Cruising the Caribbean with Family and Friends
In September, we took our favorite cruise out of Puerto Rico to the southern islands of the Caribbean on the Carnival Fascination. We stopped at St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Martin. We absolutely love these islands! We were offered a great casino rate and our family and friends couldn't pass up the offer so we were a group of 10. Most decided on an interior room since the price was so low and we spend so little time in our cabins but Kevin and I love a balcony room. We enjoy arriving at the port in the morning and being able to enjoy the views from the balcony. We celebrated my father in law's birthday a few days into the trip as well and it was lovely.
We enjoyed the beach at almost every island. In St. Thomas, we went to Coki Beach and it was an amazing day of swimming, snorkeling, and sun bathing. In Barbados, while everyone did an island tour, Kevin and I enjoyed a day to ourselves at the Boat Yard beach. I enjoyed a complimentary snorkel excursion where I was close and personal with a beautiful and very large sea turtle. I also got amazing footage with my gopro of the sunken ship and divers that were exploring it below. This was the highlight of my trip.
In St. Lucia, we went to Rodney Bay Beach but it was quite rough as there was a tropical storm that was quickly approaching. There was some discussion about missing one of the islands but we were lucky and that did not happen. In St. Kitts, we went to Reggae Beach. Most of us enjoyed a natural aloe massage on the beach, swimming, and some delicious island food and drinks. Toward the end of the day the sea became rougher and again as we were leaving to head back to the boat, the storm was coming in. In St. Marten we visited the french side of the island, Fiar Bay Beach. It is supposed to be the best beach however we were very disappointed with the rough waters and terrible smell in the area. So we left early and went to our usual beach spot, Mullet Bay Beach. We enjoyed it fully and although the water did get rougher toward the end of the day we thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our day jumping high waves.
Traveling with a big group has it's advantages and disadvantages. We can at times negotiate better prices because we are a bigger group and we don't have to wait on the taxi to fill up before we take off. If everyone is easy going and collaborative it can be a lot of fun. However as you know, every party has a party pooper and if you happen to take that party pooper on a cruise with you; it can be quite a challenge. Another challenge is communicating while on a boat because your cell phones don't work so it can be difficult to gather and get the information to everyone on where and when to meet. These are minor details that require someone to initiate conversation. Additionally, using walkie talkies or messaging on the cell phones can really help with making sure everyone is on the same page.
All in all, making memories with your family and friends is what it's all about. These special vacations will always be remembered by all that went and enjoyed themselves. They are special times that are more valuable then silver and gold.
We enjoyed the beach at almost every island. In St. Thomas, we went to Coki Beach and it was an amazing day of swimming, snorkeling, and sun bathing. In Barbados, while everyone did an island tour, Kevin and I enjoyed a day to ourselves at the Boat Yard beach. I enjoyed a complimentary snorkel excursion where I was close and personal with a beautiful and very large sea turtle. I also got amazing footage with my gopro of the sunken ship and divers that were exploring it below. This was the highlight of my trip.
In St. Lucia, we went to Rodney Bay Beach but it was quite rough as there was a tropical storm that was quickly approaching. There was some discussion about missing one of the islands but we were lucky and that did not happen. In St. Kitts, we went to Reggae Beach. Most of us enjoyed a natural aloe massage on the beach, swimming, and some delicious island food and drinks. Toward the end of the day the sea became rougher and again as we were leaving to head back to the boat, the storm was coming in. In St. Marten we visited the french side of the island, Fiar Bay Beach. It is supposed to be the best beach however we were very disappointed with the rough waters and terrible smell in the area. So we left early and went to our usual beach spot, Mullet Bay Beach. We enjoyed it fully and although the water did get rougher toward the end of the day we thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our day jumping high waves.
Traveling with a big group has it's advantages and disadvantages. We can at times negotiate better prices because we are a bigger group and we don't have to wait on the taxi to fill up before we take off. If everyone is easy going and collaborative it can be a lot of fun. However as you know, every party has a party pooper and if you happen to take that party pooper on a cruise with you; it can be quite a challenge. Another challenge is communicating while on a boat because your cell phones don't work so it can be difficult to gather and get the information to everyone on where and when to meet. These are minor details that require someone to initiate conversation. Additionally, using walkie talkies or messaging on the cell phones can really help with making sure everyone is on the same page.
All in all, making memories with your family and friends is what it's all about. These special vacations will always be remembered by all that went and enjoyed themselves. They are special times that are more valuable then silver and gold.
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