Bonaire

We don’t arrive until noon and I had ordered breakfast for this morning. It is nice to take our time today.  Bernie gets coffees and I stay in waiting for housekeeping to arrive as our safe is acting up again.  Twice this trip it has been locked up preventing us from opening it.  Housekeeping supervisor attends to us quickly and fixes the problem.

Our voice mailbox does not work either.  It did not work last cruise either (different cabin). This time we did mention it to them.  Usually not a big issue but our friends tried to call and leave a message yesterday that they could not.

Today we are renting a golf cart ashore so we can go all around the island and stop when we want and snorkel, swim and sun tan.  The company we have booked the golf cart with is Bonaire Cruisers Golf Rentals.

We actually dock early and we wait for the crowds to head off first.  I am guessing we were off around 11:30.

When I reserved the golf cart I was told to meet the representative at the tent areas to the left of the new pier. He was very helpful with directing all of us the office which was a five minute walk away.

They require you to have a driver’s licence and be 19 years and older. You have to leave a $100 deposit and pay the $90 rental.  We paid with credit card. Grabbed a map, got our cart and we are off. 

The cart was easy to drive, room for two people and a bit of storage in a basket. Note it is very windy when driving so make sure you have everything closed or tied down.

We head the North route first stopping along the way for pictures.

We stop and snorkel at a spot. It was necessary to bring water shoes as the rocks (which are actually broken coral) are hard to walk on.

We drove up to lake Gato and took pictures of all the flamingos.  

On the way back we stop in the other town on Bonaire (Rincon). We stop occasionally to give some of the kids Canadian tattoos.  Amazing how no matter the language kids love the temporary tattoos.

When we arrive back in Kralendijk we notice a lot of the roads are closed off.  Today is the kids Carnival parade.  So driving thru the town is a bit of a challenge but we manage.  Thankfully it is a Sunday.  Locals are lining the streets waiting for the parade to start.

We drive past the airport and the beach there called Windsock that we once snorkelled at and really enjoyed.
  

The nice thing about having a golf cart is you can stop wherever you want and get out easily and back on the road.  Even just pulling to the side of the road to take pictures is easy.

We go all around the South End and it is just after 5 pm when we return the cart.  Again some of the roads were blocked off when getting back into town but staff from the office were driving ATV around the town and helping us get back thru the road closures.

Overall we really enjoyed the golf cart and the freedom it gave. Getting to see the entire island was what we wanted.  We have been here around ten times prior and we have seen parts of it but this time we saw it all.  

The next time we would probably see less but stop and snorkel more.

Back on board we head to the cabin and shower and get ready.

ice sculpture for Superbowl

Tonight is Super Bowl and a lot of venues are hosting parties.  Club 6, Vista Lounge, Movies Under the Stars (which was the busiest).  Lot of tailgate foods, drink specials and games.

But we are not football fans so we enjoy the tranquility of the rest of the ship.  We get some wine in Vines and meet up with Dylan and Ben and decide to see if we can get into the Crown Grill.

No problem.  We are sat at a booth.  It is 8:30 and the place has a sprinkle of tables.

The meal was amazing!  And the company even better.

 

February 7, 2016 - Princess Cays - Nope

I wake to the Captain again - really Captain Oliver - this is getting a little personal with you in my cabin all the time.  Well on the speaker that is.

He announces that the high winds hitting the shore will mean we are not able to safely tender ashore today so the port has been cancelled.

Oh well - we are disappointed but we know they don’t make these decisions lightly.  I am further impressed when I head down to the Atrium and see so many of the officers out around the ship in the public areas answering questions people may have about the missed stop.

People seem to be understanding.  It is very windy out there.  Last sailing in Princess Cays it was windy too and I didn’t even go in the water.  Bernie commented the snorkeling was impacted by it too.  So today with even higher winds we totally understand.  Also we get a credit of $18.57 each for the port charges. 

