Vacations and Lessons...

This year's family trip was supposed to be a land based vacation. London, Aruba, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos were all on the table, yet a unanimous decision was hard to come by. After almost a week of discussion, every one was suddenly in favor of a cruise. Since Bermuda was an original thought, we decided a 5 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (which I sailed on last summer on the 9 night itinerary) would be the  perfect choice.

Since this cruise was shorter than past trips, it was imperative that we get in as much as possible in a short amount of time. We had two days at sea and two days in Bermuda with an overnight, which was a first, but really nice. The two days at sea were spent taking in all the ship had to offer: lounging by the pool and reading, taking in the ice and production shows, relaxing, eating, and yes, drinking. My favorite bartender from last year was on this year, so I had a bit of help with that last...activity. If you are ever on the Explorer of the Seas, Melvin in the Aquarium Bar is phenomenal at what he does. We are kind of best friends.

Our first day in Bermuda, we took the ferry to Hamilton, to walk around the city for a few hours. Using the ferry was not just fast but inexpensive as well. Using the ferry, we saved over $200, than if we had gone on the cruise excursion for the same destination/amount of time. In Hamilton, we stayed mostly around Front Street, walking (and shopping, at Marks and Spencer specifically) on Reid Street over to the park and to city hall. What I loved most about Hamilton was observing the men in their famous Bermuda shorts and knee socks. Even though its a uniform, based on some of the combinations I saw, some of them really have fun with it and make it their own. Love that.

(Yes, everything leads back to fashion and style somehow.)

After Hamilton, it was back to the ship for our excursion to the one and only Horseshoe Bay Beach. The overnight was nice because you really get to be at your leisure. At night, we opted for dinner at the specialty restaurant on board, and later walked over to the Dockyard where they had "Dockyard Nights" which was an outdoor concert with local crafts and foods.

Day two in Hamilton, we were off to the beach bright and early. Horseshoe was nice and quiet at that time, and perfect for a morning stroll. Our departure that day was around 4, so we left the beach at around noon to walk around the Dockyard and go to the Glassworks an Bermuda Rum Cake Company. The cakes are delicious (the chocolate rum was my particular favorite,) but boy are they strong. Eating the sample bite they give in the shop wasn't bad, but eating a slice back home, I felt like I had taken a shot of rum...or two. Maybe I'm a lightweight as they say, but regardless, the cakes are a local specialty, and worth trying. While I was sad to leave, we had an absolutely picture perfect sail away.

Not to be forgotten/not mentioned, the cruise director, Richard Spacey. One of the best CD's I have had on a cruise yet. I've never (slight exaggeration) laughed or been so entertained by a single person (other than myself, of course.) And yes, these are the only pictures I have of him...

I am all for honesty, so being honest, this was one of the hardest vacations I have ever been on. Don't get me wrong, I did have fun and am beyond grateful to have even taken such a trip, but golly, there was some drama. Too much for me to comprehend. But life is full of lessons, and if I took away anything from this trip, it was this: be very careful who you invite with you to travel. 

Also, rosé, shots, Long Island Iced Teas, and seasickness do not mix in any way, shape, or form.  

"I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."

 -Tom Sawyer Abroad

"Cruising is Safer than Flying."

The wonderful captain I had the honor of sailing with last August, Captain Olav, navigating the ship out of Bermuda's reefs with the pilot. 

The events in the past few weeks of the Costa Concordia have been absolutely devastating. It angers me to know that the captain made so many extremely poor decisions, which in turn has cost the lives of many, and ruined trips that so many planned and had their heart set on taking. 

As you may know, I absolutely love cruising. When I hear so many people say they will never go on a cruise as a result of the Costa Concordia, it makes me sad since cruising is such a wonderful experience and way to take a vacation. In my last few years cruising with Royal Caribbean, the two things that were emphasized more than anything were safety and fun. I have always felt at ease knowing I was in great hands as everyone on board was trained for any and everything.

So it is with my great love and passion of cruising and my experience of the last few years, that I present to you a few ways I believe you can not just feel safe on your cruise vacation, but be prepared and ready, in the event of an emergency.

ATTEND MUSTER DRILL.

I had no idea this was an optional/prolonged thing, since all my cruises on Royal, muster has been conducted approximately an hour before departure, and everyone had to check in and be checked off for being in attendance. Make sure that you are in attendance not just physically, but mentally as well. Yes I know, it may seem boring, but as they always say, its better to be safe than sorry.

Get Acquainted.

Know your ships layout. This goes from knowing where your muster station is, the accessibility to the life boats and other emergency routes, as well as the location of the life vests in your cabin. In the event of an emergency, you will know where to go as well as the quickest way to get there.

Pack Warm Clothing and Closed Toe Shoes.

Even when I'm cruising to the Caribbean in the middle of summer, I always pack these items in case of an emergency (or being diverted to Canada because of a hurricane). A sweatshirt and warm pants will make sure you stay warm, and closed toe shoes will protect your feet from any debris, like glass.

Keep All Medications and Important Documents at the Ready.

Again, in the event of such an emergency, having these essentials in an easy to grab place, (and in a protective pouch) would be essential in case of an emergency.

Have the recent events of the Costa Concordia put you off from cruising? Do you have second thoughts?

