2026 Mar 22-30 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles, St Lucia, Basseterre, Saint Kitts & Tortola, British Virgin Islands

 Day 1: March 22, Sunday Flight & Hotel Stay

We are up early, showered, dressed, loaded our luggage into the car, and headed to the Huntsville International Airport. We arrived a little early due to a shortage of TSA agents.

We didn't have a problem. We meet up with fellow travelers Shelia, Mickey, David, and Cindy.

We boarded Delta Airlines flight 3009 to Atlanta, GA, around 6:30 A.M. We got to Atlanta about 30 minutes early, but had to sit on the plane while it unloaded passengers. 

We unlocked the plane and went to our next gate. We had to take the Metro to Gate F. Once we reached the gate area, I went in search of something to eat. I stopped at Atlanta Bread Company, where I bought a Chicken Salad Sandwich cut in half, a bag of chips, and a Diet Coke, which Hubby and I shared. 

At 10:05, we boarded Delta Airlines flight 1990, seats 25E and 25F, from Atlanta, GA to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We were served cookies, chips, and Coke. This flight took about 2 1/2 hours. We watched our flight on-screen. We arrived in the Dominican Republic, disembarked, and went through customs.

We said goodbye to our friends, who are staying at a different hotel. We looked for our ride and finally found it. We met a couple from Hartselle, AL, on the ride to the hotel.

We arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn, room 418, La Romana, Dominican Republic, where we stayed one night. 

We checked in, took our luggage to our room 418, then went to dinner.

We ordered Caesar salad, cheeseburger, fries, and two waters. 

After dinner, we strolled outside to watch the sunset. 

3546 Airport 11:08 A.M.

3549-3561 Punta Cana Airport 2:14-2:43 PM Terminal B

3562 Hampton Garden Inn Punta Cana Room 418 @ 4:57 P.M.

3563-3565  Walking outside 

3566-3567 Dinner @5:30 PM

3568-3605 Walking around the hotel and sunset 6:09–6:57 P.M. 

Day 2: Mar 23, Monday, Traveling to Port and boarding the ship 

Breakfast at the hotel, where we ate from the buffet. I got sausage, egg, fruit, cheese, and juice. 

We went back to our room until around 9 A.M., when the NCL Rep would be downstairs to take us to our ride. 

Hubby stayed in the room while I walked around the hotel and down to the ocean. 

We loaded onto the van that took us to the port where the ship was docked. 

We had to fill out immigration papers and then go through immigration.  

We got our key cards and loaded onto the ship. Room 9039 Muster Station K

We were hungry by this time, so we went to the ship's buffet. We looked for somewhere to sit, finally finding seating outside near the swimming pool. 

We watched the ship leave port, and all the workers on the island were standing on the pier waving goodbye.

I took a long nap and got up around 8 P.M., and we went to dinner in the Palace Dining Room. 

3606 Breakfast @6:57 AM

3607-3620 outside hotel 8:25-8:41

3621-3640 Traving to Ship @10:57-11:16 A.M.

3641-3651 Port  @11:20-12:06 P.M.

3652 Lunch @ 12:34 P.M. Watermelon, fish, cake, and Ice cream.

3558-3661 Dinner @ 8 P.M. Caesar Salad, Fish, Crème Brûlée

Day 3: Mar 24, Oranjestad, Aruba (Sunset Cruise) 1–10:30 P.M.

Breakfast in the Crossing Dining Room. I ordered an omelet with sausage and French Toast. We ate with our friends Shelia, Mickey, Cindy, and David.

We ate lunch in the Crossing Dining Room. I ordered a hamburger, fries, and a chocolate cake.

When we docked, around 1 P.M., our friends went to the beach, but we decided to walk around in Aruba. 

We took everything with us because we are taking a sunset cruise from 4:30- 7:30 P.M.

After our cruise, we returned to the ship, showered, and dressed for our specialty dinner at Cagney's.

I ordered shrimp skewers, creamed potatoes, salad, and Raspberry Crème Brûlée.

3662 Sunrise @6:27 AM

3663 Replicia Ship @7:23

3664-3665 Breakfast at Crossings 

3666 Walking outside on the ship

3666-3670 Lunch 1212:47–1:05 P.M.rossings 

3671 Tickets (Excursion)

3672-3676 Sunse Cruise 5:37–6:52 P.M. 

3677-3695 Sunset Cruise Aruba Meet on the pier ashore, next to the ship 

Day 4: Mar 25, Wednesday, Willemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles8–5 P.M.M

Breakfast Crossing Parfi, Patries, Scrambled egg, and sausage. 

Lunch: 5 O'clock Somewhere Curacao 

Dinner: Crossings Fish Hoki, Green beans, Potatoes 

We slept late and did not leave the ship until 10 A.M. 

We ate breakfast in Crossings, then returned to our cabin to collect our belongings and proceeded to the port. 

