Caribbean Holiday Cruise 2014, Part II

Neither of us had previously visited Guadeloupe and so we looked forward to seeing Pointe-a-Pitre, the capital city.  Another ship, the AIDA Luna, was already in port and lots of vendors had set up shops alongside their berth which was near the port exit.  At one of the shops we bought several very nice linen shirts we know we can wear in all the warm places on this cruise, and including when we return home.  Then we walked into downtown and we visited lots of stores and explored the local markets.  And we ran into two crew members we have enjoyed meeting on our ship and it was a photo opportunity.  

While Tom enjoys any and every shopping opportunity, Steve eventually decided to take a break for refreshment and free Internet.

The next port was St. Maarten, and don't you know there were four other ships already docked when we arrived.  But for some reason, when we disembarked and took a water taxi to downtown Philipsburg the crowds we saw in St. Thomas hadn't yet arrived.  And so Tom says, "hooray, more shopping!"  

That evening, we were the second ship to depart and this photo of the sunset has one of the larger ships ahead of us.  Happily, though, all the other ships were headed to other ports as we continued to San Juan alone.  Old San Juan provided us with its great attractions and beautiful architecture as we walked up and down the historic streets and enjoyed snacking at El Picoteo restaurant located in one of our favorite venues, the El Convento Hotel.

Sailing back to Fort Lauderdale, we watched as the ship began preparing itself for the next cruise which is our Grand World Voyage leaving January 5th.  When you read this post, we will have already departed on our way to Santa Marta, Colombia and the next half of our 220 day adventure.  So please check back soon and we'll have more photos for you to hopefully enjoy.  Thank you for following us and Happy New Year !!