A friend of mine returned recently from a vacation in Jamaica. “So how was it?” I asked, expecting to hear about the food, the hotel, the beach and how many times he’d had smoked a palm tree. But no. Instead he told me he’d seen Meryl Streep, Steven Segal and something called Jay Z……..which I think is a tropical bird
Yep………the Caribbean…it brings out the stars. Columbus said it first. When he reached the Caribbean in 1492 (he was looking for India, but the West Indies got in the way), he wrote this in his journal: “I saw so many islands that bugger me I hardly knew to which I should go first.” …….OK, I added the “bugger me” bit but you can understand how he felt.
Today, first-time visitors face the same problem: they may have a better idea of which continent they’re on, but they’re often no more certain about which dot of land to make for. It’s no wonder. One of the great attractions of the Caribbean is its diversity, but for the uninitiated, that can turn into a drawback. Too many islands, too many hotels, too many options — it’s just baffling….actually, no it’s not….. Why take a cruise and see two, three or more islands without having to pack and fly between each one …… simple really.
As I prepare to return to the Caribbean for the first time since 2005, I thought I might list some of my “must do” events and activities during your cruise. Some of these include specific excursions available from our ships and some are things you should just …………. well do. So, here in no particular order are some of the things that I look back on with fond memories and some of which I look forward to doing again soon.
Visit Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Men and women with beards will point out that it is 5½ miles long, but there is little need for early-morning towels on sun lounges as there is room enough for all of Germany and you along this enormous crescent of white sand. It’s on the western shore of Grand Cayman, home to most of the island’s luxury resorts and hotels, so there is no shortage of things to do. Remember that if you are not specific your cab driver will take you to a hotel/resort where you will have to pay at least $10 to enter. Therefore…………either take our excursion to a private area of the beach which includes lunch or ask for Seven Mile Public Beach where there is no entrance fee. Remember, there is little or no snorkeling here as Seven Mile Beach rests on a huge sandbar. You can take a snorkel and mask with you if you have a foot fetish as that’s all you will see………..other people’s feet.
Swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman
Stingray City trips will take you to a sandbar where you can feed and stroke up dozens of southern stingrays. You know, the old stingray got a bad rap after one of them defended itself against The Crocodile Hunter whom I know we all miss very much. But, I have been promoting this location for many, many years and nothing like that has ever happened. After all, these creatures are not stupid. They know tourists are coming and they are bringing food. Feeding these creatures is simply extraordinary. You place the food between your thumb and forefinger and then the stingray will suck the food out of your hand. They also love to taste the salt on your skin from the water and will on occasion start sucking on your thigh……..you will therefore see some people getting back into the boats with hickies the size of Texas on their legs. Seriously………..this is a must do and not just for the creatures themselves. You will be standing in the middle of the ocean…….yep….standing……in the bluest water lapping gently around you. Young or old…………you have to do this. Once again, ask your cruise director or the dedicated shore excursion team to tell you more.
Snorkel…………….anywhere in the Caribbean.
The sea is a deep blue and crystal clear, with thousands of fish lazing around – happy in the knowledge that they’ve struck it lucky. They get entertained by the amateur snorkelers (can you be a professional?) who float round the place, pointing and trying to speak to each other in bubbles – “Lkkkk is mpror fsh.” But what a view. I remember the first time I took Heidi snorkeling in Trunk Bay on the Island of St.John’s U.S.V.I …….. goodness me……that was in 1996. Anyway, his was the first time she had snorkeled and the look on her face when she spotted all the fish was priceless. We spent a sublime half-hour drifting past schools of trumpet fish, barracuda and multifarious, multicolored tropical things whose names I couldn’t tell you. Eventually, we waded back to shore and flopped down on the sand to spend time taking in the extraordinary view.
Travel beneath the waves – take an Atlantis submarine tour in St. Thomas, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and many other locations
The subs, which are specially designed for underwater sightseeing, descend to 120 feet then spend 45 minutes among the coral, fish and sunken wrecks. This is a special treat for non-swimmers and children ………just don’t get drunk the night before like my mate Alan did. ……because if you want to vomit………….there are no bathrooms and absolutely no escape……his poor wife’s purse. This is something you will never forget …….. how many people can actually say that they went beneath the Caribbean waves in a submarine?
