Category Archives: Southern Caribbean

Barbados, Southern Caribbean

2026-January, Barbados

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Sunrise as we entered the port.

For our one and only adventure off the ship we took a 3 1/2 hour Coast to Coast bus tour of Barbados. The tour took us from the wealthy side to the lower income side. Amazing structures on the wealthy side.

There are actually 4 apartments in this building. One of which Simon Cowell lives.

I saw a green monkey but was unable to get a photo. They move really fast.

A hand painted bench along the road

The flowers of Barbados planted along the pathway at the cafe stop where we were offered rum or plain punch.

Our final stop was at one of the historic churches on which has a massive graveyard. Many amazing grave monuments, one of which was for the late Prime Minister.

Here lies the late Prime Minister

We also stopped along the coast. The surf was incredible, the location of international surf competitions are held.

Southern Caribbean, St Croix

2026-January 2026, ST. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

There was a beach for relaxation with chairs and umbrellas. We, instead just got off the ship and walked along the boardwalk visiting tourist shops.

Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility

More photos of the bay.

We had the opportunity to see the USS Winston S. Churchill

We enjoyed the scenery and were able to get some nice photos and, of course, had to visit the gift shops.

A sea turtle was hanging around the Navy ship. Had to get it on camera

It was a short visit on land but with the temperature rising it was time to get back on board in the air conditioning.

Southern Caribbean, St Maarten

2026-January, Phillipsburg (St. Maarten) or (Sint Martin)

We had been to St Marten in December and found if we took a bus to Phillipsburg we could rent chairs, umbrella and get a six-pack of beer for $25 for a relaxing day.

Relaxing day swimming and lounging by the beach. It was a beautiful day.

They had jet skis you could rent.

There was a very unique jet ski.

We ate lunch at restaurant with a friendly owner on right . and his assistant on left.

The food was tasty. Ox Tail on left, Shrimp Pasta on right.

He told us of his plans to redo the interior as it was quite simple decor, wooden floors, tables and chairs. It was nothing fancy but the food was excellent along with the service.

Got a photo of another ship visiting St Marteen.

It was a very relaxing time.

St Thomas

2026-January, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

We docked at the port in St. Thomas at 8 a.m. and we were met by this beautiful sunrise.

We did not plan on going on any tours in St. Thomas to save the cost. So we decided to get off the ship and check out some of the jewelry shops. We were told that if you wanted to buy jewelry we should shop at the stores right off the dock as that is where you can get some great deals off of fine jewelry items.

We decided on that option since we had planned a full day at the beach in St Maarten and a tour in Barbados. We visited several stores and were able to find me a ring and a few other items at good price. We boarded the ship at noon and spent the rest of day lounging at the pool and relaxing.

A few more photos of the port and a navy ship docked.

Jewell of the Seas, Southern Caribbean

2026 January, Royal Caribbean Cruise–The Jewel of the Seas

A seven-day cruise to the Southern Caribbean: St. Thomas, St Marteen, Dominica, St Croix, Barbados. While at sea, we enjoyed all the amenities of the Jewel of the Sea.

The Jewel of the Sea can accommodate 2500 passengers. There are continuous activities to partake in from games, music, mini golf, etc.

A balloon drop was held the ship to initiate the cruise. Hundreds of balloons were dropped.

The ships band played daily with a variety of music.

The Sky Bar was located on Deck 11.

Cute towel animals made by the room stewrds.

The ship held a special tribute to veterans.

The ship had an adult pool (left) and a family pool. (right)

The entry into the Schooner Bar

An amazing sight, a full rainbow. Got the one side then the other, went to an upper deck to get full rainbow.

Lovely sunset to the end of a beautiful day.

Final tribute of the flags was held on the last day at sea.

Puerto Rico, Southern Caribbean

2026-January, San Jaun Puerto Rico

We had a two night stay in San Janu, Puerto Rico before heading out on a 7 day Carribbean cruise. We stayed at the Condado Plaza.

As we entered the Condado Plaza they had a large aquarium segmented into three regions: . Pacific, Carribbean and Atlantic with specific fish from each region.

It had a salt water and a fresh water pool. The fresh water pool on the left is less than four feet deep but has a swim up bar. The salt water pool, on the right, was deeper at six foot but no bar.

There also was a lovely beach area where you were provided with an umbrella and chairs.

The hotel had a lovely gift shop full of necessities and souvenirs. There were two restaurants with many delectable choices.

We were visited by one of he locals.

We were on the 7th floor and had a lovely view of the bay.

For outdoor fun there are large lawn games, Jenga and Chess.

For authentic Puerto Rican food we ate at the Havana Bar and Grill.

The Havana was a lovely restaurant with an amazing wine selection. The interior was very welcoming.

The service was excellent with a high-energy waiter.

Authentic Puerto Rican food. The two sauces shown were only for the hardy. We tasted them but thought better not to put it one our food. The shrimp pasta and skirt steak were amazing.

Again excellent service and amazing taste of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The dish below is a Pork Chop.

Also we went to the Waikiki Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

We had a fabulous view of the Caribbean.

The dishes beloware know as Chicken Mofongo and Shrimp Mofongo.

Both these restaurants were only a few blocks from the Condado.

We really enjoyed our two days at the Condado Plaza, before boarding the cruise ship.