Life is a Journey

Another not so great nights sleep for both Kevin and myself and we woke to the roughest seas we’ve ever had in the Caribbean. It wasn’t rough at all but there were some white caps on the waves.

Like yesterday, we went back to Central park…

to the Park Cafe…

so Athena and I could get bagels again. Kevin had yoghurt (which he didn’t really enjoy) and Christy was still asleep.

As you can it was a cloudy day which meant all the sun lounges hadn’t been reserved since early morning.

After breakfast we went back to the cabin for a bit before heading to the Solarium (Athena stayed behind to have a nap) for a swim and spa. It was much emptier today because the sun was not out.

After our swim, I had a shower and got dressed. Then it was off to lunch at the American Icon Grill.

I just got food from the buffet today.

We then checked out the new gingerbread house display on the way to the theatre. But I’d gotten the times mixed up so Kevin had time to go to guest services to get our departure time changed (we had been given 10.30 but really wanted to be off by 8am). Luckily there was no problem with this.

We then headed back to the theatre to see the full broadway production of Cats. Kevin and Christy were very excited, but I didn’t remember liking it that much when I saw it over 20 years ago.

Unfortunately it was as I remembered and Athena and I ended up leaving before the first half was over. I’d never normally leave a show at that time but being our last cruise day I had things I’d rather be doing with that time. The cast was brilliant but the show really lacked a storyline and I spent most of the time trying to work out what was going on. Kevin and Christy both agreed that the 2nd half was much better.

I sat outside for a bit enjoying the sound of the ocean and working on a blog post, then I started the fun job of packing.

We decided to go to Izumi’s tonight for dinner as we’ve enjoyed it on our other cruises.

We shared some edamame…

then I had my usual salad…

Kevin had some type of sushi and Athena had noodle soup.

After dinner we went to the photo place to get our on-board photo (the only one we purchased), then picked up some pizza from Sorentos, since I was still a little hungry. It was really good too – probably good I only discovered it on the last day. I just had cheese but you could also pick your own toppings and they would cook it for you.

Back at the room it was final packing time before placing our bags outside.

Then off to a hopefully good nights sleep.

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Another beautiful day at sea. I was awake about 4.30 and let Kevin sleep in. Athena turned up just after 7am. Kevin was kind enough to go and get us tea/coffee and we hung out in the room until we got hungry enough to go in search of breakfast.

Today we went to Central Park…

You definitely don’t feel like you’re at sea in this area. Much as I loved the area I’d rather see more ocean when I’m on a cruise.

We had breakfast at the Park Cafe, where Athena and I were very excited to find a bagel bar…

I had an onion bagel with the sun-dried tomato cream cheese. And it was AMAZING!!!! I actually went and got a second one to take back to have in the room :-).

We assumed all the bird noises were fake until a real bird came to visit Kevin while we were inside. We actually ended up spotting a few real birds. Not a bad place to live I guess :-).

After breakfast we headed back to the room where our bed had been all nicely made. I rarely see it like this as Athena tends to lie there while I sit on the couch (better for my back).

We finally saw Christy around 11am (she’d been out at teen club last night). Unfortunately I ended up with a killer headache so we closed up the blinds (mostly) and I lay on the couch and watched youtube for a bit. Thankfully by lunchtime I had improved a lot.

When we finally went to have lunch at the American Icon Grill (ie. the dining room) we discovered we were too late – it shuts at 1.15pm (I thought it was 1.30pm) so it was back to Windjammers for us.

I had minestrone soup….

salad, pasta and mashed potatoes…

Kevin didn’t feel too great after lunch so we waited a bit and then headed to solarium without him.

After a swim in the rather crowded little pool we lay out for bit, Christy and I sharing one of the comfy lounges looking out the front of the ship.

When Kevin joined us I moved to find a seat with him and I finally got my virgin pina colada.

Back in the room the vlog for day 6 was finally ready to go public. I then watched some more vlogmas videos.

Just after 5.30pm we decided to go to the dining room for dinner so we ended up being a little late. Kevin refused to change out of his shorts and t-shirt, even though it was formal night. But was refused entry into the dining room in shorts and had to go change into long pants.

Like always there wasn’t much to choose from. The main veggie tonight was pasta, which I’d had at lunch, so I just ordered the veggie crudites and dip (from the kids menu)…

and potatoes and veggies (again).

I was so tired at dinner and yawned the whole way through it, so it was right to bed when we got back. I tried to read but was falling asleep and I think I was asleep before 8pm – which is early even for me :-).

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Another cloudy start to the day after another not so great nights sleep. Thankfully the blue skies were shining through by the time we approach St. Marteen-St. Martin – an island that is half Dutch and half French.

We went to Windjammers again for breakfast as I got another unusual, by yummy, selection.

We then snapped a few pictures of the island. Last time we were here was in 2004. Athena wasn’t joining us today, being in a lot of fibro pain, after such a big day yesterday.

Once off the boat it was easy to see just how big Oasis is compared to other ships.

We eventually found our tour company – Bernards – and met our guide, who actually failed to introduce herself.

She was great though. Our first stop was to see some sea urchins. I was relieved to find them alive and that the guy was actually looking after them well.

I was in the back seat so didn’t get the best photos as we drove around (the window had tinting on it). Our first stop was at Orient Beach – we chose the relaxation part but didn’t pay $10 per sun lounge.

Since we were mainly going to be swimming.

Then Kevin and Christy decided to go parasailing (Kevin has done it once before as a teenager). They also got a short jet ski ride as it took them out to the main boat.

The awesome views from high in the sky.

Both of them loved it.

Then it was back in the van to drive around the small island some more.

And a stop for lunch. We had wanted to go to a rastafarin vegetarian place but it must only open for dinner. So instead we went to a recommended patisserie (we were on the French side afterall).

Kevin and I both had savoury crepes – mine was vegetarian (of course) and Kevin had chicken. Christy had 3.5 croissants 🙂

Kevin and I also got a chocolate eclair but it had a chocolate mousse filling rather than cream (like we’d get in Australia) so it was too rich for me – Kevin managed to eat it though.

We then went to Maho Beach which is right on the airport so planes fly right over your head. We arrived just in time for the small planes to start arriving.

And for a bigger plane to take off. Unfortunately 747s stopped coming here in October.

But we did have a pretty big plane fly over us, which was very cool.

From here it was some more sightseeing on the way back to the ship.

We were back onboard just after 2.30pm and went for a spa in the canterlever (sp?) spa. Was nice to sit and relax.

We decided to skip the main dining room again and go to Johnny Rockets instead.

It ended up being a great choice and was a nice, fun, relaxed meal.

with way too much food. I had onion rings and then a veggie burger (which was yummy).

We then went for a few rides on the carousel (though Kevin only managed one ride after eating too much dinner).

Athena and I rode in the peacock carriage before moving to other animals for our second ride.

Athena didn’t feel up to the show Come Fly With Me tonight but wanted some company so we went back to my cabin while Kevin and Christy went to the show – which they said was REALLY good.

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