2016-08-07 - Sunday - End of the cruise

Sunday we got off the ship and headed home, but not before standing in long lines at customs. That's always fun.

We took our bus back to our car and headed north from Port Canaveral. It's about a nine-hour trip and we were glad to be home at the end of it.

My final thoughts on the trip were that I would not do a Caribbean cruise again. I am not a sun-worshipper like the folks partying on the deck, and I don't have too much to do on the islands. I would love to have tried some snorkeling, but the ulcer on my foot was acting up again and I couldn't do it.

The standouts for me about St. Thomas and St. Maarten/St. Martin were the iguanas and the bus tour, respectively.

I enjoyed the food and entertainment on the ship, but the best part of every day was sitting down with my family and in-laws at one large table and enjoying each others' company while eating.

Just like we do in PA and at the NJ shore.

Bon voyage.

2016-08-06 - Saturday - Day at sea

Saturday we took a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour. It was very interesting to see the inner workings of the machine that pumped out all that fresh food every day. With three kitchens, three dining rooms, and a large cafe the kitchens run twenty-four hours a day. I can't even imagine what it's like during dinner.

Three levels, three dining rooms.

Beautiful carvings.

A spotless operation.

Room temperature desserts staged.

A sea of shrimp cocktails.

The only low point is the pre-made crusts
for the bowling alley style pizza
they serve on the promenade.

All bread products are baked fresh daily.

Gearing up for our special lunch as part of the tour.

Our lunch/dessert buffet.

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2016-08-03 - Wednesday - St. Thomas

Wednesday we landed in St. Thomas.

Ryan and Mereditth.

These ships are huge and top-heavy.

Meredith, Karen, and Stephanie.

Iguanas were everywhere.

The bay.

The way out.

Photogs everywhere.

Lots to photograph.

I spent a lot of time watching the employees
goof around on the Flow Rider.

Lamb for dinner.

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2016-08-02 - Tuesday - Day at sea

Tuesday was a day at sea so we found things to do on the ship. I did some work, read my book, walked the decks, and went to an art auction (which was a disappointment).

The view in the Windjammer Cafe.

The wake.

Blue water.

Sun on the same water.

While I was waiting in line at the art auction I noticed I was under the bridge
to the promenade. The people walking above made ethereal footsteps.

The view from the Windjammer Cafe.

The wake. We are really motoring.

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