We were up at 6:30 am to get ready, had breakfast in the Windjammer Cafe (buffet style), and off the boat around 8:00 to enjoy our first island. Our first stop was St. Croix (the largest of the US Virgin Islands). The Danish West Indies Company first purchased St. Croix from the French in 1733. Of the three islands that fell under the Danish Crown, St. Croix was the gem, making its fortune from sugar, rum, and slave labor. One of the island's greatest natural assets is the Buck Island Reef. We had researched a lot before we left to see what excursions to do. We found a lot of people enjoyed going to Buck Island to snorkel (an underwater trail and National Park). The boat we wanted was booked so we looked more into it and found our perfect excursion. We chartered a private sailboat for the day that took us south of Buck Island to some great snorkeling. We chartered the Boat Zulu through Bilinda Charters with Captain Dee, her first mate Kole and trainee Donald. I've been on a hobie cat in the past and I was a little nervous on that. But sailing .... it was the best (I don't know if it was because I had never sailed and it all our first time but I may have to say it was probably my favorite excursion we did). On the way to our stops, the weather was perfect for sailing - we traveled pretty quickly in the wind with the boat doing some tipping to and fro but never once scared me. We stopped for a snorkel where we saw some awesome starfish, eagle and sting rays, and beautiful fish. We then had some 'morsel snacks' which consisted of salami, gourmet cheeses and crackers, fruit and soft drinks. On the way back, it was the most peaceful and relaxing slow ride (this day the weather was 83 degrees and the water temperature was 79). We sat on the boat and just soaked up the sun and tunes! What a perfect day on the water!!
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| The ZULU |
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| Captain Dee |
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| Captain Dee and some BLUE BLUE water!!! |
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| The boys with their feet off the sailboat just enjoying the sun |
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| Nick captured most of our adventures on the Go Pro - can't wait to see all the footage from it |
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| Some incredibly turquoise waters with Buck Island in the background |
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| Sailing Crew for 3/26/12 |
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| Check out this live starfish - Captain Dee was worried about it while we snapped away pictures but he was okay after we put him back in the water. It was really cool to touch and see a live starfish |
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| Our tasty morsel food and Cokes |
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| Blowing in the conch |
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| Blowing in the conch |
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| So peaceful :) (may go in my book as another 'happy place' when I'm trying to fall asleep!) |
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| Check out the size of this lizard! |
After our sailing adventure, we went back and played at this beach by our cruise boat until the very last minute before we had to be back on board. The guys played football in the ocean and the girls played in the ocean!
Then we stopped by and did a little shopping on our way back to the ship.
Then we headed back to the boat for some great dinner and some entertainment. We enjoyed some comedians, ice show, juggler, ventriloquist, and singers/dancers. The entertainment was great! This was our first formal night and the food was fantastic and our servers was even better!
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| Playing some Black Jack on Casino Night against the Cruise Director (dealer) |
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| Towel animals in our room |
3 comments:
Ok, i might have to copy all of your text, great job summarizing. Can we go back?!?!
Looks like so much fun!! Great pictures! I'm glad to see Nick is finally using his Go Pro :)
How fun! That water looks amazing!
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