Sea Days and the long goodbye to Ventura

The route taken by Ventura

Alan and I are home now after a fabulous trip to the Caribbean.  The funny thing was, when we booked this trip, I considered we were just going back to the same old, same old.  Been there, done that or so I thought.  Then on the first day and every day after, this experience was better and better than we could have ever imagined.  Who knew?  Now we can't wait to get back to this part of the world.

But, 2 sea days was just a step too far.  Like I said previously, I believe P&O scheduled this particular itinerary to coincide with the naming ceremony of their newest and largest ship - Britannia.  But I hope we never have 2 sea days at the end again.  (and I usually love sea days!)

Judith and me

Due to having a food allergy, I always have a head waiter that advises me on my dinner orders for the next day. What usually happens is the chef will make whatever I order without the offering Cumin so I can eat with confidence.  Only one menu item was banned for me to order since the sauce that came with it was ready made and they could not guarantee it was free of cumin.  I felt more of a connection with Judith this trip than the others. That could have been as a result of my illness in the middle of the trip. She gave me great advice, called our cabin to check up on me and was just a pleasure to see every night at dinner!


With me barely beginning to feel like myself, we still took these last days slowly but did manage to attend the shows.  And I must say, the whole evening entertainment this time around was not even close to what we experienced on the Azura a few years ago or the Ventura as recently as May 2014.  The choice was limited, sometimes there was only one show, not one in both the Arena and the Havana.  Just not what we have come to expect.  Of course, since we missed most of them anyway because I was not well, this was not an issue for us!  But it did seem like one of the many small cost cutting exercises we noticed throughout the cruise.

The Evidence!

Anyone who knows Alan and me, knows we really do not drink much. And on a cruise, we usually only have one drink a day on board.  But P&O also permits bottles to be brought on board and kept in your cabins.  So we purchased quite a variety of flavoured rum during these 2 weeks, and had to really work to drink these bottles!  I believe we met the challenge quite well though!

This was a magic and fantastic trip, even with the little disappointments along the way.  And it must have been wonderful to feel this way after my being ill at least 10 days of the 14.  I just forged through the days and slept like a baby at night!  (ok, I coughed all night most nights, but let's not be pedantic!) Not as bad as it could have been.

Alan and I found ourselves on the last night in the Atrium with absolutely no one around. With a ship holding almost 6000 people, including the crew, how was this possible?

My only big regret is that I was not able to swim with the turtles in Barbados.  The people we met the first night had done this on the first day in Barbados and I knew they intended to do it again before heading back to Scotland. I fully intended to go myself either with them or on our own incase they changed their minds.  But when the time came, I really did not think it was responsible for me to get wet and possibly make myself worse.  But since we intend to return, this is a definite bucket list activity!

We arrived back in Scotland yesterday morning leaving Barbados with a temperature of 82F.  When we left Glasgow Airport it was 42F.   And I have been freezing ever since!

Back to work tomorrow.    But what we really need is a holiday to recover!

Until next time, enjoy whatever you do!

Laughter is an instant vacation.

Milton Berle

Bonaire - Our Last Port

Alan and I spent our last day in port the way we had intended to spend all our stops…..by relaxing and doing not a whole lot!  And this was made easy because there was not an army of taxi drivers trying to get business.  We might have been tempted if they had been!  

Sea Urchins

Being still not 100% healthy, I made the painful decision not to go to a beach.  Bonaire is very famous for its beautiful beaches, I believe their whole coast is protected and it shows, even at the harbour where the Ventura was docked.  Little sea urchins and beautiful coloured fish of all sizes are everywhere.  

On our first trip to Bonaire, I was able to snorkel at Eden Beach.  It was stunning and great fun. But not today.  Of course, there will be another trip, we know this now. So I will get  another chance to swim in Caribbean waters again!  

The main street is right where the ship docks so Alan and I spent the day either walking up and down the shore looking at fish, or shopping.  Not to mention buying a bucket of Polar beer in El Mundo pub. But, to be honest, that was mainly to use their free wifi and catch up on this blog!  

We were on Riviera Deck, just under the glassed overhang.
6th balcony from the stern!
The light doesn't show in this photo!

We also were able to see our balcony from the shore and realised we left one of our lights on!  

Some of the friends we had made were intending to go tubing on Bonaire, so we went our separate way.  Then learned they discovered a place that did little electric car tours of the island. Sounded amazing, with beaches, flamingos, iguanas and lots of good laughs. We will definitely look this up the next time we are on this fabulous island. 

