Not a whole lot to do in Grand Turk

grand Turk is pretty much a second version of carnivals private island. They are currently paying its youngsters to clean up the road sides over the Christmas break. They have built a huge welcome center which will open soon and they bring a lot of ships into its small island.

It's a pretty island and not the most commercialized of the Turks and Caicos islands. But we got a taxi and drove the seven miles seeing lots of houses, old salt ponds and a lighthouse. We saw tons of asses ahem donkeys and even got to scratch ones ears.

At the lighthouse we even saw one having his way with another. 😱. It was over fairly quickly.... Not sure if it was because of her obvious dislike of the activity or if he was just in a rush. 🙊

There seems to be quite a lot of history on the island and about 4000 inhabitants.


We wandered in the beach a bit and made our way back on board for a nap poolside.

We chose this to be our pinnacle night and had early reservations. Dinner was excellent as usual.... But wasn't terribly hot. This was disappointing but the service and flavor was amazing.

The show was a magician. He and his assistant were amiable and funny.... But I have been spoiled by James and Isabelle Cielen. Not sure if any other magicians can compare anymore. Plus I know that Isabelle has added in silks (cirque du soleil style).


Today is San Juan.... Not sure what we will do. I know there is a Crossfit gym that I'd like to try a class in. We will probably do a bit of shopping.... But I am just as happy sitting on our balcony or up by the pool. :).

All aboard! Bon voyage

Awhile back, dad asked me if I wanted to go on a cruise with them in December. I did some figuring and was able to work it out. Jason has the kids and I get some time to relax.

The week leading up to our departure was a bit stressful as the kids and I all got sick. I finally went to the doctor and had bronchitis and sinusitis.... A few antibiotics and I was good to go. The kids each went tot he doctor and were diagnosed with viral and given nothing. 😞

I flew to Fort Lauderdale on Friday and met up with mom and dad. We did some last minute errands and went to our hotel. Dad went to a dinner with an old geyser who used to work for us. I am mad at him for his treatment of dad so mom and I stayed back in the room. We ate in the hotel and watched silly Christmas movies. 😃

Saturday morning we got ready and started the trek to the ship.... Dropped off our rental car and rode the shuttle to the ship. I have sailed from Fort Lauderdale so many times that, even though it had been many many years, it felt like home.

Getting on was easy enough. Finding our cabin was easy. We went and had some lunch and made it to lifeboat drill. The cruise director came on and I swear they haven't changed the speech one word. The only thing they changed was that the captain now does a good portion of it. I guess since costa Concordia they have to take things more seriously.

Then we went back to our cabin.... We have a corner suite... The balcony wraps completely around it. So we sat and had a glass of wine and enjoyed our view. We did finally go up to lido to see sail away it by this time all of the festivities had ended.

There was a suite welcome with the captain... So we went to that. I have sailed with this captain... But at the time he was a second or third officer. He doesn't remember me but that's ok. I had a chance to meet the new human resources officer.... And I had a great time chatting with him. I learned there is still a "9141" entertaining passenger number. 😃.

We had a very nice dinner, saw a bit of the show and headed to bed.

The more things change... The more they stay the same. The roles have changed. The positions have changed. But it's still the same old ship feel.... I do miss it.