Sailing North to the Snow of New York City

We left Labadee and set sail for the return trip to New York City. The onboard activities kept us entertained.The highlights were, the Ice show  which was spectacular and very impressive.

The "Rewind show" which was a song and dance show remembering the songs of Flashdance, Saturday night fever and several other musical films.








The farewell parade on the Royal Promenade was a riot of colour and music.

The final Crew show was very good and a variety of crew members came on stage and were warmly applauded for all their efforts.

When we arrived back in New York it was a bit of  a shock to find it snowing quite heavily, it was slow progress to make it from Bayonne to JFK airport. When we finally arrived we found out that most flights had been cancelled, thankfully our British Airways flight made it out with just a few hours delay and we flew back to London with a strong tailwind.

Labadee, Haiti

Labadee is set on the Northern side of Haiti, its an area that is rented from Royal Caribbean from the Haitian government. The cruise company has built a beach resort just for their cruise ships.

 Nestled along Haiti’s northern coast, this sprawling, picturesque area is surrounded by lush, emerald-green mountains and the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. As your cruise ship pulls into the crescent-shaped harbor, the first sight of Labadee is breathtaking—an untouched coastline lined with white-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze.

Labadee is divided into distinct sections, each offering a different type of experience. If you’re looking for relaxation, Adrenaline Beach is the place to be. It’s a long stretch of soft, powdery sand with sun loungers lined up along the shore, providing perfect views of the deep blue water. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or just sipping a fruity cocktail under a shady umbrella.

We both thought that it was a lovely resort for a relaxing beach day, a superb bbq a chance to buy a local souvenirs. 

Back on board we were entertained by the funny cruise directors Leigh and Erky from turkey who really gelled as a double act and kept us smiling with their daft antics.

Samana, Dominican Republic

On day 6 we sailed into the town of Samana in The Dominican Republic.

As the ship glides into the sparkling bay, you’re immediately captivated by the natural beauty surrounding the peninsula. The turquoise waters of the Samaná Bay stretch out beneath the ship, reflecting the early morning sun in a dazzling array of colors. Towering green hills, densely covered with palm trees, slope down to meet the coastline, creating a lush and dramatic backdrop.

 There was not much to see shoreside as the stop is really just for trips into the interior to see the rainforest.

 Although Samaná’s vibrant local culture is on full display. Street vendors sell handmade crafts, local jewelry, and fresh coconuts cut open with machetes for a quick refreshment.

 Samaná is surrounded by dense tropical forests, rolling hills, and secluded beaches that seem to go on forever.

As we left port we saw such a beautiful sunset from our cabin's balcony.

ST Thomas and the Turtles

The next island we visited was St. Thomas which is part of the US Virgin Islands.

Sailing into Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, aboard a cruise ship is a breathtaking experience, one that feels like a slow reveal of paradise. As the ship approaches the island, the first thing that strikes you is the vibrant, deep blue of the Caribbean Sea, contrasting sharply against the lush, green hills that rise up from the coastline. The sun is bright, casting a golden sheen on the water’s surface, making it sparkle like a field of diamonds.

As the ship gets closer, you can see the bustling activity of the waterfront. Sailboats, yachts, and small fishing boats bob gently in the calm harbor, while the iconic white clock tower of the Fort Christian stands proudly near the shoreline, a reminder of the island’s rich history. The warm breeze carries the scent of saltwater and tropical flora, a refreshing change from the open sea.

Docking in the port of Charlotte Amelie we joined the Schooner "Bones" for a day's sailing. A choppy ride over the bay brought us to Turtle cove.
We changed into snorkel gear and had the pleasure of snorkeling with green back turtles.



















We then sailed to Honeymoon cove for a BBQ lunch.

Sailing into Honeymoon Cove near Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas is like gliding into a paradise untouched by time. The sloop cuts through the calm, turquoise waters of the Virgin Islands, its white sails billowing against the steady breeze. As you approach the cove, the vibrant colors of the landscape come into full view—lush green hills rising gently from the shoreline, fringed by palms swaying lazily in the tropical air.

Stepping off the sloop into the warm, crystal-clear water, you wade onto the beach, feeling the soft sand between your toes. The air is rich with the scent of the sea and the distant hint of something delicious—your senses are instantly met by the smoky aroma of the barbecue being set up near the edge of the trees.

A couple of locals, with wide smiles and easy laughter, are tending to the grill, where fresh-caught fish and skewers of shrimp sizzle over open flames. We finished off our visit with a walk along the beach and a refreshing swim in those beautifully clear waters.

Mandy's birthday in San Juan

                                                      Happy Birthday Mandy.

