Cruise Travels: September 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"

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

TURKS & CAICOS

The Turks & Caicos island stop is frequently offered with most of the major cruise line itineraries. The Caicos Islands are larger and to the east of the smaller Grand Turk island where the capital Cockburn Town is located. They are a British Overseas Territory and sit in the southern part of the Bahamas Archipelago chain. Grand Turk is a relatively small, flat island, laid back and not highly populated. However the southern end of the island can be very busy with multiple cruise ships per day visiting the port. There are a number of beaches one can visit, but most people tend to gravitate to the beach right in front of the cruise ship; at Margaritaville with a restaurant, huge pool with swim up bar, afternoon music and entertainment as well as a beach with chairs and hammocks where bar personnel will bring drinks to you including in the water at the beach. I'm guilty of this many times. It’s perfect after an early excursion where you can simply relax or groove to the music in the pool and enjoy some drinks. {Tip: I always take a small waterproof closable pouch with me that can hold my ship card, ID and some cash and either wear it around my neck or put in my pocket for hanging out in the water. It saves time and apprehension if you are leaving your money on a chair somewhere.}

All of the excursions I have taken at Grand Turk involve snorkeling or some combination with boat, snorkel and beach. The water is fantastic and there are lots to see. One particular trip included the opportunity to dive down and actually touch a shark that the guides have apparently domesticated with plenty of snacks. If your health allows it and you are comfortable in the water, learn how to dive if you are snorkeling. You will get much more from it actually swimming with the fish. A lot of excursions require you to wear a vest, however if you want to dive, simply do not blow up the vest or let the air out. You will still float easily due to the salinity of the water.

I hope to expand my excursion venue in the near future at Grand Turk as well as find a way to visit the other islands. I will post any new info here as soon as I can!