On our last port day, we headed into Antigua. It was a bit overcast but weather in the tropics changes rapidly.
Our tour in Antigua was booked with people on Cruise Critic. My experience to date is that we get a much better tour at a lower price through Cruise Critic. We had Lawrence of Antigua as our tour guide.
There were 13 people on the mini bus. Lawrence provided water, soda and beer. He gave commentary while driving around Antigua. Our first stop was Devils Bridge.
We spent an hour at a little beach not far from Devils Bridge.
We rented two lounges for $5 each and went swimming. Bruce did a little snorkeling but he didn’t see much and it was quite treacherous.
Our next beach was lovely as well and we spent another hour there.
It was a wonderful day and I love that beautiful clear water.
Alas, we set sail for Fort Lauderdale. Only two more days.
Tonight was our last formal night on the Enchanted Princess and we saw a great show, Rock Opera.
It was a misty morning so Bruce and I decided to walk around the port town of Martinique. We woke late which has become the norm on this cruise and looked out my balcony at dark clouds.
After drinking our coffee and tea we headed to the gangway and off we went. Steel drums playing and brightly colored clothing all around was a site to behold.
The streets were cobblestones and reminded me very much of European cities.
We visited the Cathedral of St. Louis and stopped to say a few prayers.
We stopped at a local bakery and had cappuccino and a French pastry.
We didn’t take a tour today but decided to walk through the city. There were many interesting buildings. If I visit again, I will travel into the rainforest to get a better feel for the Island. And many beautiful beaches are waiting for my return.
From our balcony, we watched as we sailed away from Martinique.
It’s very unusual for me to be tired, but I have found the loss of my sister Linda, the ongoing support for her husband Stan, my crazy decision to be a director in my 55+ community, and some family health issues, a tad bit stressful.
So for our first sea day it was all about relaxing.
But first I did add a little stress. As a member of Cruise Critic I was in charge of running the Meet and Greet. I’m not crazy about public speaking but here I was schmoozing with the captain and crew. The event turned out well, and I was pleased at how many officers did attend.
Finally that was over and I used my $150 certificate that I won and had a relaxing facial. Even with that it still cost $84. I’m not really sure why spa treatments are so popular on ships since they are very expensive but the ambiance was mellow and it actually soothed my inner spirit.
We did a lot of napping this day but managed to make it to dinner in the dining room. It was a formal night and I forgot to take pictures of Bruce and I dressed up.
The next day we were supposed to go to a beach on St. Thomas. Reports of strong riptides and heavy winds made us decide not to beach it or go snorkeling.
So what did we do? Went in the hot tub on the ship and then took a long nap.
We had a beautiful sunset from our balcony as we were leaving St. Thomas.
The Enchanted Princess was decorated for the holidays and is looking very festive.
On my birthday we went to Dominica. It was a typical Caribbean island with colorful buildings and stray dogs. The view from our balcony was not exotic like on some islands but the mountains in the background made it more interesting.
We took a ship your in the afternoon. Yes, we slept in again but of course, it was my birthday so that was ok. The tour took us to an overlook where we could see the cricket field, the most popular sport in Dominica.
Then a short visit to a botanical garden, which was very disappointing.
On our ride, we saw a magnificent rainbow.
The ride had a lot of hairpin turns but was quite fun!
Our final destination was the Jacu Waterfall. It was very nice and we would have gone in for a dip but it was chilly and rainy when we arrived.
Today we slept late again and wandered off the ship around 11:30. We grabbed a tour guide named Vernon who took us and four others on a tour around St. Lucia.
We stopped at several viewing areas. One to look at the ship and another at Marigot Bay.
This cute little girl posed for me at the top view of Marigot Bay.
We also stopped at a wood carving place where they made some beautiful wood artwork.
It was a wonderful little tour for $35 per person and we were able to see quite a bit of St. Lucia.
We had another beautiful sunset leaving St. Lucia.
After an adventuresome trip to the cruise port, car fires and road closures, we made it to our ship, the Enchanted Princess. This ship is similar to the Sky and Regal.
