Swimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
‘Bon Bini’ means ‘Welcome’ in Papiamentu, which is the common local language on Bonaire.
Flamingo in the distance on BonaireDonkey on Bonaire
This was only our second visit to this lovely island, as not too many cruise ships stop there, opting instead for the more popular Aruba and Curacao. We last visited in 2007, and while we knew we enjoyed the island, we hadn’t remembered a whole lot about it. I tried to set up a private tour, but we couldn’t generate enough interest on our message boards to make it cost effective, so we booked a ship tour to see the highlights.
Cargill Salt Works on the island of BonaireCargill Salt Works on the island of BonaireCargill Salt Works on the island of BonaireSalt crystal on Bonaire
The main industry on Bonaire other than tourism is salt. Yes, salt. There is a huge Cargill salt facility there, where they evaporate sea water in large ponds, scrape away the salt then move it out to container ships to be sent around the world.
Slave huts along the beach on Bonaire. The huts were originally built to house the slaves that worked the salt operations. They have been preserved to document some of the history of the island.Along the beach on Bonaire.Slave huts along the beach on Bonaire. The huts were originally built to house the slaves that worked the salt operations. They have been preserved to document some of the history of the island.Slave huts along the beach on Bonaire. The huts were originally built to house the slaves that worked the salt operations. They have been preserved to document some of the history of the island.
The island is very dry and arid, and is probably best known as a diver’s paradise due to the shallow and clean water. We enjoy looking at water more than getting in it, but there is plenty to see and do for everyone. Flamingos are also very common on Bonaire, and while they are generally pretty shy, we did manage to come across a few.
Crashing waves along the eastern (Atlantic) coast of BonaireMarker commemorating the history of this stretch of beach on the east coast of Bonaire, a site of many shipwrecks and attempts to minimize them.
Along several beaches are restored slave huts. These huts were used to shelter the workers that were brought here in the early days of salt production, before the implementation of heavy machinery. The huts are pretty to look at, even though they represent a less than pleasant past.
Sebastians Beach Bar at Sorobon Beach, BonaireWindsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, BonaireWindsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, BonaireSwimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, BonaireSwimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, BonaireShe wouldn’t get out of my shot…what could I do? Sorobon Beach, BonaireSwimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, BonaireSebastians Beach Bar at Sorobon Beach, BonaireCoconut weather forecast. Sorobon Beach, BonaireWindsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
The Atlantic coast has several beaches with huge waves, and the prevailing winds make places like Sorobon Beach especially attractive for wind surfing and kite boarding. There is also a place on the island where you can rent go karts that are powered by sails.
Government Office Building in Kralendijk, BonaireDowntown Kralendijk, BonaireDowntown Kralendijk, BonaireDowntown Kralendijk, Bonaire
The town of Kralendijk reflects the Dutch influence of the island, in the buildings and architecture. We spent a little time walking around the area close to the ship, which included a marketplace with locally made arts and crafts. A good place to pick up a flamingo souvenir!
Bon Salud! (Cheers!)
Arriving in Bonaire aboard Celebrity EquinoxWindstar “Star Legend” in Bonaire during our arrival aboard Celebrity EquinoxArriving in Bonaire aboard Celebrity Equinox
View from The Lookout, part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
On Antigua I was pleasantly reminded of the joy of a pre-arranged private tour with a small group and a knowledgeable local driver/guide. Kathy & I have done this previously – we arrange a tour for just us or for two or three couples, then post on one of the roll call message boards for someone to share the tour with us, splitting the cost. We have met some lovely people that way, since, at least in our experience, people interested in this type of tour are travelers like us. Not photographers necessarily, but people interested in a little slower pace with more details.
In this case, we responded to someone else’s post, and ended up meeting Susan and John, a very nice couple from Indiana. We had lunch with them on one of our sea days to get acquainted. Unfortunately Susan was not able to join us for the actual tour, so there were just three of us plus Emelda, our guide.
We started our tour with a stop at Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation. We found the remains of an old sugar plantation, with two windmills, and the ruins of several buildings including a still house, where rum was once produced.
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, AntiguaBetty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, AntiguaBetty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, AntiguaBetty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, AntiguaBetty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, Antigua
We then proceeded to Devil’s Bridge National Park, a place with crashing waves and a blow hole. The blow hole wasn’t blowing too much during our visit, which likely reflected the lovely weather we were having! We did get to see a few bursts, however.
