Bahamas – Jamaica – Grand Turk
I was never thrilled on the cruise idea. Being constrained to one location for 3 days or more is not exciting. I get restless and uninterested pretty fast. As you may already know I am from Haiti and lived there for 18 years. Apart from Dominican Republic it what not until last year that I visited countries from the Caribbean. My family travel often but somehow we never went to countries that were just a ferry or a 2 – 3 hours plane ride from us.
Coming from the Caribbean I am not fascinated by the notion of visiting other nearby location due to the fact, our belief, our history, food, landscape are about the same. As leisure we explore, drink, party, hike, go to the beach, experience different excursion, and tour the very few preserved historical sites.
I made the effort to cruise for 7 days in the Caribbean because as they say, “can’t bash something until you’ve experience it”. I can do and see those things back at home so if I had to go there why not try a cruise. The ship Carnival Breeze went to Jamaica, Bahamas and Grand Turk; I selected one that spends less time at sea. After all I get sea sick and didn’t know until the cruise.
When at sea there is a lot to do. On a daily basis an itinerary is distributed for the following day activities. I managed to try everything of interest from Punchliner Comedy, Art Exhibition, Atrium Salsa Social, Morning Show with our cruise Director (This guy was gorgeous, with British accent and a great personality. His entire staff had potential and I love that they were from all over the globe.), Variety shows (Broadway performances), Game Shows, Jacuzzi, Pools, Waterslide, Rope Course, etc… It was not what I expected at all; they catered to everyone. I enjoyed their scavenger hunt game. At each port we were given vouchers to locate specific stores for jewelry, spices, bags souvenirs and so forth.
Meals are served all day long. I didn’t enjoy our suppers; even tried a frog tongue. I loved the concept of sitting us with different people on the cruise we had a mother and daughter who cruised often and could not stop telling us about their experiences. On the last evening our waiters performed a gratitude song.
Our first destination was Jamaica. Early morning through the scavenger hunt book provided we went to island Village and Taj Mahal shopping Centers to pick up our souvenirs and gifts. It was my first cruise; I was directed to create an account. After booking my fare from the site to prevent issues I purchased my excursions. Among them was Dunn’s River fall activity; which was such a waste of $120 ($70 for a tour guide and $50 for pics and videos). It is a beautiful natural park. We climbed up the waterfall holding hands with a group of people and smiled and laughed all the way through. Definitely wear water shoes or the rocks could be too slippery or difficult to walk on. Do not make the same mistake I did. The Park is literally 15 minutes ride from the port. Grab a cab and please negotiate, their prices are simply unrealistic. Do not pay more than $10 for a cab $5 for the bus. A Park admission is $20 all-day pass. There is no need of a tour guide to climb the river follow those before you as the park is very crowded. It is about 30 minutes or less climbing but also depends on speed and stops along the way; especially if you stop to slide in the waves. There is also a beach at the bottom of the falls to unwind. In Jamaica tourist zone vendors, tour guides, taxi drivers are very aggressive, they do not take no for an answer. Bring your money or your attitude along the way.
Our second stop was Grand Turk, such a small island; drove through in less than 4 hours. Do not purchase excursions from the cruise. At the port reach out to the locals they are wonderful and honest host. In the tourists’ zone unlike in Jamaica they are very friendly. It is not only about getting paid, but try their best to give you the best representation of their territory. I was desperate for grill conch and this guy walked through the beach looking for someone to prepare them exactly how I wanted. He also contacted his friend who was on vacation to take us parasailing. I don’t recall how much I paid but it was much more affordable than using other vendors. We were not timed; I think he kept us too long in the air. I got sick and signal to get me down. It must have been a hoax, as him and his friends were laughing when we got back on the boat. One of the locals got a driver to guide us and we paid $20 for fuel. He insisted on taking us to a Haitian community because we were from Haiti. Very thoughtful of him and a Haitian family served us Haitian food. We purchased our souvenir at the local market from another Haitian family. It was nice to see my people and communicate in creole. He took us to renowned historical location. The time spent with him is unparalleled to any $50 and more tour offered by cruise line.
Our last seaport Bahamas, was my second favorite destination on the cruise. We had the option of going to Atlantis for a day or swimming and riding dolphins. I selected dolphins of course, I read reviews online about Atlantis and it is a waste to go to such crowded place for 4 hours or swimming with dolphins there for $200+ per person. I paid $75 to go to a private beach. We stayed for 4 hours and for 30 minutes to 1 hour we swam with stingrays and dolphins. There were so many of them in this enclose space of the beach. After swimming we were brought back to port and from there we walked the city. Cruises offer an excursion of the city for $55. What if I tell you I walked their itinerary on foot without a map. The locals were of great help and told us what to visit, and avoid. I was also referred to their market. When I lived in Haiti there was nothing one could offer to make me walk through a market. I am eager to go back in December to make up for the time of fear. It is such a hectic, loud and amazing experience in every country I visited.
In brief use your time wisely, don’t stay at the port and only try the cruise excursions. Branch out, meet the locals, and taste their food. You will be surprised how much you can do and see in just a few hours.
Collect Memories One Escapade at a Time 