Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 7 Part 2

Since I had so much to write about Aruba I did put it into two posts.
The other half of our group went on a private tour of this island. I decided to use this group as guinea pigs and try a new company called :Tours by Locals". I am always a little nervous when using a new vendor I haven't used before but I can now highly recommend this vendor for my clients.
Francis was our guide and she was fabulous! We were actually the first customers to use Aruba's new electric bus. Think about it - one bus for 10 people- we had so much space and because it was a bus getting on and off was so easy.

Our first spot was the Aloe factory where we treated sun burnt knees with soothing freshly cut aloe. These products are amazing and what a great way to support the local economy. Aruba manufactures their own sunscreen and after sun lotion and I can vouch for it being the best I've ever used.

After that it was off to the California Lighthouse

There is so much to see and do on this island We visited Rock formations, saw Indian drawings and learnt so much about this island. I have spent over 2 weeks in Aruba and learnt so much from Francis in one day that I did staying in a hotel and exploring on my own. To be able to be in a small group with a knowledgeable guide who actually lives in the area we were visiting was a great experience and I cannot wait to go back to Aruba and see Francis and also to use Tours by Locals in other countries

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 7 Part 1

This is one of my favorite of the Caribbean Islands. Its pristine beaches are carefully groomed every morning at dawn. All the beaches are public so there is no issue with what beach you want to go to. Everywhere you go you see parasailing and snorkeler and banana boats.
Out group split into 2 groups today . Some of the group went to JADS dive center, a professional PADI certified operation. Best thing, they actually picked us up at the pier! Eric was their dive master and he was a true professional. For their first dive the group was taken to the Arashi reef. At a depth of 45 feet they were surrounded by crystal clear water and a pure white sandy bottom. Much to their surprise there was a huge number of sea turtles swimming about

For their second dive they headed to the Antilla. The Antilla is a 430 foot German freighter that was sunk in 1940. The deepest dive is 55 feet down and the ship has become an artificial reef teaming with a varied collection of sea life. After exploring the outside of the ship we were permitted to the inner sanctum of the ship. Passing under large steel beams and wire cables gave them a little pause for concern before going thru a passageway through the bowels of the ship. After 40 minutes most of the group were at 1,000 PSI (air left in the tank) and it was time to head back to the boat. I can tell you for my son who has done over 22 dives - not bad for a 15 year old- this was his favourite dive

Stay tuned as I will do part tow for Aruba tomorrow

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 6

Today was a great day to sleep in as we didn't arrive in port until 2pm.Exiting the ship we were held up slightly by the ships photographers looking for a photo opportunity. I know all cruise lines do this as people are walking down the gangway but what I don't understand is why? We are trying to get off the ship and get to shore excursions or visit the island - why do they cause a traffic jam at the exit? Why not just stick to pictures on the Pier, off the gangway? Okay, finished ranting now.

As we exited the ship we were welcomed by pouring rain. Fortunately we found shelter under some awnings where several islanders were selling their wares. They were several smart buys to be made here by the savvy shopper. We walked past the old fort that guarded the outlet of the river to the sea and which now a days houses some offices, restaurants and shops. Our attempt to cross the river on the platoon bridge was denied as the bridge was retracted to allow a cruise ship to leave.

 Fortunately there are three ways to get across the river to get into town. Since we didn't want to take a tour or a cab that went over the traffic bridge we waited and took the ferry across which was free. This ferry is not for the weak of heart. We were packed on together like sardines in a can , obviously the sign saying 150 people limit was a suggestion not a rule!
We arrived on the other side of the river and made our way to the floating market. I had heard a lot about the floating market but I was a little disappointed. The islanders bring their wares to sell up by boat and then have stalls on land on which to set up. Maybe it was because we were there late in the day but I was not impressed

We investigated many of the small shops and dealers and honestly we didn't find many bargains. Even though our ship was there until 11pm most of the shops still closed at 6pm local time . We did find a McDonalds much to my sons delight - one of his goals in life is to visit a McDonalds in every country.
We returned to the ship to eat dinner and afterwards ventured back out to see the island at night. If you wanted to sit and drink or eat and listen to music there were plenty of opportunities to do so especially the other side of the river. My concern would be crossing back over the platoon bridge. It has to open for every ship or boat and takes at least 45 minutes to open and close I think it only stayed open for about 10 minutes each time before it started closing again
Overall Curacao is a beautiful kaleidoscope of colourful buildings, all of them trimmed in white with the rest of the building painted in bright colours. You wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to see the platoon bridge lit up at night and the rest of downtown Curacao.

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 5

Arriving in the Dominican Republic we were greeted by beautiful weather and helpful islanders. Todays challenge was to move 18 people from the pier to Dreams La Ramona. I had been informed that it was just a short cab ride from the pier , ah but how much and how many cabs were we going to need and how do you make sure we are safe and not being ripped off? With a little trepidation I found a local kiosk for the tourist bureau. They were helpful in terms of where to find the cabs but not the fare. Luckily we found a cab kiosk with the prices clearly printed, $9 per person. We were given to Gabriel who spoke wonderful English and was very informative. He found us a second cab so that we were all able to travel in just 2 vehicles. Gabriel even arranged for us to be picked back up in time to get back to the ship.
We arrived at Dreams La Ramona and it was in fact a dream. Excellent security and a long private road ending at a beautiful welcome center. Everyone was welcomed with a glass of champagne while I quickly checked everyone in and then it was off to the private beach where the drinks and food were included and the resort offered everything from scuba diving, para sailing, banana boat rides, and much more.
The kids and some adults ran off to play ocean football and later volleyball in the pool. One word of warning, this all inclusive resort doesn't ID so they go by the Caribbean age of drinking, if you can reach the bar - you can drink!
Our time ended too quickly and soon it was back in Gabriel's cab and back to the ship. Once on board it was either spa or nap time.
The ship does offer lots of entertainment in the evenings. This time around I was a little disappointed in the comedy club. In the past they have normally offered 2 family friendly shows, this sailing they only had one - at 7:30pm . This made it hard for us to go to as we normally didn't;'t finish dinner until 8pm, so we either had to skip dessert or skip the family friendly show.

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 4

Today we docked at Grand Turks.
For the seasoned traveler this small island may not hold massive allure but for the first time visitor it is a tropical paradise. Personally, I love the fact that you step of the ship directly onto pristine white sand beaches and blue oceans. There is no reason really to do anything else here except get off the ship and enjoy the beautiful beach. Of course, they have shopping and even a Margaretville for those that want somewhere with a lively atmosphere. Also, along the shore they have giant inflatable icebergs and slide for the young at heart to play on.
 If you want to do something more exciting they do have a flow rider and it is a great location to go off on an ATV

Carnival Breeze Vacation day 3

Today is our first full day at sea.

After a delightful breakfast at the Marketplace, I was ready for a day of relaxation. First thing to do is to find a spot at the adult’s only “Serenity” deck.  After spending some time relaxing, it’s time to head off to the spa . This cruise, I purchased the unlimited use of the Thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite. What a wonderful way to de-stress and relax all the tensions out of my muscles.  This package is included to anyone sailing in a spa category cabin.

Carnival now has the Guys Burgers on a lot of their ships. This really is not a good thing. They are irresistible!! I really am not a burger fan but here I am again eating yet another burger with the most amazing fries around  This is not a good thing for them to have on their ships I will eat them every day.

 

While I eat at Guy’s my son is at Tandoor for their rice and curry. This is where he will eat every day but I’m sure it is much healthier than what I am eating. I have discovered the best trick to eating dessert on the ship. I go and get one of everything and bring it back to the table and make everyone at the table try them, this way I get a taste of every dessert but not as many calories

We have found wonderful staff in the Red Frog Pub – namely Jennine from Jamaica and for the past two nights have spent our evenings here playing Pub Trivia. It really does make you feel special when the staff call you by name and remember your drink. I think we will be spending quite a bit of time here especially since we convinced them to turn on the football game so we could cheer on the Redskins

 

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 2

Bon Voyage

Everyone has successfully made it onto the ship and we have sailed off into the sunset

The Breeze is one of Carnivals newest ships. This magnificent 130,000 ton vessel was put into service in 2012.  Despite this there are numerous issues that I wouldn’t have expected on such a new ship.  Example:  The light fell off the wall in one of our guest’s room.  The safe didn’t seem to work until I  finally found a steward to explain the operating procedures which should have been inside the safe.

  This is not your typical “Vegas party design” ship. For this interior Carnival hired Partner Ship Design so the layout seems to be more airy and lighter with pastel colours rather than Carnivals normally gaudy colours.  In the buffet section of the ship they made the seating area more spacious while the walking areas from the buffet to the seating areas are narrower hence, you’re bumping into people with your hands laden with food.

Since we are sailing over Thanksgiving there are a lot of multi-generational families on board.  This also means there are a lot of children running about the ship. Unfortunately Carnival does not have a curfew for those under 18 like many other cruise lines so the youth seem to be running around the ship at all time of day and night with no supervision

 

Not to worry , we won't let that disrupt our vacation. The mandatory muster drill is now done in the conference room with a video. I will admit it is nice not to have to stand around on the open deck wearing a bulky lifevest pressed together like sardines in a can

 

 

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 1

Over the years my husband and I have developed a fun routine.  We travel to Florida to take a cruise and we always go down a couple of days early.  This allows us to relax and wind down from the long drive and the stresses of preparing for the trip.

Because of our careers and family obligations, many of us leave our trip preparations to the last minute.  Now we find ourselves running around the house trying to find those swimming trunks we haven’t worn in a while and the panicked run to the store for the new swimsuit because the one from last summer no longer fits.

So by going to Florida a couple of days early, we have a chance to sit by the pool at a friendly Marriott hotel and enjoy the breeze wafting from the ocean and the feel of the  sun beating down on my skin as the muscular pool boy gently caresses the suntan lotion onto my hot skin.  What wait a minute that’s a dream, I’m sorry I must have dozed off.  The heat of the Florida sun is pleasing and a couple of days enjoying that before the cruise can truly enhance your vacation.

Since my Beautiful “single” daughter lives in south Florida it gives me a chance to enjoy some quality time with her.  She knows all of the best places for a pedicure and now I can show off my toes on the cruise with pride.

I’m escorting a group aboard the Carnival Breeze and we will be cruising for eight days in the hot tropics.  I have to admit, this beats the heck out of the 30 and 40 degree weather I left behind in Northern Virginia.  

This year our travel down was much better than last year.  Last year we traveled to Florida and drove through the remnants of Hurricane Sandy.  Then the cruise ship was delayed getting back into port and eventually our trip delayed by a day and the cruise line had to cut out one of the port visits to make up for the time.  For this reason we decided this year to travel over Thanksgiving.  Hurricane season is officially over and none of the moms in the group wanted to cook Thanksgiving dinner.

Let’s be honest.  Who wants to cook Thanksgiving dinner when you can served Thanksgiving dinner in a five star restaurant with several waiters catering to your every need and afterwards enjoying a Broadway style musical review and then laughing as your friends try their hand at the karaoke club.  

Travels with Marianne: Introduction

Travels with Marianne: Introduction: Welcome to Travels with Marianne,  To be honest this is my first attempt at writing a blog and I'm not promising to knock your soxs off....

Introduction

Welcome to Travels with Marianne,  To be honest this is my first attempt at writing a blog and I'm not promising to knock your soxs off.  I do love to travel. I began taking my Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts on international trips and discovered I had a knack for planning and taking groups on fun filled trips.  I did so much of the planning that a local travel agent complained that there was nothing left for her to do but book it.  That eventually led to a job offer at that agency.

 I have been a Travel Consultant for the past 7 years and have not lost my enthusiasm for traveling. In 2013 I started by own business, Griffin Worldwide Travel.

Since I got my Facebook account up and my website (www.griffinwwtravel.com) I thought it would be fun to start a blog for when I travel and since I leave on a trip next week, I figured I'd better get going.

Over Thanksgiving, I will be on an eight day Southern Caribbean cruise on board the Carnival Breeze with an amazing group of friends and scouts, whom I love to travel with. Hopefully, the internet on board the ship will be faster than in the past as I hope to be able to do a daily blog with photos.

So stay tuned for more

Marianne