Friday 27th July 2012 – Oranjestad Aruba in the Caribbean
Bright and early start to watch from our balcony as the little tug guided us in through a narrow reef, got our first view of a divi divi tree in the reef.
We docked around about 7 am and all clear to go ashore very soon after. It’s an interesting port, very colourful and with a wonderful blend of architecture, originally Aruba was a Dutch colony, so most of the streets and buildings have a Dutch influence.
We walked a long way through the town streets where vendors were setting up stalls, the usual fare was on offer, zillions of t-shirts and fridge magnets, hats, bags, and every other shop sold jewellery. On our walk past the Renaissance Resort we met some people from Brooklyn who were feeding fish, we watched on and saw some wonderful coloured fish, and crabs galore, after our chat we moseyed on back around to the town area
We flagged a taxi and booked a one hour tour, which was not particularly special, however we covered a fair bit of ground, some of which we would have been happy to miss, after all how many flippin resorts do you need to drive through ??
Our driver was a lovely local lady and was happy to share her local knowledge with us, she took us first to see the California Lighthouse, named after a shipwreck called the California who some 2 years before her demise was in the vicinity of the Titanic, and she was sent a mayday call, however her radio officer was asleep and missed the call, fate is cruel, and it is thought this was a bad luck omen for the California.
Next we drove to Arashi and Melmok Beach and resort areas, where the beaches were very beautiful, Tierra Del Sol Country Club, Palm Beach also gorgeous, then through the resorts (yawn) Eagle Beach and then to Saint Anne’s Church 125 years old, and it was next to a beautiful cemetery where there were row after row of crypts decorated with loads of flowers and ornaments.
Following the coast road we arrived at a Dutch Village in Eagle Beach, by this time, we both felt like we had been drugged, and I was nodding off like an old nanna, oh wait I am an old Nanna, Warren was feeling just a sleepy, warm weather and a comfy car ride, winning combination, and it was not even 9.30 am !
Back we went to Oranjestad, where Warren went and dumped our bags and I had a browse at the sparkly number shops, nice gear here kiddos.. Time to ply Warren with drinks I think.
Mojitos Cantina had free Wi-Fi, and nice cool bevies, so here we sat and refreshed ourselves ready for our next shopping excursion, looking for make up for mum, they didn’t have hers but di have mine, at a good price, sold thank you very much, about quarter or less then AU$.
We trawled the back blocks looking for souvenir’s, managed to grab a few trinkets and a new hat for Warren, so he doesn’t wreck his best VB 35 year old bucket hat, held together by good luck and dirt ! Diamonds International was yelling out to me, so I dragged Wazza in, and after they offered him free beers, the rest is history. I AM worth it..true, so a nice little bit of bling is being made for me, while I run amok in Aruba again.
Mojitos for lunch, we shared a meal and I again went off for some more retail therapy, while Wazza kept the seat warm. Few more trinkets for the kids, and off we went to the beachfront bar called the Paddock, I had a warm glass of wine, so no seconds for moi. By the way finally after all this rotten beer Warren has found a local beer he enjoyed, called Balashi, a local brew, he likes Aruba now hahahahaha.
Time to collect the new bling, it’s very pretty, and I know how lucky I am, spoilt brat in fact, but I AM worth it..true
Upstairs to Hard Rock Café, to have a sentimental cheers for Shazza, blow me down, not a drink to be found, t-shirts and trinkets, but no cool drinks, so down stairs we trundled and had our final drinks at Iguana Joes, where they tried to rip us off, my astute husband was onto them, scoundrels they are.
Trekking off now to get some bottled water to bring back to the ship, Warren assured me there was a supermarket “around the corner”, by now it’s 48 degrees in a water bag, the sun was scorching into my ring and blinding me, next corner he says, yeah sure, we almost walked back to freaking StThomas, no supermarkets here mate. Back tracked to the servo right near the ship and our cold water purchases were made, for all our effort we should have just got it on the ship, but an adventure is an adventure after all. And today was an adventure, albeit an expensive one.
Back on board with an hour to spare before sail away so a swim was in order, we went to the pool with the “nanna” steps, offended a few oldies as we had our drinks with us, so off they snotted/trotted, and we shared the pool with a few really nice people, one a guy who had a stroke at 53, doing the world cruise, he has had it hard, and still does it hard. Times like this we take stock and think we are so blessed to have our good health.
