Joaljoe

St. John's Cathedral

The present cathedral with its imposing white twin towers was built on a fossilized reef, in 1845, and is now in its third incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures.

Some photos of our surroundings while in port....

View from our balcony. You can see that the shopping is available immediately after exiting the ship.

You know, I really wish my street was this colourful!

Some ship shots....

Getting back on the ship.... pretty dead!

Antigua -

We were supposed to have a beach day today but we were so exhausted from yesterday's day that we decided to have an easier day! I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and sometimes I forget that I can't do as much as I used to do.... I need to force myself to slow down at times. LOL So instead we had a slow morning, slept in a bit, had breakfast and got off the ship around 11am. I was told there wasn't much shopping at this port but I was happy with what there was. Just enough to get some souvenirs and a couple of news decorations for my walls. There is a Del Sol and a Cariloha right there! Maybe 2-4 stores in, on the left hand side.... if I had known, we wouldn't have purchased the bed sheets in St. Thomas and carried them everywhere!! So if anyone will be doing any shopping at these two stores, you can wait! They have them in Nassau too... but I knew we wouldn't have time to visit them there since we booked an excursion.

Going forward.... we probably walked around for 90 mins or so, purchased a few things and headed back to the ship. They have a mini "straw market" type place if you turn right on one of the streets from the main shopping street. The main shopping street is pretty short so I'm sure you'd have no problems bumping into it. We were able to purchase a few souvenirs in there and the kids both got a steel drum. Oh boy! LOL

Getting back on the ship was another BREEZE!! We went to have some lunch and headed to the ropes course! I didn't even attempt it because I know how bad my balance is already but the kids had a great time. Because there were so many people off the ship they got to do it a few times. The harder side was a little more scary for my son but my daughter just whipped through it. But she's a little monkey who climbs everything and anything she can!! We then went and enjoyed the pool for about an hour before getting ready for dinner.

DD shopping in Del Sol.

The shopping area right in front of the port.

I really wish I knew what this costume symbolizes. If anyone knows, please enlighten me.

Checking out all the merchandise in the mini straw market.

Thanks for the advice. LOL. I forgot to mention how much I am enjoying your review and looking forward to more. Your children look delightful !

Thank you! That's very kind of you to say. :)

We were dropped back off around 4:30pm, thankfully there wasn't much of a line to get back on the ship. We now had just about an hour to get the 4 of us showered and ready for dinner. We had the early seating, and as much as I love it, we found it hard to be ready for this time. But the late seating is too late for us to eat so I think next time we may try the anytime dinning. The kids enjoyed the MDR tonight, when it was show time they played Gangnum Style.... they had all the waiters doing the dance moves. The waiters got our kids in on the action and anyone else they could get. Fun times!!!

We were surprised after this long day how wired the kids were. They wanted to go to Camp Carnival for a bit so we dropped them off and went to relax on the Serenity Deck in one of those clam shells. It was nice to just lay there and stare up at the sky. Before we knew it, it was 10pm..... we picked up the kids and headed for bed. Everyone was exhausted by now, needed to get our rest for Antigua!

More pictures to come later today! :)

Posing after doing some Gangnum Style!!

Taking a little stroll before going to bed.

Tonight's towel animal

What kind of camera did you use? Pictures are awesome.

We are doing this same cruise in april and are going to sapphire beach I hope. Hope to see the iguanas too

I have a Canon Rebel T2i and use a 55-250mm lense with it. That's how I got a close up of the iguana. I would not have walked up that close to them. LOL

Which beach do you like better, Magen's or Sapphire?

We did like Sapphire Beach better as a whole. If it wasn't a windy day, I'm sure the water would've been much calmer. And there's no fee to use the beach. Maybe it's because it was different, we did the exact same thing during our first two visits. I would definitely go back to Sapphire again. :)

Thanks for your review. We leave on March 2 on the same itinerary and are also doing Sonny Liston, but only doing the tour to the Mountaintop and back to the ship. Your comments about his driving are making me nervous so I guess I better do a lot of singing.

 

I am not familiar with the sheets you bought. What is special about them ? Must be good. I might want to do the same once I hear about them.

 

Can't wait for more. How did your in laws enjoy the cruise?

LOL.... do a lot of singing or drinking before getting on! ;) Don't worry, I think Sunny himself only does the longer tours. I think you might get his wife or one of the other drivers. They can't be as crazy!