We walked along the beachfront, stopping at Diamonds International to pick up two free bracelets and charms. We stopped at what was left of the historic RIF FORT, built in 1828 to protect the entrance to St. Anna Bay and the outer part of Otrobanda.

We walked across the bridge and stopped at the Maritime History Museum. We walked back to the ship, stopping at 5 O'Clock Somewhere for lunch. We ordered 3 soft chicken tacos, chips, salsa, and drinks. 

Hubby bought 3 shirts for $20. 

We returned to the ship and went to our room, which had not been cleaned, so we went to deck 11, poolside, so I could write in my journal.

Hubby ordered a margarita, Angry Orchard, and Pinacola. 

We ate dinner around 6 with our friends, then went to see a show around 7:30 with Juggler Dave Rave. 

We went to Effie's store for a talk and charm.

3701-3704 View from room @8:26 AM

3705-3706 Breakfast 9:17 A.M.

3707-3752 Port at 10:18 A.M. 

3753-3814 Maritime History Museum @11:19 AM

3815-3847 Walking back to the ship 11:48 A.M.

3839 Lunch at 5 O'clock Somewhere

3848-3849 Ice Cream Rocky Road & Drinks @2:34 PM

3850-3855 Tickets Room @3:52 

3856-3857 Dinner 

Day 5, Mar 26, Thursday, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles 6–1 P.M.

Breakfast Buffet level 11, Juice, French toast, Sausage, and Peaches

Lunch: Crossings Shrimp Fritters, Fish Tacos, Raspberry Custard 

Dinner: Palace, Bresheta, Shrimp Dinner, Carrot Cake

We were on the bus by 8:30 for our excursion, ion first stopping at the Salt Flats. 

Our guide was Sylvia, and our bus driver was Andy. 

We saw the town beaches, two museums, a couple of restrooms, and a Diet Coke (12:3.0). We had a great time. I talked to a woman from Canada and told her I had done some genealogy on my family line. That grandmother was Canadian. She said her family was from Europe and her mother was Russian. She said her brothers were born in Canada and had no memory of the old country or relatives living there. 

Excursion: Highlights & Culture Explore Meet on the pier ashore next to the ship at 8:45 A.M.

After dinner, we went to the theater to watch Showdown. 

3858-3879 sunrise @6:37-6:46 A.M.

3880 copy of Effie @7:30

3881-3913 Riding through Bonaire @9:36 AM

3914 Sea Shells @9:23 AM

3915-3950 Riding through Bonaire @ 9:36

3951-3954 First Stop @10:33 AM

3955-3963 Flemingo Sanctuary @10:46 AM

3964-3965 Tourist Tree @10:54

3966-3975 Traveling Bonaire @10:57

3976-3981 Washington Slagbaai National Park & Museum @11:00 AM

3982 -3992 Museum Locat Shop @11:35 AM

3993-3996 Sea Shells & Birds Chart @12:01 

3997-4002 Lunch @12:48 PM

4003 Walking @ 2:47PM

4005-4008 Sunset @ 66:29 P.M.4009-4012 Dinner @ Palace with friends

4013-4014  Group Photo 

4015 Showdown @ 8:30 PM 

Day 6: Mar 27, Friday, Saint Lucia Volcanic mud bath 22–8 P.M.Breakfast: Parfai Sausage, open-face smoked salmon on cream cheese bagel.

Lunch: Tuna sandwich with fries with friends

Dinner: Meal on Shore

Excursion: Volcantic Mud Bath Experience, meet at Stardust Theater, Deck 6 & 7 Aft meet at 2 P.M. 

We departed at 2:30 in a van for two hours, going around very curvy roads up and down hills. 

Arriving at a quaint area filled with sulfur hot water and volcanic ash. We were there for a short time. The showers barely worked, so most of the ash stayed on our clothes and our bodies.

We stopped for a buffet-style meal, which was included. The restaurant was located on a mountain overlooking the town and the water below, with beautiful views. 

After dinner, we began our journey back to the ship. The sun was setting, and it was dark by the time we reached the ship. It was getting close to time for the ship to depart when we finally boarded the ship.

We ate breakfast at 8:30 A.M. with friends. We went to the Effie store for charms.

We watched the cruise director's chief and a member of the audience decorate a three-layer chocolate cake with Cool Whip icing, then top it with cherries.

@11:30, we went to an excursion gathering where we met our cruise, next team at the Spinner Launch deck 11 FWD. 

At 9:30 P.M., we went to the Palace Theatre to watch Showdown, where American Idols meet Motown X Factor, and the audience chose the winner.

4016-4017 Breakfast @9:02 AM with friends

4018-4021 Cake Decorating @10:43 AM

4022 Lunch Salmon sandwich with fries

4023-4177  St Lucia @2:46 Riding the van

4125 Dinner @5:41 St Luica

4179-4180 Pier @7:27 PM

4181 -4190 Leaving the Port @7:50 PM

Day 7: Mar 28, Saint Kit9–6 P.M. 

