diamonds International. We had a bit of a look around and Ken got his St Lucia hat pin since this was our first visit to the Island. We did not stay out for long because the heat was getting to me by then.

Ken got a bit too much fun today which surprised us and makes him look a bit like a tomato. But this sun can sneak up on a person.

Last evening the dinner was wonderful as usual. Then after dinner we roamed the ship for awhile. I bought a very nice tear drop shaped amber pendant. The color is very nice and there is a bit of something in it . I think it is an insect part. I will have to have a better look when I have a magnifying glass.

Finally we returned to the stateroom and sat on the balcony. It was a magical evening, with stars shining so very brightly and no light pollution to spoil it. Truly magical! The sea was calm and because we only had 125 miles to travel until we get to Barbados the ship was travelling slowly and it seemed to be just floating on the waves.

We finally called it a day and drifted off to sleep.

I wish the internet were better so I could send pictures, Oh well you will have to wait until I can get to a good connection.

St.Lucia

St. Lucia Overview 
The island's beauty has earned it the nickname "Helen of the West Indies." Though St. Lucia has plenty of visitors, both from cruise ships and a steady influx of honeymooners, the island has largely remained unspoiled -- due mostly to the locals' commitment to protecting its rain forests and other natural resources. A decent percentage of the island (some 19,000 acres) is protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest.

What development there is on St. Lucia is mostly in the area around Castries, the island's colorful and energetic capital city. It's worth a look, especially if you're in search of duty-free goods or local handicrafts, but to appreciate St. Lucia's natural beauty you'll want to take a bus, rental car or cab out of town. Perhaps the prettiest part of the island is in the south, and most visitors head there first to visit the former French colonial capital, the lush Diamond Botanical Gardens and the world's only drive-in volcano. Other options include trekking through the rain forest to one of the island's many hidden waterfalls, or taking a snorkeling excursion to the sunken wreck off of Anse Cochon.

Settled first by the Arawaks and then the Caribs, St. Lucia became a hotly contested territory with the arrival of Europeans. It was passed back and forth 14 times between the British and the French from the mid-17th century to 1814, when the Brits finally took possession for good. Traces of both cultures still remain in the language -- many St. Lucians speak both English and a French Creole patois -- and in distinctive place names like Soufriere, Gros Islet, Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island.