Grenada

Oh what a fun night that was and I sleep so very soundly.  When I wake we are already docked in Grenada.

I get my blog written for yesterday and posted.  Bernie calls from upstairs to say that there is no reason to rush to the Sanctuary as a rain shower is passing.

I take my time. I get dressed, gather my items for a day of relaxation and head up to the Pastry Shop on Lido to get my soy latte.

The wonderful Indonesian crew member (sorry can’t recall his name) is so sweet and makes me a special latte made with love he says and it has an interesting foam art.  But can't post that picture.  Ahhh….

I get into the Sanctuary and you can see that we have had a downpour.  The chairs are covered though and it is relatively quiet in here.

When the rain stops though it is like a sauna and very hot!

I don’t think I am lounging for more than a few minutes when I need to get up and cool off in the pool.

Looks like quite a few people stayed on board.  We do love Grenada and the beach is our go to thing to do here but since we have an early departure and the skies are not cooperating we decide to stay on. 

Another great thing to do here is get a yummy meal. Our favorite is BB’s Crab Shack.

For those that like to tour – check out Fort George or head further afield to experience the spice island and what it has to offer.

Again the rains start and we all take shelter in the Sanctuary cabanas. 

The poor staff are so busy with covering the lounges, uncovering the lounges, changing towels, covering them again when it rains and repeating. 

At one point they all had on rain slickers – they nicknamed themselves the penguins.  Oh aren’t they adorable, but boy do they work hard.

We are in port with Jewel of the Seas an RCL ship.  It sure is small compared to us.

At 12:45 I head down to the Wheelhouse to partake in the Speedy Sudoku.  Kimmy is still there hosting the Jenga game and take a look at this Jenga tower!  

Nathalie is hosting the Sudoku.  There are not many of us but she makes it feel like we are the special ones to be attending this game with her.  Although I did not win, it is always fun to participate.  So try something new when on board next time.

I head up to the Horizon Court for lunch and it is an absolute ZOO!  Crowds of people force their way to the food items.  I have to strategically make my move to whatever is open.  I grab a big plate of salad and then aim for the toppings. I give up on some that there is no way I will get to without loosing a limb.

Of course it is crazy in here.  Everyone is just getting back on board and they are hungry.  Also the skies have opened and it is driving everyone indoors so why not eat.

 

I take what I can and head back to the tranquility of the Sanctuary to eat it.

All aboard is 1:30 and the horn is sounded.  It appears there are a few people missing.  The horn sounds again.  Names are called, then names again.  It seems a family is still not back.

The gentleman beside us went off to investigate and came back saying a family was on the pier and they made it back on board just in time.  

We finally did leave and we noticed another ship (A Thompson Ship) is waiting to get in.  The pilots quickly get off our ship and head out to the other ship to lead them in. 

The rest of the afternoon was lovely. The rain stopped, or maybe the Captain just dodged all the rain clouds.  Either way I was appreciative and I am sure the Serenity Stewards were happy too.

I read a lot of my book and stared out at the seas.

At one point I watched a few sea birds (sorry no idea what they were) soaring in the air and couldn’t help notice how graceful they were.  I was just mesmerized and felt so lucky to be on this beautiful ship at this time. 

Of course as our vacation comes closer to the end I always reflect and get a little emotional and I am always so thankful for the blessing that have come our way.

I hope that others on cruises take the time to stop and enjoy the moment.  Take a look at that beautiful sky.  Spot the wildlife around you in the ocean and in the sky.  Listen to that song and the words.  Feel the wind on your face.  

And even more so that special person you are travelling with. Grab their hand and squeeze it tight.  We are all so blessed!

Grenada

We dock early – 7 am – and I don’t even hear the call that people can go ashore.  We end up waking at 8:30 and are slow to get moving.  I type up my blog and post it.  Have to be cautious of my minutes as I have used quite a bit this voyage with the blog and posting pictures and I need to save some for banking and personal stuff.

Today we have the Sanctuary booked all day.  

Although we do love Grenada with such an early departure we thought it would be best to hang out on the open decks and we do love the Sanctuary.

