Hello everybody! My title is Angie. I’m one of many Social Media Managers for Royal Caribbean Weblog. I’m going to be taking up the remainder of the stay weblog for this crusing!
At this time we arrived in St. Kitts. Becoming a member of me on this cruise is my mother, Patty, who loves cruising as a lot as I do.
We pulled into the port round 10:30 a.m., so we had loads of time to take pleasure in breakfast within the Windjammer. We even acquired to see the mountainous and plush St. Kitts surroundings whereas consuming.
I at all times go for a sticky bun (they’ve totally different flavors day-after-day), an omelet and cranberry bread (one among my all-time favorites). The final time I used to be on the Mariner in April, I used to be capable of create my very own omelet, however I couldn’t this cruise. The usual ham and cheese combo is an efficient different.
We had an tour immediately – “Catamaran Fan-ta-sea to Nevis with Snorkel and Seashore” – with these of us on the group cruise.
We have been instructed to fulfill the group outdoors on the white tents at 11 a.m. Since everybody was getting off the ship on the similar time, it was fairly busy and we weren’t certain if we’d make it on time.
By 11:30 a.m., everybody had gotten off the ship and we have been able to board the 65-foot catamaran. It was a brief stroll to the catamaran, and I used to be glad we didn’t must go on a bus experience to get there.
Since I’m vulnerable to movement illness, I took some Dramamine and I used to be able to go!
As soon as on board, we made our means about seven miles to Shitten Bay (I swear that’s the actual title). Right here, we have been capable of snorkel or keep on the catamaran and benefit from the views. I opted for the snorkeling whereas Patty stayed on board and took images.
I had a enjoyable time swimming round and seeing all of the totally different sorts of fish, rocks, coral, and many others. I noticed tons of Sergeant Main fish in addition to Trumpetfish. One of many staff even dove down to point out us an octopus hiding beneath a rock, a rainbow fish, and a few fairly shells.
We snorkeled for about 45 minutes, then we had lunch on the catamaran. The menu included jerk hen, mac n cheese pie, candy potato pudding, rice and beans, and a lettuce salad. Drinks have been additionally included. I had some fruit punch whereas many had delicate drinks, rum punch, or beer.
After lunch, they took us to Nevis, a close-by island, which was about one other 4 miles away. They dropped us off on the seashore the place we might do our personal factor for an hour. There have been loads of lounging chairs with umbrellas, however I assumed they might price additional. To my shock, we sat down and nobody requested us to pay. After being within the solar for fairly some time, I wished to get beneath some shade, particularly since I burn simply.
Not lengthy after sitting down did we get bombarded by locals attempting to promote us stuff – jewellery, hats, attire, t-shirts. I used to be not seeking to purchase something however Patty was suckered into shopping for two hats for $15. It finally ends up she did alright negotiating as a result of another person on our tour paid extra from the identical salesman.
A dip within the cool, clear water and a few lounging seashore time glided by quick, because the catamaran was quickly again to select us up and head again to the ship.
We had a leisurely, hour-long journey again to the start line. It was uneven waters at first, however then the final half was clean crusing. I laid down within the entrance of the catamaran and relaxed whereas having fun with the attractive landscapes.
This tour was a enjoyable expertise! All 4 staff have been pleasant, useful, and personable. One took additional care of the passengers that wanted extra help. One other was nice with the children and gave them snacks and seashells. Captain Phil and his crew have been at all times smiling, providing drinks, and asking if we wanted something.
As we have been leaving, one among them gave me a magnet of a frog that mentioned “Nevis” on it – it was very cute.
We arrived again at about 5 p.m. The ship was leaving at 5:30, so we didn’t have time to buy round. My mother at all times likes to get a t-shirt or two, however there was no time, so we headed again to the Mariner.
We’ve got 5:30 dinner in the principle eating room, and we have been capable of get there just a bit late since we needed to drop off issues in our cabin and rinse off. Our waiters, Carol and Frederick, are at all times so accommodating and by no means make us really feel dangerous if we arrive late.
Dinner was good as standard! My mother loves seafood, so she ordered the escargot, shrimp cocktail, and seafood cake. For the principle course, I selected the hen parmesan whereas mother determined to get the New York strip steak.
Dessert was tasty, as I acquired the Mississippi Mud Pie. Mother acquired the no-sugar-added darkish chocolate custard. We additionally determined to share the lemon curd tartlet. All have been nice decisions, however mother did say she wished the custard had some whipped cream on high.
After dinner, we tried to attend the 7 p.m. ice skating present, however it was too late because the particular person on the entrance mentioned the venue was full. Nonetheless, I did discover others stepping into since they’d individuals saving them seats. We needed to wait and check out the 9:15 present as an alternative.
To go a while, we checked out the on line casino. As Diamond Plus members, now we have $6 free play on any machine within the on line casino. Patty selected to play some Jacks or Higher poker. It entertained her for over an hour; she doubled her cash at one level, however then misplaced all of it. Isn’t that the way it often goes?
As soon as it was virtually time for the ice present, we acquired there early to snag seats. The venue was packed; there have been even individuals standing behind the seats to observe the present. The present was “Ice Below the Huge Prime” and included numerous elaborate and colourful costumes and units. It was an upbeat method to finish an excellent day!
Tomorrow we shall be in St. Croix.
