Deaf Cruise Eastern Caribbean May 15-22, 2011
Celebration time
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With much anticipation, we started our Eastern Caribbean cruise on the world's
largest and most innovative cruise ship in the world from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During the first
Day at Sea, we enjoyed several onboard activities. And sure enough, there is always something to
celebrate, a birthday or an anniversary.
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Nassau in the Bahamas was our first port of call. Most of us went on the
Nassau Sightseeing and Ardastra Gardens tour. We traveled the island via mini bus. Our first
stop was Fort Fincastle with a wonderful view of the port where our Allure of the Seas anchored.
During a guided tour of the fort, we became familiar with the islands history. The fort was designed
in the shape of a paddle wheel steamer and built in 1793. Continuing our tour we passed the Water Tower,
now used as an observation point. Then, we had to face the challenge of the Queen's Staircase. The
staircase of 65 steps was carved out of solid coral rock during the reign of Queen Victoria. The
staircase was named in her honor.
The highlight and big surprise of the tour was the visit at the
Ardastra Gardens. We attended a demonstration of the famous marching pink flamingos. It was a very
amusing but unique show. On our way back, we saw Fort Charlotte. The fort was built during the time
of Napoleon when the island had to battle marauding pirates.
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Bahamas, Queen's Staircase
Ardastra Gardens
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View of Charlotte Amalie with the Allure of the Seas in port
Inside of the Great House at the Botanical Gardens |
While we toured Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, we enjoyed several spectacular
panoramic views. We drove in an open air safari bus. Our driver was very skilled to master the
the Skyline Drive with numerous curves and steep inlclines. When we reached the Mountain Top, we
had a magnificent view of Magen's Bay.
Then, we continued to St. Peter Great House and Botanical
Gardens, a paradise for all who love tropical plants. The estate's lush grounds are home of
100 varieties of tropical fauna. The mansion is open for visitors who enjoy a display of vintage
furnishings and still can feel the atmosphare of past times when the rich and famous frequented
the estate. At the end of the tour, there was the option to stay in the down town area of the island's
capital, Charlotte Amalie. Caribbean themed shops accommodated in old renovated warehouses invite
the visitor to a shopping spree.
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The Ultimate Island Tour with a party cruise was a lot of fun at the Caribbean
island that hosts pocession of two different countries: the Dutch St. Maarten and the French
St. Martin. The island's inhabitants are eligible for dual citizenship and share the island
without boarders. After leaving the port on the Dutch side, we past the Great Salt Pond. The
guide explained the economical importance of the salt extraction from the sea water in the past.
We continued our journey on an enjoyable drive and finally arrived at the French side in Marigot.
Here, we had time for a stroll through the marina area and the open market. Afterwards, we embarked
the "Explorer", a boat that took us across the lagoon to Simpson Bay. After this enjoyable cruise,
we embarked our coach and went back to the pier.
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Marigot, the main city on the French side of the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin
Local products at the market in Marigot |
Our group with captain Zini who invited us to the Bridge
We love dessert |
Another Day At Sea that kept us busy with many onboard activities. We
enjoyed the shows in the AquaTheater and Studio B, the ice rink. The AquaTheater is the largest pool
at sea. It has a depth of 17.9 feet. In the afternoon, we had the
honor to be invited by the Captain to visit the Bridge where he did a guided tour.
Like every other night, we had a great time when we got together for dinner. Several times we
discussed the amzing and sometimes even breathtaking features that the Allure of the Seas offers.
There are so many things to see and to do that a 7-night cruise seems to be too short. Maybe
we will come back soon.
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Group Picture
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Appreciation letter
from my clients
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Appreciation letter
from my clients
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Appreciation letter
from my clients
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Barbara Burbank created the card on behalf of the group. What a great job she did.
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Contact Kerstin's Travel to book your next cruise by sending an e-mail to kerstin@kerstinstravel.com
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