Back on Land

      Thanks for all the kind and fun comments on my getting ready to travel post. I'm sorry I didn't respond to individual ones, just hard getting caught up once home. I'm back after a pretty lazy and relaxing week of vacation. To be honest, nothing was exciting, but I wasn't going for that. My sisters and brother-in-laws were great travel companions, both helping me be active if I wanted, but giving space as needed. We all needed our own time too. I had melancholy moments; hard not to when you see both young and old couples, families and the "I wish's" come into my head. There was a late change with one couple, so we were a bit smaller. One port was cancelled due to weather, and they had a return the first night to port while we slept for a medical emergency. 

      My adult children benefited from the port dockage credit as I applied to a $50 bottle of Caribbean rum. I also bought a goofy hat, but one for sun protection that I'll use doing yard work or at the lake, some candy, and Coffee in Puerto Rico. No more travel t-shirts or hoodies. Prices were high for low quality tourist merchandise. I used my last credit plus another $4.08 to donate to the casino😅😅.

     There's not too much to highlight day to day. We had a beach day plus walked around and had dinner in old San Juan. We took a driving tour and ride to Mountain Top for banana daiquiris, then a sky tram ride to Paradise Point for bushwhackers (I passed on those), shopping, and lunch in St Thomas. I think I consumed more alcohol this past week than in the previous six months. I'm not exaggerating, but then again, I'm not a big drinker. I can thank my husband for sharing his fondness for Pina Colada's. I hadn't been a big fan, but dang if they didn't grow on me, literally. No weigh in yet. I'm giving my body a recovery week of good healthy eating and will weigh in Sunday morning, my normal day. I am anticipating at least a five-pound weight gain-bracing myself for the numbers. 

     Cruising is not for everyone. It's probably not my first choice either, but for my first vacation without my husband, a good choice. On sea days or before or after the ports, I played the trivia games, went to the shows, enjoyed live music, and a couple seminars. I had company if I wanted, and quiet time if I didn't. I won't be an annual cruiser, maybe every five years, give or take a few. I like the idea of taking my family somewhere like my MIL did back in 2016 on the Alaska cruise. I'll look to maybe five years from now, though the family may grow by then. Even better.

Sunset through the window. 

Princess version of afternoon tea.

Viero Beach Club and photo of new San Juan.

Bayside heading to old San Juan.

Obligatory pose on Mountain Top.

Magen's Bay. My husband and I
went there in 2013. 

Look closely for my friend in Paradise Point.

Blackbeard was here.

How the other half live; yachts are plenty. 

80's night deck party. 

     I have nothing but love and appreciation for the staff and crew of the Caribbean Princess, sailing dates February 18-25, 2024. Even though there's a daily gratuity charge, I had mine prepaid along with drinks and Wi-Fi in a package, I tipped extra in cash. I come from a family of service providers, so it's in my DNA, but no additional tipping is expected or required. If you needed or wanted something, I just asked, and like magic, it soon appeared. Nestor, my groups steward was so kind, and maybe looked out for me a bit extra, or it felt that way. The Cruise Director and team were cheesy in the fun vacation way, and my goodness the dining room staff and bartenders!!! (Can't even add enough !!!) 

    Now, I could harp about the crap show at Fort Lauderdale Airport check-in, baggage, security, and poor waiting areas, but why ruin things? It was a long travel day Sunday. I sprinkled a few pictures for those that have interest. Now to get back to getting caught up on work. 

 

Just beautiful blue seas ahead.

The basic inside cabin set up. 

The desk area.

The view of the ship in St Thomas.