Local eats in St. Martin and Puerto Rico

Sarafina's Marigot, St. Martin

It was our cruise last year when this deliciously sweet discovery was made. As part of our excursion, we had a stop in Marigot, with a little over an hour to explore the shops and restaurants. While my dad and I enjoyed lunch, my mom went off to explore. It was then she came across Sarafina’s, and when the love affair began. 

Having St. Martin as one of our port's of call again this year, it was an absolute must that we stop there for lunch and desserts. With its location right on the Marigot waterfront, the open air cafe with its many tables and sofas is the perfect place to eat and enjoy the Côte d'Azur atmosphere. 

However, this perfect place does have one problem; WHAT DOES ONE GET? Because they have EVERYTHING: Macarons, tarts, crepes, napoleons, eclairs, cakes, fresh bread, gelato, sorbet, quiches, hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, the list goes on and on. Everything is baked fresh, the staff is pleasant and everything is just absolutely delicious.  An absolute must if you are in St.Martin. 

Needless to say, no trip to St. Martin will ever be complete without a stop to Sarafina's.

 

 

 

 

 

Genesis Restaurant San Juan, Puerto Rico

Genesis was yet another accidental find from last years cruise. In looking for (and not finding) a different restaurant that was recommended by our tour guide, we decided to stop into Genesis, as time was running out before we had to return to the ship.  Not having a recommendation to go on, I was a little uncertain as to what to expect. However,  as I looked around at my fellow diners, and noticed they were mostly locals, I thought that had to be a very good sign. And it was. (Good sign number two was that the bathroom was INSANELY clean. )

The food at Genesis is delicious!! Of course I was going back this year! Even if it meant smuggling it back on the ship (which is illegal but whatever) I was not leaving Puerto Rico without trying a local dish: Chuletas Can-Can.


(If your vegetarian/vegan, don't read further.) 

If your unfamiliar with the dish, it is a delicious fried 3-fer of pork: a pork chop, ribs, and cuero (or pork skin). I rarely eat fried food, so this was a huge exception and a serious indulgence. With a side of  rice and beans, it was a good thing I was wearing a loose maxi dress. 

Whether is mofongo, tostones, pork, chicken, or fish your after, it is all muy delicioso at Genesis. 

Well. I'm hungry now. 

Vacation Snapshots

I'm back from yet another wonderful cruise with Royal Caribbean (Well I have been back since the 13th, but I have been quite the incubus of viral plague). Our family vacation this year was on board the  Explorer of the Seas, sailing from Bayonne, New Jersey. Being able to drive to port as opposed to flying was so easy and hassle free! Not to mention, I could pack all that I wanted to, and not worry about paying any crazy fees. 

Without a doubt, this was one of my best cruises. It was the perfect length of time (9 days), great ports, and wonderful crew. It was also the first time I ever met the captain! Captain Olav was always around the ship and so friendly! 

Bermuda

This was my first time in Bermuda! We opted to take a tour around the Dockyard and surrounding area first, which was very informative and fun as it was done by trolley! After we returned from that excursion, we then went to Horseshoe Bay Beach. The sky was ominous and after a light sprinkle, it soon cleared up again. I could have spent all day at this beach with its gorgeous pink sand. We returned to the ship in time to watch departure. I especially didn't want to miss it since Bermuda is completely surrounded by reefs. 

St.Martin

One of my favorite islands/places to visit in the world. We arrived at noon, and went on our excursion at 12:30. We chose to go with Bernard's Tour since the company comes so highly recommended on Cruise Critic. The tour did not disappoint. The highlight was being able to go to Maho Beach and watch the planes land right overhead. We also stopped in Marigot for lunch and then went on to Orient Beach. We opted to be dropped off by the shops and took the water taxi back to the ship. 

St. Thomas

St. Thomas was also a first for me. We first took the bus into Downtown Charlotte Amelie for some amazing duty free shopping. I could have shopped there all day, but we had to get back to the ship for our excursion to Coral World and Maegan's Bay. The tour that left us at the pier. We eventually were able to catch up with the (overbooked!) excursion, and enjoy as much of Coral World as we could. After which, we headed off to Maegan's Bay which was absolutely wonderful! The water was perfectly calm and so relaxing. I am glad I did not know there were jellyfish until after I left the beach. 

Truth be told, St. Thomas is absolutely beautiful and the shopping is great. But the majority of the people were kind of unfriendly. And people say New Yorkers are bad...

Puerto Rico

 The thing I dislike about Puerto Rico is that the time here is so short! I We opted for the Bacardi Rum factory tour. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. We were expecting to go into the actual factory, but not so fast! Bacardi actually has a building set up specifically for tours. So you don't get to see the actual process/factory, but you do get a very informative tour, a bar tending lesson, and free cocktails. Who cares if its 9 in the morning?! 

Like I said, the time in PR is short but no trip to the island is complete without some local food. I'll have a post all about that coming up. 

Around the Ship

The length of this cruise is just perfect because you get enough time in various ports, and enough time to enjoy the ship. Explorer is just the right size to be in the action when you want to be and in peace and quiet when you need it. Our cruise director Jimmy was crazy, and his catchphrase was "How you cruisin'?" like Wendy William's "How you doin'? Like every Royal cruise I have been on, the entertainment and activities were top notch. I absolutely cannot wait to sail with them again (hopefully very soon!)