Tag Archives: Cruise

Rescue At Sea

Rescue of stranded Cuban refugees aboard a raft in the Gulf of Mexico

On the first day of our cruise we were at sea, headed to Costa Maya, Mexico. At some point in the afternoon we started to notice that the ship had slowed and started a big turn. As passengers realized this we started to wonder what was happening, and soon word started to spread that someone had spotted a stranded sailboat.

Soon the captain came on the PA and explained that we had passed a disabled boat and that the passengers were waving for help. It is a maritime rule that the closest vessel is obligated to perform a rescue, and that was us.

Rescue of stranded Cuban refugees aboard a raft in the Gulf of Mexico

While the rescue was taking place, the cruise director kept asking for “no photos or videos,” which is a lost effort when everyone on board is carrying a camera! I took a few photos of the rescue, but they are heavily cropped. The one time on the cruise where I wish I had packed my long lens!

Turns out it wasn’t much of a sailboat. We learned the following day when the rescued people were turned over to Mexican authorities that they were refugees from Cuba, had been at sea for over a month, and had recently run out of food and water.

Rescue of stranded Cuban refugees aboard a raft in the Gulf of Mexico

I can only imagine the desperation that people have that would make them want to undertake such an effort. I am thankful that any ship I sail on has plenty of food and water!

Rescue of stranded Cuban refugees aboard a raft in the Gulf of Mexico

A Slice of Color From Belize

Colorful foliage at Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line private island in Belize

Kathy & I are in Fredericksburg, TX after our cruise on Norwegian Prima, and I just took time to look at my photos so far. We didn’t get off the ship in Costa Maya, Mexico because we got in to port late and the weather was iffy, which turned out to be the right move because it rained most of the time we were in port!

Our stop in Harvest Caye, Belize was cloudy and overcast, so I didn’t get any “postcard worthy” photos, but I did manage to find some slices of color in this interesting foliage.

I’ve taken a bunch more photos and will get them posted in due time!

Colorful foliage at Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line private island in Belize
Colorful foliage at Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line private island in Belize
Colorful foliage at Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line private island in Belize

Touring Curacao

View of Grote Knip Beach on the island of Curacao

The final stop on our recent cruise was the island of Curacao. Together with Aruba and Bonaire, it forms the ABC islands. Collectively, Curaçao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the Dutch Caribbean. Curacao is the largest of the ABC islands in both area and population as well as the largest of the Dutch Caribbean.

For our time on Curacao we booked a private tour with Henry Plaate, a taxi driver who I found on a Curacao tourism website. Henry and I communicated multiple times prior to our visit, and he did a fantastic job in showing us the highlights.

The waves along the northeast (Atlantic) shore were pretty incredible!

Wave action at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Waves crashing on the Atlantic coast at Shete Boka National Park, Curacao

I sometimes have problems with caves, but this one was not too deep, and the photo ops made me forget about any issues. Very cool!

Light rays in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Light rays in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Waves crashing in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Waves crashing in a cave at Boka Tabla, an inlet in Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Kunuku House near Willemstad, Curacao

Beaches and boats, some of my favorite scenery!

Beach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on Curacao
Beach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on Curacao
Beach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on Curacao
Beach at Playa Grandi, known as a spot for sea turtles and fishing on Curacao
View of Grote Knip Beach on the island of Curacao
Local inhabitant at the Grote Knip Viewpoint on the island of Curacao
View of Santa Martha Bay on the island of Curacao
Flamingos near Jan Kok, Curacao
Downtown Willemstad, Curacao
Celebrity Equinox in Willemstad, Curacao
Tourist train in Willemstad, Curacao
Colorful restroom in downtown Willemstad, Curacao
Downtown Willemstad, Curacao
Dal Toro Restaurant in Willemstad, Curacao
Before…. Whole Snapper at Dal Toro Restaurant in Willemstad, Curacao
After…. Whole Snapper at Dal Toro Restaurant in Willemstad, Curacao
Henry Plaate, our tour guide. At Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
Helipad sailaway from Curacao aboard Celebrity Equinox
One of the critical operations of a cruise ship departure is “letting go the ropes.” These were taken from the helipad during sailaway from Curacao aboard Celebrity Equinox

Artistry At Sea

The Solarium aboard Celebrity Apex

This is (finally) the final post of photos from our February cruise marathon. Completed galleries can be found on my Adobe Portfolio page for anyone wanting to see more.

