Category Archives: Caribbean

Snorkeling in Belize

Posted on March 22, 2019 by

It’s a long tender ride from ship to shore in Belize. Tenders are used when there is no cruise ship dock and the ship waits offshore while smaller boats bring passengers to land. These are sometimes the taller lifeboats off … Continue reading →

Posted in Caribbean, Holland America, Ports of Call, Shore Excursions, South and Central America, Veendam | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

Posted on December 21, 2018 by

Due to unexplained technological difficulties, Holland America Veendam arrived in Costa Maya 2 hours late. Norwegian Pearl and Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas were already at the dock. The Pearl appeared significantly plainer than when we cruised on it … Continue reading →

Posted in Caribbean, Holland America, Mexico, Ports of Call, Veendam | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Grand Turk Cruise Ship Port

Posted on November 30, 2018 by

Carnival Magic approached an unknown island a couple hours before our scheduled port time for Grand Turk. “Is that a cruise ship?” Sheri asked, pointing at the island over the deck railing. The object in question certainly looked like one, … Continue reading →

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Costa Maya Cruise Ship Port

Posted on November 2, 2018 by

Costa Maya is an engineered cruise ship port, meaning it is not a dock in a pre-existing town, but rather a port area built specifically for cruise ships and their passengers. It has quite an extensive shopping area with lots … Continue reading →

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Paradise Point Skyride in Saint Thomas

Posted on September 14, 2018 by

After having looked up the weather before our Carnival Magic cruise and seeing a prediction of rain for all four ports, we were quite happy to see sunshine in the forecast when time for the actual cruise came. Our second … Continue reading →

Posted in Caribbean, Carnival, Magic, Port Cities, Ports of Call | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

America’s Test Kitchen Cuban Recipies

Posted on August 24, 2018 by

America’s Test Kitchen on Holland America Cruise ships have a variety of ways to keep passengers entertained on board. Each day brings a new list of different things to do on the schedule, which is posted in the newsletter stewards … Continue reading →

Posted in Caribbean, Cruise Food, Holland America, recipes, Shipboard Life, Veendam | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Havana “Walking” Tour

Posted on July 20, 2018 by

When cruising to Cuba it’s required to book an excursion through the ship for anyone who wants to get off the boat that didn’t book their cruise before June of 2017. That is if you are cruising from the USA, … Continue reading →

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Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Posted on July 6, 2018 by

When visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, we almost always end up at one of the historical forts there. Partly because it’s cheap to get in and there are 2 forts within walking distance of the ship, but also because we … Continue reading →

Posted in Caribbean, Carnival, Magic, Port Cities, Ports of Call | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Havana Cruise Ship Port

Posted on June 8, 2018 by

Sailing into Havana, ships negotiate a narrow channel with the guidance of a local pilot. Local pilots board the ship prior to entrance of most any port so that part is standard procedure. Coming into port is quite scenic with … Continue reading →

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Cruising to Cuba

Posted on May 4, 2018 by

If you are not from the USA and are sailing on a ship leaving from anywhere else in the world then Cuba is probably just another cruise ship port without that much difference from any other. Some ships even embark … Continue reading →

Posted in Caribbean, Holland America, Ports of Call, Veendam | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments