February snow continues to fall, the temperature continues to hover around 30 degrees, the sky remains gray, the groundhog saw his shadow, and winter continues to linger in Colorado, the perfect time for a warm Caribbean Cruise aboard a Princess Cruise Lines. Ann Griffith Co-owner of Aggie TravelPOINTS and James TravelPOINTS recenly took a group aboard the Emerald Princess in February of 2010.
My husband and I returned from seven glorious days of warm winter sun and gentle Caribbean breezes while we sailed on the Emerald Princess. We took a group and glided through the Eastern Caribbean on water that would take your breath away.
Choosing a cruise can be overwhelming. What size of ship do you want to sail on, how long do you want to sail, what is your price range, and where do you want to cruise. The Emerald Princess is considered a bigger ship. Her capacity is 3600 passengers. Her itinerary consisted of Princess Cay, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turks and 2 days at sea. 83% of Americans have never taken a cruise. If you have enjoyed a cruise vacation, or if you are one of those 83% who have never cruised, let me share some sights, sounds, tastes and smells that are vivid in my memory.
Excitement always greets me when I board the ship. I find myself in a giant treasure hunt searching for our room, the deck where you can walk daily, the “any time” dining room, the gym for the pilates and spin class, the location of the movie under the stars, the pizzeria, the coffee bar, and the best nook for afternoon tea. A balcony was our cabin choice, and I would highly recommend such a luxury. A balcony cabin is a magnificent way to enhance your cruise experience. Daily I found myself with my book in hand sitting on my balcony, sipping my tea, and looking out into the vast blue horizon and letting my cares soar away. Mornings began with a brisk walk on the promenade deck seven. Three loops around the ship equals one mile. Walking around a ship and experiencing the sea and scenery from various directions is thrilling. The wind rushes through your hair, the sun shines on your back, the gentle sway of the ship makes your walk hilariously crooked, the wave’s crashing against the front of the ship are loud, and the voluminous clouds, birds and flying fish are fantastic scenery for this landlocked lady. One evening we booked our dinner at one of the two specialty dining rooms. For a small surcharge you can eat at the specialty steak house or the specialty Italian Restaurant. Our choice was the walnut-leather-brass accented steak house. The meal was one of the most memorable meals of my life. Our waiter from Argentina recommended the French Onion Soup, Maine Lobster or fillet, sautéed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes, and the molten chocolate cake. I can still taste the chocolate molten cake. It was hot and melty and better eaten with a spoon than a fork. The favorite shore excursion was on Grand Turks. My husband really wanted to snorkel. We joined a small group, took a catamaran and snorkeled around the wall that plunges 7,000 feet into the sea. If that was not thrilling enough, we were sitting on the softest, pearly white sandy beach as the mandarin orange sun sank into the sea, with whale’s flukes in the horizon.
This trip was a perfect respite from our cold Colorado winter. The Caribbean winter sun warmed us body and soul. We were as busy as we wanted to be but took several quiet moments to relax and replenish ourselves too. We attended an art history class that was superb. The evenings had dancing opportunities, theatres of comedians and live music. This cruise had several pleasant surprises for me, and I encourage you to cruise and treat yourself with some surprises too.
Ann Griffith is Co-owner of Aggie TravelPOINTS and James TravelPOINTS. She has been working in the travel business for the past 25 years specializing Euorpean Vacatons, Cruise Vacations, Mexico Vacations, Hawaiian Vacations, Central & South American Vacations, and group travel vacations.
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