The cruise line offers many different activities for an additional fee while at port. Popular excursions include zip lines, swimming with dolphins, sailing, and other water sports. We chose low-impact activities like beach time which included transportation to and from the port. The time at port is generally about 8 hours but you must be on board at least 30 minutes before the ship departs or you will be left behind.
It is important to bring your key card and carry a government-issued ID for non-US ports when reboarding the ship. Your belongings will also go through a security scanner upon re-entering. Not everyone participates with ship-sponsored excursions but be careful with whom you arrange excursions as you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. It is also perfectly cool to stay on board and enjoy the facilities while everyone else has vacated the ship.
One drawback of excursions is, that while a nice break from days at sea, they usually are not long enough to soak up the local atmosphere, but they offer an opportunity of seeing interesting, new places at a reasonable cost. For most people, this is enough.
AMBER COVE, DR
Our first excursion was to the Dominican Republic to a beach in Amber Cove, about 45 minutes from the pier. The transportation entailed a somewhat fun ride on a rickety, open air golf-cart like vehicle, on mostly dirt roads. It was an authentic day with a Dominican meal (chicken, fish, rice, beans, tropical fruit) and an open bar, although the rum drinks seemed on the skimpy side. I did make a note of that with the bartender. A bonus was a random comedy act from the guide, free of charge, on the way to the beach. There were lounge chairs and umbrellas available at our arrival but the day was windy, so we were happy to return to the ship after some beach time.
OUR TRANSPORTATION TO THE BEACH IN AMBER COVE, DR
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Our second excursion was to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, a prime destination for shopping and visiting historic sites like the El Morro fort. This is an easy port to self-navigate as the town is a pleasant walking distance from the pier. There are many entrepreneurs by the pier offering their services as a tour guide for as little as $20 per person. A fellow passenger told us her guide was excellent and she had a great time. We were mostly interested in finding local goods so we passed on this.
With many artists in the family, we focused on purchasing local crafts on Fortaleza Street: a print by artist Daphne Elvira at Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts and assorted prints and ceramics at Memories from Old San Juan (320 de la Fortaleza). These would make very nice holiday gifts. We couldn't help ourselves and also purchased a very nice top and glass necklace at a lovely boutique, Pure Soul. All the shops were a short distance from the pier.
We had a nice cool, ices break from a street vendor on the way back to the ship.
ST. THOMAS, USVI
The following day, we went to Magens Bay in St. Thomas, USVI by way of arranged transport with the cruise line. The beach was lovely and we spent a quiet morning there before returning to the ship three hours later. As a cruiser, it is unavoidable that you will be shuffled into a nearby mall conveniently located on the pier on the return trip. I spent the extra time finding a t-shirt, but there seemed to be plenty of jewelry to choose from if you are in the market for buying that stuff.
Part of the appeal of cruising is time spent on the open sea. It is exhilarating seeing how expansive the ocean is. Combine that with sunrises and sunsets, it is a bold reminder that the planet is a beautiful place not to be overshadowed by darkness in the world.
My sister remarked that she can't help but think of the detrimental effect of the carbon footprint left by hundreds of cruise ships. This is true and difficult to reconcile if you care about the health of the oceans.
Even if you frame cruising as public transit for vacationers, an employer of thousands of people, and catalyst for local economic development, potential harm to the oceans and sea life cannot be dismissed. From my scant reading, some cruise lines are moving towards protecting the environment and improving sustainability. Environmental impacts are a big concern worth learning more about.
Have you cruised recently? Tell me your best ship survival tips in the comments.
Adios… until next time
I love your reflections of cruising. I've never been on one but your writing has inspired a future possibility.
ReplyDeleteAnd to your question as to if it was a mandatory part of our education to travel international, would we have less judgment and more compassion? I believe we would have less judgment and more compassion for sure! Travel opens our lens , which helps us see a much larger picture from a higher place. Which shows us that we are ONE and that we are all connected.
I also share your mantra about living life fully, making friends along the way while traveling. In fact, that's how I was lucky enough to meet you in Cambodia/Vietnam.
Your act of kindness in offering me an umbrella to protect me from the sun in the extreme heat in Ankor Wat that day stays in my heart along with a few other really great memories. I hope to see you on another trip one day.
💓 Lia Venet
So good to hear from you Lia! Thank you for your kind words. I often think of the time in Hanoi when you held my hand to cross a street with scooters coming from all directions. You are a fearless woman! It would be great to meet up again sometime. Hope all is well by you and hello to Philipe. 🌈
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