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, Nevis 9–6 P.M.

Day 7: Mar 28, Saturday: Saint Kitts 9-6

Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Omelet, French toast, cranberry juice 

Lunch: Coke, chips, muffin, coconut candy

Dinner: Cagney's Shrimp Skewers, creamed potatoes, mushrooms, lobster tail, and dessert was Raspberry Crème Brûlée.

Excursion: Rail and Sail meet at the pier @10:15 AM.

We ate breakfast in Crossings Restaurant: ham and cheese omelet, two sausage links, French Toast, and cranberry juice.

We got off the ship around 9:30 A.M. and walked around the town area.  

We waited for our group and the excursion rail and sail. We were on Van #7,  driver  Devin.

Devin took us to the train station, met us at the end of the ride, and took us to the boat.

Our guide on the train ride was Jackie, and our server was Camille. Camille served us drinks and a sweet snack. 

We had a couple of young men perform for each car at least two times during the ride.

The boat ride took us back to our ship. 

We were served sodas, chips, and a muffin (banana bread)  on the boat. 

We disembarked from the boat ride and walked through the shops, where Hubby stopped to buy three Island shirts for $20.

We walked through the guarded area, where we had to show our ID and ship card.

We showered and rested before dinner.

We ate dinner at Cagney's with our friends.

After dinner, we went to the Palace Theatre to see Women of Rock: Music from Women of Rock Legends while gaining insight into life on the road.

4191-4197 Breakfast @ 8:26 A.M.

4198-4199 St Kitts on ship @8:54 AM

4200-4212 off Ship at St Kitts @ 9:09–9:43 A.M.

4213-4214 Excursion @ 10:23 A.M.

4215-4234 Train Ride @ 10:26–12:46 P.M.

4235-4241 Boat Ride @ 1:08–2:42 P.M.

4242-4246 Dinner @6:06-7:09 P.M.

4247-4264 Meet the Crew @ 8:18–8:21 P.M.

4265 Group Photo 

Day 8: Mar 29, Sunday: 7–2:30 P.M. Tortola, British Virgin Islands 

Breakfast: Parfi, Sausage, French Toast

Lunch: Shrimp Fritters, Ice Cream 

Dinner: Crossings Lobster Tail, Creamed Potatoes, Shrimp, Chocolate Melt Cake with ice cream.

 with friends

We did not book an excursion; we just got off the boat and walked around.

Most everything in town was closed because it was Sunday. 

We met a woman (Kitti) selling seats on a Taxi 613 Truck for $20 per person for two hours. 

So we hopped on for an exciting ride up the mountain. 

We stopped at several overlooks of the city and the Virgin Islands.

We stopped for a restroom break and snacks at Stoutt's Lookout 000 Bar & Restaurant.

Every time we went around a curvy road where the driver couldn't see oncoming traffic, she tooted her horn. This was being courteous.

We stopped for a selfie in front of the Colorful Tortola sign with our ship in the background.

We stopped at the British Virgin Island Callwood Rum Distillery for a rum tasting.

We passed several buildings, Spice BVI Trading Historic Social Inn, Pusser's to-go Pizza, chicken and wings, Police Headquarters, Sabals Law, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, & Tortola elements Island Sign. 

We passed CG Insurance, Latitude 18, Prime Restaurant, Red Cross Shop, and Althea. 

Scatliff Primary School,  House of Assembly, a Cemetery, Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church.

We passed the Royal Shop, Burgers and Creeps, Goodfellows, Hers & Mine, and arrived back at port, where we boarded our boat. 

Music was playing, and a limb stick was raised or lowered as we walked to the ship.

It was still daylight as we left port. I stood outside watching the island disappear out of sight. 

I bought shorts and a top at one of the shops and spent $63.50 

We ate dinner in Crossing Restaurant with our friends. After dinner, we went to the theatre to watch several crew members perform, all of whom were from the Philippines. Some sang, danced, or juggled. 

We returned to our cabin, packed our luggage, and set it outside our room for pickup. 

4267-4271 View of British Virgin Islands from the ship @7:57 AM

4272 Breakfast @ 9:04 AM

4273-4274 Virgin Islands @9:45 AM

4275-4399 Bus Tour @10:26-12:48 P.M.

4400 Receipts 

4401-4453 Walking on deck five as we were leaving port 2:13–2:43 P.M.

4456-4460 Dinner 

Talent Show @ *;30 PM Stardust Theatre 

Day 9: Monday, Mar 30: Dock and Travel home 

Breakfast in Crossing Restaurant with friends. French toast, sausage, and a Diet Coke. 

Lunch: Carl JR's airport cheeseburger and Coke $18.75.

Dinner: Blue Moon Brewhouse, Atlanta Airport, Turkey Club Sandwich, two Cokes, fries, $26.41.

Went to breakfast with friends. We went through immigration, got our luggage loaded onto the bus, and headed to the airport. We stopped for a restroom break and bought a Coke for $1.