Sailing into Puerto Rico, the first sight of land is a breathtaking panorama that emerges from the horizon like a jewel in the Caribbean Sea.

Our first Port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico, the entrance to the port is very impressive with the views of the Fort of Castillo San Felipe de Morro.

The coastline is a mix of natural beauty and human touch. The city’s colorful colonial buildings, their pastel facades framed by the blue sky and the deep green of the surrounding hills, provide a striking contrast 










 We wandered off the ship and that gave us the chance to explore the old Town of San Juan. Stepping into Old San Juan is like walking through a living postcard, with vibrant colors, cobblestone streets, and centuries of history layered into every building and corner. The moment you cross through the historic gates and into the city, the modern world fades away, replaced by a charming, timeless atmosphere.

To celebrate Mandy's birthday  we went to  Airenumo restuarant for drinks and Tapas.  The décor is minimalist yet warm, with soft, earth-toned furnishings, polished wood accents, and touches of greenery that bring a sense of tranquility to the room.

Subtle hints of Puerto Rican flair are woven throughout, from the local artwork on the walls to the handcrafted details in the décor, making it feel both cosmopolitan and connected to the island’s heritage.

Cruise : Sea days and sailing South

We spent the first two days at sea learning our way around this huge ship.

You are immediately struck by the sheer scale of the cruise ship. It feels less like boarding a vessel and more like stepping into a floating city. The first few hours are a sensory overload as you try to absorb the grandeur of the ship’s design and the endless array of activities and spaces that stretch out before you.

The ship's massive atrium opens up in front of you, a multi-deck space adorned with glass elevators, sparkling chandeliers, and lively cafés. The hum of activity fills the air as passengers mill about, exploring the shops, bars, and entertainment areas. It takes a moment to adjust to the fact that, even though you’re out at sea, surrounded by water, the inside of the ship feels so self-contained and luxurious.

In the evening we went to The Place theatre to see the 60's group "The Happenings" perform a very polished set. We then went to the formal evening in one of the 3 main restaurants.

The next day started with International  "The Belly Flop competition".

The belly-flopping competition on the cruise ship is one of those events that draws a crowd. It’s held mid-afternoon on the top deck by the pool, the air buzzing with excitement.

 Deck chairs are packed with eager spectators, some sipping tropical cocktails, others clutching their cameras or phones, ready to capture the action. The pool sparkles under the bright sun, its clear blue water a perfect stage for the outrageous spectacle about to unfold.

The emcee, full of energy and humor, stands near the pool with a microphone in hand, hyping up the crowd. "Are you ready for some SPLASH-tastic fun?" he yells, and the audience erupts in cheers. Participants are lined up on the side, each one looking both nervous and thrilled, wearing everything from Hawaiian shirts to brightly colored swim trunks. A few have gone all out, with inflatable arm floats and exaggerated water goggles to add to the ridiculousness of the event.

Explorer of The Seas sails from New York City

From New York City we took a drive over to the New Jersey port of Bayonne where we joined the Royal Caribbean ship the "Explorer of the seas".
On a chilly bright afternoon we sailed out of the Hudson harbour with some great views of that famous City skyline.

As the ship eases away from the dock, the wide Hudson River comes into view. The iconic Manhattan skyline glimmers faintly in the distance, and the Statue of Liberty stands resolute against the grey sky. The ship glides smoothly through the water, its engines humming beneath the decks, while the cold wind grows more intense as it gains speed.

Our passage took us under the Verranzo bridge with only a few feet of clearance between the ship and the bridge. The Captain sounded his horn as we passed under the bridge and a noticable number of passengers jumped in suprise

On the other side of the bridge, the waters open up into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The ship continues its path, cutting through the dark, choppy waters. The horizon seems endless now, stretching into nothingness as the daylight begins to fade.

Final Day in New York City

On our final morning in New York City we took a stroll around the Columbus circle, with its statue of Christopher Columbus standing tall at its center, it was a stark contrast to the chaos of Times Square.

 Rob paused to admire the intricate carvings on the base of the statue, his mind wandering to the explorer's daring voyages across the unknown seas.

 We wanted to take a walk in Central Park but the weather was far too cold for it to be enjoyable. We headed over to the diner that we had been using in the City for a late breakfast and a warming cup of coffee.

We then returned to the Hudson hotel and packed our bags and  waited in the lobby until our town car arrived. 

We jumped in and made our way through the busy streets of the City. We entered the tunnel that delves under the Hudson river and emerged into the New Jersey light and continued to our destination, Port Bayonne cruise terminal.