Venture to the Caribbean with Bill & Mary Ann on the Nieuw Statendam & Nieuw Amsterdam 12-18-21 to 4-26-22

[Hogladyrider]

@WCB....is it a safe bet that HAL finally got the wifi working well in your cabin?

[St Pete Cruiser]

1 hour ago, WCB said:

Report #62 Willemstad, Curacao Thursday-February 17, 2022   Very Windy And Cloudy 78 Degrees.........Part #1 0f 3..........78 Pictures

 

This should have been our third visit here, if Covid had not interrupted our travel plans.  So now, this is our second time in Curacao.  It was a partly cloudy day, with a constant strong breeze blowing all day.  It did help cool it off. 

 

Curacao is the largest of the three ABC islands, with a total of 171 square miles.  It is situated 35 miles north of Venezuela and 42 miles from Aruba.  There are 38 beaches around the island with all of the water sports you can imagine.  Willemstad is the capital, and that is where we docked today.  The historic center of this city is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 

 

It is a very walkable city center, which is exactly what we did beginning at 11:30am.  The ship was cleared after 8am, but we had some work to do before leaving.  No rush, since the all aboard time was 10:30pm.  Exiting the ship, we had been told to bring our Covid vaccination cards like yesterday.  However, no one asked to see them.  In fact, there were few locals wearing masks today.  Last time here, everyone had a mask  on. We sure hope that means things are improving.  Like yesterday, we left our masks on for most of the day onshore. 

 

The ship was docked at the Otrobanda district.  This is mostly residential with the Renaissance Resort & Casino and Mall right at our feet.  Then we entered the Riffort Village Shopping Mall and modern retailers. At Diamonds International, one of us went inside the store to collect another charm.  The sales lady also handed me a plastic waterproof container that can be used to keep money and your room key, etc. from getting wet while swimming. No pressure to buy anything.  Cafes lined the courtyard as we walked out of the area. 

 

Crossing over the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge with 16 pontoons, we came out on the Punda side.  Docked in Santa Anna Bay was a Tui ship.  Lining the harbor were the famous painted houses with gabled roofs called the Handelskade.  On this side, are numerous cafes, already full of customers, and six blocks of shopping, where tourists can buy embroidered linens, delft like earthenware, cheeses, clogs and artwork.  Not all of the stores are 100% duty free.   Maybe that leaves room for negotiation.  Here you can find trinkets and souvenirs as well as high end jewelry and watches. 

 

The red tiled roofs we were seeing were built with Dutch tiles that had been used as ballast in the old sailing ships.  Following the main street, we made our way to Wilhelmina Park and the historical buildings near it.  The governor’s palace is located near Fort Amsterdam.  Then we made our way through town to the Central Market, where the choices for souvenirs is unending.  Fresh veggies and fruit are available here as well.  Much of the jewelry was African designs, similar to what we have seen and bought while in Gambia. 

 

Along the Waaigat Canal, sits the floating market full of fresh produce.  There was one Venezuelan schooner tied up here, where the produce and even fish were being transferred to the pier.  Crossing over this canal, the Scharloo district begins.  A maritime Museum is there and some of the oldest Jewish homes also.  We read that the red light district begins here.  True or not, we did not cross the bridge to find out.

 

Time to head back, we followed the water around to the bay, where we finally saw the pontoon bridge moving.  It had to open to let a ferry out, and also let in a sailboat.  It is estimated that this swing span bridge opens up to 30 times daily.  Dating back to 1888, it was recently restored.  Normally the foot traffic is stopped, which is why there is a ferry to take the waiting folks across the bay.  Crossing paths with friends Gyl and Howard, we chatted long enough to watch the bridge swing open three times.  It opened just wide enough for the vessels to get by.  It must have to open all of the way to accommodate the Tui cruise ship that was docked in this bay. 

 

Then we crossed back over to the other side and eventually back to the ship.  Lunch was in order, but a light one was what we wanted.  This evening we were invited  to a pre-dinner cocktail with the Hotel General Manager, Rene Tuiman.  Usually he would have hosted a table for the nine of us, but due to the virus, he is only allowed to have cocktails with us. Newcomers Jennie and Don, also members of the President’s Club, joined us. He was quite gracious answering our many questions.   So after 1 ½ hours, he excused himself and off we went for a delightful Pinnacle Dinner.   The wine flowed, our meals were excellent, and after dinner drinks were offered.  We were all treated like royalty once again. 