Loaded back onto the bus and headed to the airport. We were dropped off and headed through customs.

We were stopped and had to fill out more paperwork. I finished mine and went through customs, but Hubby had to fill out more paperwork. He finally got through.

We settled in long enough to have lunch before flying to Atlanta. 

I didn't take any photos.

SDQ SANTO DOMINGO DL1803 AT 1:42 SEAT 23 A& B TO ATLANTA, GA

ATL TO HSV ON DL3065 AT 8:38 P.M. SEATS 23 A & B.

We arrived home around 10 P.M.

 

2025 Jan 17-30: Twelve Day Carnival Spirit Cruise to the Caribbean (Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Six Sea Days

 Traveling to Mobile on Friday, January 17, 2025

Breakfast at Jacks

Hubby ordered a sausage and egg sandwich 

I ordered a single gray biscuit. We both ordered a diet soda 

We bought fuel at Sam's Club

Spent 21.89

Jack paid $9.80 at Killen Hubby with cash.

We stopped at Walmart in Russellville and bought hats, sunglasses, candy, and diet soda. 

We are traveling south on Hwy 43/13.

We purchased fuel at the Welcome to Minute Stop on Saraland Boulevard. We spent  27.54.

We stopped in Saraland for Dinner or lunch at Wintzells Oyster House. We spent $32.96, and our sweet server was Ashley. We sat at table 32. 

Cheese Grits with grilled shrimp

I ordered grilled shrimp and cheese grits, along with a baked potato, and both were delicious. 

It was more than I could handle 

Hubby ordered a lunch jumbo platter. We both ordered iced tea.

We arrived at the Battle House Hotel around 4 P.M. and checked into room 5244. Our 12-day stay, including parking, costs $358.96.

I took a long, hot bath. Since the temperature outside had dropped, we decided to stay inside and watch television.

I watched forensic evidence until I fell asleep.

Pictures

5270 @ 9.09 A.M. Mural Russellville Walmart

6271-6274 @ 3:29 P.M. Wintzell GRITS & SHRIMP

5275-5276 @ 4:37P.M. Receipts  

5279-5280 @4.40 P.M.(View from room)  

Steps Zone 20, Miles 1.19, Calories 1,377, Steps 3.104

Saturday, January 18, 2025, Carnival Spirit 12-day voyage to the Caribbean.

Day 1:

I woke up early and wrote in the journal, anticipating my upcoming trip. We don't board the ship until 12:30 P.M.

We walked next door to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. I ordered a four-count chicken mini with lemonade.

Hubby ordered a chicken biscuit with hash rounds. We spent $16.93 at 7:22 A.M.

We took the shuttle to the ship

I boarded the boat around 12:30

All the tables near and around the buffet were full

Finally, one of the servers found us a table

I went and got us a guy's burger and fries 

Our hamburger was overcooked 

I got us some peanut butter cookies and vanilla yogurt 

The yogurt was too sweet 

Our room was ready at about 1:30 P.M.

We took our carry-on to the room.

I watched some TV and observed the people loading the food needed to feed the population for 12 days.

It was dark by the time the ship left the port

Dinner in the Empire dining room 

I ordered a salad and Szechuan shrimp with scallions, garlic, angel hair noodles, peppers, and bok choy. Crawfish strudel 

Dessert was cheesecake 

Pictures 

5281 @7:07 A.M.View from room 

5282-5283 @11:49 A.M.Walking around Mobile 

5284-96 @4:59 P.M. Watching freight being loaded onto the ship   

5297-5304 @5:19 P.M. Leaving port  

5205-5210 @6:22 P.M. Dinner 

Steps: 8,240 steps,  78 zones,  3.02 miles, 1,582 calories 

Leaving Mobile 

Sea Day Sunday, January 19, 2025

Day 2:

Sea day brunch in the Empire room: cheese omelet with bacon, French toast, hot chocolate, and water.

We made a bracelet with beads and seashells. We went to the show

I didn't get any prizes 

We stopped at another Trivia show. Walked through the shops

I didn't buy anything 

Now, on the lido deck for lunch

I ate Chinese noodles, hot spicy fish, veggies, and chicken Rangoon 

We sat on the lido deck but got sleepy, so we went back to our cabin for a nap

Late Dinner 

Iceberg lettuce salad, Salmon with kale, arugula, walnuts, tomatoes, and berries.

Dessert grand Marnie soufflé warm crème anglaise

Went to the Red Frog for an entertainment band

We went to Pharaoh's Palace to watch a magic show with Cody Fisher.

Went to bed around 11:30 P.M.

