St. Thomas - Dinner at Planks

 
We dock only at 12:30 but we are here till late.  There are three other ships in port with us.  Two at Crown Bay and the Carnival Magic with us at Havensight.

Most people are sleeping in today.  The ship is quiet.

They are also doing more work on Promenade aft for the Ocean Medallion.  It is coming along.  While in port they are closing off the area from the midship stairs to the aft stairs.  They are rerouting everyone along the outside Promenade deck.  

We stay on till the mad rush has left and head out to explore and do a bit of shopping.

One of my favorite places at Havensight is a place that sells great wings but when we arrive there today it is packed and the music is blaring and it is so darn hot that we decide to skip it.

We did see a beautiful bridge dressed in her gown with their wedding party at the restaurant and the poor bride was plastered!  Hanging onto her friend and crying.  Not sure what the whole story is but somehow I don't think this is what they had planned.  I believe they were on the Carnvial ship.  No sight of the groom but he hopefully was nearby.

Still so many shops are closed here at Havensight compared to last year.  There are still enough to wet your whistle but many shops have signs saying closed - please visit our store downtown.

We walk around the town for about an hour but we are sweating so much we decide time to head back on. 

In fact we both agree we are over the hot temperatures and sun.  So much hotter than in January and February when we normally visit.

I have taken a picture of the taxi rates for your information.

Also don't forget when going ashore in St. Thomas you take government issued id as you need it to re enter the gate.  

We enjoy a few drinks in Skywalkers tonight - it offers a stunning view of the island.

For dinner we decide neither of us wants to dress up and so we decide to head back to Planks.  It offers a great barbecue in a beautiful environment.  

Make sure to check out the Parrots in the Atrium when we dock in St. Thomas.

Staff are very attentive and will bend over backwards to make sure you have a pleasant experience.  Sorry did not get pictures as I did not have our phone with us.

Tonight is also the 24k Gold Disco Deck Party at 9:30.  Tonight I make a point of going.

It is a lovely night and when the dancers appear they sing/dance to two songs and then the band Tempo kicks in. 

Loved the two songs but I have to say I really miss the vibe of the Love Boat Disco Deck Party they use to have.  Or even the one prior to that where they had dances that people would dance to.

The necklaces that light up are given out and it is a fun atmosphere.  But after a few songs they start the congo line and well you have lost us.  We are off to bed.

St. Thomas Evening

We are docked until 9:30 here in St. Thomas.  It is lovely to see the city lit up.

Tonight we are in shorts and t-shirts as we don’t plan on going to the dining room.  Plus it is so darn hot out that the last thing I want to do is dress up.  Also tonight it the Caribbean Heat Deck Party and we will be much more comfortable in shorts and t-shirts.

A quick trip up to Skywalkers for a drink and to enjoy the sunset. 

Staff here are very good and as soon as we walk in we are greeted by name.  I am impressed!

We decide to try our hand at the Movie Poster Trivia hosted by Stef, aka Hammertime who is from British Columbia! Ironically we recognize this trivia but we still don’t win – hmm that says a lot about us doesn’t it.  But it is still fun.

They have a special event called  "Meet the Parrots" in the Atrium.  Alaska has meet the dogs here in the Caribbean it is the parrots.  These are parrots from ashore that are brought on while in port.  We are here late so we only saw them just as they were packing up but I will make sure to come back next time we are in the Caribbean.

Dinner is up at the World Fresh Market Place.  I love this buffet and the options are plentiful.  Service is attentive, even with it being so busy.  Lots of families are up here dining and it is so cute to see the kids with their cute costumes, and arts and crafts they have done in the kids’ club.

They have very nice sinks for washing your hands that are easy to access – easier than on the Royal/Regal.  But ironically many people still opt for the hand sanitizer that is not as good as washing your hands.  Or many who do not wash or sanitizer their hands at all – so you make sure to wash yours.

Up on the Sun deck we watch the Bars Wars and then the Caribbean Heat Deck Party kicks off.  This is new for us and the sounds are typical Caribbean sounds with songs you will definitely recognize. 

It is fun to see so many kids, and teens enjoying themselves with their new friends. 

