TravelStream™ news feed for member ri-anne.cruz on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/ri-anne.cruz en-us Copyright ©2010 TravelPod.com Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:57:59 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237227660/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237227660/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237227660/tpod.html Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:57:59 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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Corona, United States

We are here now in Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan, PR boarding to American Airlines on the way back to our home sweet home..the flight went smoothly and uneventful. We just watch movie, read books, take little nap and eat while on flight. Finally we arrived at Los Angeles Airport. Its nice to be back home...now back to reality!


Heres the trip summary:

PORT OF CALL AND ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
---Wandering through the historic Old San Juan, savoring their criollo architecture.
---Trekking the historic El Moro Fort.

2.St. Thomas, US Virgin Island
---Just enjoying swimming at the beautiful warm blue water of Magens Bay Beach.

3.Roseau, Dominica
---Exploring scenic Roseau with its colonial architecture and old church.
---Hiking the Trafalgal Falls and its lush rainforest.
--- First formal dinner at the ship, watch the broadway style show at the Caribbean Lounge, of course non stop eating spree.

4.Bridgetown, Barbados
---To Hilton Hotel for my first scuba diving begginers course.
---Non stop swimming at the warm turqouise crystal clear water of Carlisle Bay.
---Shopping for souvenirs.
---Watch magic and comedy show at Caribbean Lounge.

5. Castries, Saint Lucia
---Explore the town of Castries.
--- Driving to the scenic route to Soufriere, sampling creole cuisine, visit to the marvelous Gross and Petit Pitons. ---Holding our nose to investigate the stinky Sulfur Springs, and a quick plunge to Toraille falls.
---2nd formal dinner at the ship, watch a Broadway style show at the Caribbean Lounge.

6. St. Johns, Antigua
---Exploring St. Johns and their colonial era sights of the 18th century Nelson Dockyard and the English Harbour.
---Shopping for some souvenirs, non stop eating en swimming.

7. Basseterre, Saint Kitts
---Exploring the charming Port Zante and Basseterre.
---Driving around the seaside village of Old Road Town, the sugar plantation and a visit to Romney Manor's Caribelle Batik and strolling to their gardens and rainforest.
---Enjoying St. Kitts' southeast peninsula with its fine scenery
---A quick plunge to Frigate Bay beach.

8. Vieques, Puerto Rico
---A 30 minute visit to Vieques Island.


Best time to visit Eastern Caribbean: From December to April

Our whole family had a blast!
We took 700 plus photos and left with thousands of joyful and cherish memories!
Thanks a lot for reading our family's voyage to the Caribbean!


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236754320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236754320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236754320/tpod.html Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:17:50 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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Bridgetown, Barbados

Today our third port of call is Barbados...yeaheyy! I am so excited because here i planned to take a begginers course of Scuba Diving. I chose Barbados because it is renowned for diving due to its incredible marine landscape hidden underwater. Actually i dont have any reservation yet. I did some research in the internet and found out about Barbados Blue Diving School at Hilton Hotel, they offer a begginers course. Im doing it independently, otherwise its too expensive if ill get the excursion from the ship. I encourage Ricky to go with me but he dont want to Scuba..he's a chicken! Actually im scared too, i always had a problem in breathing but i want to conquer my fears this time!
Today we decided that we will leave Makayla at the Camp Carnival for babysitting, and will just take the bigger kids instead. So after breakfast we went to activity center and left Makayla there, theres plenty of staff and theyre very nice and gracious enough. Theres plenty of kids too so im sure my baby will have a good time there and i am confident that she will be okay, that she will be taken good care of well. Makayla didnt cry the moment she saw other kids playing, so it was an easy temporary separation.
Outside the port, i've noticed couple of ships docked too, so it means a hectic port day today. Getting the taxi was a lot of hassle, theres hundreds of people standing and waiting! whew! Finally we were able to get one big van. I think we are around 12 people inside, and charge us $5 per person. We will go to Carlisle Bay/ Needles Point where the Hilton Hotel is located. Finally i found the school, and met my instructor Robert a Bajan guy. The fee is $80/person for 3 hrs lesson. There were 3 of us who will take the lesson, one is David and her daughter Alli. At least im not alone. So Robert take us to the hotel's swimming pool for the first lesson. Meanwhile my kids are busy swimming in the pool and Ricky is busy taking pictures and video.
My goodness the oxygen tank is very heavy! i guess its around 40 lbs plus! When Robert started teaching us, and im wearing the facemask suddenly i felt nervous freak, my hearts beats crazy and i want to back-out. After the encouragement of Robert my palpitation die down...and i said to myself..i can do it! After i get the hang of it under the swimming pool, he taugh us also how to equalized the pressure in the ear and some breathing technique, that i can follow easily. While we are waiting for the next boat to arrive, me and the kids went to the Hilton beach and just enjoy swimming on the warm turqouise crystal clear water.. Now its time to go to the sea for some real diving experience. I noticed there are some certified men divers that will go with us in the boat. I am jealous with them.

