WEEK 1 : Miami & Caribbean

16 APRIL 2022— MIAMI FLORIDA

Had a good night’s rest and a nice breakfast at the hotel, if I ever come back to Miami think this is where I am going to stay for there is a hotel shuttle to collect you at the airport, all you need, is at the hotel, a breakfast the next morning is included and a free shuttle to the cruise terminal. So COMFORT INN&SUITES MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT you are the chosen one. Was not cheap for us South Africans but ticked all the boxes and hotel staff were very friendly and that makes you feel at home.

The trip to the cruise terminal took about 15/20 minutes and we were dropped off right in front of our ship terminal. What a beautiful new building, stunning modern and spacious. Check in was a breeze and all went well. While I was sitting waiting to board the ship I just looked up and there on the other side of the glass corridor was my beloved husband, at last we were going to be together again, was I glad to set eyes on him after 2 and a halve months apart.

We have so much to be thankful for, but the last 2 years have not been easy with me not being able to join him while he works abroad. So I have really been looking forward to join him on his contracts like we have been doing for the last 9 years, traveling all over the world with him while he works, let say he works and I am here for moral support haa,haa not complaining at all.

Once I was on the ship, I had to hang around for there had been another medical emergency so that had to be sorted out, first. I then went up to the garden café where I had lunch and a cup of coffee and before I knew it, some handsome officer was behind me, my liefie.

The excitement on the ship was great to feel and hear, people are hungry for cruising after the last 2 years of covid. Sail Away party was good to watch, people were having a good time, singing ,dancing and just letting there hair down while all the ships were departing out of Miami on a beautiful afternoon with the Miami skyline as there backdrop. I had to giggle some bods big ,small thin ,large all sorts but never mind you dance where you want too, sing along and even dance when you are the only one on the dance floor with moves I have never seen before but having a ball, it brings a smile to your face and gives your heart a warm feeling.

South Beach was packed with people while we sailed to the open sea on our way to different ports in the Caribbean.

Ports of call this week are:

Roatan Island Honduras

Harvest Cay Belize

Costa Maya Mexico

Cozumel Mexico

Then back to Miami

2 days at Sea one on the way there and the other on our way back.

Last night we had supper with a stunning view over the ocean and on my way back to our cabin I stopped at the Seventies Show of the Beatles and that got you going quickly, dancing and swinging to the music.

The ship has a beautiful layout with lounges with views over the ocean. In our cabin the two little ducks someone gave us on one of his contracts now travel with us on each contract and there perching place is in the port hole in our cabin. Also had a stunning full moon last night and got a nice photograph of the moon shining into our cabin.

17 APRIL 2022--- @ SEA

This morning I wanted to get up to watch the sunrise on this Easter Sunday morning and have coffee after our walk. So we got up just after 5 and were not disappointed with the view of the full moon on the one side of the ship and the rising sun on the other, it was magical. Hope to post some pics later today of all yesterday’s excitement and some of the ship’s interior.

Then it was time to get to the gym to get going again and breakfast. So nice to be able to pick and choose what you want to eat, that I do call a big spoil of being on a ship. Don’t miss cooking one bit if I am honest, give me gardening any day but not cooking. Tomorrow we are in Roatan and am planning on going on a excursion so we will see how things go.

18 APRIL 2022 --- ROATAN HONDURAS

Vandag is ek lus vir Afrikaans so jammer aan die Engelse vriende wat my reise volg.Gister kry ek die wonderlike nuus van my liewe man dat ek nie met die cruise van Miami na New York kan saam seil nie,ons het geweet dat dit n moontlikheid is maar eintlik  gehoop hulle besluit anders want dit het groot finansiele  implikasies en senuwees implikasies vir my!!

Toe is dit n nag van rondrol vir my om nou eers my kop om die ding te kry.Nou net lekker nes geskrop in ons cabin en myself tuis gemaak.

Ek gaan nou Saterdag wat kom die 23 ste as die skip in Miami dok moet afklim en dan na New York terug vlieg en vir 3 dae daarso bly om dan weer op die 26 ste by die skip weer aan te sluit as hulle in New York aankom.Die rede, dit is n non revenue reis met geen passasiers net personeel.Die nuwe roete is dan van New York na Bermuda elke week.

Wat die affere nog erger maak is dat ek dan ook weer vir n Covid toets moet doen voor ek kan opklim en moet aansoek doen om saam te seil tot in Bermuda hulle moet jou die groen lig gee en  dit gaan ook elke week herhaal word en ons 40$ n week kos!!!Gedink ons is nou oor die covid gedoente!!

