The Island of Grenada 2016

In the morning we spent an hour in the show lounge where the ship's Captain and the Hotel manager held a very interesting Q&A session. 

 Our final Port was Grenada, and the excitement was palpable as we sailed into the harbor. The turquoise waters sparkled under the sun, and the vibrant greenery of the island drew us in.

Once we disembarked, we caught a water taxi over to Grand Anse Beach. The ride was exhilarating, with the wind in our hair and the gentle splash of waves around us. As we approached the beach, I couldn't help but marvel at the scene before us—soft, white sand stretching out like a postcard, bordered by swaying palm trees that danced with the breeze.

We spent the next few hours soaking in the Caribbean paradise. The warm sea was inviting, and we dove right in, feeling the stress of everyday life melt away. We swam and floated, letting the gentle waves rock us back and forth. Afterward, we settled under a palm tree, enjoying the shade while sipping on a few local beers. Each sip was refreshing, and I remember laughing with Mandy about how blissful life felt in that moment.

We headed into town and stumbled upon a mini carnival in full swing. The streets were alive with music, laughter, and colorful costumes, and the atmosphere was infectious. We joined in the festivities, soaking up the sights and sounds as we wandered through the bustling market stalls, enjoying the local crafts and treats. It felt like we had stepped into a celebration that embodied the spirit of the Caribbean.

After a wonderful time at the carnival, we realized we had just enough time to pop into a local sports bar for a quick drink. The bar was buzzing with activity, and we found a cozy spot to sit and catch up on emails. It was nice to relax with a cold drink in hand while watching the local sports teams play on the screens. The friendly bartender even shared some tips about other local attractions we should check out during our stay.

As we sipped our drinks and chatted about our next adventures, I couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these.

As the day drew to a close, we returned to the Thomson Celebration, ready for one of our favorite moments: the sail away party on the Aft deck. The energy on board was electric, with music playing and fellow passengers mingling, sharing stories of their adventures. We found a perfect spot at the railing, and as the ship set sail, we watched Grenada slowly fade into the horizon.

The Island of Bonaire

The ship had docked early at the Dutch island of Bonaire, and we were eager to disembark and explore this tropical paradise. The sun was already shining brightly, promising a beautiful day ahead.

After a quick breakfast, we gathered our gear and made our way to the catamaran, "Mushi Mushi," which was waiting at the dock. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as fellow passengers chatted eagerly about the day ahead. I could feel the warm breeze on my skin, filled with the salty scent of the sea, and I knew we were in for an unforgettable experience.

As we boarded the catamaran, we were greeted by the friendly crew who offered us refreshing drinks to start our adventure. Once everyone was settled, we set sail toward the local marine park, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and the vibrant blue of the Caribbean Sea.

The skipper of the Mushi Mushi was a delight, brimming with knowledge about the island and its marine life. His passion was infectious, and his sense of humor kept everyone on board entertained. He pointed out various landmarks along the coast, sharing tales of Bonaire's history and culture. Each story painted a vivid picture, making us feel more connected to this beautiful island.

As we sailed further out, we paused for a swim, and Mandy and I couldn’t resist jumping into the inviting water. It was like diving into a giant aquarium. Fish of every color surrounded us, and we floated above the coral reefs, mesmerized by the vibrant marine life. It felt like a scene from a postcard—a perfect snapshot of paradise.

After a refreshing swim, we enjoyed some snacks and drinks provided by the crew, all while basking in the sun and taking in the stunning views. The day felt endless, filled with laughter and the gentle sway of the boat. 

Mandy was eager to do some shopping, so we wandered into various shops showcasing local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. I watched as she admired handmade jewelry and vibrant textiles, chatting with friendly shopkeepers who were more than happy to share stories about their craft and culture. We picked up a few trinkets to remind us of our time on the island, including a beautiful handwoven bracelet for Mandy.

After shopping, we made our way to a small market where we indulged in some local delicacies. The aroma of grilled seafood wafted through the air, and we couldn’t resist trying a few dishes. We shared a plate of fresh grilled fish, served with a tangy sauce that perfectly complemented the flavors of the sea.

We decided to head to the ship's theatre for the evening's entertainment. As we walked into the auditorium, the atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of excitement from fellow passengers. The lights dimmed, and the curtain rose, revealing a dazzling set inspired by London's most famous musicals.

The show began with a lively number from "Les Misérables," and I was instantly captivated by the powerful voices of the performers. Mandy squeezed my hand as we shared glances of delight, the music transporting us back to our own memories of watching musicals back home.