Time for the sail away party up on pool deck, the band was playing some great music, reminded me of Zig Zag on the Radiance, how I enjoyed their music, and the sail out of Aruba was just magnificent.
Drinks and laughs at the pool bar, we meet lovely new people every day, darned if I can remember names, so I have loads of “mates”.
Dinner was casual in the horizon again, then back to the Riviera Bar for more night time laughs and chats. Still haven’t seen a show, not enough hours in the day, sad really. Do I hear words of sympathy from you all ??
Tomorrow is another day at Sea, loving these sea days, time to rest and recover, oh and look at my new bling.
Thanks to those who are following, sorry I don’t reply, it takes me sometimes 10 precious minutes to just get my home page up.
I hope you know I appreciate your company.
Cheers
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thursday July 26th, 2012 at Sea (recovery day)
We had a late start after a huge day and night yesterday, and started with brekky in the dining room, always nice to be waited on, and as usual the service was excellent.
Next up was trivia with our new friends from Parkes and Tasmania, both couples are lovely and we enjoy being part of their team, cos they have a brain between them! We scored 13, our friends Joyce & Dieter and their mates are our fierce opponents and they managed to beat us by 1 point, so the challenge is on now ……….. look out for “It’s only a Game”
A swim was next on the agenda, but after changing into my swimmers I thought better of it, and decided I need a rest day, so took block while Wazza went swimming and then had his usual sea day arvo of drinks and water volley ball, large teams, and not organised, but never the less those that play all have fun (except for one who thought he was the lord of the pool bossing and pushing people around), Warren was trying to slam the ball into the back of his head but kept missing, better luck next time.
I caught up with stuff and had another rest, I often wonder how I played so hard once upon a time, age will do that ..sad, LOL
No dressing for dinner tonight we just went to the Horizon buffet and we had a very small dinner and an early night.
I did some work on the blog and had a read, the ship is very quiet after port days, in fact most nights it’s like a floating nursing home, lights out early, tonight we felt like a part of the crowd.
Tomorrow we look forward to seeing Aruba.
We had a late start after a huge day and night yesterday, and started with brekky in the dining room, always nice to be waited on, and as usual the service was excellent.
Next up was trivia with our new friends from Parkes and Tasmania, both couples are lovely and we enjoy being part of their team, cos they have a brain between them! We scored 13, our friends Joyce & Dieter and their mates are our fierce opponents and they managed to beat us by 1 point, so the challenge is on now ……….. look out for “It’s only a Game”
A swim was next on the agenda, but after changing into my swimmers I thought better of it, and decided I need a rest day, so took block while Wazza went swimming and then had his usual sea day arvo of drinks and water volley ball, large teams, and not organised, but never the less those that play all have fun (except for one who thought he was the lord of the pool bossing and pushing people around), Warren was trying to slam the ball into the back of his head but kept missing, better luck next time.
I caught up with stuff and had another rest, I often wonder how I played so hard once upon a time, age will do that ..sad, LOL
No dressing for dinner tonight we just went to the Horizon buffet and we had a very small dinner and an early night.
I did some work on the blog and had a read, the ship is very quiet after port days, in fact most nights it’s like a floating nursing home, lights out early, tonight we felt like a part of the crowd.
Tomorrow we look forward to seeing Aruba.
Wednesday 25th July 2012 St Thomas in the Caribbean
We woke to find we had arrived into St Thomas, the morning was very warm and humid, as you would expect given the part of the world we are in. I rang mum and Daniel, all is well at home, Bonnie is doing well, Kailee is still being a wonderful “surrogate” mum for me.
After the calls were made we headed off the ship and walked along the streets to find mostly everything was still closed, gradually the stores began to open their doors, and explore we did. We walked a fair distance then jumped into a taxi for a 2 hour tour of this beautiful place. The lady who took us on tour was fantastic and a really good driver and as always is a bonus she was born and bred in this part of the world.
We took in some fabulous views and got to see the Allure of the Seas also parked near our ship, what a huge mumma this one is!
We stopped for a while at a café high in the hills, and I had a banana daiquiri, topped with some local rum, it was very nice indeed, almost blew my socks off, the girl who served me was using the rum to clean her hands, as you do !
We finished our tour at Magens Bay, a beach that charges you $4 each for a swim, money well spent, as we really loved this place and swam for a couple of hours, chatting to people here and there, really a fabulous beach.