Photos 

5311-5313 @7:09 A.M. Receipts 

5314 @ 7:10A.M. Ocean 

5315-17 @8:42 A.M. Breakfast 

5318 @1:03 P.M. Lunch 

5319-21 @7:09 P.M. Dinner 

Steps zone 0, miles 2.07, calories 1,390, steps 5,560

Sea Day Monday, January 20, 2025

Day 3:

Sea day brunch in the Empire Dinner 

I ordered a Skillet cake 

Hubby ordered steak and eggs, toast with butter and jelly 

And a plate of cookies 

We did a coloring page and Golden Girls trivia

S.E.E. Caribbean show 

Lunch shrimp tacos

Dinner: shrimp and crab cakes with apple slaw

Honey-glazed pork loin with potatoes and green beans 

Dessert was key lime pie 

Elton John's piano show

Photos

5322-5323@5:58 A.M. Sunrise 

5324 @8:29 A.M. Brunch (Skillet Cake)

5325-5338 @10:12 P.M. Dr Sesus parade

5339 @ 12:2 P.M. Lunch (Chicken Taco @ Blue Iguana)

5340-5344 @5:38 P.M. Sunset 

6961-6967 @5:46 P.M. Sunset 

5345-5349 @6:59 P.M. Dinner (Shrimp Cake, Pork Lions, green beans, creamed potatoes & Cheese Cake)

5 Zone, 2.04 Miles, 1,385 Calories, 5,843 steps

Grand Turk Tuesday, January 21, 2025 

Day 4:

Duck Boat Adventures Grand Turk (159.98)

We rode through Grand Turk. The island is about 7 miles long 

We saw a military base. 

Your Adventures Awaits with Splash Tours "The Duck"

We had a restroom and a shopping stop. Hubby stayed on the bus. 

I looked around and walked through the Turks & Caicos National Museum. 

I saw information about donkey carts, Grand Turk's Salina production stages, the Molasses Reef Wreck mystery, pottery styles, and maps.

We spent about 15 to 20 minutes in the water.

Grand Turk Lighthouse

We stopped to visit the lighthouse and the shopping center 

We started back to the ship when a part fell off the duck

We waited for their maintenance man to fix the duck 

They said we would get 40 percent off our Excursion, 25 dollars each.

Margaritaville Grand Turk 

We ate lunch at Margaritaville. 

A shrimp salad that Hubby and I shared 

We walked around looking in the shops and getting freebies 

Splash Down (John Glenn)

We stopped at the John Glenn Display to take pictures 

We walked along the sandy beach 

We went back to the shop

I took a shower and got ready for Dinner

I ordered Queso Fondido, mushroom with cheese tortillas, and taco de camarones for Dinner.

Pescado Frito: fried snapper served with three chili cream pico de gallo and two scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

After Dinner, we went back to our room 

Photos 

5352-5363 @ 10:14 A.M. Grand Turk 

6968-7002 @ 11:04 A.M. Duck Adventure 

7025-7047 @ 12:21 P.M. Historic Lighthouse 

5357-5358 @ 1:58 P.M. Lunch: Shrimp salad at Margaritville

7048-7078 @ 3:06 P.M. Splash Down John Glenn

7079-7104 @ 3:12 P.M. Port of Grand Turk 

103 zone, 3.03 miles, 1,615 calories, 8,719 steps 

Sea Day Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Day 5:

Breakfast on deck 9

Scrambled eggs, sausage, and apple pastries. 

We attended a show about shopping in Aruba.

Lunch on the Lido deck: I had noodles, spinach dip, rice, key lime pie, white cake, and peanut butter cookies. I wrote in my journal and bought three excursions. 

Two Excursions in Aruba and one in Jamaica.

Aruba Walking & Tasting Tour in Aruba (1)

Walking tour 3 1/2 hours

Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Aruba (2)

Sky Explorer in Jamaica (2)

Dinner was queso-fueled, featuring cheese-stuffed mushrooms, and was accompanied by tortilla chips.

Fried snapper, Pescado Frito with chili crema picado, Jalisco, and

Taco de camarones.  

Photos 

5365 @ 8:36 A.M. Breakfast (Apple Pastry, egg, Sausage)

5366-5370 Dinner, Travis's phone (Queso fundido, Mushrooms in Cheese & Tortilla chips)(Taco de camarones)

5371-5372 @ 1:21 P.M. lunch (Spanish, potatoes and rice, Key Lime pie, and Peanut butter cookies)

5373-5374 @8:17 P.M. EXCURSIONS 

1 zone, 2.04 miles, 1,337 calories, 5,438 steps 

Aruba Thursday, January 23, 2025, 9–9:30 P.M.

Day 6:

I took the Downtown Aruba Walking Tour from 9:30 to 1:30. The cost was $ 39.99.

Blue Horse Aruba Walking Tour 

We stopped at several historic buildings, statues, and blue horse statues. 1. Rosalinda is a gentle creature who can transform difficulties into opportunities. 

2. Ambrosia is the immortal hero of the herd and the symbol of power and nobility. 3. Saturnina is always in her orbit. 4. Escapia is a sensitive and creative creature, able to transform limitations into fantastic opportunities. 5. Sinforosa, the martyr of the herd, is always looking out for trouble. 6. Eufrosina, always enjoying all that flows from the fountain of life. 7. Bonifacia is trustworthy, honest, and responsible to the extent that she sacrifices her own needs for the sake of others. 8. Celestina is unpretentious, pious, and a true Samaritan. 