Eat Jerk Chicken in Ocho Rios
Close to wear our ships’ dock is The Jerk Center……..it looks like a circle of huts with a big hole in the middle and that’s because it is a circle of huts with a big hole in the middle. It is not a five-star restaurant. There are no linen cloths on the tables and no silver service. This though is the place to eat jerk chicken. It is very tourist friendly and the people who own it have been serving our passengers for many years. It may look slightly intimidating…….but really it is as friendly a place as you can imagine. The food is cheap and…..is absolutely brilliant. So, next time you are in Ocho Rios, buy a box of jerk chicken and wash it down with a Red Stripe Beer or a bottle of local soda called Ting………this place is irie mon.
Zip-wire in Jamaica and on other Islands
OK, I haven’t done this as me and heights go together like Judge Judy and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. However, everyone I have spoken to tells me it is just astonishing. The excursion takes you through the forest canopy, 30-50 feet above the ground, on 500-foot runs of cable. Children must be eight or older; helmets, hairnets, gloves and harnesses are provided as is toilet paper. Again, speak to the excursion staff onboard who will fill you in with the rest of the details.
X CARET – Mexico (from Cozumel)
Taking a tour from the ship to this secret of the Yucatán peninsula is a day you will never forget. Immerse yourself in a secluded hideaway of beaches and enclaves tangled with mangroves and streams. Near by are numerous freshwater sinkholes and caverns offering swimming and snorkeling through underground rivers and of course swimming with the dolphins …….although their most famous Dolphin, Dan Marino, has now retired. Not too many people venture here but I promise you………more should as it is astonishing.
Bathe in light in Puerto Rico
I love San Juan and while many of our guests bugger off and go shopping, some head on our kayak tour to Mosquito Bay in Vieques. It is full of tiny bioluminescent organisms, which dart away from moving objects leaving phosphorescent blue-white trails like microscopic underwater glow-worms. Magical for all ages and honestly it will leave you breathless.
Seeing the Pitons in St.Lucia
Now, I’d read quite a bit about St. Lucia and when I went there during the Carnival Triumph’s Millennium cruise I knew I had to see them. Here are the basic facts: the island is famous for the Pitons – twin volcanic peaks that rise up high above the sea to form a unique landmark. I remember we had an excursion where you could climb them – but as most people were onboard for a fun-filled vacation, and not to film an army-recruitment video, I don’t think this was particular tour was so popular.
Ride the Flow Rider in Grand Turk
There is no doubt about it; Grand Turk is THE hottest property in the Caribbean. The beaches are exquisite and the shopping is brilliant. A short distance from the pier is the giant Flow Rider. Now, you don’t have to be a world champion surfer like Gerry Cahill to give this ago but give it a go you must. The backdrop to your family photos of you all doing this is the ship itself……..it’s a stunning location and an attraction that really is just brilliant. Of course, it’s even more fun to try it after you have had a few cocktails at Margaritaville which is right next door.
Gaze at the Caribbean Stars
Even when Mars is shining brilliantly in the southeast quadrant of the night sky, there is now so much light pollution in where you and I probably live that you’d be hard-pressed to spot an O.J. Simpson in a prison’s guard’s searchlight. Not so in the Caribbean and from the deck of a “Fun Ship.” I remember once when it was that it was providing enough light read by? Everyone was telling me about it (I think I was on the Carnival Glory at the time.) I went outside and there it was a reddish bullet hole in the inky black velvet drape of night. And that was just the start. On the opposite side of the sky was the Plough, pointing me to the equally visible North Star. And right overhead, like a dribble of saliva, was the edge of the Milky Way. It was like a Pink Floyd gig and I was out there for hours, smoking a cigar and thinking, like you do at times such as this, about the meaninglessness of life and how nothing really matters. Before giant movie screens, waterslides and all the other iconic features on our ships today, people would always walk on deck at night and gaze at the stars. They are so bright and ooze romance. So, at least once, take a walk on the deck at night and reach for the stars.
Taking the Caribbean Home with you…well…………..if you can cook that is
I wanted to share this recipe with you as it’s my favorite and I always ask Heidi to cook this as many times as possible. It’s a Dutch Antilles recipe from Aruba and as we are talking Caribbean today I thought I would share this one with you……….actually, Heidi will because I have no idea about how to cook it…………..here she is
Hello Everyone.