Time for lunch and couple of rum punches, also with a kick like a mule, no such thing as responsible service of alcohol her, that’s for sure. We sat on the balcony overlooking the water and enjoyed our lunch, soaking in the vibe.
Time to head home, where we had a bit of a kip before another wonderful sail away.
Tonight was Christmas in July and we had dinner in the dining room, it was a lovely meal, fabulous wait staff fussing over us.
A big Christmas party was held up on deck and we partied the night away up there with some of our new friends.
We woke to find we had arrived into St Thomas, the morning was very warm and humid, as you would expect given the part of the world we are in. I rang mum and Daniel, all is well at home, Bonnie is doing well, Kailee is still being a wonderful “surrogate” mum for me.
After the calls were made we headed off the ship and walked along the streets to find mostly everything was still closed, gradually the stores began to open their doors, and explore we did. We walked a fair distance then jumped into a taxi for a 2 hour tour of this beautiful place. The lady who took us on tour was fantastic and a really good driver and as always is a bonus she was born and bred in this part of the world.
We took in some fabulous views and got to see the Allure of the Seas also parked near our ship, what a huge mumma this one is!
We stopped for a while at a café high in the hills, and I had a banana daiquiri, topped with some local rum, it was very nice indeed, almost blew my socks off, the girl who served me was using the rum to clean her hands, as you do !
We finished our tour at Magens Bay, a beach that charges you $4 each for a swim, money well spent, as we really loved this place and swam for a couple of hours, chatting to people here and there, really a fabulous beach.
Time for lunch and couple of rum punches, also with a kick like a mule, no such thing as responsible service of alcohol her, that’s for sure. We sat on the balcony overlooking the water and enjoyed our lunch, soaking in the vibe.
Time to head home, where we had a bit of a kip before another wonderful sail away.
Tonight was Christmas in July and we had dinner in the dining room, it was a lovely meal, fabulous wait staff fussing over us.
A big Christmas party was held up on deck and we partied the night away up there with some of our new friends.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Tuesday July 24th 2012 At Sea In the Bermuda Triangle
Today the sea has changed from the mill pond we had yesterday and the really high humidity to a swell and much cooler temps.
We are after all in the Bermuda Triangle…
How many people can say they have been here ?? We can and yes I know we are lucky ducks.
Last night turned into a fizzer, it was formal night and Warren was not allowed into the dining room without long sleeves, so he nicked off somewhere, I came back home and changed and spent the night cruising around the many fabulous night time venues, again, I met some really great fellow travellers, and we exchanged a dozen stories or maybe more. The staff on the ship is fantastic, and there seem to be bunches of people travelling alone.
I stayed and played till the wee hours as did Warren, albeit in different venues, he crashed after a big old session upstairs, I crashed after a big old session of dancing and laughing all over the ship with my new mates ! (Still miss our Royal mates, just not the same, never the less still fabulous)
I chose to be spoilt with a brekky on the balcony this morning, it was so relaxing to sit and watch the wonderful Ocean go by and know I had not a care in the world.
Yep, life is good.
All the deck chairs are tied down now, as the sea has taken on a different perspective.
Spooky music paying on the blog right now….oooooooohhhhhhhhh
First time at trivia, and as usual, we chose the correct name for our team, “Its Only A Game” in honour of Frank and Norm, and blow me down, we managed to get 14 out of 20…gosh we are brilliant, just ask me, I will tell you .
Time now to wake Wazza up, water volleyball is about to happen.
Today the sea has changed from the mill pond we had yesterday and the really high humidity to a swell and much cooler temps.
We are after all in the Bermuda Triangle…
How many people can say they have been here ?? We can and yes I know we are lucky ducks.
Last night turned into a fizzer, it was formal night and Warren was not allowed into the dining room without long sleeves, so he nicked off somewhere, I came back home and changed and spent the night cruising around the many fabulous night time venues, again, I met some really great fellow travellers, and we exchanged a dozen stories or maybe more. The staff on the ship is fantastic, and there seem to be bunches of people travelling alone.
I stayed and played till the wee hours as did Warren, albeit in different venues, he crashed after a big old session upstairs, I crashed after a big old session of dancing and laughing all over the ship with my new mates ! (Still miss our Royal mates, just not the same, never the less still fabulous)
I chose to be spoilt with a brekky on the balcony this morning, it was so relaxing to sit and watch the wonderful Ocean go by and know I had not a care in the world.