Cariloha is a store that carries merchandise made from Bamboo. All their stuff is really soft. We love sleeping in our new sheets! They carry clothing, blankets, towels and more. It's definitely worth looking at. If you google Cariloha Bamboo, you'll find their website. :)

My in laws LOVED their vacation! My FIL wasn't sure how he would do being away from home so long, but he did well. He loved relaxing on his balcony or the Lido deck. They are both definitely looking forward to taking another cruise in the near future.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks sooooo much for the review. The wife and I were on that sailing with you and we had a great time. Your pictures are WAY better that what we took.

It was a great cruise wasn't it? With all this snow we're getting today, I wish I could just tap my shoes and be back on the ship!! LOL

Glad you're enjoying the photos. Before leaving on the trip I learned a lot of stuff about my camera.... decided to use all the new functions I learned on our vacation and ended up over exposing a lot of photos. When you're in the sun you can't tell what it really looks like. But I was able to save a bunch by editing. :)

Left side of beach.

Looking from the left side of beach. As you walk further you can see it's nice and sandy.

These little guys were near us at the beach but never bothered us.

People snorkeling.

This is way to the left of the beach, we came across it while taking a walk. We stayed more center beach where it was nice and sandy.

Not sure how the right side is but there were a lot of people down there as well.

Walking to the mountain top store... no more parking left so he backed his truck back up the hill and dropped us off there. It was a nice walk over... just a couple of minutes or so.

He stored all of our stuff from shopping in the back with a lock, it was nice not to have to carry all that stuff.

Our 2nd stop. A view of Magen's Bay Beach. This was one stop I was really looking forward to. Having been to this beach twice, I was really looking forward to seeing the view from top.

This is still Magen's Bay, I just zoomed in on the further area.

For a small amount, the kids got to take a photo with a donkey.

Another view from our balcony.

One of the streets going up while shopping.

Our first stop.

Sunny giving us a run down of the Island.

Where the locals live.

St. Thomas -

This was our first time ever booking an excursion. We always just did our own thing but it was my in-laws first time visiting St. Thomas so we booked a tour with Sunny Liston. The tour was booked for approx. 6 hours. He met us outside of the ship on time and took us shopping to the downtown core for 1 1/2 hours. We were very excited to go to Cariloha to buy bed sheets. We saw them a couple of years ago in St. Maarten but had no space to bring them back in our luggage. This time we came prepared!! LOL We purchased our sheets and continued shopping.... bad idea! The sheets were so heavy, we purchased King Size and a couple of shirts. Their bags have rope handles which dug into our hands. We could have waited until the end since Cariloha is located right next to the drop off and pick up area but we've heard that they sell out of King size fast and wanted to make sure we got them. Anyway, it was worth all the pain and discomfort.... the sheets are AMAZING and we can't wait to get in bed every night! haha

Once Sunny picked us up, he made his way up the mountain making a couple of stops to take pictures and give us some information on the Island. We went to the mountain top for some of those famous banana daiquiri's. DH and I are not big drinkers and found the daiquiris very strong! It was a nice mid-day pick me up though! LOL The kids had a virgin banana daiquiri, now that was good!! We had about 20 mins in this area.... not enough time, that's for sure. We took in the views a little bit, had a quick hot dog lunch and it was pretty much time to go back. No time to shop and they had a huge souvenir store. We met up with Sunny and he took us to Sapphire Beach for about 2 hours. We've been to Magen's Bay twice already, so we were happy to visit a different beach. This beach was really nice, I just wish the water was calmer for the kids. I think it usually is, it was just a windier day. There were a few iguana's walking around the beach, I had a great time taking their photos. Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and meet Sunny again who took us right back to the ship for 4:30pm. We sailed at 6pm so this was perfect for us....we don't like to cut it too close.

Sunny Liston Tours was an amazing experience. We had Sunny himself, not sure how the other drivers are but Sunny is FULL of energy!! Does a lot of singing, has all his passengers participate in some singing as well. He was very informative and friendly. The only thing we didn't care for was his CRAZY driving! He's a good driver, but a crazy one!! Those steep curves going up and down the mountain almost gave me a heart attack. I don't mind fast driving, I just don't like careless driving... and him swerving in front of other cars or buses was not funny to me. He likes to hit his breaks on and off a lot....especially going down hill. So if you've just eaten, sit next to the window. LOL Like I said, other than his driving we LOVED his tour! And if you like crazy driving, then he's the guy for you! lol

We went with Package #1 for $40 per person, when we booked it he required us to pay a deposit of $10 per person through Paypal and I think they take credit cards through the site as well, not sure on that part. If you google Sunny Liston Tours in St. Thomas you'll find his site with all the info.