Just wanted to say thank you first for all the lovely comments on our anniversary. Five years married to John, do I get a medal? This is one of his favorite recopies. It’s really simple and I hope I explain it well enough. This will serve fourChicken thighs and drumsticks are far moister and have much more flavour than chicken breasts, especially when marinating them in a recipe like this. If you are cooking for a lot of people then it is worth pre-cooking the chicken pieces in a moderate oven (180C/Gas 4) for 20 minutes in the marinade, then finishing them off on the barbecue.
75 ml dark rum
1 tbsp chili powder
1/4 tsp chili sauce
1 tbsp molasses
4 chicken legs, separated into thighs and drumsticks
1 ripe pineapple
3 tbsp honey1 Mix together the rum, chili powder, chili sauce and molasses in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and leave to marinate for two hours.
2 Cut the unpeeled pineapple into eight wedges. Throwaway the tough core and place in a shallow dish. Pour over the honey and leave for 1 hour.
3 Cook the chicken over medium-hot coals for 35-40 minutes, turning and basting with extra marinade occasionally.
4 Add the pineapple, rind side down, to the barbecue 25 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
I hope this translates from Dutch to English and, of course, if you want it like John eats it, serve it with fries.Enjoy
Heidi
So, there you have it. There is, of course, so much more I could write about the Caribbean and indeed I will in future blogs. If you have any specific questions about what to do please let me know and I (with the help from my colleagues) will let you know what we suggest. Just mark your comments “please reply.”
Just to whet your appetite even more about Carnival Caribbean cruising, have a look a photos taken yesterday by the photo manager of the Carnival Splendor. It is, of course, three Carnival ships sitting proudly alongside the Havenside Pier. The ships are the Carnival Splendor, Carnival Glory and Carnival Freedom. That’s 9,000-plus happy and fun-filled Carnival guests enjoying all that St. Thomas has to offer.
As I sit here, the Caribbean could not be further away. The rain is beating down on windowpanes, a cold wind is whistling through the lifeless trees and the whole world, it seems, is carpeted in an endless sea of dullness. On every one of the 187 TV channels there are economists with beards telling us how the economy is falling quicker then Paris Hilton’s underwear.
To make matters worse, it grew a tiny bit light barely an hour ago……. and in 30 minutes it’ll be dark again. And last night at a dinner party we went to I had to listen to a group of people most of which we had never met before already talk about their New Year’s resolutions…………I wintered to take the bone that was left over from my lamb chop and stab each of them with it.
Good grief isn’t there enough doom and gloom in the world without already deciding what else to give up………….I mean……imagine this for a moment. You’ve reached for your cigarettes but with a heart stopping moment of pure, unbridled despair you’ve remembered that you made a pact with yourself on New Year’s Eve to give up. You decide to have a beer instead but, this being January, you’ve given that up too. Just to see if you can do without for a month.
Food? Oh, dear, no. This is the time of year when you are on a diet so instead of a nice bacon sandwich with loads of ketchup followed by a huge dollop of Spotted Dick, your lunch will be a bag of dust garnished with some lightly grated celery and various other weeds.
And, of course, you can’t sit down in front of the television this afternoon and watch The Miami Heat pulverize The Lakers because you also decided, in a moment of Christmas madness, that you ought to get fit.
As a result, this afternoon you must squeeze your stomach into a silly T-shirt and, despite the rain, run around the neighborhood, looking ridiculous. One thing’s for sure, though. You won’t be running into me on your jog, in the same way you won’t be finding me in the fruit ’n vegetable section of the local organic health food shop.
I do not make New Year resolutions because I simply cannot see the point of deliberately choosing the gloomiest month of the year to make my life a little bit less pleasant.
Nobody ever says: “Right. This year I’m going to have more rumpy pumpy, eat more chocolate and drive a little bit faster.”
Why not? Because nobody ever lies on their deathbed thinking: “Thank goodness I never ate that rib eye steak and bought that Aston Martin.” As we grow old, we tend to regret the things we haven’t done rather than the things we have. Unless you sailed on RCI.