As we left Bonaire, Ventura hosted the largest of the Great British Britannia Launch Sailaway party.  P&O always has impressive Great British Sailaway parties on the last port of their itinerary, so I have been to a few. But this one was incredible!  I believe there were double the amount of passengers participating in this one, on decks 15, 16, 17 and 18!  But that would be due to the excitement of our Queen naming and launching the Britannia today in Southampton.  I do wonder if our strange itinerary and having 2 sea days at the end are a result of needing to arrange the timetable to coincide with this celebration?  I do know all 7 P&O cruise ships held simultaneous sail away parties and the videos and photos taken by the ships’ official photographers are going to be streamed on the P&O website.  

We were able to watch the rerun of Queen Elizabeth dedicating the new ship Britannia.  It had been the talk of the ship on this day and I had not seen it at the time it happened.

Quote taken from the entertainment committee today as they hosted the Great Sailaway Celebration - 

 “Today is a great day to be British."

The lovely island of Curacao!

Alan and I were very concerned about reliving our fantastic experience of visiting Curacao.  So far this trip has surpassed all expectation and been so much better than we ever expected.  We just knew our return to Curacao could not live up to what we anticipated.  But is almost did!  Our only disappointment was the lack of numbers of Frigate birds or overloaded little fruit boats going between the larger fruit boats that come up from Venezuela.  So that is really not bad at all!

Alan and I went into Willemstadt early in order to take photos before the shops opened and too many people were about.

I am glad we did this, but we also decided to take a tour of the island - one of those taxies like I have described.   This was just ok. I don't honestly think there is all that much to see on Curacao outside of the beautiful city of Willemstadt.




Our driver, Urvin, took us through rich neighbourhoods, middle class neighbourhoods, even the government housing areas.  Of course, having a British audience, I don't think he would realise government housing is not a concept they are familiar with.  I would assume they would associate this with council housing and they are completely different.

Included in the tour was a visit to the Curacao factory or distillery.  It didn't really fell like a distillery but I imagine that was what it really was. Alan and I had decided we really did need to taste Curacao since we had been here before and this was the perfect opportunity!  We got to taste all 5 flavours!  (there are also 5 colours of Curacao, but we were told these all actually taste the same!)  My favourite, of course, was the chocolate one!

Then a quick stop at Lions Dive Beach.  Not a real stop since it cost to enter the beach, cost to rent a subbed, cost to go into the pool there.  Not a real beach at all, too clinical and man made.  But we just met a couple who were there and saw flamingos and a stork! So I believe, if we ever return, we will just spend half the day in Willemstadt and half at the beach!

I love the colours of Willemstadt and our driver told us this was a result of one governor who told the islanders that all their white painted houses hurt his eyes.  They were "required" to paint their houses in different colours. Then they learned he was an owner of a paint company!   (probably not true but really funny.)

Willemstadt itself is a gorgeous city and the floating fish and fruit market at the harbour could entertain anyone for at least half the day.  The other half, in theory, could be spent shopping or visiting interesting restaurants or bars.   The jewellery stores alone could entertain me all day!   ;-)

There is also the Queen Emma Floating Bridge to get to the main street.  This bridge actually moves and I tried to get photos to show this, but not sure it really gives the right angle. And I was too intent on shopping to do a better job of showing this.  When the bridge is moved for larger ships coming in, there are 2 free ferries to get people from each side.

Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba are all associated with the Netherlands and this is very apparent in the architecture and some of the restaurants.  We have never been to Aruba, but the other two are very different from other ports on the itinerary.  I would assume Aruba is the same.  

The noticeable difference for me this time is that Willemstadt seems much more Hispanic.  All the little boats loaded with fruit or fish arrive on a daily basis from Venezuela and have done for many years I guess.  But there seems to be more emphasis on Spanish food now  in restaurants   And I heard so much more Spanish being spoken than I had the first time we were here. 

Alan and I split up for a while so he could photograph and I could shop, brave man leaving me alone in Willemstadt!  But I managed not to spend all my money.  On the way back to the ship I spotted an Iguana, he could have been about 3 feet long, just hanging out on a tree.  Unfortunately, his tail overlapped a police do not cross tape!  So the photo is not as good as I would have liked.  Great surprise to see him in any setting though!

Curacao has an amazing free wifi system all over the town but earlier in the day we had to use the "facilities" at McDonald's and treated ourselves to a good coffee.  The coffee onboard is not good so this was wonderful!  (There is a Costa on board, but I just was not interested in going there.)  We were there long enough to notice the amazing cakes on offer at the McCafe and returned there after the tour of the island.  I must confess, even with all the lovely food on offer 24/7, we had to order Key Lime Pie and New York Cheesecake at McDonalds!  And to add to my personal shame, here is the photo showing the corner of Alan's cheesecake missing the corner since I could not wait to taste it before remembering to take a photo!


