Cruise Travels: July 2019

LINKS

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WHY CRUISE?

Let me first say that ANY vacation you take that you enjoy and feel was worth the time and expense is a good vacation because it met your expectations and hopefully you came away with long lasting memories and satisfaction.

But why a cruise? Maybe you’re tired of the same vacation every year, or you want to explore and see more of the world. You can do this by going to the place you want to see and even finding ways to save by using an all-inclusive offering. I’ve been there and done that and the trips were fantastic, especially those with many friends and family together. But I found that going to a location once a year only afforded a limited number of opportunities to explore new venues and left me wondering what I could be missing. I also found we had a tendency to repeat our trips to the familiar places because we were too scared to risk committing to a location that we would not like and have a terrible time.

Enter the cruise. My first time I had all the reasons I did not want to go recited to anyone in my family that would listen; it costs too much, there’s nothing to see, there is so much more to do if we visit a location, what if I get seasick? Obviously I would not be writing this if those objections were held true. I began to suspect I may have been wrong when every crew member smiled and those serving us went out of their way to remember our names, give us anything we asked, and actually had my son looking forward to dinner to see his friend the waiter who always had a magic trick to show. I noticed the crew’s obsession for cleanliness and detail, the never ending assortment of food and entertainment and the absolute beauty of the sea. I also realized I hardly knew we were moving most of the time, the gently rocking I did notice at times actually lulled me to sleep more times than I could count. The clincher for me was visiting the different islands and seeing their pure beauty and culture along with the wonderful people there that treated us as visiting dignitaries, eager to show us their world. Yes, I was hooked.

There are always going to be times when things do not go as planned. I have never been on a cruise where the staff did not do everything they possibly could to cater, cajole, serve and help when things did not go as planned. Sure, I’ve been disappointed because an itinerary had to change due to weather, or when that weather changed our plans for an excursion and when other unexpected things happened that created disappointment for us. However, the staff always found a way to correct the situation and make us whole. I have never been on a cruise where I was disappointed and left that way, never.

So my message to you is not how much money you can save (visit jtravelsolutions.com for the latest on savings and what’s new and exciting in the cruise world). My message is simple, why not try it? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I can even show you a cruise line that gives you all of your money back and gets you home if within the first 24 hours you find the cruise you are on is just not for you! Come explore the wonders of the world with me!

The Road goes ever on and on, Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say. "JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring"

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

ST LUCIA

Taken while anchored off the beach of Anse Cochon

St. Lucia
is a beautiful island with many sights and activities for the curious. One of those sights are the breathtaking Pitons; two tree carpeted peaks right on the waters edge offering a sight and pictures like nothing you have seen elsewhere in the Caribbean. Situated on the west coast of St. Lucia, these mysterious and alluring Pitons are in a location that is ideal for the traveler of many tastes. They are situated next to the historic port town of Soufriere (soo-fee-err), beautiful waterfalls and gardens, a volcano that feeds into mud baths and mineral bath waters built by French troops of King Louis XVI in 1784 reputed to offer healing and therapeutic qualities.

If you are stopping at St. Lucia on your cruise, there are a variety of excursion options that allow you to experience these sights depending on your preference and adventurous spirit.

A Trip to Soufriere. This can be experienced by being driven, by boat or a combination of the two. Take the drive only if you like winding, curvy roads on steep hills. I enjoy it because the sights are incredible, but understand many people may have reservations. It’s similar to taking a New York taxi ride on Pikes Peak. The drivers usually stop at some of the towns for a break and to peruse the vendor booths. If you're lucky, you may stop for someone that lets you get a picture (for a fee) holding a monkey or a python. Once you arrive at Soufriere, many excursions either take you to a plantation for lunch, the diamond falls, mineral baths, botanical gardens, the active volcano, and or the mud baths. Many cruise lines offer different variants of the trip and you can choose the one that most appeals to you. My favorite is the drive and boat combo which give you the best of all experiences.

The volcano is active, and depending on your excursion you may be allowed to walk along a cordoned path and actually be right beside the bubbling sulphur (yes it smells), but on my last trip they only drove as far as the mud baths and did not allow you to walk to the volcano (my driver pretended to turn around at the volcano so I could take a selfie of me and the volcano on the sly). The Mud baths are actually the warm runoff of sulphur infused water from the volcano. The water is tolerably warm and you can dip in and cake the sulphur/mud on you as much as you desire. It’s a lot of fun if you are with a group and feel like getting dirty – there are showers there also to rinse off, just walk carefully because it is slippery.

The Diamond Falls and botanical gardens replete with the mineral baths are a beautiful sight, just be prepared to walk. Also, unless you have the specific mineral bath excursion, you must pay to dip in the waters. I was scolded by an attendant for putting my feet in. I'm usually eager for action and adventure but have to admit these sights are definitely worth seeing. There are other excursions in the Piton area that I have not experienced such as 4x4 treks, Jeep rides, hiking or climbing, snorkeling and others. My favorite overall though is the boat ride along the coast through the clear blue waters off the coast. The sights are amazing and most of the rides offer refreshments (some catamarans offer dancing and generous rum punches). Most of the rides I have been on venture into Marigot Bay to see the sights and marina, and stop at a small beach at Anse Cochon for a rest and some snorkeling. The water is crystal clear and if you venture to the right side (facing the water from the beach) there are some small reefs where you can get some great pictures of fish. There are also 3-4 vendors in kayaks here that will come up to your boat. Don’t be afraid – these men actually have a permit to vend even though they may be shirtless and have long dreadlocks. They of course want to sell you some of their homemade wares but will leave you alone if you prefer. I’ve actually gotten to know some of them by name and look forward to seeing them every time and exchange pleasantries about families and health. Some of these guys are in their 50’s and 60’s but look 30 – we could use some of their secrets. Titus always cuts a coconut for me so I can drink the pure coconut water inside.

St. Lucia is all about attitude – leave your expectations behind and just experience with an open mind. I guarantee you it will change your life.

This is one of many Islands and Cruise tips I will be sharing. Stay tuned to Tuck's Travels Blog for much more!!