Purser staff called numerous times for one couple from Emerald Deck.  We never saw anyone running and we left so not sure if someone missed the ship or not.

Oh I should add that we did see some passengers arriving today.  There were a few that missed the ship in Fort Lauderdale.  Another big reason to fly in the day prior.

woman arriving today

We danced the night away and were back in the cabin around 11 pm. 

I turned on the sleep sounds and crashed. However in the middle of the night I woke to a bright tv screen and it was apparent that once again the system is down and the screen is showing snow.  So I turn it off and will deal with it in the morning.

St. Thomas – Tuesday

We do not dock until noon so we take our time getting up and moving.  Seems most of the ship is feeling the same way.  Things are quiet.

Our tv in the cabin is showing just snow.  I know they are working on the tvs on board with regards to Ocean Medallion.  I call down to the front desk to see if ours is unique and she says they are working on them and they will reset themselves.  However late afternoon the tv still is not working so I call again and they promise to send someone up.  Soon there is someone here to reset our tv.

A lot happening this morning if you want to keep busy.  The shops are open until we dock.  Steel Pan class is happening, an art auction, morning trivia, High Seas Heist Clues and progress check in, and so much more.   There is also the Great White Abyss movie showing on MUTS for Shark Week (which is really a month) – and sad we missed it and hope to watch it next week.

For us we relax with a coffee and read and find a quiet spot on board until we dock.

We also buy some liquor.  We need to restock our bar at home as we emptied it completely when we moved across the country.  The shops are taking pre orders for booze and the items will be delivered to our cabin on the last day.

Sail in is so stunning and it is nice to be doing it later on as normally we arrive so early.

You still see quite a bit of damage from the Hurricanes last year, but it is looking much better than what we saw in Jan/Feb this year.

We have decided to put on our bathing suits and enjoy the sun deck for a few hours.  Most people have gone ashore but there are still a few people on board.  Our first lounge chairs were around the main pool but there are quite a few kids in that pool.  We love kids, and most have been very well behaved but we also like peace and quiet so we move forward to the Lotus Spa Pool.

There is no one on the Sports Deck and only a handful of people in the actual pool.  And trust me you need to be near a pool as it is very hot out.

Bernie decides he wants to try the Ernesto Burger from the Salty Dog Grill.  The cost is $5 for the burger on it’s own or $8 if you want to add a beer to it. Oddly the charge shows up on our bill as $6 Mix Bar $2 Canape charge and $.90 gratuity.  We know that it is for the burger and beer but for many they would have no idea what this charge is for.  I still wish Princess would enable you to click on a charged item to your bill when viewing it thru the Princess@Sea app.  Clicking on the charge and then the itemized bill with the actual charged item would certainly make things easier for many when reconciling your bill.  Also it would save a ton of time for passengers and Purser staff when having to clarify a charge on your bill.

Back to Bernie’s Ernesto Burger.  We have dined at the Salty Dog restaurant on board the Ruby many times and love the Ernesto Burger there and we want to compare the burger here to there.  Bernie is warned that the burger takes a while to make and is given a pager that will ring when the burger is ready.  They tell him about 25 minutes. 

In the end it does take 25 minutes.  Note the burger grill is very quiet so it could take even longer if they are busy – like on a sea day.

The size of burger is about the same as we are use to and he says it tastes very good. It does come with two pieces of back bacon that are very raw and not crispy at all.  The wide layer of fat on one edge does not make it appealing at all and he removes the bacon and does not even eat it. 

In the end Bernie said he did enjoy it but would not order it again.  The length of time to prepare, the bacon issue and the burger is just to rich and heavy.  Also the burgers at the bar are very good naturally so if you are craving a burger then get one of those instead. 

I think the Ernesto burger is a good idea but probably not the right venue.  Maybe at night?

For me I order the chipotle lime chicken taco and it is very good, and very authentic.  I also get an order of the chili fries that come in a basket of fries with beans and cheese sauce.  Way too much cheese sauce for me but that is more of a personal choice, next time I would order half the cheese.

A steward from the Sanctuary walks by and we make eye contact and he offers to get me a drink – which is great because I was just thinking a drink would be good now.  I order a cider and when he returns he says “do you want a second one”  oh no I am good.  He responds “I ordered you two”  I tell him no I just want one and if he could credit the second one and I ask for a glass of ice.  He returns with the ice and he has two yummy looking mudslide drinks for someone else.