The moment we reach the Carlisle Bay..its the moment of truth! i need to dive! im so freaking nervous. With all my gears on plus the super heavy oxygen tank on my back the tension is more! When its my turn to jump..my goodness i cant do it! I feel like i will die! After few minutes of concentration i keep on saying to myself.. you can do it Anne! Finally when all my apprehension is gone i was able to jump...whew..! My instructor was so happy. The water is kinda feel like heavy to me, we have a rope where we have to hold on. It was pretty scary underwater! hey im first timer! I still have to learn a lot! we didnt really go deep like other divers,theres some PADI certified thats watching us, so i know if something is wrong they will save me.Well the experience was great but it was really frightening!
After the lesson we went back to Hilton where my family is having great time swimming non stop...my goodness they are so dark already! Then we went back to the ship.
Once we arrived we to the ship we pick up Makayla right away, they said she was so busy the whole day playing.
At dinner as usual we ate at our hearts delight..i think we overindulge!
Then the kids went to their youth activity, while us went to watch the comedy and magic show at the Caribbean Lounge. The show was so hilarious, we were so amused.
Its been a long day, time to sleep! Good night!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237174980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237174980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237174980/tpod.html Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:43:45 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

Today we are back to San Juan, Puerto Rico..for disembarkation. We woke up early, couple of our luggage where pick up already last night by the steward. Then we proceed to Lido deck for our final breakfast!
The disembarkation process went well and no any unusualities happen.
We planned to stay one more day here in Puerto Rico to check out Vieques Island. Our flight is scheduled for tomorrow via American Airlines.
Out of the ship, the queu for taxi was unbelievably crazy! We have a reservation at Budget car rental in the airport. Finally we got the taxi for $23 one way, after the long, long wait. We arrived at the airport and got our rented car and loaded all our luggage. After i got the map and inquired some Puerto Ricans, i finally know how to go to Vieques Island. They said theres a Ferry boat leaving at 1:00pm. Its already 11:15am, then we move on and drive. We will go to town of Fajardo, where the ferry boats are. Im the one who's driving. Then the heavy rain pours...(just for 15 minutes). While driving the highway, i noticed Puerto Rico is so urbanized island, very developed. The road is ok, though theres a traffic light in the highway! which makes the traffic slow. Finally we arrived at Fajardo's marina. I was very disappointed to find out that the ferry boat will leave only to Vieques at 3pm! and its only 1225pm! I was hoping we could stroll the island for at least 2-3hrs, and see the bioluminiscent bay, but not on Sunday! Added to my dismay is the return of ferry boat to Fajardo is at 430pm...my gosh i was totally shock because its not what im expecting to happen! This means that we will be able to see Vieques for less than 30 minutes only! The boat ride is one hour to the island. After discussing it to my husband, we just decided that we'll just go on to the plan since we are here already and spend time and money just to see this place. Meanwhile, we just went to downtown Fajardo to drive around, have some lunch and explore the city. The town is quiet and looks historical too. Its 230pm already so went back to the Playa Fajardo on to the boat and get our roundtrip ticket. We park the car to the private parking, just for safety reason (our luggage are there). Theres plenty of people/tourist boarding. The ride was fine, Ricky and kids fell asleep.
Finally we arrived to Vieques Island! We just stayed nearby, since we dont have enough time to really explore the island. We just took some pictures. It was the fastest island visit ive ever done to my travel...oh well.. what to do! Probably we will just come back here next time and visit as well another island, the Isla Culebra.
Its time to board again to the ferry. Then we get back to our car and Ricky drives the car this time to San Juan. We have reservation in Hilton Hotel in San Juan. Its only 35 miles drive to the hotel but it took us more than 2 hours..my gosh the traffic is absolutely insane! Then we had a hard time looking for the hotel, our GPS is showing different way, plus the rain is pouring too! Finallyyyy...we arrived at the hotel almost 830pm. We just got some fastfood along the way. Wheww...we are all tired from the traffic.
The hotel is very nice, the design is contemporary, and lots of furnishing, bathroom is so pretty too, i really really like it. After we ate and washed up, we prepare our clothes for tomorrows flight back home. Its been along day!
Good night
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237079220/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237079220/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1237079220/tpod.html Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:17:34 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Our Final port of call----Saint Kitts, tagged as the two sleepiest island in the Caribbean (one is Nevis).