Throughout the evening, we were treated to a medley of classic songs from shows like "The Phantom of the Opera," "Cats," and "Mamma Mia!" Each performance was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers, creating a sense of camaraderie among everyone in the audience.

The Island of Aruba 2016

Our next stop was the island of Aruba, and it didn’t disappoint. As we stepped off the ship, the warm breeze and bright sun welcomed us, and we were excited for our day of exploration.

In Oranjestad we had arranged to meet Ivan, a local guide who came highly recommended. He greeted us with a friendly smile, and before long, we were off in his car, ready to see what Aruba had to offer. Our first stop was the California Lighthouse, perched on the northwest coast. The views were simply breathtaking. From the lighthouse, we could see the vast expanse of the turquoise Caribbean Sea on one side and the rugged terrain of the island on the other. The wind was strong up there, and it whipped through our hair as we took in the beauty of the landscape.

From there, Ivan drove us to a nearby lookout point, which offered even more stunning views of the surrounding area. The contrast between the crystal-clear waters and the rocky coastline was incredible. Standing there, we both took a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of Aruba.

 

Our Nextdestination on the island was a volcanic rock park, which intrigued both of us. The landscape was a stark contrast to the soft beaches I had imagined, with jagged black rocks stretching as far as the eye could see. Walking through the park, you could feel the raw power of nature beneath your feet, remnants of volcanic activity that shaped the island’s unique character. The rocks were rough and sharp, but beautiful in their ruggedness, reminding me how diverse the Caribbean can be.

From the park, we moved towards Aruba’s East Coast. As we approached, the winds began to pick up, swirling in from the open sea. This side of the island was nothing like the calm, serene beaches we had seen in postcards. Instead, it was wild, rugged, and wind-swept. The high winds hit the coast with incredible force, creating huge crashing waves against the shoreline. It was mesmerizing to watch nature in its rawest form, a complete contrast to the tranquil blue waters on the western side.

After a fantastic tour of Aruba, Ivan dropped us off at Tulip Restaurant. It was the perfect spot for lunch, and we were both excited to try some local flavors. The atmosphere was laid-back, with a lovely tropical breeze drifting through. We indulged in delicious dishes, savoring every bite as we talked about the beauty of the island and our morning exploring.

After lunch, we made our way to Eagle Beach, and what a sight it was! The beach was everything you'd dream a Caribbean beach would be—pure white sand stretching out endlessly, framed by the most stunning blue water we had ever seen. We couldn’t wait to get our feet in the sand. As we walked along the shoreline, the warmth of the sand beneath our toes and the gentle sound of the waves rolling in created such a peaceful moment.

We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging by the water, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beauty of Eagle Beach. The tranquility of the place was perfect—just the two of us, the bright sun, and the endless blue sea. It was one of those days that you wish could last forever.

The Island of Cureaco

The following day we docked at the beautiful island of Curaçao. The weather was warm and sunny, with that perfect touch of tropical breeze that made everything feel easy and relaxed.

We hopped onto an old converted school bus for a tour of the island, a quirky touch that added a lot of charm to the experience. The bus had its windows removed, so we could enjoy the cooling breeze as we made our way through Curaçao’s colorful streets. It felt like the perfect way to take in the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

We arrived on the island of Curaco and took a tour in an old converted school bus which had its windows removed to let in a cooling breeze. Our first stop was at the Curaco liqueur distillery to taste a couple of samples of the famous drink.

 

 Our journey took us to the stunning Spanish Waters area, where we were greeted by the sight of a beautiful marina nestled against the backdrop of the island's own version of Table Mountain. The scene was magnificent, with boats gently bobbing in the water and the mountain looming majestically in the distance.

After taking in the views, we made our way to the beach, where we decided to relax and enjoy a light lunch. The sun was warm, and the gentle sea breeze made it a perfect afternoon to soak in the beauty of the Caribbean coastline.

Later, we ventured into the old town, where the streets were lined with brightly colored buildings, each one boasting a distinct Dutch influence. The vivid hues of the buildings – yellows, blues, and pinks – made the entire town feel alive with color. We wandered through the charming streets, taking in the lively atmosphere and the rich history that permeated every corner.

One of the highlights of our day was watching a massive cargo ship pass through the famous floating bridge. It was a fascinating sight, as the bridge slowly opened to let the ship glide through. The engineering of the floating bridge was impressive, and it added to the unique charm of the old town.