Later I check my bill and I was charged the $7.76 for the cider and then another line with $15.52 all from the same bar at the same time.  Hmmm again it would be helpful if we could click on the item on our bill to see details.  I leave it until early evening when no credit has been processed and go to the purser’s desk to get it rectified.  They will investigate.  Note later it was removed but again it is a hassle for everyone involved. 

We are really enjoying laying out in the sun.  Again layers of 30 sunscreen enable us to tan and not burn but there are a lot of burned people walking around.

Around 3 pm I head back down to the cabin and need a nap!  Bernie says he is going to go ashore for a bit to buy some t-shirts and look for some wine.

I enjoy a nap and when Bernie returns he has four shirts from our favorite shop here called Local Color. He did look for the A.H. Rise shop at Havensight but he said it looks like it is closed.  There is another shop that sold liquor but it had a minimal selection of wine so he did not buy any. 

St. Thomas

Yesterday Captain Nash did inform us that we would be arriving late into St. Thomas due to the winds.  Better to get here safely than to put the ship at risk.  So we are now scheduled to arrive at 9:30 instead of 8.  But we are extending our stay here until 7 pm instead of 6 pm.

When we wake at 8 Bernie heads up for some breakfast and he returns saying it is very busy up there.  The crowds are antsy to get off the ship.  

Sadly people get mad that the elevators are busy, but the age on this cruise is older (although there are a lot of younger people too) and most take the elevators so it is just something you have to deal with.  And of course at the prime times, like when shows get out, as soon as we arrive in port they are all very busy.  

My advice is just wait patiently.  Another tip is head to the aft elevators and head down to deck 7 from there walk midship or forward then down to the gangway if you can physically manage it.  Also elevator etiquette is required.  Make room for others to get on by moving back in the elevator and also let people out before barging in.

The Olympics are happening on this voyage.  Matt our Cruise Director is keeping us up to date with the medal count and some highlights during the Wake Show.  Also the LCD screens at the elevator banks is updated two times a day with the medal counts by country.  Thanks we all really appreciate this!

We get off around 10:30 am and board a open air taxi to head to Sapphire Beach.  The cost is $10 per person and took about a half hour (we did make a few stops first for others).

I last visited this beach maybe 20 years ago and I wanted Bernie to try a new beach.  

Damage from Hurricane - half the church is gone

Boy driving around the island you see how much damage has happened on the island.  FEMA has a base here and have taken over a few open spaces, including a baseball field to hold debris.  At one spot we saw around 500 fridges that have been collected.  FEMA also has a ship at Crown Bay docked to handle the workers as there just are not enough hotels open yet.

In fact Princess would often brings new crew on in St. Thomas but since the hurricane and the lack of hotels this has not happened this season.

Sapphire Beach is not busy, but more people arrive as the day continues.

Lounge chairs are $9 each and there is a bar, restaurant, water sports rental, restrooms, and even showers.  
There are numerous trees that can provide shade if necessary.

Also there is a taxi stand with a taxi right there to take you back to the ship when necessary.

The winds are still high and it shows in the water. 

Snorkeling is not possible today due to the high winds, visibility would be minimal.

We enjoyed the water and the waves.

We had drinks and lunch here and all was very good.

We left around 2:30 and the taxi ride was direct and much shorter.

Back on board we keep on our suits and head up to the Retreat Pool for some more sun.  

I end up falling asleep up there! Oh it was so nice – windy too.

We are now back in the cabin and we have a half hour before sail away.  

Dinner tonight is the Crown Grill with Roy and Sandra.  Can’t wait to spend some quality time with them.  Good friends like them are extra special.

St. Thomas

It is hard to believe it is February 1^st.  And then to be at sea and even be surprised it is Thursday.  Especially when you are on ten day itinerary.  When we sail week long sailings, if it is Thursday it is Puerto Vallarta.  But the days all become a blur and the only time I pay attention is if we go ashore and see others heading to their office jobs and I realize then that it is a week day.

