Grand Turk

Thursday, January 10th: Grand Turk, Turks and Cacaos

We went on a sail, snorkel, and beach excursion. 

 

 We were the only cruise ship in Grand Turk.  There was one long dock that came out into the water.  This port was very different from the other ports.  It was very small and beautiful! 

 After getting off the boat, we got on a catamaran that sailed us out to a coral reef.  We anchored and snorkeled for about 45 minutes.

 I snorkeled for about half the time.  There was too many people in a very small area.  The snorkeling was amazing.  After jumping into the water, I could see the bottom of the ocean about 15 feet below me.  I swam about 10 feet away from the boat and the drop off put me 7,000 feet from the bottom of the ocean.  The whole ledge/drop-off was a beautiful coral reef with beautiful fish.  If you look closely in the picture below, you can see the light blue water on the right change to dark blue on the left.

 Our captain calling all snorkelers to return to the boat.

Clay and Drew stayed in the water to whole time.

 On the trip back to our cruise ship, we anchored about 20 yards from shore.  We got off the boat and walked through the beautiful turquiose water to shore.  The picture below...that was our hike to shore.

 We had some extra time in Grand Turk before we had to get back on the ship.  We did some shopping and laid on the beach.

 We went to a "minute to win it" competition on the boat Wednesday evening.  One of the challenges was to drink down a can of Coke low enough to get the can to balance on its edge.  Since I was drinking a Coke after we got back on the ship, I had to try the challenge... SUCCESS!

 Thursday night was our second elegant evening. 

 

San Juan

Wednesday, January 9: San Juan

We did not do an excursion in San Juan.  We got off the boat and walked through the fort.  We also bought a wooden sea turtle for our wall at home.  We went for drinks at two places; one of them being Senior Frogs.

 

St. Thomas

Tuesday, January 8th: We spent the day at St. Thomas.

We went on a Champagne Catamaran Snorkeling trip to St. John.

 

 Drew and I getting off the BIG boat and getting on the catamaran.

 We anchored just off the beach at St. John.  We snorkeled for about an hour.  During that hour, it rained, but we hardly noticed since we were in the water.  We got to see a sea turtle!  It was swimming along the bottom of the ocean (15 ft deep.) It swam up and surfaced about 5 yards from us.  SO COOL!  I also swam to shore, walked up on the beach, and then swam back to the boat.  So, I can officially say I have been to St. John island.

 This is where we snorkeled!  The water was beautiful.

 The clouds parted and the sun came out!  We were able to sail back to St. Thomas.  We enjoyed some rum punch and champagne!

 At the dock, Clay and Drew liked the boat called T-Bag.

 Tuesday nights dinner!  The group waiting to get into the dining room.

A Day at Sea

Monday, January 7th:  It was a day at sea!

We spent all day on the deck enjoying the sun, drinks, and deck entertainment!

 

 We also watched Notre Dame get squashed by Alabama.

Port 1: Bahamas

Sunday, January 6th:  Nassau, Bahamas

We went on an excursion in the Bahamas.  We took a boat to the Blue Lagoon Cove and Dolphin Encounter.

 Drew and I on the boat to the Lagoon.

 This is what I did at the Blue Lagoon.  I soaked in some rays while reading my book!

 We also walked around the Lagoon area.  The water was beautiful!

 We went and saw the dolphins, but we did not do the encounter or swim.

Clay and Drew used their ping pong skills!

When we got back on the ship it was the first elegant evening.  Drew ended up getting sick during dinner, so our only picture from the night was the professional shot we had done. 

 

 

Cruise Wedding

Friday, January 4th:  Drew and I arrived in Miami, FL.  We spent the evening down at Bayside; meeting up with family, having dinner, drinks, and shopping.

We stayed at the Springhill Suites in Miami on Friday night.

 

 

Saturday, January 5th:  All aboard the Carnival Liberty for Austin and Crissy's wedding cruise!  We were able to board the ship very early for the wedding.  We could not get in our room, but we were able to go to Deck 9 to get some food.

 The brothers waiting to board the ship.

 Drew and I waiting to board the ship.

 Drew and I visited the deck before the wedding. 

 The guys were getting ready for the wedding.

 Taylor and Austin right before the wedding started.

 Ready to get the show on the road.  Austin and Crissy right after she walked down the aisle.

 Post wedding photo.

 Drew and I with Crissy and Austin at the reception.

 Setting sail!  See-ya later, Miami!  Hello open water!