We took a restroom break inside the mall.

We stopped for a breakfast pastry.

Made with cheese, their go-to breakfast, and a bottle of water.

We visited the Bible church to see Bibles as old as the 14th century 

We saw the statues of Anne Frank and Queen Wilhelmina, and stopped at several parks.

While I was on the walking tour, Hubby walked around town collecting free items. 

Diamonds International (free bracket and charm), Milanos (Charm), and De Sole (two free necklaces). 

We met up at the port and ate a steak sandwich.

Submarine excursion 

Excursion Atlantis Submarine Expedition $239.98.

At 2 P.M., we met with a group to take a 1-hour and 45-minute boat ride on the Atlantis submarine dive. 

There, we saw the coral reef and a variety of marine species 

We also saw a couple of shipwrecks. 

We came back to the port where 

We split a cinnamon bun and drank a strawberry frosty. 

I love Aruba 

We walked to Diamonds International for a free charm.

We returned to the ship, rested, and then went for Dinner.

I ordered a salad, fried shrimp, fried fish, and a chocolate melt cake.

I couldn't eat much because I was too full from lunch.

We returned to our room, and I fell asleep until around 9:30 P.M.

When I watched the ship pull away from the port, I went back to sleep. 

I woke up around 5:15 and wrote in this journal. 

PHOTOS

5375-5445 @9:41 A.M.Walking & Tasting Tour Oranjestad, Aruba

7105-7166 @8:54 A.M.Walking Tour Aruba 

7211-7225 @2:50 P.M. Boat & Submarine ride 

7226-7232 @3:51 P.M. I LOVE ARUBA 

5446-5495 @2:11 P.M. Boat & Submarine Ride 

5492 @ 4:27 P.M. CINNAMON BUN 

5496-5499 @6:19 P.M. DINNER (Fitto Misto Lightly breaded Shrimp, fish, and Calamari, Clams, Caprese salad, roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and olive oil, Grilled fish with artichoke favas beans, garlic sauce and green beans, Chocolate melt cake with Vanilla Ice cream 

Steps 426 zone, 5.13 miles, 2,180 calories, 14,582 steps

A Full Day of Curacao Friday, January 24, 2025, 7–3:30 P.M. 

Day 7:

Apple Pastry for breakfast with apple juice on the Lido deck.

Excursion: Full Day of Curacao, beginning at 7:30 A.M. Cost $169.98

We took a bus to the north end of the island to see Seven Mouth Park

Inlet view of the ocean located in Shete National Park. 

Ocean Waves at Shete National Park

We took a path down to the ocean to see the high waves 

Another path down into a canyon to see the high waves come in

We stopped to take a photo of me in front of the large Guiana statue. 

Our next stop was the Grote Knip Beach area. Here, we saw the poisonous tree.

Grote Knip Beach, the poisonous tree

We also saw a yellow-and-black Oreo bird perched on someone's car. I took several photos. 

We stopped at Landhuis Jankok Nena Sanchez Gallery 

You cannot take pictures inside, but you can take them outside. 

I talked to the curator. She was the sister of the deceased artist.

I bought three postcards for $15. It was a copy of the artist's painting. 

She asked me where I was from. I said Alabama, and she said her son lived in Birmingham. 

She said it was too far for her to travel 

We took several pictures outside. 

We rode back to the ship for lunch. 

Welcome to Curacao. Feel it for yourself.

Everything was closed except the sandwich shop and the Pizza Place, so Hubby and I ordered a Caesar salad and a pizza with mushrooms and pepperoni.

I didn't eat very much.

We went across the arch bridge to the other side of the island to the

Curacao Museum is an ancient building with large wooden arches 

Historic furniture and maps inside. 

It also had an airplane on display in another building outside. 

There were also statues and other items on the grounds. 

Next, we stopped at Senior and Company Distillery to tour and sample three of their drinks.

Curacao Triple S.E.E., Tamarin, & Chukulati.

We saw several yellow-and-black birds feeding in a tree at the distillery. 

The bus dropped us off at the port and near the shops.

We still had enough time to shop.

We stopped at Diamonds International, where we got a bracelet and a charm. 

We went to Dee Sole, where I purchased some pajamas and a bamboo top for $83.74.

We returned to the ship and watched it depart from the port.

Dinner was in the Empire dining room.

I ordered a salad, Mahi Mahi, and a chocolate melt cake.

It had been a long day, so we returned to our cabin.