The fact is that our lives are short and I can’t see why vast numbers of people waste a twelfth of them by spending January beating themselves with twigs. I therefore recommend you to try to make every day a fun day. To laugh as much as is possible. To combat the miserable, wet weather by eating, drinking and being merry……..and joining me on a Caribbean cruise.
All you need to achieve this is to give up giving things up.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Filed under: Caribbean, Destinations, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Caribbean, Carnival Splendor, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Jamaica, Mexico, Ocho Rios, Puerto Rico, Seven Mile Beach, St. Lucia, St. Thomas
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY
We are booked on the Dec 3 Bloggers Cruise on the Dream.
First we thought you were going to be the CD but reading your replys to other emails find out your not. But your doing the blogger things so we felt that was still good. I called my Carnival consultant, Lenny Hernandez, who is a real asset to Carnival by the way. He should be senior cruise consultant. I asked him to make sure we had the code for the bloggers thingy included in our reservation. He called around and got the same answer everywhere. “They cannot participate in any blogger thingy’s because they are getting a military discount. Does this seem fair to people that have served their country. If your not the CD and we cannot even participate in the blogger things we are seriously thinking of canceling the trip. I really hate to do it but this is just not fair. HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Bill and Joan Russell
My New Year’s resolution is to not make one, just like every other year.
Jeff
Yep… to all the above… all the experiences… all the fun… all the ports… the weather… the night sky and everything else.
One could wander the Caribbean for years and still have more to see.
Certainly, Europe is lovely and wonderful and a treat to visit but the Caribbean is soooooo easy and yet so lovely.
You were spot on today… end of discussion!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
Dear John The word Caribbean conjures up the images of Rum cakes dancing in your head,and Rum bottles floating on the crystal blue waters,Rum glazed chicken and fish cooking on and open fire.Ice-e cold fruit bathed in the wondrous glistening liquid Rum.Wait a minute did I mention Caribbean Rum? Best wishes to you all Gary and Bug p.s.Heidi the recipe sounds fantastic Umm umm!!! Did I say Rum?
Please Read!
John,
I just wanted to post about our trip last week on the Splendor sailing 11/29! (It would have been sooner, but my computer decided that it too wanted to take a vacation and the internet was out snorkeling in the world wide web and refused to connect me!)
It was really Spectacular Spectacular! I want to commend the staff and crew on one of my favorite cruises ever! And it wasn’t thier fault that we flipped our kayak into the ocean on our night kayak tour in San Juan (and yes, it’s a good story
The entertainment staff was splendid! We had sailed with Kevin before, but we loved sailing with him again-he is so much fun! Adele was wonderful too-cracked me up during Game Show Mania! She really brought the fun to all the events we went to! Lauren was great, but unfortantely we didn’t get to spend as much time with her. We even got the privelege of sailing with Dance Captain Claire again-she was on the Glory with us last year when Ashley fell in love with Wee Jimmy! She is one of the sweetest, most sincere people I have ever met. And her dancers were amazing too! Overall, I would gladly cruise with any of them as my entertainment staff again any day!
Yes, I was super disappointed that you were not going to be our cruise director. But I did get the chance to meet you in Philly at the Pinata event, so I was ok with Goose. My friend Ashley had even convinced me that Goose was totally my type of cruise director, though she might have been referring to his looks
He did a great job. Throughout the week we spent some time talking to him and it was a lot of fun. We even got that elusive fruit basket from him-who knew such a little thing could make such a big difference??
Our waitstaff at Table 107 was fantastic too! Some of the best service we’ve ever gotten on Carnival and that’s saying a lot!
It really was a Spledid week and not one that I will forget anytime soon. And alot of the credit goes to you too because I know that alot of those still on board were part of your team. So, thank you, thank you, thank you! And hopefully we’ll see you on a cruise soon!!
Sarah
My husband has planned a great cruise for us this July on the Splendor – can’t wait. Love this Blog with all it’s info. Been to a couple of the places and walked away with some awesome memories!
Hi John,
Thanks for sharing the pictures of the 3 Carnival ships docked in St. Thomas. I definitely want to return there and the other ports of the Eastern Caribbean. I love those ports. Even though I have 2 cruises booked for 2009, neither one goes to the Eastern Caribbean. Just couldn’t make it work.
I am looking forward to the two cruises I have booked. The Fantasy in March (a family cruise) and the 6 day Western Caribbean on The Freedom, May 31 with just my husband. They can’t get here fast enough. I am ready to go now.
