Aruba Sailing and Snorkeling to the Antilla Ghost Shipwreck

Our port excursion today takes us touring Aruba with Aruba Watersports Center with their Sailing & Snorkel Trip. We made “pending” reservations this very morning as Carol and Robert, friends we made from the cruise, recommended the adventure. Fellow cruisers, Cindy and Michael, also hoped to jump on the same tour so we all disembark together. Read More

A Gradual, Sloping and Uncrowded Descent Dive in Curacao (Willemstad, Curaçao)

Our port excursion today takes us under the sea in Curacao with The Dive Bus as we’ve scheduled a guided, single tank dive at their home reef, “Pierbaai.” This dive was to refresh our skills in scuba as we’d hoped to dive at our next port stop – Aruba – that boasts the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Personally, I dived alittle deeper than expected at 22m / 72ft but my dive buddy kept me safe. Enjoy the video!

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Port Excursion: Snorkeling the Shipwrecks (Carlisle Bay, Barbados)

We’re in Barbados for the second time. The first time we conveniently located Barry’s Surf to rent surfboards and check out their beginner break. This time, we were aboard the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise. We wanted to surf in Barbados again but windy weather got in the way. So Plan B and according 9 Best Things to Do in Barbados (by US News & World Report – Carlisle Bay) offers “…six shipwrecks also make this area a great spot for snorkeling…can rent water sports equipment like kayaks and jet skis from local vendors, or arrange for beachside horseback riding. Umbrellas, lounge chairs and towels are available for a fee as well.” We’re in! Read More

First Time: Spotted a Cuttlefish while Snorkeling in St Lucia

Our port excursion today takes us touring St Lucia with Carnival Sailing with their Land & Sea Adventure. Nearing the end of the full day tour (…we had just visited the Volcanic Mud Baths…) was a 30-min. snorkel recommended only … Read More

Stick-in-the-Muds at St Lucia’s Volcanic Mud Bath (Sulphur Springs, St Lucia)

Our port excursion we were stick-in-the-muds in St Lucia with Carnival Sailing with their Land & Sea Adventure. Looking forward to visiting the world’s only drive-in volcano and soaking in mud bath experience. This mud detoxifies the body and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.

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Port Excursion: Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens (Soufriere Estate, St. Lucia)

Last time in St Lucia we went with Spencer Ambrose Tours for a challenging 4-mile roundtrip hike up 2,619 feet above sea level on the iconic Gros Piton. This time around we wanted to chill. So, we decided to try Carnival Sailing and participate in their Full Day Land & Sea Adventure. It allowed us to admire the beautiful mountain scenery from a catamaran on the way to Soufriere Harbor to visit Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens to see the 17-meter/56-feet falls that tumble down the mountain from the volcano; get down and dirty at the La Soufrière Drive In Volcano for a mud scrub and soak; lunch at Fond Doux Plantation Resort; check out Marigot Bay; then, finish off the tour snorkeling. Read More

Port Excursion: Eli’s Eco Tour with Adventure Antigua

Our port excursion today takes us touring Antigua on a 52-foot powercat that fits 49 passengers but they set the tour with a max of 31 people. St John’s cruise port is on the northwest side of the island and our tour takes us exploring the northeast side. Highlights include: snorkeling, birding, Hell’s gate and a hike at Great Bird Island where we also had wonderful lunch.

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Serenade of the Seas (RCL) – Pros & Cons of Interior Stateroom 9077

I’ve been on the Allure of the Seas (Ocean View Stateroom 7510) and Liberty of the Seas (Interior Stateroom 8361) with Royal Caribbean so let’s see how an Interior Stateroom 9077 compares in stability, storage space, cabin amenities, the noise level and what I love about interior cabins. Read More