Yep, life is good.
All the deck chairs are tied down now, as the sea has taken on a different perspective.
Spooky music paying on the blog right now….oooooooohhhhhhhhh
First time at trivia, and as usual, we chose the correct name for our team, “Its Only A Game” in honour of Frank and Norm, and blow me down, we managed to get 14 out of 20…gosh we are brilliant, just ask me, I will tell you .
Time now to wake Wazza up, water volleyball is about to happen.
Tuesday July 24th 2012 At Sea In the Bermuda Triangle
Today the sea has changed from the mill pond we had yesterday and the really high humidity to a swell and much cooler temps.
We are after all in the Bermuda Triangle…
How many people can say they have been here ?? We can and yes I know we are lucky ducks.
Last night turned into a fizzer, it was formal night and Warren was not allowed into the dining room without long sleeves, so he nicked off somewhere, I came back home and changed and spent the night cruising around the many fabulous night time venues, again, I met some really great fellow travellers, and we exchanged a dozen stories or maybe more. The staff on the ship is fantastic, and there seem to be bunches of people travelling alone.
I stayed and played till the wee hours as did Warren, albeit in different venues, he crashed after a big old session upstairs, I crashed after a big old session of dancing and laughing all over the ship with my new mates ! (Still miss our Royal mates, just not the same, never the less still fabulous)
I chose to be spoilt with a brekky on the balcony this morning, it was so relaxing to sit and watch the wonderful Ocean go by and know I had not a care in the world.
Yep, life is good.
All the deck chairs are tied down now, as the sea has taken on a different perspective.
Spooky music paying on the blog right now….oooooooohhhhhhhhh
First time at trivia, and as usual, we chose the correct name for our team, “Its Only A Game” in honour of Frank and Norm, and blow me down, we managed to get 14 out of 20…gosh we are brilliant, just ask me, I will tell you .
Time now to wake Wazza up, water volleyball is about to happen.
Today the sea has changed from the mill pond we had yesterday and the really high humidity to a swell and much cooler temps.
We are after all in the Bermuda Triangle…
How many people can say they have been here ?? We can and yes I know we are lucky ducks.
Last night turned into a fizzer, it was formal night and Warren was not allowed into the dining room without long sleeves, so he nicked off somewhere, I came back home and changed and spent the night cruising around the many fabulous night time venues, again, I met some really great fellow travellers, and we exchanged a dozen stories or maybe more. The staff on the ship is fantastic, and there seem to be bunches of people travelling alone.
I stayed and played till the wee hours as did Warren, albeit in different venues, he crashed after a big old session upstairs, I crashed after a big old session of dancing and laughing all over the ship with my new mates ! (Still miss our Royal mates, just not the same, never the less still fabulous)
I chose to be spoilt with a brekky on the balcony this morning, it was so relaxing to sit and watch the wonderful Ocean go by and know I had not a care in the world.
Yep, life is good.
All the deck chairs are tied down now, as the sea has taken on a different perspective.
Spooky music paying on the blog right now….oooooooohhhhhhhhh
First time at trivia, and as usual, we chose the correct name for our team, “Its Only A Game” in honour of Frank and Norm, and blow me down, we managed to get 14 out of 20…gosh we are brilliant, just ask me, I will tell you .
Time now to wake Wazza up, water volleyball is about to happen.
Tuesday July 24th 2012 At Sea In the Bermuda Triangle
Today the sea has changed from the mill pond we had yesterday and the really high humidity to a swell and much cooler temps.
We are after all in the Bermuda Triangle…
How many people can say they have been here ?? We can and yes I know we are lucky ducks.
Last night turned into a fizzer, it was formal night and Warren was not allowed into the dining room without long sleeves, so he nicked off somewhere, I came back home and changed and spent the night cruising around the many fabulous night time venues, again, I met some really great fellow travellers, and we exchanged a dozen stories or maybe more. The staff on the ship is fantastic, and there seem to be bunches of people travelling alone.
I stayed and played till the wee hours as did Warren, albeit in different venues, he crashed after a big old session upstairs, I crashed after a big old session of dancing and laughing all over the ship with my new mates ! (Still miss our Royal mates, just not the same, never the less still fabulous)
I chose to be spoilt with a brekky on the balcony this morning, it was so relaxing to sit and watch the wonderful Ocean go by and know I had not a care in the world.
Yep, life is good.