I really don’t know what to write! 

Our day was spent up in the Sanctuary from around 9 am until 3 pm up there.  Tudor sat us and made sure my latte was ordered.  The crew again pamper us. 

It is not very busy up here in the morning as we are in port.  But the afternoon session is VERY busy, full actually.

While in port it is so very HOT. You really miss that breeze when you are staying still and once we depart the breeze helps a lot.

There was a regatta of some sorts happening today in Grenada which made leaving the dock rather challenging for Captain Nash.  Sail boats racing really don’t want to make way for a HUGE ship.  But Captain handled it very well.

We were in port with a Thompson Cruise ship and there was a ship tendering in.  Both were rather small – and combined they do not equal the passenger count that we are.

I want to share what happened in the elevator going up to the Sun deck. A couple who were French from France were waiting at the elevator bank and speaking French and saying insulting things about the island of Grenada.  Of course they did not know I speak French.  I responded that the beaches here are amazing but sadly because we are not here long and leave early afternoon it makes it difficult.  They still complained that this island is horrible and that many of these islands are not worth getting off to see.  I responded I was sorry to hear that but the ship is a beautiful destination.  They sort of agreed, but then complained about the ship.  My final response was “well I hope you have a good holiday”.  

But sadly I do not think that will happen.  I am a glass half full woman, there is beauty in everything you just have to choose to look for it instead of the ugly things.  And even ugly things have beauty!  

Sure many of these ports are not full of shops and stunning white sand beaches, but heck this is the Caribbean.  Can you get any more beauty then sailing towards Grenada and the lush mountain sides with the smell of spice in the air? 

The beaches here and around and some Caribbean islands have breathtaking black sand beaches from the volcanoes.  The people here are so friendly and I love hearing their languages spoken. 

Travel is meant to expand our senses, to try new things, hear new things, and taste new things. So get out and embrace it, whatever you do.

Sometimes as travellers we take our baggage with us.  A Caribbean vacation is a time to relax and unwind.  We need to take Princess’ slogan to heart “Come Back New”.

Okay, back to today.  We ordered lunch up in the Sanctuary – Bernie had the shrimp and crudities, me I had the tuna salad and gazpacho.  

We head back to the cabin around 3 pm - skipping  afternoon tea – I know crazy but true.  Before heading out we reserved our lounges for the next cruise.  We have booked the first sea day, Antigua and 2nd to last sea day.

I wanted to check out the cameras on board and was going to buy one of the underwater cameras but changed my mind when I heard that you do not get the 10% elite discount in the photo department.  You only get the discount in the boutiques.

Tonight was even quieter.  The Captain Circle Parties are happening tonight.  I know there are three parties but we decide to skip it this voyage and to get some martinis and to chat with Stefan, Felix, Farrell.  It is quiet – funny same thing happened last cruise on this day too.

We have dinner upstairs in Horizon Court.  Really enjoyed the Greek section having stuffed peppers and a greek salad. 

They are doing the Crab Shack tonight too.  This 10 day hosts the Crab Shack only one night per cruise so make sure you reserve you spot when boarding.

We wander around a bit but there really is nothing that we want to attend and since we missed our nap during our stressful day – ha ha, we head back to the cabin and watch the movie ET.  Boy it has been a long time since I have seen that movie.

 

Grenada and the Sanctuary with Crown Grill

We pull into Grenada a little later today so there is no rush to get up and get going and we find ourselves relaxing in the cabin for quite a long time.

When we finally get moving we head to the International Cafe for tea and coffee and we are shocked at how many are dressed and ready to get off the ship and are queuing up.  

Wow the ship is decorated for Easter! 

It is only 10:30 am and we don't dock until noon and it takes a bit of time to get clearance. But people are anxious, but I would rather spend my time not in a line. One beautiful thing about arriving in Grenada is it is considered the spice island and they say you can smell the spice as you come in.

We are docked with another ship and as we look across we get the lovely sight of laundry on a clothes line - kind of tacky.

