Barbados to Miami

Friday the 21st of November is a lazy day at sea. Three highlights, our second Thai massage, the ship builders sea/pool, trials, and dinner with Jennifer and Robert.  Teams created ships from materials they could find on board.  They had to be able to navigate the treacherous waters of the swimming pool and carry 8 cans of pop.  Nine entries of various sizes and shapes but all very creative and all but two floated and carried their cargo safely. It is amazing that empty water bottles, paper from the daily programs, duct tape and items from the dining room and bar could turn into seaworthy ships. Kids have nothing on these adults. The teams dress the part of the crew and create a narrative of the boat details, special features and future voyages.

Bridgetown, Barbados---rain, rain, rain.  This is a major West Indies tourist destination.  We took a submarine trip to a coral reef and ship wreck. This sub was fun because it went down to 142 feet and traveled along the reef and ship wreck. Big schools of fish--horse eyed jacks and a smaller unnamed fish. Colors were muted in the rain and depths but visibility was good and we were very glad that we went.

On to Roseau, Dominica.  It is a charming island with lush forested mountains, hundreds of rivers and black sand beaches. This is called the nature island of the Caribbean and is the most natural.  We saw some of the island as we made our way to Trafalgar Falls. The road was narrow and steep with very green vegetation including banana, grapefruit, orange, cocoa, lime, coffee and palm trees. Then there are beautiful flowers, plants and grasses. We hiked into the two falls--the "mother", the shorter and stronger of the two and and the "father", the taller falls. Beautiful spot with lots photos snapped. 

From there we headed off to snorkel the Champagne reef.  The guides were fantastic getting us geared up and down to the very rocky beach. Once we put on our fins we went backward down a long black rubber carpet of sorts and eventually got deep enough to swim. This was one of the best snorkel experiences we have had. First stop is the coral reef with lots of fish and plant life. We were at the edge of the reef so could see the steep drop off. Once again it was raining and we all complained about getting wet.... Our guide kept a good pace, swam down to point out special features including a 500 year old cannon and piece of chain.  The best part was the geothermal area were it truly looked like champagne bubbles rising everywhere.  We swam among the bubbles, feeling their warmth as they popped against us. We could have stayed there all day but it was time to do our circus act to get out of the water. Traveled home along the coast through neighborhoods with small, simple, colorful homes. There is a national election December 8th, two parties identified by color. There are red and blue flags flying everywhere with very few signs. This was our favorite Caribbean stop.

Road Town, Tortola.  This is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands. We did not venture into town here as we boarded another boat to take us to Virgin Gourda for a hike to the geological rock formations in the Baths National Park. Mammoth boulders appear to have been dropped on the coast   Lots of nooks and crannies to explore.  One called the Cathedral is a protected area surrounded by these rocks. Claim to fame, Tyra Banks Sport's Illustrated photo shoot took place here.  The surf was pounding so we did not venture in for a swim or snorkel.  Pretty spot just to relax and watch the surf.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. We have been hear before but never to the rain forest. A forty five minute drive took us up the mountain side to El Yonque National Forest. The only rain forest in the US Forest Service.  Funny thing about the rain forest--it rained, lots.  We took a short hike looking for the vegetation and the Coqui, a small singing tree frog that resides here and keeps the forest free of mosquitoes.  Part of the group got to see one, he moved by the time it was our turn. Beautiful vegetation, flowers and waterfalls.  We did not go into town as the rains were threatening. Two sea days to go, one on Thanksgiving, and we disembark Friday in Miami.

Sea day 1, day 23 of the cruise. Finally a sunny hot day for the country fair. The pool deck becomes the setting for carnival type games, rope tying, ring toss, fishing in the hot tubs, games of skill and races--putting on pillow cases, dressing mannequins.... Lots of fun, though hot.  Prizes are raffled at the end, no luck for us.  Later the same day the lounge is turned into a space for the gala tea.  You have never seen anything quite like it--incredible pastries and sandwiches, with ice, pastry and fruit sculptures. 
You will be glad to know we each had only one little cookie. We knew our favorites since the head chef sent us a plates of goodies one night. So there we were at 9:00 in our pj's sampling a plate full of pastries.  Pays to know the head chef.  The day ended with the Regatta Singers doing show tunes. This was by far the most talented group of singers we have seen on our cruises.  Broadway quality. They blew us away with a rendition of "One More Day" from Les Miserables. Then all the crew came on stage to say goodbye. They have all been wonderful. The crew and good food on Oceania will keep us coming back for future trips and destinations.

Today is Thanksgiving and here we are on day 24--looking forward to turkey dinner on the back deck.  Happy Thanksgiving to everybody.  Miami in the morning and homeward bound.