Blogs from 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

Some highlights from our Christmas sailing adventure with our family of 10 aboard an amazing 47’ catamaran. A big issue in the planning was to get the timing right. We ranged in age from 6 to 75. Didn’t want to go too soon or too late. Another wrench appeared when Peel failed to follow Ministry holiday guidelines which I had used to book the charter. In the end it all came together. Tap on each photo to get a better look.... read more

Second sea day, no cane, no moisturizer. Oh well, i am managing to get around. Probably will do me good. The sea has been rolling and the wind blowing so i’m loving the rocking. I heard that there are 1,000 guests on board....the ship holds 2,600 so the are no lines at any venue. Headed to the Billboard for happy hour, stinger time and trivia then headed to dinner. A Cesar salad and a very tasty trout, followed by vanilla ice cream with cinnamon on the side, hit the spot. Retired to my cabin for movies and dozed off at 12:00. Morning dawns overcast but the sun comes out just a we approach Bonaire. No plans to get off as my snorkeling days seem behind me. The island looks much the same, crystal clear waters, dutch ... 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