 

Tomorrow, we complete our “Dutch” stay with the final port of Oranjestad, Aruba.  The forecast says it will be rainy, but we hope it is wrong.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

Jealous of your PC benefits. 

I'm only half way there.

Admire your walking into nearly every port. We try to also.

[felma531]

As we sit by the fire in cold Alabama we are enjoying walking with Y'all in Bonaire and Curacao. Those famous houses in Curacao look like a great jigsaw puzzle! Will have to put these two on our list. 

Margaret and Monty

[WCB]

Report # 63   Oranjestad, Aruba   Friday - February 18, 2022   Mostly sunny  & 80 degrees   Part #1 of 3...............80 Pictures

 

It’s Aruba again, the fun island, which is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles wide.  The number of residents is 72,000.  Oranjestad is the capital and is also where we docked this morning.  Other ships in port were the Marella Discovery (Tui), which was actually the former Splendour of the Seas (RCI).  She holds up to 2024 passengers and is currently doing a 7 day round trip from Barbados.  The other ship was the Freewinds, which curiously was docked here on our last visit.  If we didn’t know better, we would think it never moved.

 

The weather today was close to perfect, with moderate temperatures, little wind, and mostly sunny skies.  It was going to be a good walking day, which is what we did by 11am.  The best description of Aruba is that a palm-lined boulevard runs the length of the island.  Beginning at the top end, there are dozens of luxury hotels and resorts with beautiful beaches.  Down where we are, is the more touristy section.  We remember coming here back in the 90’s when the biggest attraction had to be the iconic Royal Plaza Mall, a three story pink and white Dutch building with dozens of boutiques and places to dine.  Near that mall, was the Renaissance Mall and hotel resort in the city’s center.  There is actually a canal that connects to the hotel’s lobby.  Guests can take a boat from there to a private 40 acre island with beaches.  Very convenient. 

 

After leaving the terminal, we noticed that fewer folks were wearing masks.  Actually none of the guests on the Marella Discovery had them on.  Good sign that things might be getting much better in this part of the world.  Last night, the Hotel Director did indicate that things might be changing soon with the ship’s requirements.  He did not elaborate, for fear of saying something not quite correctly.  For certain, the steps back to normal will be taken slowly. 

 

Heading for the marina, we passed the many jewelry shops offering specials.  Vendors are still handing out flyers to entice customers into their stores. Like we stated yesterday, the duty-free policy does not always apply here.  The usual activities were taking place at the small boat harbor.  A few fishermen were cleaning their catch of wahoo and other smaller fish.  A young and hungry pelican sat right across from the cleaning table to catch small bits of fish.  A little iguana moved into the pelican’s range, and the bird stabbed at the lizard.  Not sure iguanas eat fish.  They do eat grass.

 

The Renaissance Marketplace is the anchor of the marina.  Although it was early in the day and there was little activity, we can imagine this place is lively at night.  Most all of the dining venues and bars are open-air.  At the far end is an Italian café that served the best pizza in the past.  But we are still not indulging off of the ship just in case the virus is still here.  

 

We made our way to the gardens of the hotel, where we found a bench in the shade.  Updating the Kindle worked well here.  We did notice that many of the crew were doing the same thing inside the terminal building.  We are not sure the crew gets free or really reasonable wifi.  Around the back of the hotel, is a lagoon that connects to the ocean.  Under a concrete bridge there is a bunch of tropical fish.  We always stop here to watch the fish come out, but we learned a little trick today.  A few kids and their moms brought some crackers and bread to toss in the water.  That’s when  the big fish came out from under the rocks and bridge.  At one point, it was like a feeding frenzy.  The little kids loved it. Secretly, so did we.  There are always a few iguanas eating grass here, as well as pelicans perching on the rocks. 

 

Time to head back, we stopped at one of the road stalls and bought a red visor, a color I do not have.  Another stop was at Diamonds International for the free pendant and bracelet.  Many other ladies, obviously cruise passengers, were doing the same thing.  And no pressure to buy something.  All the way back to the terminal, there were many chances to buy souvenirs.  The most serious shoppers were here.

