Category: Caribbean

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.

Captain woke us up at 2am, with call for fire team to attend one of the bars. Woke us up again at 2:30, saying that it was a false alarm and that we could all go back to sleep.

Trivia was same as usual but some indiscipline slipping back into the team.

Captain came back on the Tanoy, at about 11, saying that, despite his best efforts, we would arrive late in Fortaleza. Adding that, as a result, all excursions would be cancelled. Later, we received a note, saying that we would dock at 12:30 and leave a 4pm. Furthermore, the shuttle to the town takes 40 minutes each way.

That’s about an hour and a half travelling, leaving just 2 hours to explore Fortaleza.

This assumes that buses are instantly available. A quick calculation shows that would mean 40 coaches to transport the 2,000 passengers – don’t think that will happen but wait and see.

Dancing class was intermediate rumba. Sergei continues to make the simple complicated and while some of the class are not exactly dancing with Zimmer frames it would probably be better if they were.

Slight embarrassment with Mrs Sergei but will draw a veil over the subject.

Think I’ve had enough of this. In reality, the class is full of grumpy old septuagenarians, who are intent on protecting their patch of floor (and probably pissing on it). When the dance gets going, it is like a stop motion zombie movie, with neo-corpses trying to put one foot in front of the other. Sergei is just taking the mickey and his routines are from the Rocky Horror Show and Beetlejuice.

No more! In future, the Dennis Altman Two (or maybe Three) step and the Pasadena Shuffle for me!

Everyone crowding around the pool this afternoon for the “crossing of the line ceremony” at 2pm. Guests and staff are covered in goo and thrown in the pool, while permission is sought from Neptune to cross the Equator.

Too many people to see much but all good fun.

We were told that we would cross the Equator at 4pm but my trusty compass say that the actual time was 4:45. Expect further announcements about delay in arrival at Fortaleza.

Overcast but warm and managed to complete our laps round the deck.

Still barrelling along but wind has dropped a bit, so able to get out and do our laps of the promenade deck.

Slight rumbling in the lower stomach after breakfast – decided to stop adding prunes to my muesli.

No dancing class today but team achieved average score in Trivia  – this was improved, when some of the contestants asked for a recount. Two answers were wrong – George Harrison sang Rainy Day Sunshine and the collective term for a group of frogs is a chorus (can also be an army).

Quizmaster had said John Lennon and rejected chorus.

Another day at sea tomorrow but due to cross equator at 6pm, so will be changing from Winter to Summer.

Bumpy through the night and wind persisted throughout the day.

New Captain has got his foot down and rocking along at 18 knots.

Average score at Trivia but dodged the dance class – did not recognise name of dance and movement of ship limits my freedom of expression.

Cocktail party also cancelled, due to adverse weather. The new Captain seems to be a little more restrained than the previous one and suspect it was an excuse to avoid splashing out on free drinks.

Decided to walk into Bridgetown- about half hour, dodging taxi drivers and tour operators. Told them we were looking for a car hire shop. On hearing that, one of the touts offered to rent his to us. Declined and walked on. Could not find anywhere to hire a car, even though Google was showing a few outlets – it was Sunday and that may have had something to do with it.

Finally, asked a taxi driver. He was very helpful and called a few numbers but no luck.

He then said that he could take us on an island tour, for $US150 – quite a bit cheaper than the official tours who were charging 100 per person.

Turned out to be a good choice, just four of us, in a 20 seater minibus.

The driver – Orlando – took us to all of the sights and he was great fun – including Kensington Oval and Rhiyana’s houses.

Returned to the ship mid – afternoon and found an invitation to yet another cocktail party, for tomorrow evening. This time, it’s for “World Travellers” (those who are staying for the whole trip) to meet the new Captain – there was a changeover in Barbados.

Watched some tv while getting ready for dinner – The Boys from Brazil. Thought it was a little insensitive for the German passengers but perhaps it is an itinerary for catching up with family.