St. Martin – Photo Album and Video

When all was said and done, St. Martin was one of those places where we thought we could spend an entire vacation. Its European flavor, spiced with Caribbean seasoning, with a side of one of the prettiest beaches we have ever seen, makes for a pretty dishy vacation spot. Video of the beach after the […]

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

What is your favorite type of neighborhood? For me, it often depends on my mood. Some days I want a home by the sea. Other days, I would prefer a quiet tree lined street. I often want to be near an urban center. (I like the amenities and useful mass transportation.) Old San Juan offers […]

Jallim Eudovic's Carving Explained

There can be little doubt that one reason we went for Jallim’s art was because of the gallery’s saleswoman. Melinda explained the intimate tie between his carving and St. Lucia culture. Already taken with the island, we were pleased to find a work of art that would do more than remind us of pretty scenery, […]

El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico – Day 8

Click for Album A great thing about taking a cruise line excursion on the last day is that you get off the ship first.  We set our luggage out before 11 pm the night before.  We rose early to eat breakfast at the Windjammer for the last time and watched San Juan turn from city […]

Bridgetown, Barbados – Day 6

Click for Album I was excited to get off the ship and started across the island. I wanted to visit Crane Beach, which was reputed to have some gentle surf and an awesome restaurant. Sadly, we found that it would cost $40 each way to ride the taxi, which was more than I was comfortable […]

Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas – Day 2

Click for Album We truly love Royal Caribbean, so don’t take this the wrong way, but one of their shortcomings is that they provide so little information about the ports they visit. Their focus is entirely on selling their excursions and encouraging customers to shop at their associated stores. So caveat emptor. It is up […]

Locked and Loaded

I think the point in our preparations I have enjoyed the most is picking out what to take with us. Once the selections have been narrowed down a strategy must be developed for actually packing them. That is where the bundle wrapping method I read about at onebag.com has really come in handy. Joy usually […]

Bridgetown, Barbados

2 Days to Embarkation In the spirit of the picture of the two schoolgirls, I am looking forward to going to Barbados with my best friend (who also happens to be my wife).  Tomorrow, we’ll be flying down to Puerto Rico.  The excitement is a delicious ache. Barbados.  Longboard surfing at Freights, Surfers Pont, and […]

Castries, St. Lucia

3 Days to Embarkation Joy and I had some discussion about the pronunciation of Lucia.   Click here to hear how Webster’s says it should sound.  How could both Joy and Websters be wrong? I don’t know whether we’ll have a chance to see the

St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda

4 Days to Embarkation ‘Antiqua and Barbuda’ means ‘Ancient and Bearded’ in Spanish, but I have no idea as to the thinking behind this two island nation’s appellation.  Galley Bay is close to St. John’s (where our ship will dock) and supposed to offer surfing.  Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay are also close to St. […]