Light fixture over the Martini Bar aboard Celebrity Apex
Light fixture over the Martini Bar aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex

Cruise ships have always had vast art displays on board. Even back in the early days of steamship travel, ships were known to have decor consisting of paintings, sculptures and murals. Modern cruise ships seem to be carrying this artistic theme even into their design. More and more we are seeing sweeping atriums, huge glass observation decks, and dramatic architectural features that are much more about form than function.

Pendulum-like sculpture aboard Celebrity Apex
Pendulum-like sculpture aboard Celebrity Apex
Pendulum-like sculpture aboard Celebrity Apex
Pendulum-like sculpture aboard Celebrity Apex

On our Celebrity Apex cruise, I tried to capture a bit of the flavor of t his art, as well as some of the design elements. Here is a small collection of what I saw.

The main pool deck area aboard Celebrity Apex
‘Eden’ lounge and restaurant aboard Celebrity Apex
Aboard Celebrity Apex
Collection of Champagne seals formed into little chairs. Le Grand Bistro dining room aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
The Theater aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex
Artwork aboard Celebrity Apex

Sailing On The Apex

Our stateroom #7231 aboard Celebrity Apex

I’m getting close to the end (you’re welcome) of the photos from our cruise marathon this past February. I’ve posted three galleries on my Adobe Portfolio page for anyone who just has to see more.

Our stateroom #7231 aboard Celebrity Apex
The Infinite Verandah was a bit of a letdown. When the window is open the climate control in the room shuts off. The shade covering the window at night can only be raised or lowered, so there is no way to use the balcony while someone in the room is still asleep.

I get a lot of comments about the size of cruise ships, especially from people who have never sailed on one, or sometimes have never even seen one. So I thought I would post some photos and make some comments about this particular ship plus show a brief comparison of ship sizes.

Le Grand Bistro dining room aboard Celebrity Apex
A machine almost as nice as Jeff’s!

Celebrity Apex is the second ship in what is known as the Edge Class that was introduced in 2018. The first ship of course was Edge (2018), followed by Apex (2020), Beyond (2022) and later this year, Ascent. There may be more in the pipeline but I’m not sure. Edge Class is the latest of three classes of ship, with the exception of some smaller specialty ships that sail exclusively in the Galapagos (they are on our long-term list but are quite pricey).

‘Eden’ lounge and restaurant aboard Celebrity Apex
‘Eden’ lounge and restaurant aboard Celebrity Apex
Guitarist Bryan James performs in Eden aboard Celebrity Apex

Cruise ships are generally compared in terms of Gross Tonnage (a measure of volume, not weight), length and passenger count. I’m using Celebrity’s ships for comparison, although there are many other ships with different lines, both larger and smaller.

From a previous cruise: Celebrity Constellation, Oasis of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond
The orange structure on the side is the Magic Carpet. It travels up and down the side of the ship and functions as a bar by day, a restaurant at night, and a tender platform when the ship is operating tenders to take guests to shore.

We don’t usually sail on ships when they are fairly new, because in general they are more pricey than ships that have been out a while. But in this case, we were already in Fort Lauderdale for our first two cruises, so by spreading the travel expenses over another cruise we were able to bring the average cost down. And we got a pretty good price for booking fairly late, and it gave us a chance to try out a ship sooner than we might otherwise.

The Solarium aboard Celebrity Apex
The main pool deck area aboard Celebrity Apex
Oceanview Cafe dining area aboard Celebrity Apex
Rooftop Garden area aboard Celebrity Apex
Rooftop Garden area aboard Celebrity Apex
Rooftop Garden area aboard Celebrity Apex

One of the recent trends among some of the cruise lines is to make the ships larger and larger. Royal Caribbean has the largest ships afloat, and will soon be introducing Icon of the Seas, which will carry 7,600 passengers. I’m sorry, but that is stupid big. Not to say we’ll never sail on her, but when our preference is ships 1/3 of the size, we aren’t going to be standing in line!

What always surprises us is that for the most part, the ships don’t feel crowded. Exceptions are sea days by the pool, and “lobster night” in the main dining rooms. Sometimes there is a special event going on in the central atrium (called different things on different ships) and those can get crowded. Other than that, Kathy & I have developed some routines that get us out and about before the crowds arrive (we call them “the nooners” although I’m aware that term has several meanings. 😉 ). There are often out of the way places where it is quiet and uncrowded, although that also means we have to walk a way to the bathrooms and retrieve our own drinks. 🙂

The main pool deck area aboard Celebrity Apex
Passageway along the pool deck aboard Celebrity Apex

The great thing about newer ships, however, is that the decor and architecture are beautiful. The layout, styling and technology have come a long way since we started cruising in 2000. There are more dining choices, more entertainment options, the theaters have new technologies and even the staterooms have fancy gadgets like temperature and lighting controls. It’s even possible to adjust the shades, lighting and temperature of a stateroom using an app, from anywhere on the ship. Not terribly useful, but there are cases where it might be.