So nou is dit n vlug reel, hotel verblyf en n plek kry waar ek my toets kan laat doen want teen Maandag moet die aansoek vorms ingaan met die uitslae,gekkigheid.Bermuda val onder die Britte en daar is alles reeds oop en oor,hoe verstaan jy nou dit,lyk my die wereld het heel mal geraak en iemand maak lekker geld.

Vanoggend weer vroeg opgestaan en ons albei was nou nie stert in die lug na die rustelose nag nie maar so bly ons het by die gym uitgekom,dit het ons net goed gedoen en manlief werk vandag en ek gaan uit op n excurtion met die skip om te gaan ry op n  semi sub marine, n village besoek en oppad terug by die cameo museum aan te gaan.Pragtige dag gewees en eers 11.30 op die eiland gedok.

Daar was alweer drama met n pasient wat nie wou af klim nie en nog n ou wat sy been gebreek het,so manlief se dag het met moeilkheid begin.

Toe ek afklim om by my uitstappie aan te sluit toe skreeu daai man met die gebreekde been van pyn met die trollie vervoer na die ambulans, het hom so jammer gekry.Einde van sy reis! Hy sal seker ook uitgevlieg moet word want die is n klein eiland en geriewe beperk, hospital lyk scary.

Ons toergids was vreeslik oulik en toe ek so kyk na al die busse, toergidse en passasiers besef ek net weer wat toerisme vir so n plek beteken en  hoe baie dit vir n land soos ons sin kon beteken om passasiers skepe daar te kry en wat ons het om aan hulle te bied,ongelooflike potensiaal maar sal eers ons dinge agtermekaar moet kry,as hulle net kon besef ons sit met n gans wat goue eiers kan le vir ons land en sy mense = HOOP.Ons het alles en nog meer as ek net kyk na hoe dit hier op die klein eiland lyk,arm vervalle,vuil maar ook met amazing potesiaal.Dink dit bly maar net weer by die bestuur van dinge ,jy het die regte mense nodig by die besluitneming en mense wat visie het en omgee vir al sy inwoners.Die gids vertel toe vir ons wat die skade aan die coral reef is agv aardsverwarming en hoe bleek die koraal geraak het,dit kon jy sommer sien,nie meer kleurvol nie,scary die water te warm.Ek moet erken die afklim tot in die klein bootjie met venster wat onder die water vlak was en klein spasie het my ook eers n benoude gevoel gegee en ek moes kophou teen n gevoel van hier wil ek uit.Toe ons eers uit die hawe weg is en die visse en bodem kon sien het ek darem beter gevoel.Een van die ander passasiers het amper n angsaanval gekry en gese hy sal moet uit want kan nie die gevoel hanteer nie,so die stomme man is baie vinnig na bo en vroulief agterna.So dit was nie n baie goeie keuse vir n dagtoer nie.

Die besoek aan die klein village was ook n eye opener,ek kan nie glo hoe vervalle en vuil die plekke is nie,lyk my baie duik winkels  al teen die strand af maar daai besoekers almal die diep see in so weg van die gemors,skep glad nie n goeie indruk nie,nogal sad want sit met die potensiaal om prentjie mooi te wees.Ek het ook by n sjokelade fabriek ingeloer en sommer daarso vir manlief ietsie lekkers gekoop.Terwyl jy nog so sit en wag vir die bus word jy gepla deur mense wat goed aan jou wil verkoop dink hulle ook desperaat maar voor ek weet is daar n vrou wat my n  massering aanbied, ek se nee dankie maar wraggies begin sommer druk op my nek en toe ek eers baie duidelik en hard se NO Thank You, toe los sy my uit. Jammer dat hulle nie besef dit doen meer skade en glad nie lekker nie.Die besoek aan die cameo fabriek was nogal spesiaal en die kuns wat hulle beoefen is regtig  iets besonders.Ek neem toe deel aan n lucky draw en daar wen ek 2 de prys en kry n armband vir 3$,my tipe smaak so ek was baie beindruk.Toe is dit terug skip toe en tyd vir n lekker stort ,baie warm en bedompig hierso ,voel soos Durban se hitte en humiditeit.More besoek ons die maatskappy se privaat eiland en ek gaan weer alleen moet afklim maar manlief gaan darem in Costa Maya saam kan afklim.

