My computer crashed this morning.
But with system restore and crossed fingers it is working again.
I lost the report on Yesterday so I have to re do it.
But if there is not a post later today you will know that I have had another crash.
We are fine it is just a computer glitch.
Wish me luck
Carolyn
Friday, April 8, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Port of St Maarten
This is what they told us about St.Maarten
Port of St. Maarten: An Overview
St. Maarten is busier than ever, as cruise lines call on Philipsburg with their biggest ships. (Sometimes there are a half-dozen in port at one time.) There's also more to do once you disembark, with shopping and beaches serving as the primary attractions.
That can be viewed as either good news (more shopping choices, better deals and more beach activities) or bad news (more people) for this port of call, which, along with neighboring St. Martin, makes up the world's smallest island inhabited by two countries.
St. Maarten, like many other Caribbean islands, was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. But the island's real history began with French and Dutch settlers who divided the island in 1648. They have lived side-by-side ever since. St. Maarten, governed by the Netherlands Antilles until 2010, is now a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (along with Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands), while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. What's particularly fun is that you can easily swing back and forth from the Dutch to the French sides and enjoy the best of both.
On either side of the mountainous island, lovely beaches -- including the famed clothing-optional part of Orient Beach -- rival the best in the Caribbean. Plus, duty-free prices for electronics and liquor in Philipsburg might be the best deals around.
That can be viewed as either good news (more shopping choices, better deals and more beach activities) or bad news (more people) for this port of call, which, along with neighboring St. Martin, makes up the world's smallest island inhabited by two countries.
St. Maarten, like many other Caribbean islands, was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. But the island's real history began with French and Dutch settlers who divided the island in 1648. They have lived side-by-side ever since. St. Maarten, governed by the Netherlands Antilles until 2010, is now a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (along with Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands), while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. What's particularly fun is that you can easily swing back and forth from the Dutch to the French sides and enjoy the best of both.
On either side of the mountainous island, lovely beaches -- including the famed clothing-optional part of Orient Beach -- rival the best in the Caribbean. Plus, duty-free prices for electronics and liquor in Philipsburg might be the best deals around.
St.Thomas
St. Thomas
today,
Our day
began with a start. We were sound asleep when we heard a knock on the door. We
had ordered breakfast for 7:15 and we had set the wake up service for 7:00.
Breakfast arrived at 6:56 and we were not yet awake. Fortunately I had a robe
close by. I grabbed it and was able to let the server in before he left.
So we sat
on the balcony and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before getting ready for our
day in St.Thomas. We watched the ship make its way into port and tie up. Our
excursion was to begin at 9:30 and we were to be on shore at 9:20. The ship was
about 5 minutes behind schedule but it was not a problem.
When you
stepped off of the ship you were hit by a blast of amazing heat. I was happy
knowing we did not have a walking tour planned.
We could
see the Kon Tiki at the dock so we walked over and we were boarded right away.
When all were check in the boat left the dock and headed to the other dock at
Havenside. We picked up passengers from The Norwegian Gem. Then we were
underway. The steel band serenaded us and they had a little contest for naming
that tune. The winners got coupons for free drinks. We were not fast enoughL
The leader
narriated the trip and told us the history of the Island. It was a wonderful
sunny day and the breeze on the open deck was just what the doctor ordered.
We pulled
into a beach and we were able to spend an hour enjoying the wonderful warm
Caribbean waters.
There was
food and drink available if you were interested.
When the
whistle sounded we made our way back to the boat where we were entertained by
the band and a conga line and a limbo contest. It was a lot of fun.
We returned
to the ship in time for lunch. Today was hot dog and French fry day. It was
very good.
After lunch
Ken sunbathed and I showered off the salt and rinsed out my suit. Then I
decided to have a nap. Actually we both decided to nap.
Then we got
ready for dinner. I had scallops for dinner. This was twice baked goat cheese soufflé
night and that is something I always order. They also had a very good sugar
free chocolate cake which was exceptional.
After
dinner we made our way to the Princess Theatre. It was early to head to an
eight o’clock show but there was a production show FIERA, which was touted to
be very special. So we sat and people watched for a half hour. The show was
worth it!! The music, the singing, the dancing, the costumes and the special
effects were easily 15 out of 10. We loved every second of it. I think it was
the best show ever.