View from our balcony.

We skipped the Dining room tonight because we wanted to go to the Hasbro Game Show. We were told to line up early to try and sit at the front for a better chance of getting picked. So we did, we sat in the 3rd row but it wasn't needed at all. Butch ended up coming down into the audience, and even made his way towards the back to pick people. So for those of you who are interested in getting picked, don't worry if you're not sitting in the front. But do try and sit close to the 2 main aisles. That's when the start of the fun actually begins. Depending on the "episode," the entire audience is set to play such games as Trivial Pursuit, Scattergories and Gestures. They post up the question or charade up on the big screens, and if you are wild and crazy, Butch may pick you to answer the question. If it is correct, you head up on stage to participate as part of your team. I can't emphasize enough, you need to be loud and crazy, or Butch will walk on by!!! So tonight at the 7pm show, DH got picked to go up for Simon Flash.... the hardest game to play in my opinion but he had a great time! We were on the blue team and lost! We enjoyed it so much we went back for the 9pm show. I was surprised at how many empty seats there were.... I wonder if it was because of the Bloggers Cruise and most people were doing the John Heald stuff or it may not be as big of a "hit" as they'd like it to be. We showed up a little late to the 9pm show so we sat a little towards the back and probably half way down. My daughter knew one of the answers and instinctively jumped up with her arms in the air hoping to get picked! To her surprise Butch walked right over to her and asked for the answer.....it was correct!! She got to play Sorry Sliders and again, the Blue Team looses!! It just wasn't meant to be! LOL

After the game show we headed to the Lido Deck for the Redfrog's Caribbean Beach Party! Butch sure knows how to throw a party!! He did a great job. We all had a fantastic time, even though most of the time I was one level up taking photos. LOL I don't do anything or go anywhere without my camera!!! On our last cruise, I decided to leave my camera in the cabin when we went to one of the night shows. Didn't think I would need it! Of course, that night DH was pulled on stage for a quick trivia game before the show. I was so bummed that I didn't have my camera. Never again!! Now if I don't feel like carrying around my big camera, I at least take my small camera.

Well, after the beach party it was time for bed. We had an early morning in St. Thomas the next day. I will be back tomorrow with more photos! It's now time for me to finish up making dinner.

Have a good night all!

I know, horrible shot! It was all happening too quick! But there she is pushing one of the pieces.

A couple of years ago, DD won a twist contest at the deck party and Butch ended up giving her a photo of himself with some info about him on the back.

Because he was our CD again, we thought it would be fun to bring it with us and have him autograph it. So after the game show, DD went right over to him for an autograph. He was sure surprised that we still even had the photo! LOL

Getting ready to PARTY!!!

After lunch the kids went to Camp Carnival for a bit while DH and I just walked the ship and took all the views in. We ended up going to the Marriage Show hosted by John Heald. That man is so awesome!! The show was not what we were expecting, but still very entertaining... so glad we went. I wish I could remember everything we did, I do know after we picked up the kids we got MORE ice cream! haha

A few more photos from around the ship....

After our late breakfast we spend a couple of hours at the Water Park! DH and DD had a blast on the big slides!! Our DS doesn't enjoy going down slides and hates having water splashed at his face so I generally stayed at the bottom with him. He made friends quickly so they all ended up playing together while I soaked in some sun. Once we were ready to go we stumbled upon the ice carving show, we stopped and watched that for a bit before going to change. For lunch we took the kids to the Bonsai Sushi we've all been waiting for (except for DH). The 3 of us got the California Roll with a drink. If I remember correctly, we paid just under $20 for the 3 of us. The sushi was great!! We all loved it and would definitely go back... if the cruise was longer and we had more time! LOL

2nd Sea Day -

Today we went to the Punchliner breakfast in the Sapphire Dining Room. We missed the show but had a great breakfast. Staff were friendly and really quick. I guess the only thing was that there were too many of them trying to help us. We had someone come over and take our drink order, a few minutes later someone else came for a drink order.... we thought they were just confirming because they changed over waiters for that table. Not long after we had two different waiters come with teas and drinks for the kids. One of them gave the other attitude in front of us but we tried to make a joke out of it. DH ordered the Funny French Toast dipped in Fruit Loops, I had the Blueberry Fat Stack Pancakes and the kids had the Chocolate Chip Pancakes. We were all very satisfied with our choices. The blueberries and chocolate chips were not mixed into the batter, they were toppings on top of plain pancakes. Still very good though! And I don't complain over anything I ate because as long as I didn't have to do any cooking, I was happy! LOL

Our breakfast pics.....