PHOTOS:

5501-5527 @7:17 A.M. Shete National Park

7238-7347 @7:43 A.M. Shete National Park

5530-5535 @9:31 A.M. GROTE KNIP CURACAO 

7253-7277 @8:33 A.M. GROTE KNIP CURACAO

5336-5354 @10:07 A.M. LANDHUIS JANKON ART GALLERY 

5555-5639 @10:54 A.M. WALKING in Curacao

7236-7398 @11:11 A.M.TRAVELING THROUGH CURACAO 

7374-7360 @11:27 A.M. CURACAO MUSEUM 

5565-5615 @12:23 P.M. MUSEUM OF CURACAO 

5616-5630 @1;22 P.M. SENIOR & CO DISTILLERY

7399-7449 @12:18 P.M. BON BINI THE LIQUOR DISTILLERY 

7456-7485 @1:03 P.M. TRAVELING THROUGH CURACAO 

7491-7514 @3:02 P.M. LEAVING CURACAO 

5642-5643 @6:14 P.M. DINNER (MIXED GREEN SALAD, Seared Mahi Mahi)

67 Zone, 3.89 miles, 1,771 calories, 10,739 steps 

Sea Day Saturday, January 25, 2025

Day 8:
Breakfast lido deck:

French toast, eggs, sausage 

Lunch: 

2 shrimp tacos.

1 sugar cookie and ice cream.

I sat at the table and worked on my journal. 

I napped on the deck behind the lido and bought a book about towel-making animals. Spent $14.99

Came back to the room to work on my journal 

Dinner in the Empire Dining Room 

I ordered a Salad, the entree was shrimp and lobster, and the dessert was

Baked Alaska. 

No show tonight, went to bed early.

PHOTOS:

5645-5649 @7:20 A.M. SUNRISE 

7515-7520 @6:24 A.M.SUNRISE

5650 @8:01 A.M. BREAKFAST (French toast, sausage, and egg)

5654-5656 @6:47 P.M. DINNER (Salad, Lobster Tail, Shrimp, Rice, Broccoli & and Baked Alaska)

25 zone, 1.64 miles, 1,327 calories, 4,293 steps

Ocho Rios, Jamaica Sunday, January 26, 2025, 8–3:30 P.M.

Day 9:

Breakfast 

4 apple pastries, sausage, eggs

Passion fruit juice on the Lido deck.

Excursion: Mystic Mountain Escape costs $109.98 for both of us. 

We rode the shuttle from the pier to Mystic Mountain, taking the skylift up the mountain to the parking area. We looked around but did not do any of the rides. We took the lift back down the hill. We then took the shuttle into town. 

Mystic Mountain

We walked across the street to Margaritaville for lunch. 

We ordered Coconut shrimp with veggies and creamed potatoes (piled high like a volcano) for lunch. 

Margaritaville 

We both ordered Diet Cokes. We spent $44.85.

We stopped at Pure Chocolate, bought a chocolate bar, and spent nine dollars. 

At Des Sole, I purchased two T-shirts and a free bag, totaling $70.15.

We got two bracelets with charms at Diamonds International 

We got a gem at the diamond in time, and Tanzania 

We came back to the shop.

I ate Dinner at Guy's and ordered a cheeseburger and fries. 

Came back to the room.

We watch the 50s show at 7:30

PHOTOS:

5657-5660 @7:13 A.M. COMING INTO PORT

7524-7552 @7:38 A.M.Coming into OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

5661 @7:58 A.M. BREAKFAST (Apple pastry, ham, sausage, and egg)

5662-5680 @9:13 A.M. MYSTIC MOUNTAIN 

5681-5693 @11:37 A.M. MARGARITAVILLE LUNCH (Coconut shrimp with veggie and volcano potatoes)

7524-7552@3:59 P.M. Ocho Río Jamaica

5699 @ 4:44 P.M. Dinner, Guys, burgers, and fries    

32 zone, 4.47 miles, 1,809 calories, 12,587 steps 

Grand Cayman Monday, January 27, 2025, 8–3:30 P.M.

Day 10:

National Hero Day (Government Holiday)

Breakfast on the lido deck 

I ate four apple pastries and passion fruit juice

Around 8:30, we took the shuttle to the Grand Cayman 

At the pier shopping, we stopped at Effie for a palm charm

We stopped at Milano for two rare charms

We stopped at Diamonds International for two-ray charms

And bracelets

Hubby bought a sleep bracelet and necklace for 195

Excursion: Blue Iguana Conservation & Botanic Gardens $269.98. There was a total of seven people on the Excursion. 

Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens

At 10:00 A.M., we took a shuttle to the 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park and the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility. The iguanas ranged in size from small to large, and some roamed freely throughout the area. 

We saw a variety of plants and trees. Our guide, who was from London, England, had been with the park for three years. 

He was very knowledgeable about the park's plants.

Our driver to the park, Big Albert, was very knowledgeable about Grand Cayman and pointed out several points of interest on our 45-minute ride.

He said there were only three fire departments and a couple of high & elementary schools. 

We took the water shuttle back to the ship.

There were a lot of people going back to the Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. 

We ate a late lunch. I ordered two shrimp tacos, a small white cake, and a sugar cookie.

