Hello from the Tropics - Part 2

So I am home and finally downloaded my photos so I can share them.  Let's see where I left off....

In St Thomas, I never even got off the boat.  I enjoyed having my phone and data plan and spent time catching up on things including a good conversation with Mom (thanks Mom).  Because we were in port, the ship gets really quiet and I was able to sit by the pool and read with the island breeze.  I also went to Margaritaville and had an excellent Margarita which I am pretty sure was 1/2 alcohol.  Quick and effective for sure!  For we  had the most beautiful sunset departure out of St. Thomas.  Some jack ass was feeding the birds potato chips from the balcony so there were a bazillion birds.  I enjoyed a nice dinner at Cagney's....the steak house onboard.

Thursday, we were in Tortola and it was scorching hot!  By the time we docked and were able to get off the ship, it was probably already 90 degrees at about 9:00 am.  I did get up in time to have breakfast.  I went to the buffet because I had heard what great breakfasts they had.  So not my style.  I found a quiet spot on the waterfront deck to read.  It wasn't long before my new friend Maurene walked by.  We had a great visit.  She invited me to join her and Marlene for lunch the next day. That night, the solo cruisers had a dinner show in the Manhattan Dining room.  They had a Motown singing group which was great fun.  I was considering going out with the group but decided to stay low key.

I decided to enjoy room service the next day as it was a sea day.  It is free and easier than heading up to the buffet or other choices.  Plus I can be in my PJs!  I had a nice lunch with Maurene and Marlene and then went to the bingo game as I had some "win a cruise" tickets.  I did got to Teppanyaki again.  I was at a dud of a table but the food was delicious and the shrimp were fresh and HUGE!  I did go to the Brat Pack show at 10:00 pm.  That seemed so late for me but I heard great reviews and it seems I should be able to stay out until midnight!  There was a HOT WHITE party that night but I went to check it out and it was a real young crowd.

Saturday we came into the Bahamas...Nassau.  I do not care for the Bahamas and it was raining cats and dogs!  We docked about noon and they wouldn't let us off for a bit due to the rain.  It was absolutely stunning watching the rain from the waterfront.  I sat on a couch and watched us navigate around the rocks and such and park among the other 5 cruise ships docked.  Everyone was discouraged by the rain.  I think it foiled many people's plans.  It was our last night on the ship which means it is packing day and bags need to be out by 11:00 pm.  I watched some movies and just relaxed while I packed.  Maurene invited me to join her at Cagney's again.  I can't resist steak and shrimp!  Maurene invited me to join her on one of her future cruises.  That would be very fun!

Sunday my eye bolted open at 5:00 am.  I looked outside to see us coming into Miami.  It was so quiet and pretty to see the lights.  They let us stay in our room until 9:00 am so I ordered room service breakfast again.  I caught up on my phone messages and such as was able to get off the boat straight from my cabin.  I breezed through customs and caught a cab to the airport.  I was able to get on a slightly earlier flight through Minneapolis but I still spent a good hunk of the day in the Miami airport.  I got home about 9:30 pm.  I was so tired after all my travels.  I also caught a nasty cold that hit me on Saturday.  I was glad Philip was home and could help me with my luggage.

I had a great time and can't wait to go back.  In fact, I bought a deposit for my next cruise.  I would love to go cruise again before the end of the year.  I might take Maurene up on her offer to cruise with her!  That would be fun.  I keep thinking I am done with the Caribbean but I find my soul comes alive in the Caribbean.  Even if I have to travel different than I wished, I still had a great time and really enjoyed the ship.

I'm going to put my photos in this post instead of revisiting my prior post.  Hope you don't mind.

View of Miami from the ship

I am ready for adventure!

Bye Miami.  See you next week

Teppanyaki chef.  He was also the omelette chef at the buffet

What you see all day at sea.

Loved the Food Republic.  A paid restaurant on ship but well worth it.

Getting ready for a show.

My typical lunch or snack.  I'm determined to not gain weight!

Our trail off the back of the ship.

The only pool for most of  us.  It was always packed with all lounge chairs taken.

Listening to the Reggae band by the pool.  Very fun but HOT!

 

This is the solo lounge for those in the special solo cabins.  It is
like a big living room.  Although I didn't have access, they let everyone
on the solo list in at 6:00 to join in the fun.  They all went to dinner and shows each night.

One night, I ate at Le Bistro, the French restaurant.  It was excellent!

Massive chandelier in the middle of  the ship.  It was 3 stories long 

My favorite island, St. Maarten

Enjoying the port area

Beautiful flowers all over.

Our massive ship in port

by the side.  Isn't that huge?

Such a cute island

Another view.

And yet another view of St. Maarten

Margarita - my weakness.  So strong I
usually needed a nap after.

Fun fun fun!

 

St Thomas

St Thomas.  Love this island too.

I wish I could be right there on that beach!

For my book club ladies!  I finished this book in 2 days.  It was great.

The long hall from mhy cabin.  See the bright
blue spot way down there?  That was the
closest elevator and stairs.

My home for the week.  It was very comfortable.

St Thomas again.

Looking down from my balcony on deck 14.  Long ways down!

And to the back.  That black thing sticking out is Food Republic,
the restaurant I enjoyed.  Look how clear the water is!

Beautiful sunset as we sailed...even with the birds.

Dinner at Cagney's

This was so fun.  They would play a song without words and people
would run up to sing the words.  I went hoarse singing.  I guess I know lots of songs!

Tortola.  Absolutely beautiful.

Lots of sailboats in Tortola

Me in Tortola

Motown show with the solo cruisers

Helen and Billie.  Two of the solo ladies.  They were so fun!

Check out this cool cloud while at sea!

Reading on the balcony.  Perfect way to spend the day!

Waterfront deck.  I loved it here.  I don't think I was the only one!

Coming into Nassau.  Loved this lighthouse!

Ships that beat us there.

Atlantis in the background with boats of cruisers
out for adventure...in the rain.

 

Me and Maureen at Cagney's.  Can you believe she is 75??

Very cool cloud as we left Nassau

Miami and we cruised into port.  Simply gorgeous!

Since coming home, I've been kicked in the ass by this cold, work has been completely nuts, and my dating life fell to pieces.  I'll give more highlights since I've been  home in future blogs coming soon.