Southern Caribbean Cruise

Most people take luxurious ocean cruises to explore the tropical islands, marvel at the beautiful flora and fauna, immerse themselves in the historical culture and relax on the sandy white beaches. Not me. I go for the shopping.

I began my 14 day Southern Caribbean cruise on February 9. I flew into Tampa a day early so as not to miss my cruise. My boarding pass said be at the terminal pier at 1:00. As I arrived shortly after 1:00, anticipating waiting a few more hours to board, I was amazed the lobby was empty. When I went to the counter to check in, I asked the lady if I was just really early. She informed me I was actually late. Everyone else was onboard. What she failed to mention was most of the passengers were completing the first leg of a 21 day cruise.

I've cruised before but always with a friend. This was my first solo experience. It was also the first time I had an ocean view room instead of a balcony room. I was surprised at the size of the room and the closet space was almost as big as my walk-in closet at home. Maybe that's because I didn't have to share.

I couldn't miss the departure from Tampa so I scurried up to the top deck to watch us sail away.

That's where I met my first friends, Paul and Lena. Please take in mind the average age on this cruise was 72! I was the kid running around the ship. These people may be reaching those twilight years but they all drink like it's their last cocktail. I'm not sure even my friend Debbie could keep up with them. The "sail away" cocktail was a margarita served in a keepsake glass. I couldn't resist.

KEY WEST

Our first stop was Key West. I've always wanted to visit Key West and decide if I wanted to vacation there in the future. The United States acquired Key West from Spain in the early 1800s and most locals made their living as wreckers and pirates. Now I believe the #1 business is drinking!

I had a pub crawl excursion planned, the ultimate Key West tradition. I figured traveling on my own this would be a good way to meet people. The group was small - only 9 of us.

This 2-1/2 hour event began downtown, moved through the historic seaport and then returned to Duval Street (the New Orleans version of Bourbon Street).

In each bar you were given a cocktail. Before you even had a chance to finish half your drink, our guide moved us to the next bar. "Bring your drinks with you," she said.

Pretty soon you're a two fisted drinker trying to finish another drink before moving on to the next bar. Thankfully Larry and Colleen, more new friends from the ship, helped navigate me back to the pier after our guide left us at the last bar.

That was the end of my Key West visit. I had to stagger to my room and take a nap. Thankfully the next two days were at sea so I could rest.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Valentine's Day was spent in San Juan. Although Christopher Columbus first discovered the island in 1493, Ponce de Leon named it Puerto Rico or "Rich Port City". Puerto Rico is famed for their Bacardi run distillery - thank goodness I don't care for rum!

Before getting off the ship, I had discussed with my new friends my desire to search for chocolate diamonds. As I began trudging the cobblestone streets of San Juan, I quickly became lost. I turned right instead of left (as you can see from the map) but my map was in my stateroom. Michele would have loved this city. She could sit for hours sketching the colorful buildings all built side by side and each a different pastel color. I was so lost and confused, I couldn't even remember to take a picture.

I finally found the more popular shopping district. I've heard of Cariloha before and was always interested in their bamboo sheets. So what did I do? I bought sheets. Now not only am I lost but I'm lugging around a set of king sized sheets that weigh a ton. Little did I know I could have bought them online. I knew when I got off the ship there was a Walgreens right in front of the entrance to the pier. I don't know how many people I stopped asking where was Walgreens. Either the people didn't understand me or they didn't want to talk to strangers. Finally a sales lady from Tommy Hilfiger of all places, walked me down the street to the Walgreens. Again I had to go aboard the ship and take a nap. My nerves were shot.

St Thomas Virgin Islands

St Thomas boasts winding stonewalls splashed with colors of flaming hibiscus and the magenta of the bougainvillea. They have crystal blue water stretching across several beaches but I was in search of my chocolate diamonds.

After visiting several jewelry stores, I was about to give up when I went into Milano Diamond Gallery. There I found exactly what I was looking for - simple, elegant and really not that expensive.

That is until I also had to have the chocolate diamond bracelet. What can I say? I'm weak.

Shopping makes you hungry so I stopped at this placed called Bumpa's. Just a small little outdoor diner where I grabbed a sandwich before heading out to find my St Thomas t-shirt.

At least after my visit to St Thomas, I was able to tell my fellow passengers I bought more than just sheets.