We had bought a bag of Cheetos and a can of Diet Coke at the park

We saw our hostess on the lido deck. I told her we were not eating in the dining room because we had eaten a late lunch 

We watched TV and went to sleep 

PHOTOS 

5700-5703 @7:04 A.M. SUNRISE 

5704@7:12 A.M. BREAKFAST (Sausage, French toast)

5706-5779 @8:48 A.M. GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS

7555-7573 @9:29 A.M. FORT GEORGE

5713-5774 @ @10:40 A.M. BLUE IQUANA CONSERVATION 

7652-7666 @ @2:20 P.M. LEAVING Grand Caymans

7575-7651@ 10:51 A.M.QUEEN Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens

5780-5785 @2:12 P.M. VIEW from ship at Cayman 

38 zone, 2.23 miles, 1,482 calories, 5,905 steps

Sea Day Tuesday, January 28, 2025 

Day 11:

Breakfast lido deck

Cloudy Sunrise 

3 apple pastries with a shrimp Mexican burrito 

I ate some of the burrito's insides. 

We went to the back of the ship so I could work on my journal. 

We went to the cooking show. The chef began with Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, followed by a baby-leaf spinach salad with fresh mushrooms.

Cooking Show 

The chef had his assistants bring out the broiled free-range supreme chicken, which he served with macaroni and cheese and skillet potatoes. 

Our pastry chef made Tiramisu. The audience was served a good portion of each item the chef baked. 

We went to the Lido deck to listen to the music and watch the dancers.

I went to the Mad Hatter Tea Party, where Salmon on toast, hot tea, and scones were served. 

From 3–4 P.M.

We went to Epic Rock 7:30-8:15

Dinner at 8:30

Salad, broiled lobster tail with fork-mashed potatoes, and broccoli 

Dessert was crème brûlée

I went back to the room and rested.

PHOTOS:

5787-5800 @7:02A.M. Sunrise 

5801-5822 @ @10:55 A.M. COOKING Demonstration 

5823-5825 @3:13 P.M. TEA TIME (Scones and smoked salmon, Cucumber sandwiches)

5826-5832 @8:40 P.M. DINNER ( Lobster tail with potatoes and broccoli & Creme) 

4 zone, 2.11 miles, 1,417 calories, 5,680 steps 

Sea Day Wednesday, January 29, 2025 

Day 12:

We ate breakfast on the Lido deck.

French toast with cranberries and almonds. 

Passion fruit juice to drink. 

We sit at the back of the ship during breakfast.

We conducted a chocolate tasting from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M.

I got some Chocolate cake and some ice cream with chocolate syrup. 

Chocolate Tasting 

We went back to the room.

Hubby rested while I went to Tea time from 3–4 P.M.

I sat with a family of five, and we enjoyed talking while we were being served. 

We were served scones, smoked Salmon, various cakes, and hot tea. 

We both ate Guy's burger and fries for Dinner. 

We ordered two Crispy apples with other natural flavors, such as Angry Orchard hard cider. 

There, they served Hot tea, Salmon on toast, scones, cucumber sandwiches, and cake.

I bought the Cat & Hat and Thing One and Two stuffed animals, along with a sucker, for Ava, and spent $44.85. 

At 4:30, we went to the Pharaoh Palace Theater to see The World Works.

PHOTO:

5833-5835 @9:00 A.M. BIRTHDAY PARTY for Thing I & II 

5836 @9:05 A.M. Breakfast ( Eggs, French toast)

5837-58 @11:51 A.M. PHARAOH PALACE 

5841 @1:15 P.M. A TASTE OF CHOCOLATE

5842-5847 @5:54 P.M. WE ARE THE WORLD 

12 zone, 1.78 miles, 1,362 calories, 4,729 steps 

Travel Day January 30, 2025

Day 13:

Breakfast Lido deck.

I ate three apple pastries and drank water. 

We disembarked from the ship a little before eight.

We called the shuttle at the Battle House Hotel. We were picked up and taken to the hotel, and our car waited for us. 

We loaded our luggage into the car and began our journey home. 

We stopped at Walmart in Jackson, Alabama, to use the restroom and buy a Coke and a candy bar. 

We traveled along Highway 5 to the interstate, which took us to the eastern part of Birmingham and then to I-65, where we headed to Hartsell. 

We stopped at Oh' Bryan's in Hartsell for a late lunch/dinner.

Dinner at Oh' Bryan's Hartselle 

Hubby ordered a steak and baked potato. 

I ordered grilled chicken fingers with a baked sweet potato. 

We both ordered iced tea. 

We stopped at Murphy's in Hartsell to fill up.

We stopped in Elgin to wash the car. 

When we arrived home, we did our laundry. 

PHOTOS:

5848 @7:55 A.M. MOBILE 

5849-50 @1:51 P.M. OH BRYAN'S LUNCH (Grilled Chicken, Sweet potato)

41 zone, 1.94 miles, 1,555 calories, 5,098 steps 

Another fantastic trip on the Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship.