Hello everyone. I had a feeling I would be going too long. Here’s some background music for you.
In the spirit of Waldo, you may have wondered, “Where’s Frank?” As you know, we love to travel. A planned trip this past July was not only cancelled, the cancellation happened after purchasing out airfares. Good news is that when you book on Southwest Airlines, the money spent on a cancelled flight is returned as a credit with a use-by deadline (about 6 months). Then a great deal came along for a 11-night cruise in the Caribbean – so with the airfare credit, it was a deal not to be passed.
Here’s my quick note on each stop.
- St. Thomas – Store after store of jewelry
- St. Croix – the poorest of the islands
- Antigua – 365 different beaches
- Barbados – Could be fun but much closed on Sundays
- St. Lucia – Most physical beauty
- St. Maarten – Fun
Celebrity Equinox is a large ship of 2800+ passengers – but not a mega-ship of 6,000+ passengers. As my normal custom, I didn’t gain weight on this trip. I enjoyed the on-board entertainment of shows and music. Even had a few comp surprises: bottle of wine, champagne, two trays of chocolate covered strawberries, a bowl of fruit, and a wonderful meal in a specialty restaurant. Most were because of an issue, but the wine and one tray of strawberries were from a Guest Relations Rep that I spontaneously got dancing.
A plaque with a saying was above each urinal (on the ship). I enjoyed this one the most: An honest politician is one who, when bought, stays bought. (Simon Cameron, 1799-1889)
In my opinion, it’s always good to have some unplugged time. Aside from having phone access in 2 ports, I was without internet access. The television in the cabin had news channels, so I stayed somewhat informed.
A note to ponder about Congress – The minority complains about the actions/behaviors of the majority, even though the majority is acting/behaving as the minority did when they were the majority.
I’ve made considerable progress on my final series, which will be a retrospective on various topics. However, I still don’t know the dates.
The next concert is set with The Guess Who. Acceptable songs will be from the following artists: The Guess Who, Burton Cummings, Chad Allen, Chad Allen and the Expressions, Brave Belt, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. (Note: I love BTO, but I hope participants focus on the others listed because those groups and people are the foundation.) Think of the list as a family tree involving The Guess Who’s before and after. Concert date and time is this Saturday 2 November 2019 at 1:00 AM (Eastern US).
Good to see you again!
I’ve only ever been to St. Maarten out of the islands on your list. Sounds like I might not be missing much from most of the other islands? I haven’t been on a cruise for a few years but I’m definitely starting to get the itch to go again (especially as the weather turns worse and worse here in Pennsylvania).
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Chris!
I always smile when I get a visit and comment from one of my Pioneers!
St, Maarten is vibrant. The port is on the Dutch side. Beautiful main beach.
To me, the Caribbean islands have a lot in common: land surrounded by water, mountains in the middle, lush green, lousy roads, and a lot of poverty. They are places for activities in the warm climate, not places to see. I admit, I’ve only cruised twice in the region, but my wife has cruised here at least another 7-8 times.
Let’s hope the Reds do something positive this off-season.
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What about Randy Bachman?
I’ve done all these islands and today, on our way to my step-mother’s brother’s funeral, we started planning a getaway in March. We are aiming for Central America but if we end up in the Caribbean, I am jiggy wid it. Plus, I am due to go visit our jeweller in St. Thomas 😉
Glad you enjoyed yourself!
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Dale,
Good question about Randy. Did he have a solo career?
Oh no … wonder if you’ll be on the same cruise as The Right Angle?
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I think he did. I’ll check.
Hmmm we’d be leaving around March 1…
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Whew … I think she’s a few days later.
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Pffft! Like I’d even know who she is 😉
And we haven’t decided. Yet.
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… so I won’t disclose the exact cruise and date. 😉
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No worries, Frank. You and yours are safe from me.
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Hmmmm … but maybe I’ll disclose it. 😉
Back to Randy Bachman, I’m adding Brave Belt.