Today im so glad because the weather is so good, not overcast and not too sunny, temp is only 73F. Our plan is just to explore the scenery of St. Kitts and go to the beach. As usual the kids doesnt want to go out of the ship, so its only me and hubby again. Once we're out of the ship i've noticed a very nice port in Bassettere where we are docked. The ambience is so festive and all the stores have a Caribbean flair, i really like it, looks so newer to me. There are different contrast of paint color in each store which made them so pretty and i saw some Kittitian dancers performing in the port's street with their costume and mask on.
Again we got our Scenic St. Kitts tour from locals of Basseterre, not from the ship, and just charge us $20 per person. We are only 6 people in the tour van, our tour guide is Leroy a native of St Kitts. Im really impressed with him because he's very knowledgeable about the history of St. Kitts. Anyway first he showed us the town of Basseterre-- a gracefully revived town and capital of St. Kitts. After decades of sleepy existence, this elegant and graceful West Indies town was restored from its shabbiness. Now with carefull and sensitive restoration it revealed all the original charm and preserved its Caribbean architecture. Basseterre is now turning out tobe an economic success, bussiness is growing according to Leroy. More and more cruise ship passengers are enjoying the towns charm and beauty with attractive shops offering duty free products everywhere. Leroy showed us as well St. Kitts' hospital, municipal hall, schools, all the relevant highlights and information. He drove us to Old Road Town, 5 miles west of Basseterre, where the first British settlers landed. On the way, we pass the little ravine of Bloody Point were over 2000 Carib Amerindians were massacred on a hot afternoon in 1626, as they were about to launch an attack on island settlers. My goodness i can still remember the St Kitts history! We also had a chance to see the picture- postcard volcanic crater of Mount Liamuiga from far. We are so pleased with Leroy's information. Above the Old Road Town are the ruins of Wingfield Sugar Estate then we proceed to our next tour to Romney Manor---home of the Caribelle Batik, we stop by to the lush rainforest gardens. I am so amazed and impressed with the beauty and well manicured garden of Romney Manor..its worth seeing! I have even the chance to see some demonstration of how to make Batik. There store is a litttle bit expensive but their batiks is truly splendid and fantastic!

Okey...after all the historical sightseeing...its time to see the water of St. kitts! We're heading to Frigate Bay! This is part of the tour. At the entrance of the 14 mile southeast peninsula, Frigate Bay embraces both the Atlantic and the Caribbean sea with pale sandy beaches. I noticed there are lots of hotel and condominium development. I wish i could get one! (in my dreams..lol).We drove at the top of the hill...and walaaa! a truly spectacular and incredible view from both the the Caribbean and Atlantic side.