A new Patter is put up on the intranet system very quickly and a new one sheet updated Patter is sent to all the cabins. It still blows me away at how quickly the ship can get things organized for a day at sea all of a sudden.  Including lunch in the dining room.

At 9:30 we meet up with Michael and Meg/Neil for breakfast at Sabatinis.  Oh this just is teasing me!  I love this but it is only available to those in a full suite or someone celebrating a big milestone cruise (75, 100, 125 etc). 

After breakfast I head to the Enclave to enjoy my last day here.  It is still relatively quiet, but I do notice a lot of people allow their friends to come in with them.  They just sneak them in.  In our ten days on board three different people have bragged to us about how they just have their friend come in with them. 

I love this Enclave and Bernie REALLY loves it.  I think this is something that will be a possibility for future voyages for us.

Today is also Super Bowl.  There are a lot of events happening focusing on the big game.  They are showing the game up on MUTS, in Vista Lounge, in the Casino and I believe also in Club 6.  They are having trivia, tail gate food, contests, etc.  But neither of us watch American Football so we are not interested.

The weather all day has been windy, intermittent showers and many are complaining that the ship should show the game in the cabins. But most are not aware that the ship has to pay for the rights to air the game in certain areas.  Public venues and in your cabin are two different costs.  But in the end I believe most were happy with the viewing of the game.

We did have to deal with one issue on our bill today.  Three nights ago we ordered a bottle of wine using our Wine Package.  The bottle was $45 and our package had one bottle left of the Silver package.  What normally happens is they charge us the $45 and then they credit the $29 for the package a few hours later.  But this time no credit appeared even after three days.  We discussed the issue with Natalya Vityuk and she promised to investigate.  This is the same evening we had the charge for the strawberry daiquiri that we never ordered and she dealt with.

Later in the day Natalya touched based with us to say that there was no paper receipt (normally they have me sign a paper with Silver Wine Package written on it).  But I don’t remember ever signing the paper receipt this time.  The Bar Manager usually goes by that receipt to process the credits.  But they are able to see that we still had one bottle left of the package and processed the credit.

I love the Wine Package option and it certainly has gotten easier in the past few years.  But I really wish they would update and make it more technical.  Maybe something added to your card electronically that you can pull up on your account that shows your wine package when you view your account.

Then you could see what bottles you ordered, where, when and the cost, and maybe even the savings you earned because you had the package. 

I arranged to meet up with Katherine and Andrea for Afternoon Tea.  Katherine has followed my blog and now my page and it is lovely to get to know them in person. 

Back in the cabin I watch the cooking demo with Federico (Maitre D’) and David (Executive Chef), boy those two are hilarious.  I love that I can watch the cooking shows on the on demand tv in the cabin.

Dinner is in the dining room where we reflect on the trip and say good bye to many.  Jandri has been such a joy.  We do hope to sail with her again.

Tonight is Voice of the Ocean and we want to see it only because Michael is one of the judges again.  Meg and Neil are there and well I would like to say we enjoyed it but have to say most of the singers were, well…. Hard to sit thru.  But I have to commend them, they certainly were better than I could do but it was like a bad Karaoke.  The last two sailings had much better singers.  But I am glad at who one as he was quite good.

We say goodbye to Michael after the show and promise to keep in touch and to hopefully get to sail with him again.  I am happy to report that the Royal Princess is my most favorite ship.  The crew are amazing, wonderful, kind, friendly, hard working and well almost any other adjective to mean superb.  I love the venues on board, the cabins, the food, the entertainment and can’t wait to sail her again.

Back in the cabin we pack up the last bit of items and put our final bags out.  We gain an hour tonight.

Bonaire Evening - Crab Shack Dinner

Well we are not into the Superbowl but the activities are all about the ship and we feel the excitement and can’t help but be excited too. 

But we couldn’t get into any of the venues if we wanted too.  They are busy and it looks like people are having fun.

