Cruise Travels: August 2019

LINKS

Visit jtravelsolutions.com to explore the many adventures available to you as well as my latest updates on your BEST price for that cruise that is just right for you. ALL THINGS CRUISING can be found here so please give it a look!

I am a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association and am a participating agency with any cruise line you wish to explore with! Come see what is waiting for you at JTTRAVELSOLUTIONS.COM and make it happen!!

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"

Thursday, August 22, 2019

BONAIRE SNORKELING

Bonaire is a very unique island. Comprising the “B” in the ABC islands, Bonaire is not as developed or commercial as it’s counterparts Aruba or Curacao. As a matter of fact, I immediately felt the vibe that this island was all about the water , and that becomes very evident as you take in the breathtaking views of the crystal clear turquoise and blue water or have the good fortune to dive and explore the reefs yourself. The island itself is beautiful and has many sights that I want to cover in another post, but Bonaire is a Mecca for divers of all sorts. The reefs surrounding the entire island are designated and protected marine parks and the island maintains and protects these areas very well. There is a fee for divers and a lesser one for snorkelers and kayakers so take advantage of the built in fee advantage if you are going on an excursion from a cruise. The reefs and wildlife are abundant and in great shape. I only wish all other islands would protect their reefs as well as Bonaire.

All cruise excursions are meticulously researched by your cruise ship and offer a great experience. I always recommend using your cruise excursions for many reasons as I will point out in my post “Why a Cruises Excursion is the best choice.” However, if your cruise ship offers a snorkeling adventure with the Sea Cow Snorkeling group, I highly recommend it. Henk, Gea and their crew make this snorkeling excursion the absolute best experience for everyone. They are very professional, informative, and truly invested in making sure you have the best experience possible whether you are very experienced or snorkeling for the first time. They not only go over everything you need to know before getting in the water, they go with you and point out interesting fish, turtles, and coral. They even have a professional photographer that takes pictures of your snorkeling and makes available to you as you return for a nominal fee. They are always looking out to assist anyone in need and truly put everyone at ease. I'm very experienced with many years snorkeling but have learned something new each time I visit them. I've gone with them three times now and can't wait to go again. I highly recommend this snorkeling excursion, whether you are visiting on a cruise line or on the island yourself.

Here are some pictures that I have personally taken in Bonaire:

(click to enlarge)

ANTIGUA SNORKELING & KAYAKING

The Paddles Snorkel and Kayaking adventure is a great way to see the sights of Antigua. I've been on this excursion from our cruise ships twice and can't wait to go again. Balance yourself on the floating pier where you will be taking the boat ride to Great Bird Island which is fast and fun - lock down your hats! Explore Bird Island. On the way, look over to your left and you may see Long Island where Oprah and other big stars have a home. If you're adventurous, climb the rocky trail to see the scenic top of the island and the blowhole. However this trail is slippery and very steep so if you are not physically able to maneuver, hang out on the beach where there will be some island shacks with gifts and refreshments or take the trail that goes straight back across the island (only about 100 yards) and see the beautiful inlet on the other side ( I always like to explore a little).

Snorkeling is good, but depending on the boat, be prepared to drop off the side of the boat to about 2-3 feet. It may be windy so keep track of your group or you may be separated quickly. The kayaking is great. Most kayaks are stable, two-seater sit on tops. The guides are very patient and informative and will take you to the edge of the mangroves and look for starfish and other things in the water to show you. They will take you on a wide circle of the area and it is a good workout. Once done, you will board the boats again and go back to the estate where you began. There, the owners will treat you to punch and some snacks where you can relax and get refreshed in their beautiful garden. They are really nice people and truly care about your experience. I will probably go on this trip every time I go back to the island - no exaggeration this excursion is the best and well worth every penny.

Antigua extended:

The port has numerous shops, bars and music where you can enjoy some time before or after your excursion. If you feel adventurous, take a taxi to Dickenson Bay. The taxi will drop you right off at the beach where you can enjoy the water or sit at a great little restaurant/bar where you can relax and watch the waves if you like. It is located right beside the Sandals resort on Antigua and the beach is very clean and nice. Here are some pictures taken there:

Dickenson Bay Beach

There is a lot of history in Antigua. the countryside still has some original windmills left over from the prior Dutch inhabitants along with many historic churches and buildings. Most cruises have a tour that highlights these via a tour bus. More to come once I get back to the island!