St Lucia 2016

Our day in St Lucia during our 2016 Caribbean visit was nothing short of magical. Mandy and I started early in the morning, greeted by Spencer Ambrose and his lovely daughter, She-She, at the marina. We were eager for what promised to be an adventure-packed day, and they didn’t disappoint.

As soon as we hopped aboard Spencer's speedboat, we felt an adrenaline rush. The boat shot across the turquoise waters, wind whipping through our hair as we hugged the rugged coastline. The views were incredible — lush green mountains on one side, the brilliant blue Caribbean Sea on the other. St Lucia’s famous Pitons loomed larger and larger as we sped towards Soufriere.

Once we reached the charming town, Spencer gave us a quick rundown of the local history before guiding us through some of the island’s most breathtaking sights. One of the highlights was visiting the Sulphur Springs — the world’s only drive-in volcano. We dipped into the warm, mineral-rich mud baths, and though the sulfur smell took some getting used to, we were told it had healing properties. It definitely left our skin feeling smooth and refreshed

We then headed over to Toraille waterfall to wash of the mud in the refreshing water. We the stopped of at local banana plantation where we learned about the local fruit and tasted the sugar banana. 

Next up was a visit to the enchanting Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Surrounded by the island’s vibrant flora, we wandered through paths lined with exotic flowers, marveling at the stunning waterfall, its waters glinting in different hues due to the mineral content. The colors seemed almost too vivid to be real.

Next stop was Captain Hooks bar for a tasty Caribbean lunch, lunch was a local affair. We stopped at a small family-run restaurant where we were treated to delicious island cuisine — fresh fish, rice, and plantains, all seasoned with local spices. Sharing stories with Spencer and She-She while enjoying the meal made it even more special; they were both so warm and welcoming, adding a personal touch to the whole experience.

 before hitting the Jalouise- Sugar beach beach that lies between the Islands famous Pitons, for a couple of hours of sunbathing and snorkelling.

One of the highlights of our trip was a day spent on Jalousie Beach, now known as Sugar Beach, nestled between the iconic Pitons in St. Lucia. The day started with a gorgeous boat ride from our hotel, the sea sparkling in the morning sun, and the lush, green coastline of St. Lucia stretching out around us. As we neared the Pitons, those majestic volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the sea, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at their sheer size and beauty. They stood like ancient sentinels guarding this idyllic spot.

The boat dropped us off at the beach, where the soft white sand contrasted beautifully with the turquoise water. Jalousie Beach was a picture-perfect slice of paradise, framed by the towering Gros Piton and Petit Piton on either side. Mandy and I found a shady spot under a palm tree to set up our towels, but it wasn't long before the call of the crystal-clear water became irresistible.

We donned our snorkelling gear and slipped into the warm sea. The water was so clear that we could see the colorful coral reef beneath us almost immediately. As we swam further out, the marine life became even more impressive – schools of tropical fish in every imaginable color darted between the corals, and we even spotted a couple of small stingrays gliding along the ocean floor. It was peaceful and mesmerizing, just floating along with the current, watching the underwater world go about its business.

We hopped back onto the speedboat for the journey home. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over the turquoise water, and the wind whipping through our hair made us feel completely alive. It was the kind of day you never want to end.

As we zipped through the water, our guide pointed out several stunning bays, each one framed by soft sandy beaches and lush greenery. These weren’t just any ordinary bays, though—they were home to some of the rich and famous. From the boat, we could see the luxurious holiday homes perched on the cliffs, looking out over the calm waters. Some of these properties were absolutely mind-blowing, with their private docks and secluded coves. It was the kind of place you could imagine escaping to for a peaceful retreat, with nothing but the sea and sky for company.

Then, the guide mentioned something that made me sit up a little straighter—one of the bays we were about to visit had been a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean. As we pulled closer, I could see why it had been chosen. The rugged rocks, the hidden caves, and the crystal-clear water all seemed straight out of a movie set. I could almost picture Jack Sparrow himself sailing past, with the pirate ships in tow. Then we began the final leg of our journey back to the main island. The sky had turned a deep shade of pink, reflecting off the water in dazzling colors, and as we sped along, I felt grateful for this perfect day—one that felt like something out of a movie itself.

After a wonderful day on one of the islands, we decided to head to the show lounge for some entertainment. The Celebration always had a variety of shows on, and that night they were putting on a musical revue, which promised to include a tribute to The Blues Brothers. Mandy and I both love a good musical, so we were excited for the performance.

The lounge was buzzing with anticipation as we found our seats. The performers were full of energy from the start, and the show was a whirlwind of music, dancing, and vibrant costumes. But the highlight for us was definitely the Blues Brothers tribute.