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Posted on 12/22/2003 8:52:51 PM PST by DoughtyOne
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Bring the Klinton voodoo doll you won as a freeper door prize last time (plus bring some extra pins!). That was fun. In fact, why not post that pic here again????
Freepers, be sure to call Wanda Monday morning and get your deposit down. This is a popular cruise with great ports-of-call, and the Zuiderdam will fill up quickly.....especially the balcony cabins which are discounted for a limited time.
Merry Christmas to all and a FReepin' New Year.
Leni
It's endowed with Caribbean charm, beautiful beaches and dramatic mountain peaks.
We'll debark in the BVI's capital city, Road Town, which is built around a deep U-shaped harbor fringed with hotels, restaurants, marinas and a number of quaint West Indian shops where native crafts can be purchased.
Situated on a small bluff overlooking the harbor is the residence of the BVI's British Governor and the stately Old Government House Museum.
The island's north shore contains several beautiful white sand beaches. Ridge Road runs along Tortola's spine and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean Sea and many of the other islands in the BVI chain. Local homes dot the ridge, many built in traditional West Indian fashion with large verandahs, colorful hip roofs and gingerbread trim.
Scattered along the island's steep hillsides are banana groves. The ruins of plantation era buildings can also be seen throughout the island, remnants from the 18th and 19th century when sugar and rum were the basis of the islands' economy.
A contrast of the old and the new, the rural and the urban, Tortola is a place where a farmer can be seen riding a donkey to his vegetable plot and a cyber cafe is just around the corner.
As usual, as in all our stops, you can sign up for leisurely shore excursion trips to tour the island, the mountains, the beaches and the countryside areas.
You'll find brochures outlining shore excursions for all the islands we're visiting inside your cabin upon embarkation in Ft. Lauderdale.
Leni
"After two cruises with Freepers, I don't even want to consider going on one with just the two of us. It wouldn't be near as much fun. You don't know what you're missing".
"WOW! Great people. Freepers Rule!"
"Is it me, or was one week just not enough?"
(reply)....."It's absolutely not just you. I was having thoughts of hopping right back on and doing it all over again. What a fabulous time!"
(reply)....."What great fun! Do wish I could horseback ride through the waves every day. I agree it was much too short!"
"It was GREAT fun having a group. Always someone to join if you wanted to do something, but plenty of time for yourself".
"I had such a great time. I really didn't want it to end!"
(Upon the occasion of freeper Diotima having her hair braided on one of our island stops)...."You were so cute on the cruise with your corn rows, Dio. You nearly went native on us. Ya mon!"
Ya mon is right! We have a ball on these cruises. C"mon", join the fun for the Caribbean vacation freep of your life!
Leni
Here's that photo of Half Moon Cay Leni. It's a beaut. I think I could find a spot for my chase (?) lounge and chest of refreshments.
Since tiny Half Moon Cay has no deep port, the ship's tenders (which come and go all day) will take us from the ship to the dock pictured above. You can come and go as you wish.
The structures you see are administrative buildings, otherwise the island is largely uninhabited except for tropical birds and wildlife which you can see by hiking in the preserve on safe, marked trails.
All facilities on Half Moon are designed with folks who are physically handicapped in mind. The same goes for all facilities on the ship itself. Wheel chairs are provided for all areas, including the beach which has special wheelchairs with umbrellas and balloon treads.
This is an example of the Holland/America line's efforts to make the day at Half Moon Cay the highlight of a Caribbean cruise for all its guests.
There are covered outdoor tropical drink bars here and really great live steel band music.
There's even a massage station........or if you have any, you can get your hair braided, LOL.
Leni
Here's that stateroom you were mentioning earlier Leni. If people want to see a better picture of it, they can click on this graphic and be taken to the Stateroom page, where this and other staterooms are described in detail.Folks, when you make your reservations with Wanda, please tell her you want a cabin midship, not stern. Especially if you are selecting a verandah cabin. While the stern verandah cabins are a little more spacious, your balcony is in view of the outside Lido deck below. So if privacy is an issue with you, ask for a midship cabin.
Again, I urge you to register and put down your deposit ASAP so that you have the best choices of cabins. The ship will fill up rapidly due to the rebounding economy and the security of a cruise vacation.
Remember, the first 50 freepers to sign up will be eligible for a drawing for $50 gift certificates for shopping in the fine on-board shops. Thanks to a generous freeper for donating these gift certificates!
Leni
Leni
Here are a couple of photos of Tortola showing the area near Road Town and Brewer's Beach.
There are numerous things to see and do in beautiful St. Thomas, including white sandy beaches, a breathtaking aerial tram ride up a mountain overlooking the scenic port, the famous Trunk Bay snorkling, terrific restaurants, and outdoor cafes/bars along the waterfront and elsewhere.
But shopping till you're dropping is THE thing in S.T. One of the most famous malls in the world, "Havensight" is right where our ship docks. Chock full of the finest international jewelry, perfume, clothing stores, native craft shops, outdoor kiosks with snacks/tropical rum drinks, plus everything else imagineable, it's literally a shopper's paradise and hubby's worst nightmare!
You'll find plenty of intriguing, reasonably-priced items to take home for yourself or for gifts and souvenirs. ST is duty-free, so there's nice bargains to be found.
The shore tours brochure you'll find in your cabin is loaded with wonderful St. Thomas excursions you can sign up for beforehand at the ship's excursion desk.
Or you can make your own deal with a cab driver for even less money. The drivers are knowledgeable, articulate and voluble in English, and great "tour" guides". They are regulated, are to be trusted, and will give you an itinerary before you climb in the cab.
A part of the ST countryside looks very much like the tranquil countryside of France, with cattle grazing in green fields. "Drakes Seat" on top a gentle mountain is a scenic lookout point where explorer/navigator Sir Francis Drake used to sit and "count his ships". Just below Drakes Seat is Magen's Bay Beach, said by National Geographic Magazine to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Our ship arrives early AM and departs midnight. Plenty of time to cab or ferry across a channel to nearby St. John if shopping ain't your thang. St. John is one of my all-time favorite tropical paradises. More on St. John later.
Leni
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