Next we
headed for the Vista Lounge. The entertainer tonight was Gary DeLena. He was a
stand up comic who sometimes played the guitar and sang. He was very good.
He
interacted and fed off of the audience. This show began at 9:15 and lasted
almost an hour. The plan was to go topside and watch Star wars on the MUTS
screen but I am afraid we had second thoughts… too tired. We instead went to
the international café and had a special coffee and added some brandy. While
there we were entertained by a duo called Kamikaze Fireflies. They did a 10
minute routine with hula hoops and then one with knives. They were good.
We met a
couple from Ohio and have arranged to have lunch with them on Friday. Their
names are Katharine and Bob.
By now it was
almost midnight so we called an end to our day and it was not long before we
were asleep.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Fun on the Kon Tiki
This is the description of the shore excursion that we booked
Tour Overview
This delightful and popular sightseeing and beach trip is suitable and fun for all ages. Board the comfortable legendary boat, sit back and relax as you cruise gently through the calm harbor waters of Charlotte Amalie. Everything you need is right on board! Enjoy some complimentary fruit punch while listening to the live calypso band. The only decision you'll have to be bothered with to make is whether to keep cool on the shady lower deck or sunbathe on the upper deck!
There are sights to see as you take a leisurely turn about the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for the stone watchtower of Blackbeard's castle, built in the 17th century. Blackbeard was an infamous pirate who terrorized the region, but don't confuse him with the infamous pirate Bluebeard, who also sailed these waters and supposedly built his castle here! Also keep an eye out for the elegant Governor's Mansion, perched in the hills overlooking the water.
As the Kon-Tiki reaches the perfect spot, over a coral reef, it will stop and lower the glass viewers so you can see a colorful array of fish, corals, and sea sponges without ever getting wet! If you are lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle gently gliding by!
From there, the Kon-Tiki will belly up to Honeymoon Bay's sparkling white-sand beach, literally pulling all the way up onto the sand so you can walk straight ashore via the swim stairs from the boat! Spend an hour at the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear blue water, strolling down the sand, or simply sitting under the swaying palm trees, taking it all in.
Re-board the Kon-Tiki for the return trip to the harbor, but the trip isn't over yet – as you cruise homeward, the boat will fill with live music, dancing, games, and even a limbo contest if you are feeling flexible! After your day of fun, sun, underwater viewing and sightseeing, return to the harbor with a camera full of memories and a relaxed feeling!
There are sights to see as you take a leisurely turn about the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for the stone watchtower of Blackbeard's castle, built in the 17th century. Blackbeard was an infamous pirate who terrorized the region, but don't confuse him with the infamous pirate Bluebeard, who also sailed these waters and supposedly built his castle here! Also keep an eye out for the elegant Governor's Mansion, perched in the hills overlooking the water.
As the Kon-Tiki reaches the perfect spot, over a coral reef, it will stop and lower the glass viewers so you can see a colorful array of fish, corals, and sea sponges without ever getting wet! If you are lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle gently gliding by!
From there, the Kon-Tiki will belly up to Honeymoon Bay's sparkling white-sand beach, literally pulling all the way up onto the sand so you can walk straight ashore via the swim stairs from the boat! Spend an hour at the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear blue water, strolling down the sand, or simply sitting under the swaying palm trees, taking it all in.
Re-board the Kon-Tiki for the return trip to the harbor, but the trip isn't over yet – as you cruise homeward, the boat will fill with live music, dancing, games, and even a limbo contest if you are feeling flexible! After your day of fun, sun, underwater viewing and sightseeing, return to the harbor with a camera full of memories and a relaxed feeling!
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, April 6th/2016
The US Virgin Islands are America's paradise, offering an easygoing blend of island ways and American practicality. St. Thomas, capital of the island group, offers every imaginable sport: snorkeling, golfing, hiking, and sailing. Just a few miles away lay St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters, and white-sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze - the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise. The harbor is easily one of the Caribbean's most scenic. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. St. Thomas has a reputation as a duty free-mecca for shopping.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
A Sea Day
Day Three,
a Sea Day
This a sea
day so we just relaxed. We did not set the clock and we just slept until we
woke .
At around
8:30 we made our way to the Concerto Dining room to have breakfast. The service
was fantastic. Your every need was anticipated and satisfied. We were at a
table for eight so it was a bit difficult to visit. There was a lady from
Winnipeg, a couple from Florida and another couple from England.
