Author: Harry

Third stop, in as many days. Disembarked at about 9:30, to a warm and sunny day.

There were some souvenir shops around the ship and an area for taxis and minibuses.

It was a bit disorganised, so we decided to walk to the town. The security guard, who was operating the entry barrier, asked where we were going and told us that the beach was a half hour drive away. She added that there was a local beach, closed to an abandoned hotel but there were lots of sharks.

We made our way back to the taxi rank and I asked one of the attendants about a taxi to the beach. She was very abrupt and obviously annoyed that I had resisted her earlier attempts to herd us into a tatty minibus. Finally managed to get into an equally tatty minibus for a crowded ride to the beach – 20 dollars each, return.

Passed a number of abandoned hotels and houses on the way – apparently, due to previous hurricane damage – but buildings in much better state, as we approached our destination.

The beach was very nice, with white sands, clear blue sea and sun beds fronting bars. There was also a water park but it was deserted.

We walked along the shoreline and on our return journey, I asked the price of the sun beds – US$28, plus 16 for use of the beach. I said that was a bit steep and received a rude reply.

Walked further along and found a bar, where there was no charge for sunbeds, or use of the beach. Had a swim and ordered some barbecued chicken. The bar staff were very pleasant but unfortunately, the chicken wasn’t.

There was a very clean toilet block, where I was able to change out of my wet swimsuit. When I entered, there was another man – from Clitheroe, Lancashire and a passenger on our ship – who was doing the same thing. In the best men’s changing room fashion, I simply dropped my trunks and put on my shorts.

We sat with him and his wife on the return journey and he was intent on telling her  about my brazen behaviour. Must be different in Clitheroe, or he was shocked by my bony rear – obviously not a Grammar School Boy. All done in a jocular manner but found out later that they were sequence dancers.

Some of our friends had walked to the local beach and had a swim. It was not until they got out that they saw the sharks. They showed us their pictures – at least four big ones.

Headmaster had mentioned that bad weather may mean that our planned stop in Bermuda may be cancelled. He confirmed this and we now have about 8 days at sea, before reaching the Azores. This is the fourth missed port, plus another half, if you count our late arrival to Fortaleza, in Brazil.

Beautiful day in the very pretty capital of the Bahamas. Unfortunately, 6 other cruise ships docked at the same time and unloaded 24,000 passengers onto the narrow streets.

We had intended to take a tour but it was chaotic and though there were people offering excursions, they did not seem to be very trustworthy.

We bustled our way along and came to a hotel that was offering day passes to its private beach – all the beach areas around the town were private. They charged US$100 each, for a guaranteed sun bed and a 10% discount on food and drinks. We could get that for free on board and we decided to continue our walk, before returning to the ship.

Felt a bit disappointed at not seeing more of Grand Bahama but Nassau, though beautiful, is a hectic tourist trap.

Met our friends on the outside deck for buffet dinner and contraband wine – it is becoming a regular get together of the Queen Victoria Wine and Glee Club.

It was proposed that we meet again tomorrow but decided to have a night off to recover.

Weather warm and sunny still speeding on our way to Nassau, on New Providence island.

Trivia team back to original four and score improved but still three points behind winners. Team next to us (who I joined on Panama Canal day), now have 17 gold stars and almost qualify for a Cunard pencil. They do take part in about 3 quizzes each day, however and have not yet won the morning quiz – perhaps, we should also try the afternoon and evening sessions.

Did some more pedalling in the afternoon and then back to get dressed for the “masked ball”. Usual Gala Night best frocks but we were encouraged to wear masks – on sale in the shop for US$20. 

Lynne bought one but I could still tell it was her. I refused to make a purchase but it was suggested that I could use a paper bag instead.

Major disruption in the afternoon, as one of the ice cream machines had broken down and the other would only dispense vanilla flavour. In addition, cornets had run out.

Had a get together on the sun deck with friends, before going to late dinner. Seems like a few others had partaken of preprandial snifters, as there was some riotous behaviour on a table near to us.

Went on to the ballroom and would probably have been better wearing a mask, to disguise my unsteady Quickstep.

Bright, sunny day and heading North to the Bahamas. Passing Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) and Cuba, with Turks and Caicos to our East but not stopping.

The pancake race is to be held this afternoon – put off from last Tuesday, due to the search for the missing crew member.

There has also been, a little publicised, model boat building competition. The trial will be held in the swimming pool, this afternoon, with the last boat afloat winning 

I will probably send my apologies, for both events.

Full quiz team again but score toward the lower end of our range. In our defence, some of the questions were quite strange.

Lynne went back to see the doctor, as her cough had not improved and she gave her some antibiotics. The previous fee appears to cover repeat visits, so only charge for the pills – US$17 for 3.

Arrived at 8am, to a bright and sunny day.

The island is about 30 miles long and 15 miles wide, with a population of 100,000. It is only 12 miles from the coast of Venezuela but is a self governing country, within the Dutch Antilles. Not sure what that means but there were Dutch flags, alongside the Aruba ones, on government buildings and one of their warships in the harbour. Also, statues of Dutch royalty dotted around.

We were here just over a year ago but it was on a Sunday and many of the shops were closed. This time, it was lively and busy. Probably due to the fact that another two cruise ships had docked, disgorging around 7,000 passengers into the town.

We decided not to take a tour, as there was plenty to see in the town and it was a short walk to a long, sandy beach.

We walked along the beach, passing bars and restaurants with sun beds and umbrellas. They were busy and the waiters seemed to have better things to do than serve customers, so we walked on, paddling in the sea.

The end of the beach was about a mile from the town and the walk back was a bit of a chore, in the sun and heat.

Aruba is certainly a very nice place and there are some large, modern hotels and resorts away from the main town.

Had quite a late dinner and went on to the ballroom for a dance.

Someone at dinner told us that there is a man, who eats in the upstairs dining room and has been on the ship for 4 years – long time to wait for your pudding.

Lynne has just about recovered from the dodgy prawn incident.

Now back in the Caribbean and speeding along on our way to Aruba, with the Colombian coast on our right (starboard) side. Have stopped in Cartagena on a previous cruise but not on this itinerary. As I recall, the town is a bit run down but there are some interesting places further inland – Mayan remains, jungle etc.

Trivia was with original team again but did not trouble the scoreboard – around 13 but winners had 17.

Ray Mears did a question and answer session with the entertainments boss. Usual, pre-prepared, fawning stuff, with latest book available in the foyer.

Quite interesting and focusing on his latest interest – tracking – plus detailed account of how he assisted the police in their search for a serial killer and found him, almost. Well, he was in the same forest.

Seems he has also upset the Australian passengers by giving his views on solving the issues with the Aboriginals.

Bit more pedalling in the afternoon. Around 4pm seems to be quietest time for the bikes.

Gala evening again but decided not to put on best frocks and had quiet dinner instead.

PS As we are in the Caribbean, post will be listed under that menu tab.