Production show ‘Rockumentary’ in The Theater on Celebrity Apex
Cellist ‘Elanka’ performing in The Theater aboard Celebrity Apex
The Theater aboard Celebrity Apex
Cosmopolitan dining room aboard Celebrity Apex
Tuscan dining room aboard Celebrity Apex
Casino aboard Celebrity Apex

There were things we loved about Apex, and a few things that we didn’t care for. I won’t go into a lot of detail here, but overall we liked the ship, but for our money we prefer the smaller and slightly older Solstice Class like Equinox that we sailed on for the first two cruises.

Cleaning the light fixture over the Martini Bar aboard Celebrity Apex

You Better Belize It!

Jaguar Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize

After our visit to Key West, Celebrity Apex sailed to Belize. We had sort of visited Belize in 2020, but only to stop at Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island. This time we got to see the “real” Belize with a visit to Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.

From travelbelize.org: Lamanai (from the Yucatec Maya for “submerged crocodile”) was a city-state dating to 1500 BCE. Archaeological research has revealed that the site was continually occupied for 3,000 years until European contact. More than 700 Maya structures have been identified, but only a few have been excavated and studied, including a ball court, stelae, and principal structures like the Mask Temple, adorned by two impressive carved limestone masks over 13 ft. (3.9 m) in height.

The vast majority of the site remained unexcavated until the mid-1970s. Archaeological work has concentrated on the investigation and restoration of the larger structures, most notably the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple, and High Temple. The summit of this latter structure affords a view across the surrounding jungle to a nearby lagoon, part of New River.

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
High Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
Restoration work in process at High Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
Mask Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
Mask Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize
Jairo, one of our guides at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize

We were not able to climb the High Temple, as it was closed for restoration work. Instead, we were able to climb the Mask Temple. It doesn’t have the view of the High Temple, but it was interesting and fun to climb.

Yes, I climbed it! Mask Temple, a Mayan structure at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, Belize

Getting to Lamanai involved a tender ride from the ship (there is no cruise ship dock in Belize), an hour plus bus ride to a boat, then a boat ride to the reserve. Once there, a lot of walking, then back to the boat and do it in reverse back the ship. Fortunately, between the return boat ride and the bus ride, we got lunch!

Colorful canopies shade the walkway along the waterfront in Belize City, Belize
Colorful canopies shade the walkway along the waterfront in Belize City, Belize
Colorful waterfront in Belize City, Belize
Colorful waterfront in Belize City, Belize
Colorful buildings along the waterfront in Belize City, Belize

The ruins were very interesting, and our guides did a good job explaining the various pyramids and their uses. The Mayan culture has largely disappeared, although their descendants, including our guides, help keep the heritage alive.

Celebrity Apex anchored off the coast of Belize

A Short Stop In Key West

Where To? The Sunset Pier Bar in Key West, Florida

After our two cruises on Celebrity Equinox, we boarded one of Celebrity’s newest ships, Celebrity Apex, for a 7 night cruise to the Western Caribbean. The first stop was Key West, Florida. Not exactly an exotic Caribbean destination, but certainly an interesting place to spend some time.

No Shoes Please. Key West, Florida

This was our first time sailing to Key West, but we had visited there previously, flying down for a few chilly days in February 2015. I think we must have experienced record low temperatures on that visit. It was sunny and warm this time, however!

Celebrity Apex in Key West, Florida

As a cruise port, visited during the day, Key West is pretty much like any other cruise port except the natives speak English and everyone takes dollars. It’s a different world in the evenings, as we experienced previously. No, it’s not all the wild and crazy scene that Key West might be known for, but it is definitely more of a party atmosphere.

The Sunset Pier Bar in Key West, Florida
The Sunset Pier Bar in Key West, Florida
View of Sunset Key from the waterfront in Key West, Florida
Snowy Egret on the waterfront in Key West, Florida
Along the waterfront in Key West, Florida

One example would be our visit to the Sunset Pier Bar. We arrived in the morning, and at that point the bar was closed. There were a few people taking selfies on the pier, but for the most part it was deserted. It’s a completely different place at sunset, which is what that part of the island is famous for.

Random scene in Key West, Florida
Random scene in Key West, Florida
Even the trash cans were green! Key West, Florida

Kathy & I spent a few hours walking around town, ending up at Blackfin Bistro, a favorite lunch spot that we remembered from a previous visit. We had a lovely lunch of fresh fish and veggies, along with a nice glass of wine. Afterward we wound our way back to the ship to prepare for departure and sailing to our next stop, Belize.