 

Time for ice cold beer and lunch in the Dutch Café.  Dropping off our stuff in the room, the power went off briefly.  That is something that has never happened on this ship.  The Captain announced it, and promised things would be up and running soon.  It took a while, but not everything got “re-booted”, such as the deep fryer in the Dutch Café.  No crispy hot French fries for us today.  Michelle the server said she owed us doubles the next time we go there.  The draft beer still worked as did cooking the ham and cheese sandwiches.  Small slices of apple pie finished the meal. 

 

Relaxing on the veranda and working on the computer kept us busy until we noticed the Marella Discovery was leaving at 6pm.  Dinner was just the two of us, since our tablemates ate elsewhere.  Our meals of crispy spring rolls, farmer’s salads, and honey mustard chicken were perfect.  We added custom-made chocolate sundaes for dessert.

 

The ship left the dock shortly after 10:30pm, and the best sight to see was passing by the airport, all lit up, waiting for more tourists to arrive.

 

Tomorrow we have a most welcomed day at sea.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[bob12]

The Freewinds is run by the Church of Scientology.  It is often seen docked in Aruba

[DeepWaterMariner]

12 minutes ago, bob12 said:

The Freewinds is run by the Church of Scientology.  It is often seen docked in Aruba

The Freewinds has been docked in Aruba every time I've been there.  Many years ago she was the Boheme of Commodore Cruise Line when we sailed on her.  We were in Aruba in 2013 and watched the Freewinds taking on "passengers".  It was a surprise when we saw the "passengers" doing chores on deck related to ship's maintenance.  That night there was a big deck party on the Freewinds that we saw from our balcony as we did our sail away.  

 

Sorry for going off topic.

[rkacruiser]

4 hours ago, DeepWaterMariner said:

The Freewinds has been docked in Aruba every time I've been there.  Many years ago she was the Boheme of Commodore Cruise Line when we sailed on her.

 

On one visit to Aruba, the Freewinds was not at her dock.  Other times, she was always at the same dock.   As the Boheme, she was among the cruise ships I considered for my first cruise before selecting Rotterdam V.  So glad that I made that choice!

[CHK]

I just read that the CDC has changed the color code for the Nieuw Statendam from orange to GREEN!

Green means no Covid or Covid like symptoms detected on board. Fingers crossed because we come aboard on Feb 23rd for 21 days.

[Essiesmom]

59 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

On one visit to Aruba, the Freewinds was not at her dock.  Other times, she was always at the same dock.   As the Boheme, she was among the cruise ships I considered for my first cruise before selecting Rotterdam V.  So glad that I made that choice!

My first sighting of Freewinds was in Cartagena, but she also spends time in Curaçao.   EM

[Dashwood100]

11 hours ago, WCB said:

Report # 63   Oranjestad, Aruba   Friday - February 18, 2022   Mostly sunny  & 80 degrees   Part #1 of 3...............80 Pictures

 

Hope to see you soon [Feb 23], I have been speed reading your Reports. Great reads.

 

[Stakeout]

looks like HAL has just changed the Covid Quarantine rules for back to backs -- down to 5 days with option to stay aboard .. in this post from John and Diane on the Rotterdam  

 

[WCB]

Report #64 Day At Sea En-Route To Amber Cove, Dominican Republic Saturday-February 19, 2022    Sunny, Gale Force Winds - 80 Degrees......Part #1 Of 1..........53 Pictures

 

The ship is heading northwest as we sail towards the Dominican Republic and the port of Amber Cove.  At least the sun was out this morning, but it came with gale force winds of 7 on the Beaufort scale.  Our Club Orange waiter remarked about how rough the sailing was during the night.  That was news to us, because neither of us felt it.  The only time you might notice the movement is when you are walking from place to place.  During the night, once you get under those nice fresh sheets, you are rocked to sleep with the motion.  This ship, as large as it is, seems to ride the seas well.