As we walk about the ship we hear before we see them…. These Guys (four guys who sing Acapella) are performing in the Piazza and they sound stunning.  Wow!  Wish we could stay and listen to the next performance but we have dinner reservations at the Crab Shack.

The Crab Shack is held at the Aft of the Horizon Court Port side.  The area is made to feel like a special venue, there is fishing netting dividing the sitting area with little lobsters in the net (we joked with them that they need crabs instead) and one Hostess takes one of the mini plastic lobsters down and winds it up and lets it go on our table.  What a laugh we all have.

The tables are covered with brown paper that have the Crab Shack logo on it.   We are given crayons (one yellow for me) and two pencils and encouraged to write all over it. 

The waiters are wonderful and very attentive we couldn’t of wanted for anything.  Glasses are filled instantly, bowls of shells are removed and replaced with empty ones, extra napkins instantly appeared, and even cookies are brought to us for dessert.  I should also do a shout out to Marko the Head Waiter who oversaw the whole operation and would appear at our table to see how things were going and make us feel comfortable. 

For the food we started with Hushpuppies (which I had never heard of) and fried shrimp.  I loved them both, especially the shrimp that were lightly battered and not greasy at all. 

Next course was the soup – a clam chowder that Bernie said was very good.  I don’t like clams so our waiter prepared a lovely salad for me. 

For the main event I had the King Crab Legs and shrimp basket.  Bernie had the Royal Basket which has everything, clams, mussels, crab legs, sausage, corn, and shrimp. 

They are HUGE and we attack it with both hands.  

Thankfully we have great tools to get into the crab.  I really enjoyed the meal, ate all the crab and some of the shrimp but left most of the shrimp there cause I just couldn’t eat it all.

the tools are so wicked that I swear
Bernie could pull some teeth with them

We don’t have any room for dessert, but we ask for some cookies and tea/coffee. 

I really can recommend the Crab Shack at least once during your voyage.  It is great value at $20 per person and the food is very good. 

If you want to see the menu for the Crab Shack I have posted it here.

I asked about the Fondue night and really want to try that.  I find out from the Head Waiter that they have only one Fondue night per 10 days cruise and three Crab Shacks.  So check your Patter for information.

After dinner we decided to head back to the cabin and watch a movie.  We watched the Grudge Match which was very funny and a great way to end the night.  But we can’t go to sleep when it is over cause the band is playing below us in the Wheelhouse and we can hear it clearly in our cabin.  The music was done by midnight though and we crashed soon after.

Bonaire – Sunday – Also SuperBowl Sunday

We are suffering from a bit of a headache!  Oh my!  Something tells me our plans that we originally had for Bonaire are going to change today. 

Originally we were going to head over to Klein Bonaire but we are having a hard time getting up and going.  We both are worried that the other is going to be disappointed today.  Okay how many other couples are like this?  I am worried Bernie wants to snorkel and will be sad, and he is worried I am going to miss out in snorkeling.  We finally sit and communicate and we find out neither of us is up for snorkeling and putting this clouded head under water.

After grabbing a bite to eat we dress and our camera and head ashore. 

a variety of means of transportation here

Water Taxi to Klein is right near the pier

This is what you will encounter when you go ashore.  New complex with shops.

We love Bonaire, it is an island they we often comment about coming back to spend more time at but it is so hard for us in Vancouver to get here.  The people are lovely and of course the sea life is everywhere.

Sipke and Dianir Stapert

The first thing we need to do is head to the small craft stalls that have been set up in town.  Two years ago I bought a lovely pendant and earing set here.  Sadly one of the earrings broke in half when I was not carefully and placed it among things that got compressed. 

I bought two sets of earrings and a new pendant.