Have a wonderful day.
Merry Christmas
Thank you Heidi for the recipe ! Will have to try it out real soon.
John, your weather is better than ours in Houston, Texas right now. It is 32 F and snow flurries are falling !
Please give a mention about St. Martin ! It is by far our favorite island ! Just amazing and a great launching place for trips to the other islands in the area.
Looking forward to Feb 09 on the BLOG2NOLA cruise.
Phil & Liz
Hi John/Heidi:
That recipe looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it.
Such a great review of the Caribbean islands. Hearing about all those tours and locations bring back so many wonderful memories.
Great pics.
Thanks for posting and take care!
David
I am a huge fan of the Caribbean and have been to most of the islands more than once. I love St. Thomas and it is probably the most beautiful harbor of any of the Caribbean islands. I love to just sit on my balcony and just look at the beauty and watch the sea plane take off and land–so pretty and peaceful but I agree there are many things to see and do there and I have done them all including the helicopter tour which was really cool. I also love Aruba (have a timeshare there as well) so I will try that recipe! I love the food there and it is such a beautiful and friendly island. Grand Turk I was there before the cruise center was built and then now since and really enjoyed it and so did the kids. I didn’t do the Flow Rider but have to say I was entertained for hours watching others do it–it provokes much laughter.
Swimming with the stingrays in Grand Cayman I agree is a must! I was so scared that I almost drowned because I was afraid to put my feet down but once you do it it is an awesome experience.
St. Lucia is cool too and Antigua and Barbados but my favorite is a place we went on the Destiny–St. Croix–we loved it there and had some crew members (wasn’t you John) tell us all the places they enjoyed going like “Usual Suspects” and the beer drinking pig and horseback riding on the beach so we rented a jeep and off we went and it was so much fun. I’m older now and much wiser and would never do that now–OMG that place was so beautiful and fun and I hated that Carnival was forced to pull out of there right after we were there because of the crime because we wanted to go back there again but I did read somewhere I thought that maybe they were going to start going back there? I would love to go back there! So much to do in the Caribbean and its warm and sunny and beautiful 90% of the year what’s not to like? I love the change of the seasons but have to say I would prefer winter to last no more than a week at most.
Ok, that’s all.
everyone should go to the caribbean in the winter. it can’t be beat!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John PLEASE RESPOND -
You missed two must do’s, in my opinion.
1. See the Mayan Ruins of Tulum – absolutely fascinating to see these century old structures. Kinda like seeing Old Rome on a beach.
2. Visit one of the Bernard K Passman galleries and stare in awe at the wonderful works of art that this man produces from black coral – the one in Grand Cayman is great.
One more thing – the turtle soup in Grand Cayman is very good. Enjoy.
Jon
WOW! I am voting for this blog as your very BEST! You were so DEEP in your thoughts, and I profoundly read every word of it, and am mesmerized by all you had to say. Really, John I mean that! You sound like a travelog when you speak about the caribbean, my favorites being Grand Turk, Cozumel, Jamaica and St. Thomas. Just got back from our Splendor cruise and can’t wait for our next. I told someone at work today that if I were rich, or if I ever won the lottery, I would travel more, and would take a cruise each month. Cruising is the BEST vacation in the world. So you got my attention with your blog today! Sounds like you can’t wait to get back to the caribbean! Wish we were going to see you on our cruise, but at least we can correspond with you, which is the best thing you ever did, in starting this blog. So many people have become friends, all because of you. Heidi sounds great, take good care of that lovely wife of yours and the soon to be “Wee One”. See you again, someday soon I hope! Hope your Holidays are Happy moments for you both! Linda & Mike
PLEASE REPLY IF POSSIBLE
Good evening John, Heidi & ? The Caribbean has always been in back of my mind. Now that I’ve cruised I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to visit some of these islands. In 2009 my wife and I are cruising at Nassau, St. Thomas ( thanks for the photos, they look great ) and my favourite St. Maarten. My dream is to eventually cruise all of the island in some way. Your knowledge and expertise has allowed me to know about the islands before I go there. In 2010 I plan on cruising to Panama and see the Panama Canal. Will Carnival change some of the islands in their cruises in the near future? Or have a 10 day cruise on the Caribbean? Or something new about cruising? Just asking. I saw in your blog yesterday you stated that you saw Heidi’s glow. I told you so.Isn’t it beautiful? Ciao my friends.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John (Please reply),
we are sailing on the Miracle in 12 days and want to take a small present to give our cabin and dining room staff on Christmas Day. Any suggestions?