 

At 11am, we were invited to another Mariner Recognition Event held in the Billboard Onboard.  This group had to be the biggest yet, with several couples getting medallions from bronze to gold.  One couple that we recognized from world cruises, was inducted into the President’s Club.  Now we have a total of 11 members onboard.  We also got to meet the new Guest Relations Manager, Tatiana.  She joined the ship when Janine left, and has been in a “commencement” period, which  actually means quarantined for several days.  She had her “coming out” today and seemed very happy to meet our expanding group.  Jonah, the event coordinator, will still be here to take care of her people, including the 11 of us.  She is the best.  The Captain gave a short speech of welcome and thanked us all for trusting HAL to provide a safe and fun cruise.  Everyone was introduced and welcomed to come take a photo with the Captain and Rene, the hotel director.  Morning beverages were served, such as mimosas, champagne, wine, or soda and orange juice.  The event lasted exactly one hour, although our group always stays and visits.

 

It’s funny how the weather can be deceiving.  On the port side (our side) , our windows and veranda were sprayed with water, also coated with salt.  If we didn’t know better, we would say it was raining.  Taking our usual morning walk, we noticed a huge difference on the starboard side.  It was warm and windy, but the sun was shining.  Really great weather for walking, and even better if the ship could stay still.  So far, we have seen no birds or flying fish.

 

Lunch was in the Lido with two salads, garlic bread, and a toasted salami and turkey sandwich.  There are three types of chips available at the sandwich bar…..potato, tortilla, and plantain chips.  The potato chips must be the most popular, since that bowl is always almost empty.  At least no one can stick their hands in those bowls.  Desserts were tempting, but we still have a good supply of biscotti cookies in our room.   We had one each, then went to work on photos and future reports.

 

A walk was in order before dinner, so we did our mile until it was time for dinner.  The five of us were back, but due to table noise next door, it was hard to hear any of us talking.  Having two large tables between the walls seems to trap the noise even more.  One of our group did mention it to someone in charge, but we doubt anything can be done about where people choose to eat.  It’s one of those awkward situations that has no good solution, other than we move elsewhere.  Doubt that will happen……

 

Tomorrow’s port will be Amber Cove, where we have been only once.  If nothing else, it is a good place to take a walk.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

[smlnd]

I am on the ship now and I would like to know where you found garlic bread at lunch to go with your salad in the Lido buffet.  I have been looking all over for some. 

[cruzingnut]

1 hour ago, smlnd said:

I am on the ship now and I would like to know where you found garlic bread at lunch to go with your salad in the Lido buffet.  I have been looking all over for some. 

 

While I'm not on the N. SDam, I just got off the sister ship, Rotterdam today.  If you go check out the pasta station, they may have garlic bread there.  Good luck!

 

Linda R.

[WCB]

Report #65   Amber Cove, Dominican Republic   Sunday - February 20, 2022   Mostly sunny & 83 degrees   Part # 1 of 3..............80 Pictures

 

The last time we were in the  Dominican Republic was January 9^th.  Then we missed stopping there on January 26^th, when we were having a side trip in Ft. Lauderdale.  So we are back today at the port of Amber Cove, on the north side of the country.  The ship arrived to the pier around 8am and the good news is that we were the only cruise ship there.  Amber Cove is not a town or city, but an entirely enclosed Carnival Corp-built complex and park grounds.  It is completely fenced and has manned guard towers in each corner.  Locals are not allowed in, except for the shop vendors.  The only way out is through a taxi canopy, where you can hire someone to take you anywhere.  The closest city is Puerto Plata, a 10 minute taxi ride according to one of the nice shop ladies.  Of course, there were some shore excursions that left from here too.

 

But first, here is a little info on the Dominican Republic.  It occupies 2/3 of the island of Hispaniola, while Haiti takes up the other third.   Together, they are the second largest island in the Caribbean, with Cuba being number one.  Temperatures are about 82 degrees year round, and 8.8 million people live here.  Attracting tourists (mostly from Europe), there are 1000 beaches.  Natural resources are cocoa, coffee, rum, tobacco, and sugarcane.  All of these items can be purchased in the duty-free stores.  Up high in the rain forest, there are crocodiles, green cockatoos, and 29 species of birds.

 

The north side of the Dominican Republic is called the amber coast, since large quantities of amber were discovered here.  Also the blue stone called larimar is found only in this country.  The most valuable stones are a shade of milky blue. Warning:  be careful buying amber as it can be plastic. Shopping includes jewelry made with these stones, as well as cigars, rum, coffee, and masks, which are worn during Carnival season.  The biggest warning is don’t drink the water….don’t even brush  your teeth with the water unless it is bottled.  In addition, be careful with buying street food, which could make you mighty sick. 

 

During breakfast, there was a sudden crew drill at 9:15am.  It involved a possible fire on the ship (made up).  Within minutes, every waiter and cook left the room and came back with their life vests on.  Leaving Club Orange, we went to the promenade deck for a walk, and that deck was full of more crew members.  The drill lasted one hour, and we figured that was a good time to leave the ship.

 

Taking our time, we took the same path we had walked the first time we were here.  Taking a right turn, we found the spacious swimming pool, and the signage for rentals.  Most everything had to be rented except for the use of the chaise lounges.  One thing they do not have here is beachfront.  The entire shoreline is filled with boulders.  Several sun lovers from the ship had come over and were swimming and tanning.  The big restaurant & bar would be opened for lunch business soon.  From what we could see, none of the pricey cabanas had been rented.

 

There was a zip line there, and we did witness a couple of brave fellows riding it.  When they approached the end of the line, the ride jerked to a sudden stop.  No way would we try this anywhere, now that we have seen it close up.  By the way, it cost $20  to ride it all day.  We climbed the hill where the ride initiated.  A bit further up the mist-lined road was a circular bar with a view.  Unlike Half Moon Cay, people had to  pay cash or use credit cards for everything here.  And the shops also took credit cards naturally. 

 

Leaving the pool area, we walked by the pond and waterfall display, then onto a string of shops with typical souvenirs.  One of us did purchase another visor.  That makes five new ones, which are worn at home.  Four of the usual suspects are here…..Diamonds International, Effy Jewelers, Del Sol, and Cariloha, the bamboo place.  We just started collecting the free charms at DI, but today seeing there were two of us, the nice lady gave us doubles.  The bracelets and charms are not high end jewelry, but they do get you into the store where they hope you buy more.

 

Passing through Dufry, we went back to the ship.  Many locals were there to offer a pedaled ride back to the gangway, but most everyone chose to walk. The day had warmed up quite a bit, and we were in need of something cold…..like beers.  So it was off to the Grand Dutch Café.  Andre was there, and we commented about seeing him as a dining room greeter last night.  Right now, he works hard in the Dutch Café, but is training to promote to a dining room head waiter.  He would be an excellent choice in our opinion.  Anyway, the ham and cheese sandwiches were good and so were the fries.  Michelle, who also works there, said she would double them, but we said no, one plate was ample.  Barb, Susie and Woody have discovered that this is a very nice venue for eating something different from the dining room lunch or Lido. 

 

Back in our room, we had planned on some down time on the veranda.  But down below on the promenade deck, workers were pounding and sanding away making a heck of a racket.  Eventually they stopped and we enjoyed watching the opposite shore with locals having a Sunday beach afternoon with their families.  Banana boats were being pulled behind speed boats, while the little ones played in the shallow surf. 

 

We stayed until the ship left at 6pm and sun went down.  Closer to 7pm, we felt like the ship was turning, but thought nothing of it.  Then something strange happened on the way to dinner.  A couple in the elevator asked if we were going in the right direction?  Yes, we were heading north, and they seemed good with that.  Passing the shops, we noticed they were closed.  Strange. Then when we reached our table in the dining room, we noticed we were docked somewhere with lights.  What happened?  We learned that the Captain had turned the ship around due to a medical emergency.  Someone had to be taken off.  We never heard an announcement, and we are not sure they made one.  Guess we will have to wait until tomorrow for the details.  On  past cruises, we have seen this happen many times….sometimes even with helicopter med-evacs.  Hope it turns out OK for the patient.

 

Three of our tablemates had decided last night to try the Sel de Mer this evening.  Not big fans of the cuisine, we opted out, mostly because we wanted to see what was on the dining room menu first.  Turned out it was liver and onions, Barb’s and Susie’s favorite.  So they cancelled the reservations, and  came to dinner.  Woody had the pasta, and we had Rudi’s half chicken and beef Wellington.  Desserts were frozen yogurt and chocolate sundae.  And guess what?  Last night these same desserts were melted, but tonight, all was frozen.  We suspect our waiters were anticipating what we would order, and bring the desserts early. By asking about it, they brought it straight from the freezer.  What a difference.

