11-27-11

Flew home to the nest yesterday. It was nice to sleep in my own bed. I have updated all the posts with the pictures I took along the way. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed  the sights and cruise - I was fortunate to meet and spend time with some wonderful people.

11-25-11

11-25-11
Today we were at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, a beautiful private island for cruise ships. I signed up for the Aqua Trax Adventure. I was with a much younger crowd this year and what a difference it made. Slow was 55-60 mph - on numerous occasions we all had the pedal to the metal at the top speed of 80 mph. Our lead said that the faster you go, the easier it is to handle, that was all the encouragement needed for everyone. What a ride!
Tonight was the farewell dinner - the waiters make a big production of serving our dinner and entertaining everyone. We had a great group at our table, we have decided it is not farewell, but until we see each other again. So to John H., John F., Carol, Roberta And Barry I look forward to a reunion of table 65.

11-24-11

11-24-11
Today was another beautiful, sunny day spent poolside reading. The weather has been perfect. My Thanksgiving dinner was great, I did not cook, I did not eat turkey - my kind of Thanksgiving, (they had a traditional dinner for those who preferred turkey and all of the fixings).

I hope all my family and friends had a wonderful holiday.

11-23-11

11-23-11
We sailed into Crown Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. There were seven cruise ships in port today.
I started out my day with a half-day sail from St. Thomas to St. John on the Champagne Catamaran. We went across Pillsbury Sound stopping across from Honeymoon Beach to snorkel for a couple of hours. Saw a wide variety of fish and coral, and even some turtles.
Headed back to St. Thomas to walk around for a bit before getting back on the ship to enjoy the rest of the day's sun and our sailing away this evening.

This evening we went to the Tamarind and had a wonderful meal with some great new friends. They surprised me with an early birthday celebration. I am told the expression on my face said it all.

11-22-11

11-22-11
We arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico at 10:30 this morning to beautiful weather. I started the day at the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center. It was a nice tour, and of course, ended in their gift shop. Left Cantano and headed for the Candado District and through Old San Juan. We then visited the San Cristobal Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1634 to protect the city from attacks. (I visited the San Felipe del Morro Fortress last year). It had gorgeous views of the city.

This evening I attended "Exotic Puerto Rico: A Latin Traditions Show". This was a show consisting of dancers performing "modernized, slightly risque versions" of the mambo, rumba, conga, flamenco and rumba. However, the highlight was the vocalist and guitarist. He was a magician with that instrument. I really loved it.

11-21-11

11-21-11

Today we were supposed to call on the port of Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos. We sat outside of the pier for about an hour, but were unable to dock and go ashore due to strong winds (this is as close as we got). Luckily I visited this port last December and toured the area then. I had signed up for a catamaran sail and snorkel tour - it was not to be. So, I had to sit on the deck in the sun (HOW COLD IS IT BACK THERE) and read. It was beautiful.

11-20-11

11-20-11

Another great day, sunny skies with just enough breeze to keep one cooled off. Tonight was our first formal night, everyone looked lovely/handsome. Tomorrow we arrive at our first port, Grand Turk , Turks & Caicos.