So we done our bathing suits and head up to the Sanctuary to enjoy the sail in. The upper decks are quiet and the sail into port is stunning.

But today we are going to hang out at the Sanctuary.  As we melt into the thick cushioned chairs we both agree if we were any more relaxed they would have to throw dirt on us.

We enjoy lunch up there in the Sancturay ($3 fee per person for delivery). It is quiet, not crowded and well worth it. 

Sure there are many times we manage just fine sitting out on the open deck but we also enjoy the Sanctuary too.  For a nominal fee it is worth it for us.

Bernie leaves around 3 and our friend Vida comes up to join me and we enjoy afternoon tea up there together. So civilized.

Back in the cabin to shower and dress for drinks and dinner.

We are in the Wheelhouse Bar for pre dinner drinks and it is very busy in here.  The Liberty String Quartet is playing and they are very enjoyable.

Tonight the buffet is featuring German buffet which would definately be where we would be going but we have reservations at the Crown Grill with Dylan and Ben, and Michael and his family.

It is so lovely to enjoy a dinner all together and I have especially enjoyed getting to know Michael's kids much better.

Service was outstanding and we were not an easy table.  She (the server) had to serve champagne first, water, red and white wine and mocktails for the kids but she handled it like a pro. 

Tonight I changed course starting with the lobster/crab cake, then the spinach salad, then I had the prawn dish served with a fried rice.  Dessert of course was the chocolate molten dessert.

Franklin goofing around acting like a wine snob

We were all stuffed after our meal and such great company.

I think Bernie was asleep within ten minutes of putting his head down.

Lots happening tonight though: Night Sky Lounge, The Movie Jackie in Vista Lounge, Master Illusionist Hawley Magic in Princess Theater, Who Sang What, Where in the World Am I game show, Hot Latin Nights Disco Deck Party and more.

Grenada Afternoon

The sail into the harbour is lovely.  The scenery is lush, mountains rise from the water, and houses dot the sides. It is neat seeing small vines snaking up the mountain sides.  

You can even smell the spices in the air because you are now visiting the Isle of Spice.

Being up on deck the sounds of Tyrone playing the steel pan make the dream a reality.  There is already a ship in port -- RCL Navigator of the Seas.  We wave back and forth and comment on the ship -- as cruisers do.  The balconies seems dark and cut out of the sides of the ship.  They are a bit wider than ours on the Royal but they are just as long and very very dark.  

Later we find out that Michael Prasse the HGM on our ship rolled out that RCL ship when it first came out.  Small world!

Our plans today are to head out and walk around and head over to BBs Crab Shack to meet up with Sanja and Marty.  It is hot out and the wind is strong, in fact a friend mentioned that the water taxi was not running from it’s normal place today because it was too rough; although other friends must of got it at the right time as they went over from there.  So can’t confirm exactly what or where or when the water taxi was running but I know they were shuttling people over from one of the many areas that they can.

We snake our way thru the mall that is right at the pier that we are forced to walk thru.  Feels kind of like salmon swimming upstream as many RCL passengers are coming back to their ship.  

Finally outside we stop in and say hi to our favorite spice lady at stall 21.  She is busy so we continue onwards towards the tunnel.  


To get to BBs turn right outside of the mall, walk one block to the tunnel.  Walk thru the tunnel on the right hand side single file playing attention to the cars.  It looks scary but trust me it is good but pay attention, leave  your phones/cameras alone here.  Once out of the tunnel turn left, go one block, then turn right towards the water/harbour.  

once you leave the tunnel walk towards this building and turn right

This use to be the old harbour that ships would tender into. This is where we first arrived via tender on my first cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy back in the early 90s back before they built the new pier.  Once at the water turn right and walk to the end of the street and BBs is the last building.

this is your view, when you get to the water turn right

Today it is busy, people are still here from the RCL ship and the Princess ship is now arriving.  The place is full and there is a short queue that does get longer.  So make sure to come early for a good table.  We are sat at a table soon thereafter.  Anna -- the owner and also BBs wife is running like crazy.  Apparently some of the staff did not show up today.  Oh my, and BB is not here as he is out of the country at the moment.  Anna manages to call in some friends to help out, including her daughters’ friend who shows up after school in her uniform still and chips in.  

