We have no plans for any activities on Grand Cayman. Not that there isn't anything to do. Some of the tours may be too strenuous for Karen and others too boring for me. I attempted to find something that met Karen's approval prior to leaving home to no avail so I guess we'll just check out the area around the port and call it good. Not too exciting. No crocodiles, no monster trucks, maybe some shopping. Sorry. George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands and one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean thanks to its year-round tropical weather, white sand beaches and clear blue waters. It serves as the capital of the Cayman Islands, in the British West Indies. George Town is the heart of the Cayman Islands financial services ... read more

Today our stop is Half Moon Cay. Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay was named for its long crescent beach. Both HAL’s vessels and Carnival Cruise Lines ships stop at this privately-owned paradise. Located on 55 acres of the 2,400-acre Little San Salvador Island, It is an international bird sanctuary in The Bahamas and only two percent of the island is developed. We've been here several times before and participated in some of the activities offered. There's a variety to choose from: horseback riding on the sand and through the surf, a stingray adventure,a visit to the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, maybe a hike on a nature trail or simply relaxing in an air-conditioned, private beachfront cabana. That doesn't make sense for us at $500/day but a group could rent one complete with butler service ... read more

Retirement isn't always as easy as one might think. Sometimes I find it necessary to get up earlier than normal, like before 8am. Today it was 5:30am. I don't like it when the alarm goes off and it's still dark outside. It's just not right. Karen has done all the packing this past week for both of us. I may not have a certain shirt or pair of shoes I like but by her filling the suitcases without my help or approval, it provides me the freedom to complain about having too much stuff and something that I needed all while having to do absolutely nothing. Yes, there's some risk but it's outweighed by my ability to watch TV and just relax throughout this past week of preparation. This morning she's running around yelling, "Where's my ... read more

Today is our last full day before docking back in San Francisco tomorrow. Karen wants to sleep in a little but, unfortunately, that’s not happening. Remember the Ultimate Ship Tour I tried to book on embarkation day? With only one space left, I passed on it but the gal at the passenger service desk thought they might offer another one later during the cruise. Well, they did and we’re in. Today is the day. 8:30am is the time. It’s just 7:00am now but Karen needs to get up to ready herself and I must lie in bed a bit longer to organize my thoughts. Anyway, we’re up at breakfast by 7:30 and down to our meeting place, Snooker’s Cigar Bar, by 8am. We meet one fellow there already and he seems nice. A few more show ... read more

Cool with rain - 65F Today is our last full sea day on the way to Mexico. Today we're out the door by 9am to check out the Future Cruise Consultant. Until now, her office has either been closed or very busy. This morning we walk right in, sign up for a future cruise to Mexico next November and then get our breakfast. It's sprinkling outside, a light rain covers the decks and chases those brave enough to be out in lounge chairs back inside. Not many are outside anyway. In fact, long pants and sweaters are slowly replacing the shorts and tank tops worn previously by guests. I follow Karen as she peruses the stores and floor sales, just looking. She gets herself another green tea with pomegranate for herself and a free hot chocolate ... read more