Alan and I agreed to meet at the port or the bar near the ship.  So I ended up sitting with the crew members as they touched base with their friends and family all over the world.  After a while, I wondered where Alan was and headed to the bar, where he had just ordered Polar beers for us!  Nice guy!

Sharing his catch with the audience watching him!

Then another treat just before boarding!  One of the passengers has fished at every port we have been to, although I never saw him or heard of his hobby until today.  He was right on front of the ship and had just caught a nice size fish.  He then proceeded to take a picture of it, raise it so all the people watching could see and then let it go.  What a great hobby for
him!

No fish were harmed in the pursuit of this hobby.
Maybe traumatised, but not harmed!

"The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope."

John Buchan

Celebrating our 29th anniversary on a Sea Day!

Seems a  bit odd to be so far from home on such a special day. But then, anniversaries really only relate to the people celebrating them, and Alan and I are together on this trip.  We have received some lovely Anniversay greetings via Facebook so we know we are remembered even though we are thousands of miles away!  

Sunset on the Lookout above the bridge

On our last sea day, I realised I had taken no photos at all, but then, I was really  sick anyway and didn’t do much.  In fact, the highlight of the first sea day was the nice 2 hour nap I had in the middle of the afternoon!  So today, I intend to do better.  

Here is how we usually start the day, editing pictures, it seems never ending for both of us. But worth all the time for the memories captured.

Alan is happy to sit at our balcony, but I prefer lying out at the pool, so we spent the morning doing our own thing.

Mine ended up including  a lovely Strawberry Daquiri and watching the ice sculpture demonstration.

 Following our regular system, if we are not together at 12 noon, we meet at our cabin, and this is what happened.

At lunch, we sat with a couple we met the first night and also the piano player from the Red Bar.  It was really interesting hearing his stories about travelling the world with Cunard and P&O!  

It was another formal dinner tonight, with a black and white theme.  Alan looked so smart in his suit and black bow tie!  I know he would prefer going to the buffet, and I really appreciate that he does this for me. And he looks so good doing this!  

This is the first night since we arrived that I have not been working on becoming ill or actually being ill, so we finally got to enjoy a bit of night life on the ship!  First a Tom Jones Tribute at the Havana Bar, then a singer at the Tamarind Bar, next the Stagedoor show by the Ventura Headliners, ending up with friends at the Metropolis Bar on the 18th deck.

And the last song played by the band was a Faith Hill song dedicated to Alan and me for our 29th anniversary!  

Quote from the piano player when asked how interesting it is to watch the transformation of passengers following their arrival from the UK.  He said it was like one of the old Bisto commercials and the passengers end up “Browned, Seasoned and Thickened.”

Too true!

Tortola - Just so you know!

Alan and I had been to Tortola before but could remember absolutely nothing about it!  The last time we were here, I was already blogging so I looked it up and the main thing I noted then was how nice the beach was!  However, I can't even find that to link it just now, sorry!

We decided to take a taxi around the island, a 2 hour tour!  This was led by Kittie and her "taxi" held at least 30 passengers!  "Just so you know" seemed to be Kittie's catch phrase!

Alan's photo of Kittie

This was a very impressive vehicle. with the cab where she drove separate from what felt more like a bus behind it!  And the engines on these must be very powerful because the hills are amazingly steep!  It was a very scenic tour, with a huge mural showcasing the history of Tortola, but there wasn't really much I can write about.  It was well worth it, but just not alot of detail.    

Alan's photo of the man at Cane Garden Bay
doing the coconut drinks!

We did have a 45 minute stop at Cane Garden Beach, which was the very beach that had so impressed me the visit before.  It is still a beautiful beach, but with my tonsillitis, I did not dare get wet.  So I hung around with Alan and tried to get photos of birds like he does (the feathered variety, not the bikini clad ones! )  Unfortunately, we spent too much time doing this and missed the chance of 4 shots of rum for  $1 at the local distillery!

I remember this coconut drink procedure the last time we were on this beach, but I still did not have a chance to try it. The machete skills exhibited on all these islands are impressive, to say the least!

Cane Garden Bay is still very beautiful and I am glad I got to return.  Maybe next time I will be well enough to swim again!  Very frustrating to be just not well enough to risk getting wet and chilled.

Lonely Pelican at Cane Garden Bay

Although Tortola is a beautiful island, and very close to Richard Branson's Necker Island, it does not offer all that much except the beach.  If we ever come back, I will opt to just spend our time totally on the beach.