 

The best thing we did tonight was turn the clocks back one hour.  The extra sleep will do us good.

 

Tomorrow will be a short stop in Grand Turk, and an afternoon date with the Covid testers.  Oh, we hate this invitation.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

 

[ottahand7]

Thanks for your report.  The medical emergency explains all the confused passengers waiting at their favorite slot machine to no avail - us included.  We used our drink package in Rolling Stone a remarkable dark night.  🥃. I hope whoever it was is okay.  We saw one in Curacao and if it was just orthopedic they may have made it back.  

Edited February 21, 2022 by ottahand7

[iflyrc5]

4 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

Thanks for your report.  The medical emergency explains all the confused passengers waiting at their favorite slot machine to no avail - us included.  We used our drink package in Rolling Stone a remarkable dark night.  🥃. I hope whoever it was is okay.  We saw one in Curacao and if it was just orthopedic they may have made it back.  

We had dinner in the lido last night and at about 1900 the Capt came on the PA and announced that we would be turning around because of the medical emergency.  I went to the show at 1930 and about 1945 you could hear the bow thrusters working to get us turned around at the pier.  I got out of the show at 2015 and went out to deck 3 and we were just pulling away so a short stop.

[smlnd]

We heard the Captain’s announcement as well. An ambulance was waiting and they put a guy on the stretcher and left with lights flashing. I sure hope the man is doing ok. 

[felma531]

Your bird today looks almost exactly like the Northern Flicker or the Yellowhammer, Alabama's state bird. Found in all counties of the state it is one of our year- round birds. That being said, sightings are not common - at least in our experience.

Surely hope the passenger with the medical emergency has an easy fix. 

We are thinking negative for y'all!

Monty and Margaret

[Overhead Fred]

@WCB - Hello Bill and Mary Ann! We have been enjoying your reports. 

 

When do you disembark the NS? We will be onboard from 3/16 - 4/6 and would love to meet both of you.

 

Fred & Mitzi

[rkacruiser]

9 minutes ago, Overhead Fred said:

@WCB - Hello Bill and Mary Ann! We have been enjoying your reports. 

 

When do you disembark the NS? We will be onboard from 3/16 - 4/6 and would love to meet both of you.

 

Fred & Mitzi

 

Fred, I think they will still be aboard.  Having sailed with all four of you, I think you four would be a very compatible group.  

 

Maybe HH at Billboards on Board?  That's when I met your wife and you.  

[WCB]

Yes, the bird did look like a flicker.  They migrate where we live.

We will be on the N. Statendam until April 6th as long as the Covid testing is negative, like today's.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[AFNavigator]

15 hours ago, WCB said:

There was a zip line there, and we did witness a couple of brave fellows riding it.  When they approached the end of the line, the ride jerked to a sudden stop.  No way would we try this anywhere, now that we have seen it close up.  By the way, it cost $20  to ride it all day.  We climbed the hill where the ride initiated. 

Our teen son wanted to do this zipline when we were there in Dec.  There was absolutely no crowd so I said I would try it with him.  We quit after 4 turns...he was getting tired of the walk up the hill!  I decided to give it a few more turns a little later, then decided to just keep going.  I ended up going 20 trips overall because there was no wait and I figured I could use the exercise.  I finally quit because I was getting hot and thirsty but I certainly maximized my $20 zipline pass.  My fitness tracker said I got in a combined 13.2 miles that day.

 

Regarding that sudden stop at the end of the zip line, it certainly does stop you fast but it isn't as bad as it looks.  It's basically a big spring you are compressing at the end so it isn't so much of a sudden jerk as much as a fast controlled slowdown.

[WCB]

Report #66   Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos   Monday - February 21, 2022   Partly cloudy with sun   80 degrees   Part #1of 2.........80 Pictures

 

At breakfast this morning, we inquired about the medical evacuation that took place last night.  Our waiter said it was a man, who was taken off on a stretcher, then transferred to a boat that went to the shore.  The ship was not docked, as we had thought.  And it appeared that we had returned to Amber Cove, except it looked much different at night.  We’re all hoping the gentleman is going to be OK. 

