packing

No, not for the cruise.  We've got a trip coming up this week.  Not a vacation.  Just some errands we need to take care of, flying down to Florida and driving home again.

counting down

located the suitcase, but haven't started packing.  we've got that road trip next week, I'll pack for the cruise when we get back.

36 days to go

Everything is booked and paid for -- cruise, air travel, excursions.  Steakhouse and Cucina de Capitano reservations have been made.

Can't start packing yet because: 

(1)  It;s summer and I'm wearing the clothes I plan to take on the cruise; and

(2) We have a road trip of sorts starting July 29, I have to pack for that first.

So all that's left to do for now is the countdown.

St. Thomas Excursion

Your journey begins with a 45-minute boat ride to the island of St. John.

Upon arriving in the charming town of Cruz Bay, you'll board open-air safari transportation for a scenic Island drive. Along the way, your guide will provide insight into St. John's rich history, lush, tropical foliage and its indigenous wildlife. You'll witness white-sand beaches and panoramic views of the British Virgin Islands.
On your itinerary are the ruins of the Annaberg sugar mill, an 18th-century sugar plantation with an abundance of greenery and flowers bursting among the stone ruins, and Whistling Cay. You'll also visit such scenic overlooks as Trunk Bay ( one of the most photographed beaches in the world) Hawksnest Bay, and Caneel Bay, overlooking the famous Rockefeller plantation. Next, you'll drive to Bordeaux Mountain. At a 1,277 feet elevation, it's the highest summit in the Virgin Islands, providing one of the most extraordinary vista points. You'll cap off your tour with a return to Cruz Bay before your boat ride back to St. Thomas.

St. Maarten Excursion

Experience the best that French St. Maarten has to offer, both above ground and beneath the sea.
On this excursion you will:

• Visit cosmopolitan French St. Maarten, considered by many to be the most picturesque side of this two-nation island.
• Find out why it also claims the title, “Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean”.
• Travel to the Dutch side of the island to the quaint fishing village of Grand Case.
• Board a state of the art semi-submarine called the Sea World Explorer.
• Take a 45-minute narrated tour of the coral reefs surrounding Creole Rock.
• Enjoy the spectacular feeding frenzy as a diver hand feeds fish right outside your viewing window.
• Learn as a marine expert fills you in on what you are seeing.
• Continue back, on land, to the French Capital of Marigot.
• Explore this beautiful port city with it’s sidewalk cafes, open air markets and duty free shops.

Puerto Rico Excursion

Explore two of the most popular places in this island fitted in this wonderful excursion including Historic Old San Juan and the spectacular El Yunque Rainforest.
On this excursion you will:

• Witness the greatness of our City Tour as you pass the many historical landmarks such as the Capitol Building and other displays of the 17^th Century architecture.
• Visit the San Cristobal Fortress, the largest Fort in the New World built by the Spaniards to protect against attacks in 1634.
• Travel from the Old City to New San Juan with panoramic views of the Condado District, famous for their striking beaches, upscale hotels, casinos and restaurants.
• Right as we leave the metropolitan area behind, we drive to the northeastern central area of the island to visit the only tropical rainforest in the United States territory, El Yunque. Stop at La Coca Falls, Observation Tower and more.
• This natural treasure exhibits jungle like vegetation, amazing waterfalls, sounds of the wind and cool fresh air; that combined delivers the outmost relaxation.
• En route back to the pier, you may go directly to the ship or take advantage of the optional drop-off in downtown for shopping, pictures or browsing around the local surroundings and return to the ship on your own.

Grand Turk Excursion

Enjoy a wonderfully enlightening tour through the capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
On this excursion you will:

• Join a fun tour that is also a great historical experience.
• Your tour begins with a short drive to the John Glenn commemorative capsule for a photo opportunity and on to a working, historic lighthouse where you will learn about Grand Turk’s “pirate past”.
• Enjoy a narrated drive along historic Duke Street and stop at Front Street to visit the lovely Anglican Church built in 1899.
• Front Street is lined with historic 18th and 19th century landmarks reflecting the Bermudian-style architecture and is the center of the Turks and Caicos’ capital.
• Proceed to the Turks & Caicos National Museum which features an exhibit of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505).
• Finally, you’ll stop at the Salt house, a tribute to Grand Turk’s salt-raking past.
• Browse through the shop’s souvenirs and exhibits which chronicle the history of the salt and slave industry on the island.