Cheers
Sean
John,
We will be in Grand Cayman next week and plan to see a fairly new attraction called
BOATSWAIN’S BEACH ADVENTURE MARINE PARK. We will write and let you know what our thoughts are.
Have a great Holiday season and Thank you to Heidi for the chicken recipe.
It has rained all day today and then I get to come home and read your blog and you are talking about the Caribbean and all the sun and fun with Carnival.
22 days and I am so excited.
This might be our 9th but I get excited every time.
And ever since the health issues came up a year ago I have looked at life differently. Live it to the fullest. A friend sent this to me and I have decided that this is my new motto to live by.
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming –
WOO HOO what a ride!!!”
I love this motto so much I have decided to do it in needle work and hang it on my wall.
Heidi, I’m glad you are feeling well. Be sure and take time for yourself every day. Find a quiet place and rest. Once Thingy is born you won’t get to do this.
Must go, Have a great night.
Love
CruisingGrandma
CarolAnn
John,
what a magnificant site … all 3 conquest class ships in the same port at the same time …. wow…now if that does not make you want to get on a carnival ship and enjoy life then maybe you should see your doctor ASAP as the connection between your heart and head is broken for sure.
a note on the christmas tree thingy,, no matter what it costs there will always be a live tree in this house. We buy live trees with the roots packed and after the holiday we plant the tree spme where on the property. We then carve the date in the tree of the christmas it celebrated.
This tradition was started by my mom back in 1954(my first christmas ) and the tree is still alive and well and is one of the many lining her driveway.
Glad to see Heidi has you almost trained lol
Enjoy
Semper Fi
John please reply..
Hey John, Cindy and I need some assistance and advice so we have decided to seek out your Imperial Wisdom.(lol)
Ok so i tried, any way Cindy and I are booked on the Freedom for an 8 day cruise on march 14th.
we were booking our shore excursions and we have a great time planned for our cozemel visit. however were are at a bit of a loss for the other 2 ports
1- Limon, Costa Rica
2-Colon,Panama
We have read all the excursion details and nothing really rung the bell as we say.
so miss Cindy said, Why not solicite Dear OLD John for his suggestions for these ports, and being a well trained husband (30 years) i have learned that there is no differance between a “suggestion” and a “direct order” ..lol
so in any case we would like to ask for any suggestions that you may have.
we will be celebrating our 31st anniversary on this cruise as we celebrated number 30 last year with you on Freedom.
Thanks
Bill
Hi John,
First time cruiser sailing December 14, 2008 on the Carnival Victory. I am looking forward to meeting Malcom “Woo Hoo”. I have been a daily blog reader since May. I was in the UK during March 2008 and as you say it was “brilliant”. Northampton was very much like my home town of Newbury, MA. My husband and I spent a weekend in London at the Paddington Hotel, was a bit of rain, however, we enjoyed the city very much. I am so excited to be sailing this weekend to an island a day. I have not been to any of the islands on the itinerary and am so looking forward to the entire experience. I am already hooked–looking at the Mexican Riviera next. My husband and I will be celebrating 28 years of marriage. Will have to look into a blogger’s cruise so we may one day meet you and Heidi and Thingy! Wishing you all a joyous holiday!
Pam
John….
CARIBBEAN… This word conjures up aqua, navy, tourquoise, teal, azure, sky, and on and on and on… I see BLUES!!! LOVELY and WONDERFUL!!! You hit it right!!!
I just returned from snorkeling in Cozumel… First time snorkeler!! Very proud of myself! Took the Carbival Excursion Deluxe beach party, snorkeling, and Catamaran. The Fury Company made it OUTSTANDING!!!! Great outfit!!! I have the sunburn to prove it… As I had a snowball fight with my daughter… my sunburn was tingling…
I need more islands… and between all our ships… it’s all thee for the taking! OWN THE CARIBBEAN!!! SAIL THE CARIBBEAN!! EXPERIENCE THE CARIBBEAN!!!