It is nice to spend some time with Sanja and Marty away from work, but as shopping hosts they are still on even when ashore.  I see many people approaching them both with questions and they take time to make sure they are answered and directed to the right place.  They both are welcoming and act as gracious hosts, even offering to assist Anna if she needs anything.  Talk about consummate hosts!  
I know working with the public personally is never easy but the fact that you always have a smile and are helpful is truly something that only a few have and obviously Marty and Sanja have this gift.  

If  you go to BBs make sure to get the rum punch!  Wicked and the crab dish they are known for!  I have pictures of the dishes and menus and will attempt to put up if I have enough wifi but if not will put up once I get home.

BB's Crabback

Callaloo and Okra Soup

We sit there for 2.5 hours and after a few drinks and some great food, and amazing views.  Oh my the view right on the water takes your breath away.  Remember you are on vacation, you are on island time, and so many people would love to be in your shoes right now (or flip flops).

After lunch we make our way back to the ship.  We are both tired.  I haven’t been sleeping well, seems every night at 3:30 I wake up and this morning I stayed up.  So we relax back in the cabin watching a bit of the movie Horrible Bosses 2 (too funny) but we can’t keep our eyes open so we crash for an hour before having to get up and dressed for dinner.

We meet up with Cindy and Dave in Vines before dinner.  

The Runway at Sea Fashion Show is just ending.

For dinner we are sat at our table and we enjoy the rest of our wine from the other night -- remember that you can re cork your wine and store it for another night no matter where you dine.

I start with the pineapple and coconut appetizer which I have had before but this time it is much more flavourful.  I then have a bowl of the pepper pot soup with the small empanada - yum.  For my entrée I had the Shrimp with the hoisin sauce.  I liked the shrimp but there was way too much sauce for me, but Dave who had the same dish had very little sauce.  But I can recommend the dish.

For dessert I decide to enjoy a cheese plate with the rest of my wine.  But I am surprised when I see the cheese plate.  

One small piece of brie and two small pieces of some white cheese.  Four crackers and 3 grapes.  They are very good but I am use to a bit more cheese, at least one other variety.  Hope this is not the norm.  But I guess I could ask for two.

I connect with the Head Waiter to confirm whether we are able to do the Wine Maker's Dinner for the last night of this voyage.  She confirms that it is a go and I add two more to the list.  We will be 11 people now and I am so thankful they are able to do this as it is not normal for them to do a Wine Maker's Dinner the last night.

After dinner we are not sure what to do.  We have seen Hawley Magic before and they are very good - Dave and Cindy saw the early show at 6:45 and liked it.  We hang out in the Atrium for a while listening to the Atomic Party Band.  
The waterfall show is happening so we head up to the pool deck to catch it.  But when we arrive we are told it was cancelled due to the high winds and yes it is windy.  In fact it is hard to even walk up on deck.  

The Stargazing show is happening too but the next one is not until 10:30 and it is around 9:30 now.  

After wandering for a bit we both agree maybe an early night is due and watch the rest of the Horrible Bosses movie.

Grenada January 14, 2016

I once again wake up early and today we are determined to head to the dining room for breakfast.  We dress and head down to Concerto Dining room.  We enter on the Port side and are told to go to the Starboard side.  I guess when one side fills up they move us over to the other side to sit us right away.  Although it is one big dining room it does make it a bit easier to sit.

We are sit in what they call the Stage - it is the center circle with the banquette all around the outside, just in front of where they do the Wine Maker’s Dinner.

At first our waiter is kind of stand offish.. seems like he just woke up.  But after a bit he loosens up and he is smiling at least.  I get my cappuccino and I ordered a mushroom and cheese omelette with sausage and toast.  I love the omelettes on board and I like that they are the size of a two egg omelette now, before they use to be way too big and I couldn’t finish it.  This size is just perfect and I am able to finish it.