The process of getting on board was a little slower than usual. Different stories were told from the debarkation process to the traffic situation. But once on board it was time to relax.
We met with a group of people for the sailaway party that I had been corresponding with on Cruise Critic. Afterwards, we had coffee with friends. As we waited to dine, we sat in the Piazza and listened to a beautiful string duo.
I won $150 at the spa raffle. This was amazing since I never win anything.
I signed up for a collagen facial on Sunday. I’m not sure what that is but it should be good. Anything to help this aging skin!
We ate dinner with two couples from Florida and a single woman from Los Angeles. I had fish which was very good. I forgot to take pictures of the food.
We went to the show, a comedian, which wasn’t very good and then tried our luck at slots!
Tonight from our balcony we could see a ship and land in the distance.
It was a little windy and rolling- nice for sleeping.
We slept in and woke to this beautiful view.
We lounged around on our balcony drinking coffee for me and tea for Bruce.
Ordering continental breakfast is still free on Princess.
Today our destination is Princess Cay, Princesses’ private island. We needed to take a water taxi to the island.
Last time we were here the ship had only 40% capacity and it was lovely. Today it was quite crowded. The water was a bit nippy especially now that I am a Floridian. So we put our feet in the water, then decided against snorkeling and went back to the ship for lunch. And some time in the hot tub!
I had an excellent fish bowl for dinner.
And Bruce had pasta. We sat with a couple we met from the first night as well as two other couples. The one advantage of traveling alonrbis we meet a lot of people.
After dinner we went to the show. Lady K, as she is known, is a Whitney Huston tribute singer. She was phenomenal.
Our cruise is going well – very relaxing.
Next stop will be St. Thomas, the day after tomorrow.
I have to admit that traveling gets a little harder with each decade of life. But while I’m still fit, I plan to continue this journey.
We traveled to the airport using Lyft. I get f points for each dollar spent using my Chase Sapphire card. Our driver was a nice man and our vehicle was comfortable with complimentary waters supplied.
We arrived at the airport at the same time as our friends, Sandra and Denny. They will be part of our four amigos this adventure.
Using my Priority Pass through American Express Platinum, we had access to the Turkish Lounge at Miami International Airport.
They had assortments of sandwiches and a mini strobe soup.
We ate well and enjoyed a relaxing time. Our flight was delayed by nearly two hours so connecting in Paris was a concern.
In Paris, Sandra needed a wheelchair so she and Denny went one way and Bruce and I another. I started panicking a little, because we were held up in security. But we made the flight. Unfortunately, Sandra and Denny didn’t.
It was beautiful coming into Dublin!
The Hilton had a shuttle from the airport which was convenient especially when we were very tired. I didn’t catch much zees on the flight over. We arrived in time to have dinner. I had a panini and Bruce had a seafood chowder. Then we shared an apple tart for dessert.
Sandra and Denny made it to the hotel by midnight. The airline had booked them on a 9:20 flight and gave them food vouchers.
This morning Bruce and I picked up the rental car. Then we met Sandra and Denny for breakfast before heading out.
We stopped at Finnegan’s Bar and Restaurant for a snack
We had apple tarts and ice cream.
Bruce had a cheesecake.
It was an interesting place with a lot of history.
The countryside was very green and dotted here and there with sheep and cows. We finally arrived at our lovely Place to stay, Churchfield B&B.
Sandra and Denny decided to rest while Bruce and I went to Killilagh Old Churchyard.
Now we are heading back to our B&B and a sunset trip to Cliffs of Moher. This was the best we could do!
For dinner we ate at a little pub across from Churchfields. I had fish and chips, Bruce had chowder and Sandra and Denny had burgers. We even listened to local musicians play traditional Irish folk music.
Last week we traveled to Connecticut for Colin and Renee’s wedding. These two looked dreamily into each other’s eyes and everyone could feel the love.
The wedding plans didn’t start out so great though. After a Thursday of setting up the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds and adding twinkling lights, flower arrangements and pumpkins to the barn and tent, Friday was nearly a wash out. It didn’t just rain. It was torrential down pours. The drains filled to overflowing and the tent was flooded.