Then we went to the Frigate Bay Beach and have a quicky plunge. The water is kinda cold but so crystal clear. We just stayed there for half hour, we need to go back to the ship by 330pm.
Back to the ship, we grab some small snacks and our last chance to explore more of the ship and go for quick swim at the pool and try their slides. We really had fun and the kids are having a blast in the slides, while Ricky is at the fitness center and to the steam sauna.
We had a another great dinner at main dining, and tomorrow will be our disembarkation in San Juan. I am now busy packing our stuff.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236872760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236872760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236872760/tpod.html Sat, 21 Mar 2009 20:57:39 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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Castries, Saint Lucia

Hello everyone!
Today our 4th port of call is the enchanting Saint Lucia ( Loo-sha), lying between Martinique to the north and St. Vincent to the south. I've heard a lot about the beauty of St. Lucia thats why im super excited and so intrigue!
We got the excursion/ tour package from outside the ship, as usual we're doing it independently for some savings. The tour cost $45 per person. The ship docked in Castries--a very attractive natural harbor bay.
The town was named after the French naval minister Marechal De Castries. We met out tour guide Charles, during our tour he showed and told us so many interesting facts and history about St. Lucia. I heard the population is only 50,000 and St. Lucia was caught in a power struggle between the British and the French in the 18th century.
Okey... Charles first showed us the somber-looking Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the downtown Castries, we never had a chance though to check out inside. Then 3 miles south of Castries we stop to see the best of the town and island from Fort Charlotte on Morne Fortune or also known as "Hill Of Luck"...the view was magnificent! we can watch some cruise ship battle out for the prime spot in the port next to Point Seraphine.
THE SCENIC ROUTE TO SOUFRIE'RE---I love the roads and pavements of St. Lucia it is very well developed. The road twist and turns and goes up and down through spectacular scenery to Marigot Bay, through jungle vegetation, past the broad banana plantation dominating the valley. The main roads winds its way across the mountains in a series of hair raising hairpins bends. We saw the villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries---filled with colorful fishermans houses. At Soufrie're about 8 km farther south, old wooden buildings line the streets. From far we saw the spectacular dark green cone shape coated with lush forest peaks of Petit Piton (736 meters)
and the Gross Piton (795 meter) create a magnificent backdrop!
This Caribbean landscape seems too good to be true! This island is incredibly picturesque..a mixture of luxuriant tropical vegetation on a mountainous landscape, stunning beaches and Creole culture...now i realized thats why they call St. Lucia----SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!


Before we carry on to the next tour we stop by to a restaurant and have a quick bite. This time we tried some creole cuisine. It was tasty!

Our next tour is in the crater region...the SULFUR SPRINGS, just outside Soufiere. We met our park guide and she praised this town as the "only-drive-in volcano in the world". The moment we entered the middle of the volcano you will noticed rightaway the pungent odour of hydrogen sulfide in the air...similar to the odour of rotten eggs. You have to cover your nose because the smell is really obnoxious! Our tour van is just parked several yards away from the two bubbling springs of sulfur!

According to our park guide, this Sulfur Springs we're once an active dome volcano was erupted thousands of years ago. The dome collapsed and formed a caldera, and the sulfur vents to hundreds of cracks. The active lava is 2000 feet down the caldera, and we saw some active boiling mud pits too. We traverses the edge of this 900 foot crater. Once we are out of the Sulfur Springs, im so glad the rotten egg smell change to a delightful fresh air.

Then we proceed to the final tour which is at the Torraille Fall. Since we dont have enough time, we just spend some 25 minutes there. The falls is small, but i submerge myself quickly to check out the water. Wow the water was great, its not cold nor warm..perfect!

Its time to go back to the ship...again we pass by those scenic route. I love St. Lucia!