I was happy to see the Caribe Spice shop!  I had forgotten about this shop and it is a treasure trove of spices.  However, the last time I was here I didn't have to avoid cumin.   But I was able to walk through the shop with Celia who explained which ones contained cumin and which ones didn't. She also told me she has an allergy to almonds, where her throat also swells up.  When she realises she has accidentally eaten anything with almonds, she quickly mixes up cayenne pepper with water and drinks it!  I hope I remember this if I am ever in the position of realising I ate cumin.  Much better than taking a strong antihistamine and having to sleep!

"Visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean; it comes with the landscape, and faced with its beauty, the sigh of History dissolves."
(Derek Walcott)

Business as Usual in St Maarten

After having an unplanned sea day due to the high winds around St Kitts, we arrived at Phillipsburg, St Maarten about 8pm the night before we were supposed to be there.  We were unable to stop at any other ports, or even get to St Maarten early since all these islands had their full quota of visiting cruise ships.  This happened to us on our first Caribbean cruise too, when we were supposed to visit Grand Turks and just could not get docked there safely. These things happen….

I had hoped arriving “early” meant we could enjoy some nightlife, but the water taxis had stopped and it was too far and too late really to go into town.  So Alan and I just sat at Sharky’s bar, the only thing open at the port and enjoyed a few Caribs.  I was still feeling under the weather so the walk was not a good idea and we still have not watched any shows since the first few days, thanks to me coughing through the night.  Alan has been a saint about not complaining!

Alan and I got up early, ate quickly and grabbed a water taxi - arriving before anything was open!  But what fun to see this popular destination, deserted!  This is our third visit to St Maarten and we seem to follow the same, successful pattern.  We start the day early and enjoy the peace and quiet.  Then get a coffee or coke at the Firehouse Bar right on the beach, which also has free wifi. This bar also has odd little biting insects and I always forget about them until I feel them around my ankles.  No ill effects, but not really a pleasant experience!  

Firehouse Bar
Our St Maarten "local"!

Next, a bit of shopping.  There is a great camera shop, loads of jewellers, the MAC shop, which was a must visit by request of our daughter, and the duty free liquor and sunglasses shop right at the water taxi pier.  We purchased the most delicious coconut rum and then were encouraged to get the pineapple flavour along with it.  When we were offered a taste of the two mixed together, it was  a done deal!  A little Pina Colada in a glass!  So now we own 4 liters of rum!  (We purchased an earlier supply of Malibu and Dragonfruit flavour Bacardi in Barbados!)  

One benefit of travelling with P&O is that you are allowed to have bottles in your room and you can also bring cokes and bottles of water, instead of always lining the cruise liner’s pockets.  We don’t really drink as much as it sounds, but it is fun to have them around!

look closely, you can see the arrival times!

After a trip back to the ship on our all day water taxi ticket ($5 one way or $7 all day), we dumped all our purchases and went back out to catch a land based taxi for Maho Beach!  Alan had the arrivals for Princess Juliana International Airport and we were looking forward to seeing the KLM flight land at 12:08!  We have been to this beach twice before, but never seen a large plane land.  

Maybe it is a different season, or maybe in 2 or 3 years since our last trip, there seems to be loads more people, sun beds with umbrellas and the bar there was absolutely heaving!  Other times, there have been only a handful of people.  

I had intended to find the bar and hope it had wifi (it did).  But then I got caught up on the excitement and took my own pictures and found folks we knew.  Wifi could wait, this was fun!   However, we decided next time - do something different at St Maarten, like visit the French half of the island or something.  No need to repeat this successful pattern a fourth time.  Time for something different.  

Seeing a KLM flight coming in for landing just over our heads - priceless!

Not sure at the beginning of this blog if I mentioned this would be our last trip to the Caribbean, been here 3 times now, time for pastures new.  As it stands now, we are talking about the next time.  Who knew?  Island fever can strike at any unexpected time!  

Upon return to the ship, we invited a few people we have met for a Rum tasting party!  None of these folks were/are rum drinkers, but they humoured us and came anyway.  And no surprise, they all loved the mini Pina Coladas!  I just wish we could bring the bottles home…..

In addition to our variety of rum flavours, I imagine we are also the only cabin on the ship with a wide variety of different strengths, flavours and colours of cough medicine!  It seems to have become another must see on each island we visit - the drug store or chemist (depending on where you live and what you call them.)  At each island I find the local drug store and interrogate the pharmacist as to exactly what I can take to permit me to breath and hold a conversation at the same time.  I am beginning to regret not getting the codeine at St Maarten!  But surely, this must go away soon! 

(As I am posting this 3 days after the fact, I must admit I am feeling almost 100% better now, but it seemed to take forever to shake this!)

Quote from our water taxi captain - “Rain and wind can tip the boat, only passengers can tip the crew."