Blogs from Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Oceans and Seas

Our port of call on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 was San Juan, Puerto Rico, our fourth port in four days. As of midway through the cruise, I had subscribed to only two (both culturally oriented) shore excursions in these final four ports, and “Puerto Rico Folklore: A Latin Traditions Show” was one of them. In all of my travels, when I find folkxxxx in the title of an event, I’m usually all in. From the Holland America web site: “Puerto Rico's folklore heritage has been shaped by many vibrant rhythms from across the globe. Today's dazzling show is a virtual journey through the world of music and dance, with steps and sounds originating from Cuba, Brazil and Dominican Republic. You'll also notice the beat of Africa and a fiery expression of Flamenco from Spain. Enjoy popular ... read more

Our port of call on Monday, March 13, 2023 was Roseau, Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica. Dominica is a 290-square-mile volcanic island country in the Caribbean Sea with the highest point being 4,747-foot Morne Diablotins. Geographically, it is part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Her two closest neighbors both are overseas departments of France – Guadeloupe to the northwest and Martinique to the south-southeast. There was a population of 71,293 in the 2011 census. The capital, Roseau, (population of 14,725 also in 2011) is located on the western side of the island. The island was settled by the Arawak arriving from South America in the fifth century. The Kalinago had displaced the Arawak by the 15th Century. Columbus is said to have passed the island on Sunday, November 3, 1493. ... read more

Today is “bonus day” – at least as far as counting the days in the year. There is one extra day today. Unfortunately, that does not convert into a bonus day of the cruise. Today is still the last full day of the cruise and as usual it is disappointing to be so close to being finished. We slept this morning until about 8:00. At 8:30 we called the Sieberts and agreed to meet for breakfast in the dining room at 8:45. It was a little crowded (many people having their last leisurely breakfast) but we got seated by 9:00. Janet and Kathy both got the Eggs Benedict while Jim and David both had the meat and potatoes breakfast with eggs. We also had juice, pastries, and coffee/tea/milk. So our next-to-last breakfast was very filling. At ... read more

The first day out on our cruise to Cuba was a sea day. It was October 23, a week from Halloween, and Halloween hi-jinx were in full swing aboard. The Atrium was decorated throughout the cruise with a pumpkin admiral and other seasonal items. At Noon activities got underway out on deck. An assistant cruise director donned a witch’s hat as MC. A passenger pumpkin carving contest led things off. Afterward, a member of the galley staff showed how a professional carved a pumpkin. (Similar to an ice carving demonstration.) Finally, there was the Mummy Wrap contest and dance to Monster Mash. In the afternoon the first of two orientation lectures on Cuba led by Heidi was held. Heidi Siefkas had travelled to Cuba several times and written a book, Cubicle to Cuba about her experiences ... read more

Our schedule for today is open. No meetings. No luncheons or receptions. No nothing. We have a few things we may be interested in checking out but no obligations of any kind. We wander up to breakfast for some cereal and fruit, Karen has toast and some vegetables along with an egg. Other than coffee, that's it. Returning to our room, I grab my laptop and IPad and head for the theater while Karen takes her swimsuit and bag. I plan on listening to a presentation by the on board cruise consultants for those interested in future cruises aboard Holland America and Karen is going up to the spa. We make the split. The cruise consultants, a husband and wife team, are knowledgeable and dispense some valuable information. I'm already aware of most of their "secrets ... read more