We run into Darlene and Ken outside Princess Theater and they are wanting to check out the Life@Sea Presentation that Lisa does about what it is like to work on a ship.  Lisa is the only cruise director I have ever seen do this type of presentation.  It is very informative and you learn a lot about the ship and how it runs and what each department is and who they report to.  I am not sure if they recorded it but if they do it may be good to catch in on the on demand tv system the Royal has. (note later I can confirm that they did have it on the On Demand System).

We don’t arrive in Grenada until 1 pm so we have a full morning to relax.  Bernie is watching Black Mass in the cabin while I shower and have a facial.  But I realize it is 9:45 and I told Dr. Dylan I would be down to get my ears checked.  Oh… I moved fast and was down there at 10:05.  

Their office closed at 10 but he brought me in right away.  I am happy to report the swelling in each canal has gone down and it looks like I have a skin condition that requires a cream.  He gets Gina the Head Nurse to flush the ears and sends me on my way with some cream to apply to the ears.  They are so good here! 

We are heading out when we arrive to BB’s Crab Shack.  We have been here before and love it.  It is one of the recommended restaurants here.  If you want to read more about BB’s Crab Shack go to the Grenada label on the blog and you can read about it.

Lots happening before our arrival.  Zumba, Free Sunrise Stretch Class, Free Abdominal Workshop, Holiday Store at Sea Gifts for only $10, Morning Trivia, Wii@Sea Resort Challenge Archery, Life@Sea Presentation, Basketball Players Get Together, 60 Second Frenzy Gameshow, MUTS Pitch Perfect 2, Sophia Fiori Tanzanite presentation, Celebrity Heads Challenge, Golf Putting Challenge, Walk Around Digital Photo Seminar, How to Increase Your Metabolism, Big, Body Corrective Therapy, String Quartet, Games Get Together in Symphony Dining Room, Brunchtime Trivia, Steel Pan with Tyrone Babb up on deck. 

All that before we arrive in Grenada at 1 pm.

This Afternoon’s Activities are Ping Pong Challenge, Afternoon Movie Bridge of Spies in Vista Lounge, Knitters and Needlepoint Get Together, Mahjong and Bridge play, Afternoon Trivia, Basketball 3 Pointers, Afternoon Tea, Friends of Bob and Bill W Meeting, Balloon and Can Shooting, MUTS Paul McCartney, Shuffleboard Open Play, Singles and Solos Mix and Mingles, Pre Dinner Dancing with Atomic Party Band.

Grenada February 2, 2015

It is nice to sleep in today.  I do like this itinerary – we are not docking until noon in Grenada.  We slowly get up and wander out of the cabin to see what is happening. 

First order of business is a latte and I love that this ship has an espresso machine at the Princess Live Bar.  Martin is usually there in the morning and he prepares me a beautiful coffee.

Lisa and Toby are hosting the Wake Show in Princess Live soon so I take a seat.  Kory Simon walks in and sits next to me and says hi and I ask if he is getting excited about going home.  Yes he is, but maybe not the weather he says.  It is fun to see them filming the live show.

There is a lot going on this morning.  Morning Trivia, AeroBox, Ping Pong Challenge, Shopping Spotlight for St. Thomas, Seminar Back Pain Soultions with Acupucture, Master Print Seminar, Larimar by Marahlgol, Princess Pyramids Gameshow, Basketball Shootout, and Trevor Cole is playing the Steel Pan.  They are even doing a Pub Lunch in Wheelhouse.  Which is great but not very busy cause so many just want to get off the ship as soon as we dock at noon.

We sit down on Deck 5 outside the coffee bar and I get an iced latte and we catch up with Joelle and Wayne for a bit.

Walking back to the cabin I pass Martin in the Princess Live Bar and Martin calls out “what you got a coffee somewhere else?”  I giggle and respond yes sadly but it is not made with love like when you do.

We agreed to meet friends Yvonne and Paul at 12:45 to go ashore to the beach.  We did not want to head ashore right when we dock cause the pier is just crazy. 

We put on our bathing suits, sunscreen, gather our beach gear and head ashore.  We see the P & O Venture is right next to us.  Two massive ships creates quite a bit of wind.  

Today we are heading to Grand Anse beach via water taxi. 

once you leave the port you walk a short distance to the small pier

To get to the water taxi just enter the port building/mall and turn left when you get inside.  You exit another door and you are walking along the water to a small pier where water taxis are waiting. 

The taxi is $4 per person but you can buy round trip tickets and they give you a laminated ticket to present on return ride.  It isn’t a long ride, maybe 10 to 15 minutes.  They drop you at another pier right on the beach.

As soon as we arrive we see the beach is busy but we turn right and keep walking down till it is quieter and there are many spots available.  We get two lounge chairs with nice cushions and an umbrella for $20 total.  Right away we get in the water.  The water is lovely, but the sun is strong.  There is a lot happening at this beach. 

Lots of vendors wander up and down trying to get us to buy drinks, food, go water skiing, and also this ride thing that is a blow up couch type thing that is towed by a boat.  We ask about that and we are quoted $10 per person for a 20 minute ride.  Bernie and I agree to go and Yvonne wants to as well, another guy from our ship also comes along too.

We had a hoot!  Lots of bouncing around!  We go with Mick and the three of us and Mick keeps "Oh My God” “Jesus” about 50 times and we are laughing so hard.  I say to him at the end that I felt like I was in church.  He said he was scared, but had a good time too.

We pay the guy and tip him $3 and feel it was worth it, but it was not 20 minutes, more like 10 or 12 minutes.  But still worth it.

Bernie ordered drinks, beers (the local ones) are $3 each or a bucket for $15, I get a smoothie.

After about 4 hours we head back to the water taxi to head back to the ship.  There was not much of a wait but they do fill up the boats, and I have to say the crew are a little put offish and not very nice or helpful.

us walking from the water taxi to the ship

In all we like the Island but we do find the people to be a little harsh, not friendly and sometimes quite aggressive at times.

When we get back to the port Bernie wants to get some spices to take home.  We go to our favorite woman, stall 21 just outside of port by the street and Bernie buys some raw cinnamon $5 for a bag.  He also gets some vanilla and nutmeg too.  Here is our blog from last year when we shopped at their store.

Picture of Sandra and I have a great time.
Photo courtesy of Roy Bennett

Back on board I head up to get a slice of pizza and to see the sail away of the P & O Ventura.   I run into Sandra and Roy as they are waving at the people up on deck of the other ship.  The skies then open up and the rain starts and we grab a towel to cover up.  It looks like that ship is having a lot of fun and we wave, and sing back and forth.  When the Captain toots our horn to say good bye.  Apparently the Captain and Cruise Director came on board our ship today to see it.  This is the first time the ships meet up.  

Tonight’s drink in the Elite lounge is Japanese Slipper and sushi so I head down there and Bernie meets me shortly thereafter.  We sit with Roy/Sandra and Alice along with Ed/Margaret.  But boy Ed is complaining constantly seems everything he says is something negative.  Seems nothing will make him happy, I don't think they are having a good trip.

Tonight we head back to the dining room to our “normal” table.  It is so nice to see Daniel and Inna again.  It has been a few days.

I start with the pineapple/strawberry with coconut starter. Then the black bean soup (which was amazing).  For my entrée I had the tri tip steak with fries, but the fries are cold and soggy but Daniel rushes to get me some fresh ones.  Bernie gets a lovely dessert of white chocolate cheesecake (but I can’t eat white chocolate cause of allergies). 

Bill and Cathy come by to sit and chat for a bit but they are so tired and are heading to bed, and we agree and we are in the cabin soon and fast asleep. 

But there is a lot going on:  David Cats is performing his Magic Hotel Show, MUTS is showing Get On Up, The International Music Event is happening in the Atrium, Trevor Cole is in the Wheelhouse, Flags Trivia, Majority Rules Gameshow, Bingo, 70’s hour with DJ Shea, Kory Simon is playing Broadway showtunes and Ye Olde Pub Night is happening too.