I wanted to go back to last night.  We finally made it to the Production Show Encore and boy did it not disappoint.  It is a very different show featuring the singers with the dancers taking a beautiful role as back up singers and dancing.  The orchestra just takes it over the top and the set is very stunning.  Oh and the outfits are so beautiful.  We were sitting right up close and I could see how intricate the dresses were – must have been very expensive.

Okay back to today.  We wake when we hear the call that we have clearance to go ashore at just after 8 am.  We look out and yes we are docked and we are the only ship in port today.  I don’t ever remember it being so quiet here in St. Thomas all the years we have been. Room service delivers breakfast right then too.

Originally our intention was to go to Sapphire Beach but it was overcast when we woke and it looked like rain and so we decided to wait.  Well on came the tv and we watched the movie “Three Billboards of Ebbing”.  I really enjoyed it.

So now it is 10 am and they are doing the crew emergency drill so we dress and head ashore.  We have decided to not go to the beach and instead we head ashore to do some walking and exploring.

First if you go ashore here remember to bring some sort of government ID as they do ask for it when returning to the ship and to get in the gate.

Paradise Point cable car is missing two towers

trees at Havenisght 

pathway closed

We walk along the water and past the harbour shops.  Signs of the destruction from Hurricane Irma are all over.  It is apparent that the sidewalk that use to hug the water is not there right past the Harbor Shops.  We have to back track and walk along the side walk along the roadway.

We see a stream bed that has trees toppled over it and even a traffic light is in there.

Numerous fences, signs, roofs, and buildings still show signs of destruction.  Those that are open may have issues – like not all stock, no wifi or electricity, missing displays etc.

But it is amazing how strong the locals are and they are working hard at getting it all back to normal.

We are downtown Charlotte Amalie and we try to cross the street but many of the street lights are down and after trying to get to one that is working we give up and safely make it across with the help of the locals stopping for us.

Our first stop is the store Local Color (we stopped at the shop at Havensight last sailing).  This is a bigger store and they have bamboo cloth t-shirts and the prices seem a little less than at Havensight.  Bernie buys two and I get one.

We keep strolling and we stop in at this store that Bernie always checks out when here.  It is called S.O.S. Antiques and they specialize in coins and treasures from the sea.  As Bernie is looking at pendants (he has always wanted a coin) I am checking things out.  I hear the woman at the store describe a coin that is Spanish from Peru.  The coin is dated from 1582 and it has a llama on one side which is a symbol of prosperity.  Right away I return to Bernie’s side and I say that coin is meant for you.  Our trip to Peru last year was life changing and we are very connected to Peru.  Somehow we have been presented with this coin and it was meant for him.  So he gets it and adds it to his necklace that has the happy Buddha jade pedant. 

It is very warm out and we wander into a shop called Bones.  They make rum called Bones on the island.  We love the name!  Jakeba is behind the counter and she encourages us to try some samples.  Oh very nice!

They also have numerous flavors of frozen drinks that you can buy and then add your own rum!  My kind of place.

As we sit there chatting with Jakeba, Bernie works on those that are coming in the store.  You would think he was trying to get a job.  We buy a bottle of rum for our friend - $24 per bottle or $21 if you buy more than one.

You can find their shop right on the waterfront at International Plaza.  Their website is www.bonesrum.com

We keep walking to the main street and it is very obvious a lot of shops have not opened up since the storm but there are still enough to keep you coming to town. 

For lunch we stop at Gladys’ Café (we have dined here before many years ago).  Their website is www.GladysCafe.com

We are sat right away and our waiter is very helpful in getting us our first round of drinks.  A Bushwacker for me and for Bernie a Pain killer!  Don’t ask me what is in them but they sure did taste good.  While waiting for our food to come I accidentally knocked over my ¾ full glass and the woman running the restaurant told me “no worries, no worries”.  She moved us back one table and quickly brought me a new Bushwacker even though it was clearly my fault.  Now that is what keeps people coming back.

For our meal I had the jerk chicken sandwich and Bernie got a lobster salad sandwich and both were very good.  Also Gladys has special hot sauces for your to add to your meal for which she sells too.  Great souvenir!

