Blogs from Oceans and Seas - page 87

Sep 30, 2011 to Jan 13, 2012 nautical miles travelled: 150 Gibraltar to Rabat, 450 Rabat to Grasiosa, 27 Grasiosa to Puerto de Naos, 18 Puerto de Naos to Playa Blanca, 95 Playa Blanca to Las Palmas, 870 Las Palmas to Mindelo (Sao Vicente), 2200 Mindelo to Guadeloupe total: 3810 nautical miles (30 days of sailing)... read more

We awoke early confused about the time as our cell phones were reporting that it was 7:45am and there is no easy way to look outside of an inside cabin. These smart phones are supposed to be, but they had reverted to Eastern Time (their home position) as they were roaming for but not finding service. This was to be a nice leisurely day at sea, and Sharon and I reviewed the Daily Schedule to pick out things for us and our mothers. High Tea popped out as a must for Shirley, though I may have a hard time living up to Shirley’s other son-in-law Dennis in this regard. He has the sole responsibility to escorting Shirley to tea on previous cruises they have shared. Sharon’s not even sure if I have his permission to go ... read more

Crossing back across the Atlantic sailors largely have two choices; go direct from the Caribbean to the Azores or go via Bermuda and skip around the western edge of the Azores High to get a better wind angle for the Azores. By choosing to head to Bermuda additional miles are added to the crossing but rather than facing an upwind slog all the way to the Azores with retching children (and adults!) it seems sensible to head the 850 miles to Bermuda. In addition Bermuda is not a place that one might usually travel to. It sits 500 miles from the coast of America and is a beautifully sculpted and manicured island with pastel coloured buildings and white sand beaches encircled with vicious reefs. It is not a centre for yachting but is a transit point ... read more

Geo: 18.0303, -63.0488I am slow to wake. Whether this is due to the slight listing of Allure as she is rocked by gentle swells or the after effects is last nights Margaritas is hard to tell. The morning coffee entices me into reality and I venture out onto the balcony as the island of St Maarten comes into view. We dock quickly and the gangways are lowered and people start to leave the ship. Well 2 at least. It seems no-one is in a hurry to get moving today.We shower and join Jerry, Gayle and her husband Dennis for breakfast in the main dining room. Joyce is not feeling too good with Bronchitis and does not join us. We have excursions today but we do not have to meet up till around 10.30.We go ashore slightly ... read more

Geo: 18.3428, -64.9265Light creeped under the drapes to cabin 11664 heralding the arrival of a new day and the chance to explore the US Virgin Island of St Thomas and its neighbour St John. We arrived at the Crown Harbour pier at 10am with disembarkation starting soon after that. We ordered room service as we were on a shore excursion today and so thought breakfast in the room was an easier option. We made our way ashore shortly after 10.30 to a sea of people all trying to find their tour guides. It was slightly chaotic, not helped by a vicious sun beating down upon everyone. Eventually we were tagged and told to walk round the harbour following a young man called Carlos to a small boat called Independent Sea. Once aboard we made our way ... read more