Crashing waves at Devil’s Bridge National Park, AntiguaCrashing waves at Devil’s Bridge National Park, Antigua
After Devil’s Bridge it was on to Nelson’s Dockyard, another national park which is known for its marina but is much more. Included within the park is a number of historic sites, including forts, lookouts, beaches, hiking trails and more. We spent quite a bit of time in the various locations, since there was so much to see. It was quite windy at the higher elevations, which made it very pleasant without air conditioning – but hold on to your hat!
Nelsons Dockyard Marina, AntiguaCrossing the Atlantic the hard way – by row boat. Nelsons Dockyard Marina, AntiguaBoats and yachts from around the world. Nelsons Dockyard Marina, AntiguaView of Eric Clapton’s home from The Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site, AntiguaThe Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage SiteThe Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage SiteThe Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage SiteThe Lookout, part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage SiteThe Lookout, part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage SiteThe Lookout, part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
Our last stop was at St. Barnabas Anglican Church. The church is one of the oldest Protestant church buildings in the western hemisphere, dating from the 1670s. The church has a green color due to the high copper content of the stone, which came from a nearby quarry.
St. Barnabas Anglican Church near Liberta, Antigua. One of the oldest Protestant church buildings in the western hemisphere, dating from the 1670s. The church has a green color due to the high copper content of the stone, which came from a nearby quarry.St. Barnabas Anglican Church near Liberta, Antigua. One of the oldest Protestant church buildings in the western hemisphere, dating from the 1670s. The church has a green color due to the high copper content of the stone, which came from a nearby quarry.
After the church it was back through town and to the ship to prepare for our return to Florida and the end of Cruise #1.
View of the Pitons from La Villa de Piton Restaurant near Palmiste, St. Lucia
After our visit to Martinique, we traveled about 50 miles south to the island of St. Lucia. St. Lucia also has a bit of French influence, although not to the extent of Martinique.
Boat on the beach in Anse La Raye on the island of St. LuciaBoat on the beach in Anse La Raye on the island of St. LuciaFishing nets hung to dry. Anse La Raye on the island of St. Lucia
St. Lucia is a beautiful, tropical island, featuring The Pitons, the twin mountains that are actually two parts of a huge, now-extinct volcano. The biggest issue with seeing St. Lucia is the continuously winding and undulating roads.
Town of Soufriere on the island of St. LuciaTown of Anse La Raye on the island of St. LuciaTown of Castries on the island of St. Lucia
We started our tour sitting in the very back of the bus, and while I don’t usually have trouble with motion sickness, I got so woozy that I asked to sit in the front of the bus. I joked with the driver that if he needed me to help him with the driving I would (although I would be terrified!). 😉 The good part was that I was able to take some photos through the windshield, which was fun and a nice distraction.
Morne Coubaril Estate, Saint LuciaMorne Coubaril Estate, Saint LuciaMorne Coubaril Estate, Saint LuciaMorne Coubaril Estate, Saint LuciaMorne Coubaril Estate, Saint LuciaMorne Coubaril Estate, Saint LuciaMorne Coubaril Estate, Saint Lucia
We had a nice tour, however. Our stop in Anse La Raye reminded me of our first visit, back in 2000. The beach there always has some colorful boats, which make for nice photographs. The downside is the residents that pester you for money, offering to pose for photos. One guy was really annoying, until I told him I didn’t have any money. He walked away and didn’t bother me any more.
Toraille Waterfall, Saint Lucia
We stopped for lunch at a nice restaurant with a great view of The Pitons. After lunch we visited a waterfall and a cocoa plantation, where we tasted some roasted cocoa beans and fresh coconut. Yum! On the way back to the ship we passed a parade celebrating St. Lucias 44th year of independence.
Parade celebrating St. Lucias 44th year of independence. Near Castries, St. LuciaParade celebrating St. Lucias 44th year of independence. Near Castries, St. LuciaGo. Road construction on St. Lucia near Castries
St. Lucia is a beautiful island, but I was reminded that the next visit we should take a boat, instead of a van on those winding roads! 🙂
Bus tour on the island of St. LuciaCruise port in Canaries, St. Lucia
Lunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, Martinique
After our rum tasting we proceeded to La Chaudiere Restaurant for a nice lunch. We had some tasty baked chicken with plantain, rice & peas and other yummy sides, along with some French wine and coffee with dessert. After that, we yawned our way to Jardin de Balata Botanical Gardens to walk the grounds and enjoy the tropical plant life. After that we visited The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Balata. The church reminded me a bit of some of the churches we visited in Italy.
Lunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, Martinique
There aren’t too many cruises that visit Martinique (yet) but we really enjoyed our time there. Next time I might plan a longer visit to the distillery and perhaps more time checking out the scenery and some of the small villages we passed through on our bus. The lack of flexibility being one of the downsides of a ship tour.
Lunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, MartiniqueLunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, MartiniqueLunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, MartiniqueLunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, MartiniqueLunch stop at La Chaudiere Restaurant in Le Mourne Rouge, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueHummingbirds at Jardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueHummingbirds at Jardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueJardin de Balata Botanical Gardens in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueThe Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Balata, MartiniqueThe Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Balata, MartiniqueThe Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Balata, MartiniqueThe Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Balata, MartiniqueThe Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Balata, MartiniqueBicycle taxi in Fort-de-France, Martinique
Distillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, Martinique
The next stop on our Martinique tour was the Depaz Rhum Distillery. Now this was pretty nice rum, and the facility has some very historic origins. There was plenty to see and photograph there. The taste of rum was good, but was pretty skimpy, however.
Distillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, Martinique
I didn’t end up bringing home any ‘liquid souvenirs’ from this trip. Unfortunately the cruise lines are strict about bringing liquor on board. And while I could have brought it onto the ship from the port on this cruise, the rules would prevent me from taking it on the next ship. Strange but there is no getting around it – I asked ahead of time!
Distillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueTrees at the Depaz Rhum Distillery on the Island of MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, MartiniqueDistillerie Depaz, rum distillery in St-Pierre, Martinique
Approaching the cruise terminal in Port de France, Martinique aboard Celebrity Equinox
Our stop in Martinique was our first visit to this lovely island, so we made the best of it by taking an all-day ship tour. Over the course of 8 hours we visited: the ruins from a 1902 volcanic eruption, a rum distillery, a local restaurant for authentic Creole-influenced island cuisine, a botanical garden, and to balance off the rum distillery, a church.
Approaching the cruise terminal in Port de France, Martinique aboard Celebrity Equinox
Tour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. Kitts
We don’t always do tours on the islands we visit, but there were several where we found something interesting to do. On St. Kitts, we took a ship tour to the Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens for a guided visit to the estate and rum tasting. Yum!
Rum tasting during our tour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. Kitts
The rum was pretty good, but it was all flavored rum, which is not my thing. We didn’t mind the tastes, though! 🙂
Tour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsTour of Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden on St. KittsWelcome to St. Kitts!Sailaway from St. Kitts on the helipad of Celebrity Equinox
For another dollar we’ll make it a smoothie. Kralendijk, Bonaire
Just being lazy. I’m most of the way through the photos from our last trip, but trying to get them all done before I start posting. In case anyone wondered about me, here is a quick post to confirm I’m still around! 🙂
High Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
While in Belize we took a ship tour to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, a site consisting of the remains of several Mayan temples and other structures from Mayan times. It was a fascinating tour and I even got to climb one of the pyramids (not this one)! You can get a sense of the size of this temple by finding the worker – about halfway up, just to the right of the stairs – doing restoration work.
This is the last Postcard from our voyages, as Belize was the last port where we got off the ship. We have visited Cozumel numerous times, and while Grand Cayman is very nice, it is another port where the ship does not dock. A “tender port” is where one of the ship’s tenders or a larger boat from shore is needed to get onto the land. In both cases we decided to enjoy a mostly empty ship.
The Queen Emma Bridge and the waterfront of Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge is a pontoon bridge connecting pedestrian traffic between two sections of Willemstad Curacao. The bridge is hinged and opens regularly to enable the passage of oceangoing vessels. On the opposite end from the hinge is a small shelter where an operator controls two diesel engines turning propellers. The propellers are mounted perpendicular to the length of the bridge and allow it to swing parallel to the shore. The process only takes a few minutes to complete, although the bridge can remain open for much longer depending on ship traffic.
