October 21 and 22, 2015 – Wednesday and Thursday - Island Seas Resort

Both were very relaxing days and both were pretty much the same.  The temperature was in the low 80’s and the wind was blowing off and on which made the waves on the ocean at least 3 feet.

Each morning Barb started the day with a walk along the beach, going both East and West from the resort.  Here are a few pictures from Thursday’s walk including a beautiful sun rise and the sand pipers on the beach and two of the four dogs that were frequent walking companions when in the vicinity of this little village.

Then it was time on the beach, a bit of needlework, some reading and of course happy hour at Coconuts.  Also time to spend chatting with other folks at the resort including two lovely gentlemen from Sussex England who we have come to befriend over the week. Evenings seem to end very early, so off to bed.

Friday we start our journey home.

October 20, 2015 – Tuesday

Today was a day to go exploring! After walking west along the beach towards the Sunrise Marina Barb decided to take the path along the Marina and then walk on the city streets for a while.  They were not straight, so the story goes that after walking 90 minutes, Barb asked several people for directions and after 2 hours and 20 minutes – finally arrived back at the resort.  A great walk – just a bit of stress, but basically she knew she would eventually make it back.  Harry wasn’t overly stressed, he just figured she had decided on a longer walk. 

The day was blustery, so time spent in the ocean was interesting with at least 3 foot waves and a bit cooler water temperature.  After fighting the waves, time on the beach was called for – even with the wind. 

Happy hour, a lovely supper then evening spent reading and needlework and some TV.    

October 19, 2015 – Monday

Barb had another lovely walk on the beach first thing in the morning.  The tide was out a little more than the day before which meant more time on the beach, while still having to manoeuvre over some of the rocks, but not too many.  Lots of white sand shared with little shore birds and only one or two other individuals.

We attended a meeting to discuss increasing our membership to a Platinum level with RCI membership.  The cheapest plan was $5,800 US, so needless to say – we didn’t bite!  It was really funny, because as we went in we were escorted by several tables full of other members, but when I said no – we were escorted through the back door.  Funny!

Then into Soloman’s for grocery shopping for the rest of the week.  This is a shuttle provided by the Resort and is very helpful so we don’t have to shop only at the little over priced handi market, or eat at the restaurants. 

The rest of the day was spent on the beach – relaxing and reading.

October 18, 2015 – Sunday

Another leisurely day at Island Seas Resort.  Barb went  for her regular walk on the beach, an early start, so to begin with hers were the only footprints on the beach.  Wonderful and peaceful. She went from the resort to the entrance to the Sunrise Marina a round-trip walk for those on fitbit of approximately 9000 steps.  It is a beautiful walk, sometimes strictly on the beautiful white sand and sometimes stepping carefully over what looks like volcanic rock.  There are shells and bits of coral all along the beach.  

Today Barb picked up this lovely sample of coral which looks more like a tree branch than what we think of as coral.  She also ran into a walking group she dubbed the Chelsea Walkers, about 15 men and women (mostly women) who were chatting as they walked the beach. 

 Later she joined a ‘Nature Walk’ with the staff Activity Director.  On this walk, other than the Director, Barb was the only participant.  We talked not about nature, but about the need for walking as a great habit.  That walk was short and slow, but still a walk.

Just after noon we took the shuttle to Lucaya for a lovely lunch at the Agava Restaurant and a bit of walk around looking at the shops.

Back at the resort we relaxed with some reading, needlework and at least one more walk down to the water to enjoy the view and the wonderful warmth.  The temperature is a comfortable 75F and a bit cloudy.  It rained later in the evening.  Not an exciting, but restful day. 

October 17, 2015 – Saturday – Day of Leisure at Island Seas Resort in Freeport – Bahamas

 As noted on yesterday’s blog Barb was up early, completed the blog from the very busy day before.  After that she went on a lovely walk along the beach first heading left of the resort (a short distance), then right of the resort – along the white sandy beach.  The tide was in, so some of the walk was on the sidewalk/roadway that goes part way along the beach.  It was either that or make one’s way among the rocks which can be a bit precarious.

Then back to our room, made coffee and breakfast and read for a bit.  Just before lunch Barb headed to Port Lucaya for necessary liquid supplies – much easier trip than the day before and the total bill was only $18. 

Caught the shuttle back to the resort and then made lunch of noodles – really difficult.

The afternoon was spent enjoying the lovely beach and doing a bit of swimming in the ocean – until happy hour! 

Dinner was last night’s leftovers and an early bed. 

October 16, 2015 – Friday – Disembarkation and on to Island Seas Resort in Freeport – Bahamas

We were up nice and early – around 6, packed up our carry-on bags then off to our last breakfast on board.  Our flight to Freeport leaves just after 11 so we had to disembark fairly early.  They have a very orderly disembarkation procedure based on timing, but ours got a bit messed up as we wanted wheel-chair assistance.  Anyway – after waiting as long as we felt we could without risk to missing our flight – we got ourselves off the ship, through customs and onto our prearranged shuttle to the Airport. 

We arrived at the loading gate with just enough time for a quick WC break, then onto the plane – 30 minute flight and landing in beautiful Freeport.  We took a quick cab ride to our resort where we were welcomed and quickly settled – first in a hospitality suite but shortly after lunch – settled in our lovely suite.   

Only one problem – Harry needed some supplies that could only be purchased from either a pharmacy or large grocery store – no problem – there is an hourly shuttle to Port Lucaya where there are two small pharmacies.  Wrong – they are too small and cater more to your snacky needs.  So, why not walk to the big grocery store just around the corner and down a few blocks – sounded great!  The few blocks turned into a ½ hour walk but what was needed was found.  (By the way – Harry was not along on this journey).  Fortunately Barb found a bus on the way back to Port Lucaya to catch the 4:40 shuttle back to the resort.  Oh did I mention that the temperature as above 80F. 

So back to the room – time to unpack then go for supper – too tired to eat so we now have food for tonight’s supper as well.  Barb was in bed by 8 PM which explains why this entry is being written at 5 in the morning on the 17^th.  

October 15, 2015 – Thursday – Half Moon Cay – Bahamas – last full day on board.

We pulled into the bay around 7:30 AM this morning but by then we were up, dressed and ready for our day’s adventures.  This small island, which is one of the 700 Bahamas Islands that is leased by the Holland American and Carnival Cruise lines.  While we were on shore – everything like food etc was provided by the staff from the ship. 

We were tendered onto the shore in a tender boat that holds something like 200 – 300 passengers on 3 levels.  Definitely not luxurious travel, but only 15 minutes from ship to shore.  

Once on shore we got ready for our excursion which was a tram (call it a truck) ride around the island – looking at all the various facilities including a riding stable (you could take a horseback ride on land and into the water), several bars, a central barbecue area, a children’s play area, a non-denominational church and several luxury huts which you could rent for the day. At the riding stable we made friends with Ted the mule or donkey.

One of the very neat stops was the sting ray adventure – where – for a price you could get in the water and interact with 5 sting rays that habitat the island in an enclosed area. You could also rent snorkel gear, paddle boards and other sea equipment. 

 The main attraction for us was the beach which is absolutely beautiful – fine white sand, warm clear water and lots of chairs to sit and leave stuff on while in the water. Harry of course did not venture out, but did enjoy a beer in the shade.

By 2 PM we were back on the ship which set sail for Ft. Lauderdale at 3 PM.  Time to pack our bags which have to be out for pick-up this evening.  

We had a great dinner with our table mates, and then put our bags out, say good-bye to the wonderful staff and get ready to celebrate with the Oosterdam Singers & Dancers and the finale of Dancing With The Stars at Sea.  That was great fun with 6 passengers doing a dance with one of the professional dancers.  For very little training they all did very well, particularly the lady that ended her dance with the splits! (she won!) 

October 14, 2015 – Wednesday – Sea Day #2 on the way to the Bahamas

Another Sea Day, but this one is very smooth sailing.  We noted the difference as soon as we passed by Cuba – the wind calmed down and the sea became very smooth and we stopped pitching and rolling.  Today we decided to have a very relaxing day, after a morning walk we went to the 9^th or Lido deck for breakfast, then retreated to our room – on the veranda actually to read and do a bit of needle work.  That was until 11 when we joined Jim MacParland for another of his lecture series – this one on the Atlantic.  He is such an informative and interesting presenter.  A Canadian who teaches at one of the Eastern Universities – very passionate about his geology. 

Then it was onto lunch and more time to relax and walk the deck a bit more.  We chose to do mainly things that interest us, but there is so much more to do on the ship, everything from a constant Casino to bridge lessons, trivia contests, techie classes, shopping, dance and cooking classes and in the evening almost any kind of entertainment you would like from BB King to a piano-violin duo to Uke Box (which we attended last evening.)

Dinner this evening was a Gala Night – which means we all dressed up and we got Surf and Turf for dinner (if you wished!)  An absolutely lovely dinner as have all the meals on board.  We also celebrated with Wendy who came in second at the Oosterdam Olympics and shared her winning bottle of champagne with the table – great fun! We have included a few pictures of our lovely dinner along with our wonderful wait staff including Yoga who not only served but did magic tricks and Mylene who was our fabulous wine steward – never an empty glass unless the cork or top was on the bottle. 

Most of the staged shows, lectures and games are 45 minutes long.  The performance we attended last evening was 5 young men from Liverpool who play a variety of Ukuleles and sing – fabulous.

This was our second last day on the cruise which has been much better than we ever expected.  Lots to do, lots to see and time to relax if you want.  