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Your decision, mi amico.
There ya go 😉
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Enjoy my friend. Can’t wait to hear about your trip.
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Drew,
I’m back, but I won’t be doing dedicated post(s) about this trip. Hope all is well!
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Can’t complain.
Enjoy yourself.
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Meanwhile, I’m getting back into the blog saddle.
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Welcome back.
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Thank you kind sir.
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Wow Frank!! What a fabulous itinerary, it has made my day to learn that your blogging absence was due to being on a CRUISE. That is just entirely fabulous and it sounds like you had a great time.
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Rachel,
Greetings to the Kiwi poet! Through the years, my blog breaks have been for a variety of reasons – but vacations are one of the reasons. We like cruising. I think this was my ninth, but my wife has done almost twice as many because she also goes with her friends, and they all say the guys have to stay home. Meanwhile, those southern-most ports were too warm for me.
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Sorry your original trip was cancelled but it sounds like everything worked out perfectly. We took our first cruise a year ago. St. Thomas was one of the stops. We had a bad experience which kind of tainted my view of the island. I’d like to return sometime and try again.
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Wendy,
We were looking forward to the original trip to Glacier National Park. We think the company cancelled it because enrollment was too low – but we don’t know. Meanwhile, not sure I’ve seen more jewelry stores in one location anywhere than in St. Thomas. I’m not sure what the rest of the island is like – but it is a common port for many cruisers. The Caribbean is a good getaway vacation – but much different than time in Europe.
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Oh, that is disappointing then. Hopefully you’ll have an opportunity to make the trip one day.
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Oh yes … it’s still on our radar!
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Looks like you did the Caribbean up right on your 11-nighter!
Meanwhile glad you’re back. Stuff happened.
It might take you awhile to get fully-informed.
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Tim,
Thank you. The Caribbean is what it is – a fun place in the sun – but definitely different from a European vacation. In terms of the news, yes – stuff happened – but nothing surprises me anymore.
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Oh, wow, Frank!!!!! Sailing in such turquoise waters…. in the Caribbean!!!! What a cruise! I can’t wait to hear more! Welcome back, my friend!!!!!!! Yamas!!!! 🙂 🙂
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Marina,
No doubt about it, Caribbean blue is very blue and very beautiful! A good getaway. Clink!
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Clink clink back! 😉🍷
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I’m happy you were off having fun, Frank, and got a deal and didn’t “gain wait.” Because who wants to have more waiting? 🙂 It’s good to see you back, even if it’s not for long.
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Merril,
OMG …. I can’t believe I did that. Just another example of haste makes waste. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
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I thought it was funny–the kind of thing I do all the time! 🙂
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Happy to hear you had a member of the crew dancing. Sounds like you had a fun time. YAY!
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Tara,
She was standing in front of her desk area dancing to the music waiting on customers. So I approached her and took into a ballroom hustle. She was laughing and had a good time. Plus, she remembered our names the entire trip every time we saw her. I made sure we saw her before we left. The trip as a whole was a good time.
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Last time we cruised, a few years ago, the only US tv news available on the ship was Fox! So, only the filtered variety. Was that your experience as well? If so, what are the implications of this?
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Jim,
News availability varies with cruise lines, but on this one we had Fox, MSNBC, and BBC. If I only had Fox, I probably wouldn’t watch. BBC is good because it truly covers the world.
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St Thomas was beautiful, but that landing strip coming in left a lot to be desired. St Croix is destitute alright.
Good to see you back!
Go Bengals at Dolphins! The 0-14 Bowl!
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Marc,
Thanks for sharing a bit of your Caribbean experience. Meanwhile, Dolphins are aiming for an upset. … FYI: Bengals are 3 point underdogs this week against the BYE.
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Welp, they actually had to keep playing after Miami jumped out to a 14-0 lead. I have to say, I am shocked whenever the Dolphins make a game of it since they have precious little in the way of skill players right now. And with Howard out now . . ugh.