Antigua

Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. It's harbors are filled with luxurious yachts.

Today I was in search of clothes. You'd think in a town that's always hot and sunny, you'd be able to find summer clothes. But the locals must think tourists at this time of year are looking for clothes to wear back in their more cooler climates. I did find my t-shirt and a cute dress.

I was going to stop at this Caribbean Cafe called Hemingway's but I didn't see my friends from the ship and didn't feel like sitting by myself.

St Lucia

Unless you're really into going and spending the day at the beach, St Lucia is a very small shopping port.

I was able to find my commemorative t-shirt and walked around for awhile.

But shortly headed back to the ship for some much needed rest.

Sea Day

Before I go any further, I have to introduce to you to Gloria and Frank. They more or less adopted me as soon as I got on the ship. Gloria and Frank sold their business a few years ago and decided to travel the world. Frank was an international financial advisor and Gloria was a CPA for a trust company. Some 30 years ago, Frank decided he wanted to be his own boss so he bought his first..................ready for this................McDonald's. It took 2 years for Frank to go through an extensive training program for McDonald's. Apparently not everyone can own a McDonald's franchise. When they sold their business, they had accumulated 10 McDonald's restaurants in and around Manhattan and New Jersey including one in the airport.

Gloria was also my gambling buddy. We'd spend hours at these 2 machines. They didn't always pay much money and Gloria would say - "Can you spare it?" - when small amounts were paid. Or if we got the bonus game, Gloria would say "Did you get the supa?" Being from New Jersey, that's how she'd say "super". We both got free cruise vouchers when we left the ship. Something to say for gambling on a cruise ship.

Gloria and Frank also let me join them for dinner several nights. I loved listening to their stories of their world travels. By the way, they still own their home in New Jersey, a condo in Florida and a condo on the strip in Las Vegas - which they've invited me to visit and I'll be there in October. McDonald's was VERY good to them.

Aruba

Aruba is the "A" in what is known as the "ABC" islands of the Caribbean. Owned by the Dutch, Aruba is a major exporter of gold.

My shopping in Aruba was just for a t-shirt. That is until I went into my favorite diamond store, Milano.

There I found a perfect match for my ring and bracelet. Even though my credit card was screaming "NO", I bought it any. I guess Michael and Melissa can kiss their inheritance goodbye.

Aruba is a town I'd really like to explore more but by this time I was almost shopped out.

The Rotterdam ship is very pretty at night with all the lights around the pool lit. This was probably around 9:00 at night. Notice no one is there but me. Everyone else was in bed. Remember - average age is 72!

Curacao

Curacao is the "C" in the "ABC" islands. We cruised by the "B" - Bonaire" but didn't stop. Curacao is 38 miles off the coast of Venezuela and lies outside the hurricane belt.

I was out and about early that morning but quickly found out nothing opened until 10:00. So I walked all the way down the coast sidewalk and all the way back to the ship. Gloria wanted to take me to her favorite casino on the island. We only stayed an hour. Fancy but not all that much fun.

Frank, Gloria and I had dinner at the steakhouse that night. The food was delicious, much better than the buffet lines I'd been perusing. This dessert is raspberry cheesecake. Didn't taste so much like cheesecake, more like strawberry shortcake but delicious none the less.

Grand Cayman

I've been to Grand Cayman before. By this time, my feelings were all over the place. Tired from the long trip but sad for it to be ending. This was our last port.

I was greeted when I got off this ship by this lizard - at least I think it's a lizard.

And his buddy Mr Rooster. Most people come to Grand Cayman for shopping and beaches. I get a kick out of the wild life.

I passed a Haagen-Dazs ice cream parlor and sat outside just watching the traffic flow by. What more can you ask for - chocolate ice cream and chocolate diamonds.

At Sea

Our last day on the ship was at sea. The pool deck was covered in the artistry of the cabin stewards decorating with giant towel animals.

And each night I was greeted by a different towel animal when I returned to my stateroom.

We all said our goodbyes many times during the evening. While 14 days seems like a long cruise, the days flew by. I wasn't ready to get off the ship.

At each port I got my t-shirt plus many other glorious memories. After being in flip flops, shorts and tank tops for 17 days, it was hard to return home to the frigid cold of Missouri. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm planning on taking the exact same cruise next year.