October 13, 2015 – Tuesday – Sea Day #1 on the way to the Bahamas

Today is a Sea day and should prove to be a bit rough or at least rocky and rolly.  The wind is over 40KPH and we are a tall ship on the open ocean, so even with stabilisers we will roll a bit.  This was the Captains early morning message and it proved to be very true, but neither of us seemed to suffer at all which is very good. 

Being a sea day – the day was filled with lots of things to do on the ship.  In the morning we attended a very interesting lecture by Jim MacParland on the geology of the Caribbean – very interesting in how it was formed, the volcanoes that are on so many of the islands and lots of pictures on both active and non-active volcanoes along with the flora and fauna.

At 1 we were invited along with about 500 others to attend a special luncheon in honour of those who have sailed with Holland America more than once.  It came complete with a visit from the captain and a glass of champagne and was very delightful. 

After lunch Barb joined the “On Deck for a Cause” which is fund raiser sponsored by Holland America to raise funds for Cancer research at 6 different agencies including the Canadian Cancer Foundation.  To date they have raised over $4.9 Million.  Yesterday we raised $2900. The walk is a non-competitive 9 times around the deck or 5K.  Lots of participants, but very hot!  Barb, Wendy and Jeanette all participated, cheered on by Harry on the sidelines.  The temperature –  at least 32C. 

Then it was back to the room for the second shower of the day for Barb (she had one after her 6 rounds in the morning), then after a bit of a break, onto supper and then the nightly show.

This show was spectacular! Four dancers, four singers and all so talented and with perfect timing so that for the 45 minutes that the show lasted there was not a single time when someone was not on stage!  Oh there were also costume changes for every act.  Many said it was the best show anyone had seen on a ship.  These by the way were the Oosterdam Singers and Dancers.

Then it was back to the room for Harry, but Barb went down to the Northern Lights Lounge for a little more dancing  to old time tunes, but they soon turned a little slow and romantic so she returned to our room. 

Of interest to those who use a fitbit – by the end of the day Barb had not only 23,300 steps, but it also indicated some 235 flights of stairs climbed – that due to the rolling seas while walking the deck. 

Anyway the picture below was of the little towel guy found on our bed when we returned after supper! We have had one per day.

October 12, 2015 – Monday – Cartagena Columbia

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE

Today we remember just how many blessings we have been given and try to be grateful for all. 

We awoke this morning in sight of land in the country of Columbia.  They are very proud of the fact that their country has two oceans, the Pacific in the west and the Caribbean on the east.  After my 12 laps of the deck we headed out for a light breakfast and watched as we docked in the port of the city of Cartagena. Once in port, from our room we couldn’t see a thing except the Princess Cruise ship in the next pier, but from what we saw as we were coming into port – this looks like a very interesting city.

Just after lunch we headed out on a city tour.  Our guide introduced himself as Raphael and informed us that he is 86 years old and has been married to the same woman since 1950.  Obviously quite a character and he seemed to have lots of fun telling us about his city, its history and current situation.

Our first stop was to see the fort that was built by the Spaniards in the 15^th Century.  Well actually – it was built by slaves brought by the Spanish to Cartagena to either work on their city, or to be sold to the Americans. 

You can see this incredible fortress, but also, there is wall built entirely around the old city, quite a feat for the slaves.  Raphael though that there were something like 200,000 slaves that worked on the wall over the years.

The next stop was at a hall where we were entertained by a very energetic group of young dancers and musicians.  Just watching one dance was enough to tire me out, but they went on for about 20 minutes for our group and as we were leaving another group was entering the hall to be likewise entertained. 

Our next stop was the Dungeon – which used to be where they stored slaves waiting to be purchased either by the Spanish or Americans.  Now it is a lovely shopping area with small individual shops selling local bright and beautiful handicraft items, jewellery and wonderful coffee – we will have to try some when we get home!

Back on the bus we drove through the old city with Raphael pointing out various land marks including this lovely street.  The homes which all have balconies were built by the Spanish in the 1500’s and are still in remarkably good condition today.

Then we moved to the new city, full of tall hi rise condominiums, hotels and casinos.  Someone asked what the rent would be on one of the Condo’s – to which Raphael estimated about $2000 US per month.  We did not see many for sale signs.  

What we did see were a multitude of lovely beaches with many people out celebrating the 30 degree temperatures and Columbus Day which is a national holiday in Columbia.

From there, back to the ship to get ready for our Thanksgiving Dinner of Turkey, gravy, cranberries and pumpkin pie for dessert!  There is a gathering of Canadians as 6 PM but as we are scheduled to eat at 5:30, we will miss that and celebrate instead with our table mates (all Canadian).

After dinner we went to a show with the Comedian and Magician, then from there to a 50's 60's Dance show with the Band, several singers and the Uke Boys from Liverpool.  A little short but lots of fun and dancing.