19 April 2022--- HARVEST CAY BELIZE

Hubby informed me that he had to get up in the night to see a patient and scary thing is I don’t recall anything, slept through it all!! We docked on the private islands long jetty or whatever you call it, it is really very impressive the walkway has one side for the golfcarts that pick-up passengers that battle with mobility and then for those that walk to the island. This private island is beautifully done and really does cater for all to have a fun day in the sun. I just love the walkways, plants, vegetation, wildlife and beach for swimming. I went to the gym and had breakfast before the crew drill started then chattered to 2 crew, one from Zimbabwe and the other from the Eastern Cape, told them hubby has a soft spot for all crew from home and if they ever need anything they must go see him, he sees them as if they are his own children and will do what he can. Also got to read thank you cards that hubby was given by his previous medical team and what beautiful words, to thank him for what he taught them, how he encouraged them, being a roll model, being kind , giving support ,guidance and teachings. Being a great father and doctor figure maybe the biggest compliment of all, so very very proud of him, he will kill me if he knows I have shared this little bit of info.

Our minister said to him when he left home the last time ,the LORD uses you there where he sends you to do your work and that I can say is definitely the case. Having an impact on others’ lives wherever you go in life. As my mom’s one dear friend always use to say being a glow worm for the Lord, dear Aunty Doris Emslie, you were one special lady.

 Then it was time to explore, we have been here before but always something different or new. Took a few photos and just loved the butterfly section and all the stunning plants, you feel as if you have just entered a forest with the bird sounds and a fine mist that is sprayed from pipes between the plants. After that I went for a swim and just floated around in the shallow water, was warm and felt good. Had a good laugh when someone commented that the water was so warm he did not even have to pull his gut in while entering the water, though that was a good description. While lying around in the shallow water a child flew up and had obviously seen or felt something, so I left the water in a hurry just in case!

Dried off on the loungers that are all over the beach and then had to get myself something to drink, a soda was cheaper than water, so that is what I got. The huge swimming pools looked so inviting so stopped for a quick dip before returning to the ship. Asked one of the waiters on the island how things work around here, and she told me that they live on the mainland Belize and work here every day. So, bye, bye island until next time. Next week the ship changes its itinerary and is off to New York and Bermuda.

What a story to try and get a flight booked from Miami to New York, thank goodness worked through a travel agent at home, Flight Centre so hope she will be able to get my flight sorted for Saturday when I have to get off the ship and fly to New York. At least I have a plan B!! So tomorrow it is Costa Maya and hubby can join me on a walkabout, really looking forward to that.

20 APRIL 2022 --- COSTA MAYA MEXICO

We were up early for our gym session but must admit we both were feeling a bit tired, some days you just feel moeg and today was one of those days. Did feel better after our gym session and coffee on the deck. That is our special time together with hardly anyone outside and awake, so we have the area to ourselves and the stunning early morning view over the ocean. Last week a few guests were asked to leave the ship after misbehaving so that actually still happens, can you believe it! Why pay all this money to come cruising and then do something like that, crazy hey!

Got off the ship and 3 ships docked today which is a great sight especially for the locals that depend on the income, so things seem to be getting back on track, so thankful for everybody. We decided to treat ourselves with a milkshake and some gelato ice-cream. It was good and then we tried some local food, can’t say liked that, it was a  pancake dingetjie with beef strips, chicken, pineapple and sauces, too hot for me and just a small bite to eat. It was very hot and humid outside and hubby returned to the ship, and I decided to stay and walk around.

In some of the beach areas you can use a beach lounger but then you have to buy food or drink to use it, so that is what I did, $6 for a local beer and must admit it went down well, I was thirsty and could have drunk another one in this weather.

Thank goodness for the free WIFI  I could at last post all my pics of the last few days on Facebook and Instagram and it was quick. When you are traveling free good Wi-Fi is like finding gold. My blogs posts I am going to post once a week and there will be 5 weeks in total, the first post was posted after getting to Miami and Week 1 will be after the first weeks cruise. I have been so lucky to have people at home, my son, sister and travel agent to help organize flights for me from Miami to New York. Plan B has now come into action. Wat n gedoente!! All my plans have changed due to flight prices. Prices are just crazy and some cost up to R13 000 and more for a flight from Miami to New York over the weekend ,so needless to say my dream of being in New York for 3 days is out the window and I will be spending 2 days in Miami and flying to New York on Monday morning because a lot cheaper and will only be in New York for 1 night. Will have to have another antigen test done in Miami on Sunday, so that I am all sorted for the cruise on Tuesday next week and have to fill in forms and upload my results and proof of vaccination for Bermuda. This I call a leap of faith want dis genoeg om my senuwees klaar te maak,maar it is what it is. Alles gebeur soos dit moet. Think at least hubby will be glad to see me after 3 days away and leaving all my things in his cabin and just taking the bare necessary things for I can only board my flight with hand luggage. Will have to take my warm jacket, here we are sweating and dying of the heat and in New York it is still cold 15 degrees and was 7degrees last week, don’t feel like being cold. Sitting in the observation lounge on deck 15 right in front of the ship with a stunning view over the ocean, this is my spot where I type my daily blogs. I seem to be a creature of habit, like the same spot. The older ships had beautiful libraries, but the new ones only have a tiny space with a few books. Tomorrow we are in Cozumel Mexico but hubby will be working, so I will be exploring on my own. My skoonma se altyd as iemand vreelik baie praat sonder ophou dat hulle nie n stop het nie en wraggies hier is n Spaanse vrou nie ver van my nie en sy praat klip hard en non stop aanmekaar haar STOP moet stukkend wees!!! Lyk asof hier dalk reen oppad is en ek loop nie sommer in die reen rond nie, so ons sal maar kyk wat more inhou,was gelukkig al voorheen in Cozumel.

21 APRIL 2022---COZUMEL MEXICO

This morning the bed won and we decide to skip the gym session but have to admit is was nice just lying in, until it was time to get up. We were docked in Cozumel at 8 and leaving at 18h00 so a nice long day to do all you want to do. I had breakfast and then left to walk around on my own, for hubby was on duty today.

Packed in my umbrella and made sure no fruit in my backpack for here the dogs are onto you if they smell any fruit in your backpack and you get a fine!!Thank goodness for my umbrella for it was not long after I left that I had to use it, so have leant my lesson on previous visits to this part of the world, dit reen maklik.

Decided to walk around first and then do a quick shop tour all along the beachfront. Not much has changed but is looking a bit tatty, here tomorrow is another day, no rush!! a Family fits onto a motorcycle dad, mom, and child.

Another transport method are the bicycles with a place in front to load up your suitcases and kiddies. A few jeeps and buggies came past packed to the brim with people that are obviously of to the beach or a getaway for a few days, just looked so lekker and carefree, laidback, rustig!! Looks like fun. I would think that is what its looks like when you travel to Mozambique from SA sun, sea, surf, and no worries, haa haa, if only hey! Did a quick stop at the local supermarket where all the crew buy their supplies, so stocked up for our next 5 weeks.

I just love the Mexican art, clothes, and all their beautiful mementoes, just as well I have no room for anything, unless I buy a suitcase to take back home, told you had to fly here with one and back with two! Maybe I should not say that too loud then hubby might send me back home with something, like his books!

4 Ships have been in Cozumel for the day, just get so excited when I see that, 3 have left and are on their way to sea, think we are last to leave for the day. I am sitting in the observation lounge with a bird eyes view of what’s going on. Well, my hotels are booked, and flight sorted all that is left is my antigen test on Sunday in Miami and I pray that all goes well to fly to New York on Monday, sleepover, and board ship on Tuesday the 26 th at Pier 88 at the cruise terminal in New York. Planning on walking to cruise terminal for only going to have my small carry-on suitcase and I love walking around, just see things differently.

I get to New York at noon and hope to have time to do something nice. Would love to go to Central Park again, but we will see. Had so many things I wanted to do maybe another time. Tomorrow we at sea for the day and will be back in Miami on Saturday morning, end of first week.

I have just again realized how special cruising is, a great way of having a relaxing holiday, while other people do the worrying for you!! Same room and bed for the week, housekeeping is done, no driving, no food preparation, you just have to say what you want done, regarding excursions, places to see, places to visits, booking of shows and restaurants. This I call a ordentelike vakansie!

22 APRIL2022---@SEA

Today we are at sea on our way back to Miami. The sea is omgekrap and the ship rolling but the stabilizers are out and they doing the best they can. This is a huge ship but in this big ocean we are but a speckle on it.

Must admit my gym session was a quick one and definitely did not do my best today, so n half hartige affere!!

I do love breakfasts, my favorite meal of the day  I tend to get the same things everyday,1 piece of salmon, small bowl of creamcheese,1 boiled egg,2 pieces bacon, 1 sausage  1 fried tomato 2/3capers  chopped red onions and start with some yogurt. Warm water with lemons, they say is good for the gut but who knows!

I had to organize my excursion for tomorrow so going on a trip to the Everglades and then they drop you off at the Miami Airport after excursion, don’t know what to exspect but we shall see. Am going to go and check out the covid station at the airport while I am there, and I have to visit on Sunday at about 12 to get my antigen test done in time for my Bermuda trip. I must admit I prefer when things are organized for me, just so much easier and no stress, so tomorrow we meet in the Texas Steakhouse and are escorted off the ship to our waiting bus. Suitcase is packed and leaving the rest in our cabin with hubby until my return on Tuesday next week. Tonight is seafood night so really looking forward to it.

So until end of Week 2  bye, this one has been great xx