All the deck chairs are tied down now, as the sea has taken on a different perspective.
Spooky music paying on the blog right now….oooooooohhhhhhhhh
First time at trivia, and as usual, we chose the correct name for our team, “Its Only A Game” in honour of Frank and Norm, and blow me down, we managed to get 14 out of 20…gosh we are brilliant, just ask me, I will tell you .
Time now to wake Wazza up, water volleyball is about to happen.
Today the sea has changed from the mill pond we had yesterday and the really high humidity to a swell and much cooler temps.
We are after all in the Bermuda Triangle…
How many people can say they have been here ?? We can and yes I know we are lucky ducks.
Last night turned into a fizzer, it was formal night and Warren was not allowed into the dining room without long sleeves, so he nicked off somewhere, I came back home and changed and spent the night cruising around the many fabulous night time venues, again, I met some really great fellow travellers, and we exchanged a dozen stories or maybe more. The staff on the ship is fantastic, and there seem to be bunches of people travelling alone.
I stayed and played till the wee hours as did Warren, albeit in different venues, he crashed after a big old session upstairs, I crashed after a big old session of dancing and laughing all over the ship with my new mates ! (Still miss our Royal mates, just not the same, never the less still fabulous)
I chose to be spoilt with a brekky on the balcony this morning, it was so relaxing to sit and watch the wonderful Ocean go by and know I had not a care in the world.
Yep, life is good.
All the deck chairs are tied down now, as the sea has taken on a different perspective.
Spooky music paying on the blog right now….oooooooohhhhhhhhh
First time at trivia, and as usual, we chose the correct name for our team, “Its Only A Game” in honour of Frank and Norm, and blow me down, we managed to get 14 out of 20…gosh we are brilliant, just ask me, I will tell you .
Time now to wake Wazza up, water volleyball is about to happen.
Sunday July 22nd 2012 At Sea
Today was all about getting to know our way around the ship, and having a relax after the frantic pace of New York.
It is so lovely to be back on a ship again so soon.
Meet and mingle was at 5 pm in the bar, it was good to meet the people who we had "befriended" for so many months before our cruise.
Monday July 23rd 2012 At Sea
The weather is really getting humid and the sea is like a mill pond. Usual day doing as one does, meeting people having a few bevvys on the pool deck, and our cabin crawl was to be held this afternoon, but apart from Janet, Garry, Gay and Graeme, no one showed (although there was a small lack of detail on my part, which bar ??)
Not to worry we will try again after our meet and mingle luncheon on Saturday, cos I am NOT bringing Tims Tams home with me . We attended the port lecture and enjoyed hearing about this beautiful Caribbean Port of St Thomas which will be our first stop on Wednesday, it looks so georgous.
Warren had his first game of water volleyball, and his team won, while I came and did the fun stuff ie washing.
Tonight is the Captains welcome drinks and formal night, although we are going to be "not too formal"
Princess stuffed up our membership, so we have no platinum till Los Angeles, good on ya, It will be fixed for us when we send some verification paperwork, so as of today still no internet, I will purchase a small package, to keep in touch, and hope to frind free wifi in St Thomas.
Today was all about getting to know our way around the ship, and having a relax after the frantic pace of New York.
It is so lovely to be back on a ship again so soon.
Meet and mingle was at 5 pm in the bar, it was good to meet the people who we had "befriended" for so many months before our cruise.
Monday July 23rd 2012 At Sea
The weather is really getting humid and the sea is like a mill pond. Usual day doing as one does, meeting people having a few bevvys on the pool deck, and our cabin crawl was to be held this afternoon, but apart from Janet, Garry, Gay and Graeme, no one showed (although there was a small lack of detail on my part, which bar ??)
Not to worry we will try again after our meet and mingle luncheon on Saturday, cos I am NOT bringing Tims Tams home with me . We attended the port lecture and enjoyed hearing about this beautiful Caribbean Port of St Thomas which will be our first stop on Wednesday, it looks so georgous.
Warren had his first game of water volleyball, and his team won, while I came and did the fun stuff ie washing.
Tonight is the Captains welcome drinks and formal night, although we are going to be "not too formal"
Princess stuffed up our membership, so we have no platinum till Los Angeles, good on ya, It will be fixed for us when we send some verification paperwork, so as of today still no internet, I will purchase a small package, to keep in touch, and hope to frind free wifi in St Thomas.
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