Glad you're all enjoying the photos! I have a little bit of time on my hands tonight so thought I'd come and add a little more before making dinner. Just to comment on a few posts quickly....

Beautiful formal night picture. Hope you bought it.

We sure did! This one was the only family one we did buy. If I had it my way, we'd be purchasing all of them! lol We got a couple others, of just the kids though.

Loved the beatiful picture of your family in post #19. I'm loving all of your photographs - you are quite talented. Leaving on the Breeze in 12 days.

Thank you very much for your lovely compliment! Have an awesome time on your cruise! Wish we were going back!! lol

Beautiful family! Love your dress too!

 

You make my hometown look so beautiful!

Thank you! It's actually a shirt with dress pants. I don't do dresses! LOL

Glad you're enjoying my photos. :)

Before we knew it, it was later afternoon and time to get ready for formal night! My FIL did not join us due to the football game, a lot of people we bumped into were skipping formal night for this reason. After dinner we all went to the Ovation Theater for the Brits show. The kids wanted to sit right up front so we did but, boy did I regret it. It was just way too loud for me being in front of those big speakers and the lights were too bright on the eyes. The kids didn't mind it of course! LOL The show itself was just okay for me. Comparing to what we saw on the Dream a couple of years back....all in all, for the whole week we thought the Dream was much better. But I guess it just depends on what type of person you are and what you expect because my MIL loved it. I would still recommend seeing the shows, but don't expect to be blown away by any of them.

This is our photo from tonight's formal night!

For lunch we stopped off at Red Frog Pub. DH really wanted to try the wings....he loves his wings! I tried the coconut battered shrimp that came with banana chips. Deeeelish!!! We meant to come back here during the week with the kids, but it never happened.

We needed an extra week on the ship to accomplish everything. Ha Ha Ha!

I am posting photos as I took them day by day.... so ship photos will be a little scattered throughout the review.

We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning on our first sea day. The water was perfectly calm. We had breakfast at the Buffet.....nothing has changed over the years. I'm not a big fan of the food here, we all went to the omlet station and those were just okay. Mine was still a little runny inside, it was pretty busy and I think he was rushing them. But at least I didn't get a burnt one this time! We didn't get too many photos today.... too busy having fun! lol Kids went to Camp Carnival for a bit while hubby and I walked the ship, relaxed and unpacked everything.

This is a photo that my excited daughter took as soon as she woke up!

Checking out Grandma and Grandpa's view from Deck 8.

Thanks everyone and good morning!

Here's the rest of my photos of Miami before I go onto our first sea day!

We were very pleased with our first day on the ship. Everything went smoothly for us, and we were happy that Butch was our CD. We had him on the Dream and thought he was awesome! My in laws have never been on a longer cruise, they did 3 days on the Fantasy 20 years ago but that was a blur to them. They were very excited to experience an 8 day cruise and having their grandchildren there made it that much better. After our first dinner in the dinning room we split up to do our own things. We ended up going to the Welcome Aboard show that night, where we got to see a preview of the Diva's show. It was okay, but we felt it was lacking. The lead singer wasn't the greatest but we just like the atmosphere and aren't too picky. They do their best! We were quite tired from another long day and decided to head to bed after the show.

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Thank you! I LOVE how that photo turned out as well. :)

We almost didn't do the Breeze either, but we made it work! I'm SO glad that we did! You'll have to put it on your bucket list for sure!!

I'm having trouble posting more photos. Cruise Critic is VERY slow for me and has been the last couple of hours. Not sure if it's everyone or is it just my computer. I will try to post more later on or in the morning.

I sure do miss the Breeze!

 

Enjoying your review.

Thanks! :)

We sure miss her too! We are hoping that we can go back on her in the near future to finish doing everything we didn't have time for! LOL