Saturday morning, the rains slowed and through the help of many with pumps and shop vacs, everything was dried up.
And the rain stopped by noon just in time for the festivities to begin.
Renee dressed in the old building.
Colin looked so handsome in his Scottish Kilt. Bruce was so happy to spend time with Colin.
Kami and her clan traveled from California.
The many faces of Lily.
And Emmie was a whirling dervish!
The wedding was lovely and all smiles! Renee in her gorgeous gown with her sister as matron of honor.
Colin waited for his bride to be!
And now they are husband and wife!
After a beautiful ceremony we took time for family photos!
And I spent a bit of time taking candids of family and friends.
LilyEmmieColin and RayMolly and LandonCousins!Wyatt and LandonRay
And if course Renee and Colin’s first dance.
The food was delicious – a giant charcuterie board filled with cheese, fruits and veggies.
And a pizza food truck with at least 10 varieties of pizza.
And dozens of delicious cupcakes!
What a great time! Wishing love and happiness always to this beautiful couple!
We ate our breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Krispy Kreme.
It was too early to check in at the Hyatt in Titusville so we visited the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. We visited the Visitors Center then drove the 7 mile drive seeing lots of birds.
We drove to the Manatee Observation Deck wherevwebsawblots of manatees and even a few calves.
Landon got a kick out of this sign on the port-a-potty.
We arrived at our hotel which is in viewing of the space center.
At midnight we wike the boys up to go to the fifth floor launch viewing area.
Everyone was a bit tired as we waited for the launch.
It looked like it was going to be a go but at the one minute countdown it was cancelled. We have another opportunity to see it tomorrow night.
Today we headed to Kennedy Space Center. There was so much to see.
An astronaut named Mike Baker shared his experience on the space shuttle. He showed pictures from space. After that we saw Heroes and Legends.
We had lots of fun moments with an educational component at Kennedy Space Center.
I was hoping the launch would be tonight but it’s postponed another night. We will be heading home to Delray Beach tomorrow to show the boys some of the fun stuff there. It’s been a fun trip but I’m looking forward to home!!
Wyatt woke up and donned his Star Wars helmet. I guess he really loves it.
Our first day at Universal it rained cats and dogs. Luckily we packed our rain gear. Landon didn’t want to wear a Disney poncho at Universal so he wore my jacket and I wore the poncho.
We started to wait on a line for King Kong but they raised the time from 75 minutes to 145. I guess everyone wanted out of the rain. So out of the line – moving on., hoping to find a shorter line. I checked to see how much the passes to avoid the lines would be for tomorrow. It would cost $1k for the four of us. In slow season it would be half that but then you really don’t need them. I guess we will have to pick and choose carefully.
We grabbed a quick bite. Well actually the boys split a pizza. They do love pizza. Bruce and I had enough at breakfast. We made it to the Harry Potter village. We watched a cute little show.
Then we took the Harry Potter ride. So proud of Landon for braving it.
The ride was awesome. Afterwards we took the Hogwart Express to Universal.
We rode the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts walking through the bank before getting on the ride.
Landon walked with us but decided not to ride. It was pretty scary with a big drop. Wyatt was even scared but loved it.
We did some photo stops with Jaws, Beetlejuice and the Simpsons.
We went to the Horror Make up show and Bourne Stunt Show.
All in all an extremely fun day.
Today we had a rough start but headed to the park early anyway. The weather was nice and sunny and not too hot
First ride today was Spiderman with a short 15 minute wait. Landon opted out. Then King Kong and Landon joined us. He said he would go on one ride today and this was it. Luckily there was only a 15 minute wait. So far so good.
Landon was a bit scared.
We ran into Popeye and Olive Oyl. I have to say I was so much more impressed with the number of characters we saw at Universal. At Disney we really didn’t see many at all.
Bruce and I took Wyatt on the Jurassic Park Adventure. A bit of a mistake. I think he finally reached his limits with the fear factor. Plus he hurt his lip. Nothing that ice cream didn’t fix though.
We ventured into Harry Potter land again and road the Harry Pitter and the Forbidden Journey again. No Landon. He’s done with the rides. He did good though and we didn’t want to push too much.
Then onto Simpsons and Men in Black. Wyatt enjoyed these rides. I think Landon would have too but he had enough yesterday.
Wyatt met quite a few characters today.
While Landon focused on creating drinks with his coca cola mug.
We were up late last night with the amazing fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, so I decided to let everyone sleep in. We missed the early time for those staying in Disney resorts but the extra shuteye was worth it. We packed up our stuff – not an easy task- and headed to Hollywood Studios. Our first ride was Star Tours.
As you can see, Landon is still tired. But the ride got everyone’s adrenaline pumping. It was fun and the boys enjoyed it. Only about a 20-minute wait with most of it walking to get on the ride.
Our next stop was the Indiana Jones stunt show. The boys loved it. Sometimes I’m a little derelict in taking photos. So none on this one. The show started shortly after we sat in our seats and it was great fun!
We ate lunch a little early and then headed over to the muppets in 3-D.
After that we had a 70-minute wait for Star Wars: the Rise of the Resistance.
The boys are hard-pressed to smile after an hour wait.
I should have bought the lightning passes. For those traveling during peak season, get the Genie +. It gives you much faster access to the rides. If you are retired or travel off-peak like Bruce and me, we haven’t found it necessary.
Finally, after 70+ minutes we arrived!!
We really didn’t know what to expect on Star wars: Rise of the Resistance. We entered several rooms. Wyatt, the little actor, raised his hands when we were captured.
We were in vehicles that moved, dropped and had a lot of action. The boys said it was the best ride. Well worth the wait!
Afterwards, Wyatt and I checked out the entire Star Wars area.
I think we were pretty much spent. We saw enough today. We did take a quick ride on a gondola. Wyatt wearing his new star wars helmet.
Our next three days will be over near Universal at the Hyatt House. We have bunk beds this time. Wyatt is already relaxing on the upper bunk.
A quick dinner and some showers, then you bed. Tomorrow Universal.
Another morning of waking early and heading to the Magic Kingdom.
The early half hour was for Tomorrowland and Fantasyland so we headed to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Lightyear. After that the boys went on Speedway.
Of course, we stopped in It’s a Small World to cool off. Then headed to Haunted Mansion which was closed.
We waited in a long line at Peter Pans Flight. The ride kept breaking down so the wait was over an hour. There were a few fun moments along the way.
We watched the parade after eating funnel cakes. My stomach will never be the same. I think the boys enjoyed the parade and afterwards went to the Hall of Presidents and Country Bear Jamboree.
Wyatt met a bear.
I have to say Disney has been a disappointment. The staff, which used to bubble over with enthusiasm, are for the most part lackluster. The boys, wearing their first time pins, have barely been acknowledged. And the streets which were pristine in year’s past are now littered with popcorn, wrappers and who knows what. Today four rides were down – the haunted mansion, pirates, thunder mountain and the riverboat. At guest services, they did give the four of us passes to the haunted mansion if it started operating again.
We headed back to the hotel midday for a rest and some pool time. Temperatures were in the 90’s and it was bright sun!Landon napped and Wyatt, Bruce and I went in the pool. Wyatt then played a water balloon game at the pool.
After a little rest, back to the park. Haunted Mansion and Pirates were up and running. First stop Haunted Mansion. The lightning pass was nice. No waiting in line. However, there were several moments when the ride stopped. Luckily it started again without us having to be rescued in a haunted mansion. The same thing happened in the Pirates of the Caribbean. A bottleneck of boats and we were hung up. But it started working again.
Wyatt and I stopped to ride on Aladdin’s carpet. He controlled the ride and we went higher up than all the other carpets.
We ate a quick dinner at Casey’s – corn dogs for the boys and a hot dog for Bruce. I just ate leftovers. Then a show Monsters inc. which was good and the Carousel of Progress. I think the boys found that interesting. We waited until the fireworks and I think even Landon was glad he didn’t miss it.
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