I quickly find the stall and see they have a lot more items now.  We buy a  new set of earrings that will match the pendant and I buy another pendant and earring set in a different color too.  The couple that make and sell these items are Sipke and Dianir Stapert and they can be reached at tortugos_99@yahoo.com.  The Craft Market's website can be found here 

We decide to walk for a change to see some of the area.  We walk away from the downtown towards the airport.  We see lots of lovely homes, and the wildlife is so fun to spot too.  Bernie loves birds so he is like a kid pointing out birds and wildlife while I try to take photos of them.  At one point we had two green parrots following us swooping down in front of us for about a block. 

We end up at the beach resort/marina that we have been to before.  We sit in a lounge chair and watch the snorkelers and kayakers here. 

This island is a treasure cove of sea life.  You really don’t have to go far at all to experience great snorkeling.  Just walk into the water anywhere and you will see tons of stuff.  Part of me wishes we had our snorkel gear and swimsuits with us but still a little clouded from all the wine last night.

We walk out to the end of the point at this resort and I get a kick out of all the lizards and take pics of all of them.  I wish I could pick one up, yup I was that kind of kid wanting to pick up everything.

somebody's idea of a fence

It is a short stop at this port today cause it is a long distance to Grenada our stop tomorrow.  All aboard is 13:30 sailaway is 14:00. 

I will add the weather is beautiful, but it has been windy today.  Highs have been 27C/81F with high clouds, but no showers today.  And use caution cause that sun is misleading, and many are burned all over the ship.

Once back on board we head up to the Horizon Court for a bite to eat.  Today they have Indian and Asian themed items and I had his last sailing too and it is very good.  I loved many of the items and take note there are more standard food items in the Bistro section.  The Horizon Court never ceases to amaze me.  I love the selection and everything is hot that should be hot.  The staff are very attentive filling dishes and cleaning up.  The buffet stewards are always quick to see if you need a drink and clear a plate and I am blown away at how many are so friendly and happy and wishing us a good day.  I don’t think, no I know I could not be that happy at work.

Bernie is heading up to the pool deck and I head down to the Café to grab a blended latte.  I head out to the Promenade deck facing the pier and watch everyone coming back.  A lot of Princess tours were late but I am pleased to see how attentive the tour operators are.  They are all assisting the passengers getting off the boats.  One woman’s visor flew off into the water because of the high winds.  A tour operator got back in the boat, took her bathing suit cover off and jumped in the water by the pier to get the woman’s visor.  That is impressive.

The crew on the pier handing out cold towels and water are there until the very last guest comes back offering water/towels as they make their way to the gangway. 

Princess I notice all these extra touches and I appreciate it.

Today is SuperBowl but being Canadian and someone who is really not into football, or most sports for that matter I can’t report directly on how the festivities unfold.  Although I can report that there is a lot happening on board to celebrate the event.

The game is being televised on Movies Under the Stars, Princess Live, Vista Lounge, Club 6 and Churchills – seems like every venue!  The Promenade is decorated with balloons and football themed signs. 

The Patter is showing Tailgate Party at 5:30 at MUTS, Superbowl at 7:00.  Vista Lounge is going to have a Superbowl trivia and cheering competition.  There is going to be tailgate food at Trident Grill – wings, ribs etc.  There is a buy one get one free drink special at Mermaids Tail Bar too.  Something tells me the dining room is not going to be busy tonight.

But our plans aren’t in the dining room either.  Tonight we have reservation at the Crab Shack for 8 pm for five of us.  I have never done this and am looking forward to trying it. 

Lots of other things happening too.  Spot the Fake in Facets, These Guys (an Acapella Performance) in the Atrium, Princess Theater is showing What the World Needs Now 7:00, 8:15 and 10:15; Sing A Long with Kory Simon in Crooners; Piano Melodies with Nadia in Wheelhouse; Trevor Cole plays his steel pan in the Wheelhouse later tonight; Party Time with Neal Deal in the Piazza; Superbowl Dance Party with DJ Shea in Club 6. 

Today marks half way thru out trip… wow time flies but we still have lots more to do, so thanks for following and stay tuned.