Random scene in Key West, Florida
Random scene in Key West, Florida
Random scene in Key West, Florida
Lighthouse. Key West, Florida

Bon Bini To Bonaire

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 Bonaire
Donkey 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 Bonaire
Cargill Salt Works on the island of Bonaire
Cargill Salt Works on the island of Bonaire
Salt 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 Bonaire
Marker 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, Bonaire
Windsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Windsurfing shop at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Swimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Swimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
She wouldn’t get out of my shot…what could I do? Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Swimmers and windsurfers at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Sebastians Beach Bar at Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Coconut weather forecast. Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
Windsurfing 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, Bonaire
Downtown Kralendijk, Bonaire
Downtown Kralendijk, Bonaire
Downtown 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 Equinox
Windstar “Star Legend” in Bonaire during our arrival aboard Celebrity Equinox
Arriving in Bonaire aboard Celebrity Equinox

Turnaround Day In Port Everglades

Early morning arrival in Port Everglades after our first Celebrity Equinox cruise

One of the things that is fun about doing a back-to-back sailing is what is often referred to as Turnaround Day. The ship returns to port (usually but not always where it started) to disembark passengers, embark new passengers, take on food and supplies and prepare to head out in the afternoon on a new cruise.

Early morning arrival in Port Everglades after our first Celebrity Equinox cruise

Part of what makes Turnaround Day fun, especially if you don’t have to change staterooms, is that you basically have another nice morning on the ship while all of the passengers that are disembarking are schlepping their luggage (some or all of it) into and out of elevators, generally congregating in and blocking the stairwells and public areas, anxiously waiting for their luggage tag number to be called so they can race off the ship and on to wherever and whatever comes next. Those of us who get to stay on board walk around smug and proud, ignoring the fact that they’ll likely be joining that group the next go-around. 😉 My eventual goal is to never have to leave, although that’s not likely to happen!

Early morning arrival in Port Everglades after our first Celebrity Equinox cruise
Yes, that is a ferry on the deck if the cargo ship! Early morning arrival in Port Everglades after our first Celebrity Equinox cruise
Yes, that is a ferry on the deck if the cargo ship! Early morning arrival in Port Everglades after our first Celebrity Equinox cruise
Yes, that is a ferry on the deck if the cargo ship! Early morning arrival in Port Everglades after our first Celebrity Equinox cruise

One of the other really nice things is that the crew is often really excited to know that you are a back-to-back passenger. Especially if you are really nice to them and even more especially if you tip well.

After the disembarking passengers have left the ship, those of us who are staying on gather in a central spot, where we are escorted into the terminal, through customs and back on the ship, where we can enjoy an hour or two before the new passengers are allowed to board. There is often a special lunch set up for “consecutive cruisers” which is a nice bonus.

Most mornings on this past cruise I didn’t get up too early. On the islands where we were doing an early tour, the timing didn’t work out, and I had to pace myself for a long day! For some reason, on the morning we returned to Port Everglades, I was up early with my camera, and managed to catch a few photos as we entered the port. Especially interesting was a cargo ship that was transporting a ferry on its deck. In general the port at night is a pretty cool place, as it operates 24/7 and there is always something interesting to see. The light was pretty as the dawn approached, so it made for some nice scenes.

Departing Port Everglades on our second Celebrity Equinox cruise
Departing Port Everglades on our second Celebrity Equinox cruise
Departing Port Everglades on our second Celebrity Equinox cruise
Departing Port Everglades on our second Celebrity Equinox cruise
Departing Port Everglades on our second Celebrity Equinox cruise

I didn’t make too many photos during the day, and I regret that I didn’t get to see the ferry offloaded from the ship it had come in on. That would be interesting to see, but as we left the port in the afternoon I could see that the ferry was gone, although I have no idea where it went.

Next stop, Bonaire!

Ambling Around Antigua

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, Antigua
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, Antigua
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, Antigua
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation near Pares, Antigua
Betty’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, Antigua
Crashing 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, Antigua
Crossing the Atlantic the hard way – by row boat. Nelsons Dockyard Marina, Antigua
Boats and yachts from around the world. Nelsons Dockyard Marina, Antigua
View of Eric Clapton’s home from The Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site, Antigua
The Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
The Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
The Blockhouse, part of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
The Lookout, part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
The Lookout, part of the Shirley Heights Military Complex of the Nelsons Dockyard World Heritage Site
The 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.