What a great day in St. Thomas with my best friend

We both agree after the few drinks we are ready to head back to the ship.  We walk out to the Waterfront and jump in one of the numerous open-air taxis.  Fare is set at $4 per person one way.  We were the only ones in the taxi and he tried to get others to join.  But when he turned to make another round through town I said we will just get off then and he apologized and proceeded back to the port.  

I know he wants more people to fill his van but going around the downtown again would of added another 20 minutes to the ride the way the traffic is.  We arrived at Havensight and paid the driver $10 and appreciate him getting us back.

Once back on board it is around 2 pm and I head down to the Wheelhouse to play the speedy Sudoku.  Ryan was hosting.  There were not many of us (maybe 6) and it was a hard one.  But I did finish just not in the top 2. But I am just happy to participate.

I walk around a bit and head out on the Promenade deck to watch the happenings ashore.  A lot of people are hung up at the gate because they did not bring government id.

We end up napping for an hour or so – thank you Bushwakers and wake groggy.  The Captain has just announced that we have everyone on board and we drop the lines and we are off to Martinique.

Tonights activities include:  Muts showing Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets at 7 and 10 pm. Princess Theater has Comedy Ventriloquist: Kieran Powell at 8:15 and 10:15, Art Enrichment Series: Thomas Kinkade Seminar, Martini Demonstration at 7:30 in the piazza, Karaoke Madness, Country and Western Night, Evening Game Show is Remember the Lyrics, Bogo (buy one get one for a dollar) 10-11 pm in Club Six, and Word Tennis Challenge in Princess Live.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Today we are docking at Havensight in Charlotte Amalie.  

The temperatures predicted is 25C/78F with a few showers.  It is hot and muggy when we open our balcony door first thing in the morning.

There are only two ships in port today.  Celebrity Reflection is at Crown Bay and we are the only ones at Havensight.

Right away when you look at the island you can see the damage from the hurricanes and apparently a lot has been repaired but it is definitely an issue.

even hooters is closed

The Paradise Lift to the top of the mountain is still not operating and personally I don’t see it opening any time soon.  Apparently (from a local) two of the pillars that support the cars have to be replaced and I can’t see that happening soon.  Cables are slack in areas and the look out at the top does not appear to have any action. 

Added note -- as of late February the Chair lift was open.

The stores at Havensight are open, but again there are quite a few that are not open. 

We decide to try and find a dive shop so I can buy an O ring for my snorkel mask but the shop they refer me to is now closed due to damage.  We walk along the main street to the Kmart and you can see a lot of damage.  Gas Station roofs over the tanks have huge sections missing.  The Kmart sign is missing a few letters.  Random signs are missing letters.

But the island is so happy to see ships back and they are all very much need our support.

We do buy a few items – including two beautiful bamboo cloth shirts for Bernie.

We get back on around 11:30 and we are heading up to the Sanctuary this afternoon.  It is quiet on the ship and the Sanctuary is lovely and perfect for our afternoon.

The sun is out but we thankfully have arranged our chairs so that we are in the shade.  The staff up here bring us water and a cold cloth.  We place an order for lunch. 

We each got a vegetarian burger (which was actually not very good – they need to grill that patty – the one we had was very mushy with no texture at all).  Bernie also got the gazpacho and I got a citrus plate.  Oh those items were yummy.

At around 3:15 the skies open and we take cover in the enclosed area to enjoy afternoon tea.  Meghan is up here too and we enjoy some girl time. 

The Sanctuary is a lovely treat and I always enjoy coming up here.

Tonight is formal night.  It is also the Most Travelled Cocktail Party.  The party is held in Club 6 and the Royal Princess does the MTP the best of any ship.  Great drinks, great foods and the company is pretty great too.

Also tonight is the Production Show Encore and I really want to make some time to see it.  We haven’t even seen a show yet this trip.  Some cruises are like that but we will try and get to this one.  Stay tuned.

Other events happening tonight:

Sunset Quartet in the Atrium

MUTS is showing Wonder Woman

Comedy Showtime Mike Wilson

Stargazing at Sea Presentation

Showtime:  Encore 8:15 and 10:15

Topaz in the Piazza

The Marriage Match Game

Balloon Drop Dance Party in the Atrium