Once were back in the ship, i was busy preparing everybody's clothes for our 2nd formal dinner tonight. Nothing fancy just a simple one. Everyone is ready and were heading to the main dining room. As usual the food are great and we are satisfied.
Then we proceed to the Caribbean Lounge for watch another broadway show. The activity director announced earlier that this show should not be missed at all. It was 100% fantastic, marvelous show! They did a great job!
After the show we went again to the ship's photographer for some family picture. However Makayla is not cooperating and doesnt look at the camera, its kinda frustrating, anyway he took some shots still. Maybe once Makayla reach 3 years old, probably we can do it better.
Its another funfilled day!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236961560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236961560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236961560/tpod.html Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:34:48 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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St. John, Antigua and Barbuda

Today our 5th port of call is Antigua (pronounce An-tee-ga)

We woke up late almost about 9am everybody slept late last night. Marique is enjoying alot and having fun with her activities in "circle C". While all of us spend time watching the broadway show at the Caribbean Lounge.
The weather today is overcast and temp is 76F, so no plan to go to the beach. The only itenerary in my list is to explore St. Johns and go to Nelson Dockyard/ English Harbour. After breakfast, the kids decided to hang out in Camp Carnival for their own activities since they dont want to come with us, looks like they're not interested to see Antigua.
We started exploring St. John's..the capital of Antigua...a thriving town and harbour. The streets are lined with typically Caribbean wooden houses. I heard that most of the historic buildings are destroyed by a seaquake in 19th century. The finest view that we can see from the ship from the busy capital is the St. John the Baptist Cathedral. Its distinctive twin towers can clearly be seen all over the old town. Thats why we went straight ahead to check out the cathedral. Its two blocks eastward on Church Street. This structure was built from 1845-48. I found out that despite of its exposed location it turned out to be sturdy enough to withstand the hurricane Hugo in 1989. Then after exploring St John's, we contracted a taxi to Nelson Dockyard/ English Harbor for $40 round trip. Its 12 miles away from St. John. We noticed while we are driving by, the town after St Johns are not appealing, i dont like it actually. We pass the Falmouth harbour which is nice. Then we arrived at The Nelson Dockyard. We told to taxi driver to wait for us for one hour and he agreed. Nelson Dockyard is named in honour of Admiral Horatio Nelson, a captain in Leeward Island in 1784. As im reading the dockyard history, it was built in 1725 and abandoned by the navy in 1889. Its function was to maintain the Royal Naval Warship. After exploring and sightseeing the dockyard, their museum, and the English Harbour, we left and move on. Our dear driver is their waiting for us. Its 2:15 pm.



Back to the ship, we had lunch. After lunch, the laundry is filing up so i have to do some washing (not me but the washing machine duh!). Then i decided to go to fitness center for some "fat-burning" exercise. I was amazed and surprised with their fitness center, it was totally high-end and ultra modern!
Its dinner time once again...as usual my big-eater family enjoyed the sumptous foods.
Then we just watch "movie under the stars" at the pool deck! Great!
Time to sleep.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236729660/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236729660/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236729660/tpod.html Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:47:56 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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Roseau, Dominica

Hello Everyone!
Today our second port of call is Dominica!
We wake-up after 800 am, we slept good, and thanks God Makayla never fussed the whole night. Went to our breakfast, and as usual my "big-eater" family enjoyed all the food, its all yummy! Today we decided to take all the kids with us in our itinerary. I did some research at home before the cruise and i included Boiling Lake and Trafalgar Falls in my list. However yesterday, to my dismay i found out from somebody thats its 4 hrs hike from Laudat one way.. so total of 8 hrs at least. So we backed out to that plan since we dont have alot of time to do that and just decided to visit Trafalgar Falls and just explore Roseau instead. Once the whole family were outside the ship, we went ahead to just explore first Roseau (pronounce Ro-zo).
In Roseau, i was totally surprised! its a bustling little town with a small 18th century French Quarter sorrounded by 19th century streets, the downtown is fairly underdeveloped. Theres not even a traffic light, theres plenty of market stalls selling T shirts, souvenirs, etc..etc..their concrete buildings are charmless. Dominican society is essentially agricultural base (coconut and banana industry), i found out their population is only 10000. They host a market day--every Saturday.We stroll down and check out Church street, we saw "Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral" in Roseau which is almost 150 years old. We went inside and its kinda pretty still despite of its age, however i think it need more attention now. I heard as well that Dominica got their independence from Britain since 1978. After we saw much of Roseau, we went ahead and got the taxi on the way to Trafalgar Falls. He charge us $20 for all of us one way..i took the deal rightaway! Good thing i didnt get the taxi infront of the dockyard otherwise it will be $10 per person.
While passing the streets of Roseau to Trafalgal Falls, i noticed the road has lots of potholes, the ground was rugged and so many unfinished pavements, so dusty too. However, the tropical bounty of the island amazed me-- under the blazing sun theres a treasure of dazzling greeneries and trove of colours. Theres extravaganza of rainforest, birdlife, flowers, and fruit of the trees...truly nature at its best! Once we arrived in Trafalgal Falls, still we have to hike up further because the taxi are not allowed to go up near the entrance. We contracted the driver to pick us up after 2 hours for the same price and he agreed. My poor Makayla has to walk too! the road is totally steep! she was fine at the beggining. Whew...we made it! At the entrance, there $5 fee per person, and i paid for 4 since Makayla is free. However Makayla started to cry on the top of her voice, she became cranky and so fussy, we cant console her, people started looking at us. Time is running, so we just decided that its only me and Marique that will go ahead and Ricky and Myron has to watch Makayla. We start trekking the rugged and rocky terrain of the beautiful rainforest, in Trafalgar Falls, there is two spectacular falls. The moment we saw the falls..we are in awe.. it is totally magnificent!