 

So today, we were back to Grand Turk, a rather small island that is 7 miles long and 1 mile wide.  The Turks and Caicos are a self-governing British Overseas Territory.  All-together, there are about 25,000 people that live here.  On the island of Grand Turk, there are only 5,000 residents.  What makes this area famous is not the dry, arid bush and scrub landscape, but the third largest coral reef system in the world.   Diving is superb here.

 

Unfortunately, our visit today is a rather short one with all aboard at 1:30pm.  Hardly time to get out to the reef and scuba or snorkel.  Staying in the Grand Turk Cruise Center , a 13 acre complex built in 2006, would have to do.  This purpose-built complex is similar to yesterday’s port of Amber Cove, but in our opinion, is better.  Here you have a long stretch of beach with unlimited lounges to use.  Many folks were already in the water with their snorkel gear by 9am.  Speaking of the water, it is gorgeous….something like Half Moon Cay.  The different shades of blue to turquoise and green are stunning.  Even with some threatening cloud cover, the contrast of the grays in the sky compliment the seas below.  However, as hard as we tried, we could not see any fish in the water.  The best for that had to be in Bonaire.   The better sites for diving or snorkeling were off shore and accessed by boat.  Later in the day, we did see two catamarans coming back with guests, disembarking them from the back of the boat onto  the beach.

 

We left around 10:30am, and walked from one end to the other and beyond.  When the sun peeked out of the clouds while we were sitting on some lounges, it got way too hot for comfort.  Better to be walking and exploring the many shops in the complex.  Once again, there was Diamonds International with free conch shell charms and more bracelets.  Effy Jewely and Milano Diamond Gallery were there.  Oops, forgot that Milano also gave charms away.  Will have to pay a visit to them next time. 

 

Margheritaville is a big presence here, with a large shop and a two-story restaurant/bar.  The surrounding pool was getting full of swimmers, and the free wave ride was entertaining many folks with one sort of young gal trying to learn how to do the surfing.  One thing she forgot was to wear a swimsuit that fits tightly, as the power of the water is capable of anything.  Come to think of it, perhaps that was how she was getting attention. Duh?  All in good fun we guess.

 

From there, we headed for the beach and a long walk in the sand.  Really gives you a workout.  We went past the border of the complex and made it as far as we could go.  An abandoned pier with a “Stop” sign marked the spot.  Down this end, was a small food shack that may have been serving the islander’s favorite dishes of conch, fresh grouper, and possibly lobster.  We did read there was a conch farm here where they are raised commercially.  Now if this was a normal cruise, without a pandemic involved, we might have searched for the Mookie Pookie Pizza Palace in Cockburn Town, if they are still opened.  Supposedly the best pizza in town (and the only one in town).

 

Time to head back as the ship was leaving early.  Even with that, we did have a 2 ½ hour hike.  We had room snacks instead of lunch in the Lido.  Sometimes you just have to give it a rest.  The ship pulled away from the pier by 2pm, and we were on our way to Half Moon Cay. By the way, we had more ship tiles left in the room with a note of gratitude for our loyalty. 

 

Now the big job of the day….. the 3pm appointment with the Covid testers.  This time we were invited to deck 2 and the World Stage, where several stations were set up.  Would we pass or not?  Going back to the room, we waited for the call that never came.  Great, we did it again….passed negative.  We asked this morning how may guests would be on the next cruise, and the answer was about 900 again.  In transit folks numbered 200.

 

We had a romantic dinner for two this gala evening.  Our tablemates had decided to try Sel de Mer, asking us to join them.  Honestly, we are not really big fans of the cuisine, which leans heavily on the fish appetizers and entrees.  And with one of us with allergies, even the aroma of fish is not pleasant.  So the menu had some favorites for us in the dining room, with a jumbo shrimp cocktail and hazelnut brie.   Caesar salads and tenderloin steaks with shrimp were quite good.  Our plates were steaming hot as well.  Warm flourless chocolate cake with ice cream and frozen yogurt left us happy campers. 

 

Tomorrow will be another day on a beautiful island.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

 

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Do you know whether the 900 passengers represents the upper limit self-imposed by HAL or does it simply reflect lower demand?