Take it home as a memory and treat… It’ll keep you warm all winter!!!!
Ooooo, Heidi — the recipe, the chicken… I’m trying it on Sunday!!! Won’t be like a Texas Sunday Chicken dinner… It’ll be DELICIOUS!!!! Thank you!!!
And thank you Stephanie and Tony too!!!
Lambie
Hi John & Heidi,
It’s raining here too and those photos of St. Thomas had me dreaming of a Caribbean Christmas, or Hanukkah or Birthday (or all 3). My nephew asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I put a cruise at the top of the list – FAT CHANCE.
Thanks for the recipe Heidi, I’ll try it. Did I ever tell you my favorite marinade for steak – very simple. Equal parts Soy Sauce & Dark Rum. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and put on the Grill (Foreman or other). I got this recipe at the Cruzan distillery on St. Croix when I was on the Destiny in ‘97. How come Carnival stopped going there?
John, to go back to the Xmas tree – why didn’t you ask the price before he cut it?
I have finished my shopping, some wrapping & some cards – gonna try & do the rest of the cards today – Simon Legree is out sick.
Take care,
Hugs,
Carol
Heidi, I’ve copied the recipe for my son to try as he loves to BBQ and loves rum! I can hardly wait to taste the results. Thanks for sharing.
John, would you please reply regarding things to do in Belize that may not be cruise tours (we’ve done most of those that appeal). We’ll be heading there on Jan. 1st. Hopefully things will be open on New Years Day. Jeri
John:
I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions either.
If there is an area in my life that needs a “check up”…. (regarless of which month it is)…I handle it right then.
Heidi’s recipe sounds so good….it (almost) makes me wish I cooked!!! Sadly, I am still domestically challenged….
DJ says hi!! He has been in a great mood these past weeks since his GATORS have been winning!
One of the ladies from our Splendor Roll Call brought him a Gators lanyard and it is now his most prized cruise item. (second only to the Nascar Rescue Crew hat another cruiser brought him in January)
The weather here yesterday was miserable. 4 inches of rain. David was trying to fly home from North Carolina (and they circled Atlanta for so long) that they had to divert to Chattanooga Airport, Hair Care and Tire Center for fuel.
He is already back at the airport this morning, flying to ..(you guessed) BACK to North Carolina.
(Wilmington this time). He is suppose to be home tomorrow….unless the weather has different ideas.
Next week, he is off the Washington, DC…again IF the weather cooperates!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi, John!
Thanks for writing about the Caribbean today. As Phil noted, Houston is having really cold temps (for our area). I can feel the warm breezes on my face and easily recall the beautiful azure waters. Ahhh, yes!
Regarding New Year’s resolutions…… nope, don’t believe in them! It amazes me, how much you and I have in common. Before you know it, this Texas girl will probably start saying “bugger” and you’ll start saying “y’all!” What do you think?
Dear John and Heidi
Its cold and raining outside and thank you for conjouring up blue skies and warm sandy beaches. I have been to the Caribbean 5 times and I know I still have not seen it all..
Heidi THANK YOU for sharing the wonderful receipe, I can’t wait to try it..Hope you are doing well with the pregnancy.
Regarding New Years resolutions, I used to make them and then by Feb they were forgotten. Now I don’t make them any more. What is so amazing is that I have noticed how the diet industry slams the public in the month of January..It’s almost annoying to the core.
Ok I’m getting off my soap box now
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth
John, for many years I sold CHRISTmas trees for my local Knights of Columbus. You sir would have been on the top of my best customers list. I just loved those people that say I will take this CHRISTmas tree and you put the CHRISTmas tree in or on their car. Then they ask how much for this CHRISTmas tree. Ka ching Ka ching Ka ching Thank You Sir.
BIG ED
Hi John:
The rum talk reminded me of our trip to the Carribean. As you know I have a mentally handicap daughter that is 20 years old but actually looks like a 12 year old. When we were in one of the ports, they had the factory where the rum cakes are made. So we went in to buy some and they let you taste them. My daughter was eating some and an employee came running over and told me to stop her because you had to be 18 years old. I started to laugh and said she is 19 years old and showed him proof. He was so shocked and said “oh” and walked away. It really was funny. We were even questioned on the ship when we were laying out in the “adult” section of the ship. When I showed the employee the proof, again she was totally shocked and said “sorry”. On the ship everyone is so nice to her. In the adult section, we went into the jacuzzi and I explained to the passengers that she was 19 and would not bother them. One guy stated, as long as my kids aren’t here, you can bring whoever you want. He made me feel like we were welcomed. That is what cruising is all about.
Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely give it a try for christmas.
I wish you, Heidi and “thingy” a very merry christmas and a safe and healthy new year.
Pam and Tony Lettorale
Warmed me up just reading about the Caribbean and remembering the 2 cruises we’ve taken there. Obviously, we need a few more as several ports listed were unvisited so far! And it’s gloomy, rainy and wintery here too. I NEVER make January resolutions as I totally agree it’s a very bad time of year to give up anything you enjoy…I notice the short days more as I get older and I know that the more fun I can plan for the gloomy time of year the better. Hoping to get on one of those Caribbean cruises in February! Thanks for the great blogs John…..we all appreciate your efforts, especially when you could just stop while at home (but we’d miss ya too much!). Thanks for sharing the chicken recipe Heidi…we’ll try it soon! Greetings to Heidi, Desk and Stephanie! Gloria
Good Afternoon John,
I agree with everything you said about living life and doing exceptional things. I have a “bucket list” which I hope will be complete before I vacate my present position on this planet. I love to snorkle, tour, shop, people watch, meet people and my list goes on and on but most of all I enjoy helping others and doing nice little unexpected things for complete strangers. My payment “Pay it Forward”. The things I still want to do well it’s a pretty long list but I’m determined so I’m sure it will get done.
Our Knights of Columbus, BIG ED, love Jack. We get a CHRISTmas tree, load it on the SUV (yup got one of those “big truck little woman”) ask how much, cha ching, and Jack gives them 10 dollars more!!! Hmmmm Merry Christmas ;D
Thank you John and Heidi for the recipe it will be one of the first things on the grill when the ice and snow go away!
Take care
Joan
John,
The mention of jerk chicken reminded me of why I love OchoRios. I think the place you mentioned is the same one we always visit. We love to try new places to cruise, but still love coming back to the Carribean on any Carnival cruise.
Joyce
After seeing those spectacular photos…..my heart yearns for something tropical ….
Queue up some Beach Boys…..
Cocktails and moonlit nights
That dreamy look in your eye
Give me a tropical contact high
High … ?!?! …
When I’m a walking, I strut my stuff, and then I’m so strung out
I’m high as a kite, I just might, stop to check you out
Let me go on, like a blister in the sun
The Flying (now legal for medicinal purposes) Dutchman
Hi John
We just returned from or 11/29 sailing aboard the Carnival Splendor. Since you had a part in the start-up, I wanted you to know that the entertainment on this ship was the best we have ever seen on a cruise. Also I thought the entire crew went out of their way to be friendly. We couldn’t pass anyone without them recognizing us with a hello or greeting. I hope this new trend spreads thru the entire fleet as we are on the Freedom in June, and the Dream for New Years.
Good work!
Wow John, you said it all today, and so perfectly…wonderful day to finally be caught up on my blog reading!!! Thank you so much!!!
Love to you and Heidi, and our little Thingy, and Stephanie, and Tony, and all our blogger family!! I have missed you!!
Floatie
John,
Hello from Boston where it is cold and raining very hard (at least it is not snow).
Loved seeing the 3 ships in St. Thomas, one of my favorite ports!! Cruising in 37 days on Freedom and can not wait. Just got off Splendor (did the 2 day) and loved the ship, sorry we missed you. Stay dry!!
Bill
Hello John & Heidi,
We love all of our cruises but the Caribbean is always a favorite. We especially like St. Thomas and we have a time share there as well but haven’t used it in a few years.
Thanks for writing the blog.
Linda & George
Thanks Heidi for the recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
John, maybe this could be a regular item on your blog where you could post some famous CCL recipes from the onboard chefs? Just a thought but I’m sure the people who cruise would love to go back home and try out some recipes of foods they enjoyed eating on board. Talk to Natco or Ian about that and see what they say.
My daughter and I are sailing on the Freedom on March 14. First time cruisers. Very excited to see the sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Has anyone been on this cruise before?