Your Bengals line is a classic. 🙂
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FYI: Take the Bengals and the points.
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LOL
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Welcome back, Frank. I’ve been to St Croix, St. Maarten, and St Barts. The water was beautiful.
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Welcome back. What a glorious trip!
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Patti,
Thank you … and there are some beautiful nature scenes on these islands!
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Welcome back, Frank!
Really enjoying the music here, as I type.
However, when I brought up your blog, “Taking Care of Business” was on the radio.
It was a long while ago, and I have been to all the islands you visited…. all but St. Croix.
I’ve made good progress on the Tango Art Gown. I’m sure it will be done well before your retrospects are posted. When that happens should I contact you on the email connected to your comments on my blog? …. for your Tango contribution!
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Resa,
Wow … synchronicity with the radio! 🙂 .. Meanwhile, I’ll gladly help with the Tango Art Gown post. Use the email that you see. 🙂
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Hi Frank,
Thanks for the good tunes. Sounds like you managed to make good use of your flight credit, but a shame about Glacier. I’m surprised you didn’t just go there on your own instead, since the tour was canceled. Was there something extra special about the tour?
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Eilene,
The tour had other stops – actually 10 days starting and ending in Seattle. .. plus they are doing the driving! However, Glacier is still high on our list. Nonetheless, this was a good trip.
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It must have been a really enjoyable cruise, Frank. I’m glad you had the opportunity! 🙂
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Debra,
Yes – a good cruise. The Caribbean is not near of my top places, but (for me) a good getaway. After all, the deal was a good one!
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LOVE Enya! I believe I have all of her music. When my Mom was alive, she complained she couldn’t understand what she was singing. No worries. It’s the music that counts. Good for you taking a cruise. I wish! About that quote re: politicians. I laughed. SO true.
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AmyRose,
Glad you enjoy Enya, plus thanks for sharing the story about your mom. Rather than focusing on lyrics, for me it’s the music (as a whole). … and I love her music!
About the politicians quote, I frequently selected that urinal … and I had choices!
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Agreed. It is the music as a whole. I laughed out loud when I read your choice of urinals. You are so funny! Teehee …..
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Most of the men’s restrooms on the ship had multiple urinals. So hey – at least I had a choice. From what I could tell, each urinal had a different quote – but the one about the politicians was my favorite.
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A wonderful cruising itinerary.
I remember flying in to St Thomas, meeting up with my father, then sailing around the British Virgin Islands on his yacht. One of the most amazing vacations.
I do recall seeing the huge cruise liners in St Thomas, as they towered over his 42 ft yacht ⛵
Happy days.
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Melanie,
Thanks for sharing. Oh yes – large is only as compared to what. We didn’t see many other ships in most ports – but in St. Maarten, three were in port … small, medium, and large! … well, relative to each other. But (I think) the large is one of the largest cruise ships in the world – if not the largest!
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Yay! Love the eastern side of the Caribbean. Some great stops. Congrats on getting away to such wonderful destinations.
Always loved The Guess Who and am looking forward to this concert. Hopefully I’ll be thawed out by then 🥶
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Monika,
Seems like you have been to this area. Any islands that I encountered? See you at the concert – so stay warm!
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Absolutely loved the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Barbados. Such gracious residents and fun things to see and experience.
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🙂
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You picked my favorite ship ‘ Equinox’. Six times in this one The size is just right. The theater is beautiful. Karaoke as you exit the theater. The Blu restaurant and quiet little nook s to enjoy small musician groups. Have you been to the silent dance party where headphones are distributed? Everyone is dancing to one of the 4 channels streaming into the headphones I have lots of laughs at that one. Aah … I’m packing.
I’ve been to all of the islands.St.Thomas is where I had my high school senior trip .Imagine that 👍
These are all beautiful islands. My least favorite is St.Maarteen. It’s the most commercial.Although, they are all catching up quickly. Thanks for taking me aboard.
Have a super weekend and musical.
Isadora😎
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