Once we are back to the main entrance of the falls, i saw Makayla being carried by an English woman. Ricky told me shes been crying non stop, so once held by another lady she stop crying. I met her and shes so nice, shes around on her late 50's i guess.
Time to go back to the ship, and our driver just came in time. I stop by to the downtown to get some souvenirs.
Tonight is the ship's first formal night. Im excited because its lobster night for our dinner. Makayla at this time is okay and behaving good. I indulge myself with more seafood than any of my family. Everbody is so delighted to eat those sumptous food prepared.
After dinner we went to watch the broadway show style at the Caribbean Lounge. It was really good. The singers and dancers performed well, im so impressed! Then after the show me and Ricky went to get some formal picture to be taken by the ships photographer. It went well.
Its time to rest and sleep! Good night ...and sweet dreams...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236567840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236567840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236567840/tpod.html Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:56:43 -0400 Voyage to the Caribbean

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

Caribbean Here We Are!!

We left our home last night at around 720 pm (as usual I'm always late) for a flight of 10pm (California time). We arrived at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) around 830 pm and went directly to airport's "park and fly" and parked our van there. Immediately we proceed to the curbside check-in counter and got our boarding pass. We're flying to American Airlines direct flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico at 10pm and arrival will be around 830 am PR time. After the security checked, which went well, we went right away to the boarding gate...whew! we just arrived in the nick of time.
The flight took only 6hrs and 5mins after take off, i was kinda surprise because it was 15 minutes early...thanks God it was uneventful. I barely slept, but that's fine, I'm used to it anyway. My children slept at least 3-4 hrs, except my toddler who slept on and off. When we arrived in San Juan airport, the weather was great it's only 74 F, it was sunny and bright! However there's a delay in our baggage claim, we waited for about 50 minutes, I think the conveyor was broken. Anyway once we got our stuff we went straight ahead to get the taxi. Actually I have a reservation at Budget car rental, but the lady in the airport give us some tips so we just back out to the plans of renting a car. We arrived in the Port of San Juan and just left our luggage to the storage, since the cruise embarkation will start only at 3:00 pm. Its only 1000am, we still have plenty of time to check out and see the historical Old San Juan .
Old San Juan is very rich in culture and history, the colorful Spanish colonial architecture are perfectly well maintained. I really liked their cobbled stones pavement in a very narrow street, the ambience of old and modern world meet together, the fashionable shops and the chic restaurants and bistros. We've seen the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, the El Convento Hotel, the Plaza De Armas City Hall etc..etc..
We discovered and trekked the whole Old San Juan, and were so glad that we still have time and able to see the El Morro Fort, San Juan's Historical site.
Finally its time to go for embarkation in the cruise, and we went and pick up our stuff at the storage. Its just walking distance from Old San Juan to the Port. The embarkation process went smoothly, actually its totally hassle free. My family was super excited that they didn't feel the exhaustion and tiredness.
Now we're in the ship! we had 2 cabins side by side, since we are family of five. The room looks great and the bathroom are nice.. i was surprise actually! I think this ship was refurbished a year ago. I am pleased and contented.
After we settled down and rest, and arranged all our clothes, we headed to the buffet restaurant, everybody are hungry! The food were great! By 900pm we attended the musters drill, which is a must to attend and no exceptions! Then we set sail to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands! Time to rest, its been a long night and day!

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Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands US

Hello everyone!
Today our first port of call is St. Thomas, US Virgin Island! My favorite destination! We've been here last January 2002 and I'm so excited and love to see this place once again. Last night was crazy, I felt seasick for the first time. Initially felt nauseous and eventually i threw up, and had a bad headache and dizziness. This is our 2nd cruise but its my first time to had this feeling. Anyway today I feel better hopefully no more seasickness for the whole entire cruise. We are still adjusting with the time difference, its 4 hrs between here and California. After our breakfast the whole family went in the gangway on our way ahead the Magens Bay Beach. Thats the only plan since we explored already the downtown before.Everybody is ready to hit the beach! We get the "open air taxi" for $8 per person which is a rip-off, (its just 3-4 miles away duh!) at least my baby is free.. oh well.. Anyway let me share to you some of the things i learned about Charlotte Amalie.
Charlotte Amalie is the bustling capital of the US Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean, and is where the ship docked overlooking the beautiful Emerald Hills. It is named for the Danish queen in 1692, It is often called the "Rocked City" because it is essentially one big mountain with one main town which is the Charlotte Amalie. They call this place a shoppers paradise, because its tax free! It's the name of the game here. This place has largest recipient of vacationers here in the Caribbean, plus I noticed lots of wedding being held here, so I may say it's a wedding paradise too!
In Magens Bay the weather is perfect, kinda little bit cloudy but only 75F. The kids enjoyed alot the water and they swimmed until they got tired.Then the sun came out..im sooo glad. My little Makayla just played most of the time in the sand. Ricky doesnt want to swim, he's just busy taking video and pictures.While me just spend my time relaxing, laying in the beach and reading my book. At around 1:30 pm we decided to back to the ship because the kids want to go to the Camp Carnival for their activity. On the way back we had a chance to have a glimpse again the spectacular vistas of St Thomas. Oh..i really love it! Its so gorgeous! So breathtaking! the water is calm and blue! We saw our ship from the top of the hills.
Back to the ship, the family had lunch at Mediterrenean Resto at Lido deck. Then we explore the lobby and some part of the ship. The ship has a party feeling! we lounge at the pool deck and listened to the band singing. they're pretty good, i enjoyed it alot! Theres plenty of people cruising..young and old alike.
At dinner time we are on the first seating..which means our time is 6pm to 815 pm only. We went around 630 pm, and had a great dinner. Our wait-staff name is Oliver, who's so nice.
Then we're back to the room by past 9pm. Ricky and kids continue their activity..while me and Makayla just rest n sleep!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236388560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236388560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ri-anne.cruz/1/1236388560/tpod.html Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:11:55 -0500 Voyage to the Caribbean

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Corona, California, United States

Hi everyone!
It was just 6 weeks ago when we decided that our family will go for a winter escape, and subsequently booked this cruise. It was originally planned to go for Princess cruise but i change my mind and go instead for Carnival for various reasons. Gosh... the time just flown by and tomorrow we will embark to a multi island-nation destination in the Eastern Caribbean. Today i was oscillating between excitement and panic, i just got off yesterday after several days of work. We are family of five and three children under 12 1/2 years..so packing all the stuff spells chaos. Anyway i've done these for multiple times in all our travels and this is easy task for me, i love organizing things! Now i tackled all the packing almost 90%, and everything is organized. All the errands are done, the checklist are almost completed, tickets, funpass, car rental, etc..etc, are all checked. So i can breath and relax as i type this blog. I cant wait for this R en R everybody are so excited and looking forward for tomorrows trip.
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