After
breakfast we checked out the sale in the Piazza. I was seriously tempted but I
resisted.
Then we
took on the job of finding Barb Cail’s photograph. There was a contest where by
passengers were invited to submit photos taken on various cruises. These
pictures would be framed and used to decorate the various decks aboard the Regal
princess. One of Barb’s photos was chosen and she asked us to find it for her
since she has not yet travelled on the Regal. We found it quite quickly . It
was on Dolphin deck opposite state room 225. We took several photos of the
photo.
Back in our
room Ken got ready to go and sit in the sun for awhile and I worked on the
blog.
The tie and
cummerbund were delivered to our box and Ken brought it in when he returned
from deck 19, Sky Deck!!
We decided
to take it easy for lunch because tonight is formal night so we will have
treats before and dinner will be special. We went to the international café and
had a light snack.
Soon it was
time for the Meet and Greet with Cruise Critic. There was just a small turn out
of members but there were 5 officers present. So it was very nice.
The big
thing that was planned was a cabin crawl. We visited an inside room, a balcony,
2 mini suites and the owners suite. We were really impressed with how nice the
side ways inside was. But the biggest impression was made by the owner’s suite.
The owners or I guess I should say occupiers ordered canapés for us all. We
nibbled and enjoyed the spacious suite.
Them Lourdes presented gift bags to
each of the ladies in the group. We visited and were very social for almost a
half hour. The suite has a separate living room and bedroom and bath rooms of
course. The wrap around balcony afforded an amazing view of the wake. It was
wonderful. If ever we win the lottery that is where we will be.
In all we
visited 5 rooms and as we left each room we drew a card from a deck of cards.
The person who had the winning poker hand received a prize. Neither Ken or I
had a poker hand worth mentioning. Three tens was the winning hand.
Then we
came back to our room to get ready for formal night and to post to the blog.
We dressed
and Ken poured a glass of wine and then we left.
The last
couple appeared at the dining room today so now the table is full. The wait
staff is Mel and Aladdin.
The people
at the table are Greg and Janice, Roy and Christine, Randy and Janice and Ken
and I.
Dinner was
very good as usual. There was another Norman Love dessert.
We left the
dining room right away and we went to the champagne waterfall and picked up a
glass of champagne and then went to the Princess Theatre. We were royally
entertained by Nathan Foley who 2 weeks ago won the award as Princess’ Entertainer of the year. He was a
fantastic singer who had the audience eating out of his hands.
After the
show we went to the atrium to listen to Rhapsody and enjoy the dancing.
Then we
came back to our room to get ready for the stop in St.Thomas tomorrow.
Day 3 has
come to an end.
Princess Cays
Port of Princess Cays: An Overview
Exclusive to Princess Cruises passengers on Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean itineraries since 1992, Princess Cays -- located 70 miles east of Nassau, on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, one of what's known as the Bahamas' "Out Islands" -- comprises 40 acres that offer more than 1.5 miles of white-sand beaches, food, water sports and even shopping.
Although Princess uses a section of the island, the rest of Eleuthera is inhabited by a population of about 11,000 residents. The cruise line does run excursions to some of the smaller villages outside the complex, such as Rock Sound (known for its bottomless blow hole) and the picturesque fishing village of Tarpum Bay. (Although it's Eleuthera's best-known tourist draw, Harbour Island, with its tony shops and restaurants, is too far away to visit.)
But, for most people, Princess Cays remains a guilt-free beach day, where you can rent water toys, sign up for a snorkel excursion or simply hang out in a private cabana. Bring water shoes, as the shoreline by the water can have sharp rocks and coral fragments.
Although Princess uses a section of the island, the rest of Eleuthera is inhabited by a population of about 11,000 residents. The cruise line does run excursions to some of the smaller villages outside the complex, such as Rock Sound (known for its bottomless blow hole) and the picturesque fishing village of Tarpum Bay. (Although it's Eleuthera's best-known tourist draw, Harbour Island, with its tony shops and restaurants, is too far away to visit.)
But, for most people, Princess Cays remains a guilt-free beach day, where you can rent water toys, sign up for a snorkel excursion or simply hang out in a private cabana. Bring water shoes, as the shoreline by the water can have sharp rocks and coral fragments.
