Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

10 April 201431 August 2024

It was our one-year anniversary and my husband wanted to take a dive trip to Jamaica. We had decided to stay in Ocho Rios so that we could visit the Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most visited attractions. We found an all-inclusive resort that was close to the falls, offered fabulous amenities and provided an airline discount.

We flew into Montego Bay and took a bus to the hotel. The drive seemed to take forever but after an hour and a half, we finally arrived to a welcoming staff at this luxurious, gorgeous estate. The hotel was absolutely stunning and we could not wait to explore the exquisite grounds. Renting a villa away from the main house, we were offered plenty of privacy and our own private pool.

Ciboney Ocho Rios was considered one of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels with a AAA Four Diamond Rating. Located on the northern coast, east of Montego Bay, it sat on 45 acres offering a long list of unbelievable amenities to include watersports, concierge, on-site basketball, golf, and volleyball, a salon and spa, gift shop, boutique, and several fabulous restaurants.

We made reservations for the Italian restaurant and decided to stay on the resort for the remainder of the day to enjoy all of the complimentary offerings. We were excited to check out the resort’s entertainment and found ourselves dancing until 3 o’clock in the morning. Each night was based on a theme, and we just happened to arrive on disco night.

We awoke for breakfast and had several hours before meeting our tour group for an afternoon snorkeling excursion. The restaurants served fantastic food with so many options. We loaded up on fresh fruits and made to order omelets that kept us full until lunch.

Heading back to the room after breakfast, we took a short nap and then sat around the pool until it was time to meet our tour in the lobby.

Our afternoon snorkeling trip was a bit uneventful but we were able to see horseshoe crabs and handle sea urchins. I was hoping that our dive in a few days would provide more excitement with colorful fish or sea rays and sharks. It would be Mike’s first underwater dive and I was hoping he would be hooked to finish his underwater certification.

We had a free day before returning home and scheduled a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. We were excited for the opportunity to climb up the 600 foot waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical forests. From the bottom of the falls, we posed for photos and then carefully made the trek behind a large group of tourists as a local guide directed us through the climbing process. The water was refreshing and it took us about an hour and a half to reach the top.

We boarded the transport back to our hotel and enjoyed an afternoon at the small beach across from the resort until it was time for dinner.

Placing an early reservation, we changed out of our swim gear and showered before enjoying a lovely Italian dinner. The food was excellent and we took advantage of our last night at the resort enjoying the entertainment with drinks and dancing.

We absolutely loved our vacation at Ciboney in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and would highly recommend the resort. We later learned that the Ciboney had been purchased by Sandals Resorts and had been renovated and renamed the Sandals Ochi.

Have you been to the new Sandals Ochi or perhaps you had actually been to the Ciboney resort? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my celebratory visit to Ocho Rios and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dunn’s River Falls & Park
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 974 2857

Admission Fee: Adults: $25; Child: $17 (ages 4 – 12).
Hours: 8:30AM to 4PM daily (regular hours); When cruise ships are in port, the facility opens at 7AM
Guided Tours: Included in the admission price
Amenities: Guide during the falls climb, tubing, beach bar, dolphin swim, zipline, catamaran cruise and city tours are included in the Dunn’s River Falls Tour Packages
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: If you are staying at a local resort on the island, schedule your visit when the cruise ships are not in port. Wear comfortable old tennis shoes or water shoes for climbing the falls. Bring your camera and the guide will take photos for you. Tipping is not included in the fee for visiting the falls and the guides expect more than what you would expect to pay in the US, so be aware.

Where to Stay:

Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone: 888 726 3257

Where to Eat:

ValenTino’s Cucina Romana
Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone: 888 726 3257

What to Eat:

Bammy was one of my favorite treats in Jamaica. Made from cassava or yucca, this sweet dish is then soaked in coconut milk and deep fried.
Coco Bread is made with coconut milk, giving it a lovely sweetness.
Jerk Chicken is the national dish for the island of Jamaica. Made with a blend of spices, the Jamaicans also provide jerk pork, jerk fish, etc.
Jamaican Curry Goat is another meal that is popular with Jamaicans, but is difficult to find at touristy restaurants. Half Moon is highly recommended for trying this Jamaican delicacy.
Jamaican Meat Pies are similar to empanadas, a pastry filled with meat.
Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper is a staple in making the island’s hot sauce.
Rice and Peas are really a dish of rice and red beans and is a popular side dish that goes well with Jerk dishes.

What to Read:

Jamaica Me Dead, by Bob Morris
Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys
Rasta Heart, by Robert Roskind

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The Untouched Beauty of Honduras

19 March 201431 August 2024

I can still remember the first time I visited Honduras, I was working for the cruise lines in the 1990s. I was amazed at the pure, untouched landscape with endless views of the country’s hills and valleys. Honduras was not yet an established cruise ship stop and became a popular port of call because of its uninhabited jungle with rare sightings of exotic birds and animals.

The Ocean Spirit, a live-aboard dive ship, was one of the few vessels that was permitted to anchor off of The Bay Islands of Honduras. Divers were drawn to our ship’s itinerary as it provided some of the best diving in the world. Second only to The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, dive enthusiasts had the opportunity to explore the underwater reefs of Roatan.

Although the majority of passengers were drawn to the ship because of its spectacular diving, the Ocean Spirit also provided shore excursions for non-diving passengers to go ashore. While in Honduras, these tours included either a boat ride to Roatan Beach (which also included lunch), or a catamaran cruise to Guanaja with a cultural trip into town. The group sizes were usually small, so ship’s officers were welcome to tag along when space was available.

The boat ride to Roatan included refreshments, musical entertainment and a tour guide providing commentary and insight to the lives and culture of the Hondurans. Within a few minutes we had arrived on the West End of the islet where miles of white sand and tropical palm trees welcomed both sunbathers and explorers. After four hours, which included lunch, the tourists would board the boat and enjoy the scenery on our way back to the ship. This was the most relaxing of the two tours and I enjoyed each opportunity I had to visit.

The most popular tour in Honduras included the opportunity for passengers to explore the Bay Island of Guanaja, also known as Bonacca. To reach the island, we took small passenger boats, hugging the Honduran coastline. Thatched huts and concrete homes came into view as we sailed along the shore. Little dinghies were tied up to the palm trees in preparation for an afternoon of fishing as wives hung their laundry on a clothesline outside of their home. The overgrown terrain acted as a shield to protect the families from the wildlife that lived deep in the unexplored jungle.

Guanaja was one of the more inhabited of the Bay Islands back in the 90’s. The central town of Bonacca was the most populated with about 10,000 residents. As the catamaran docked at a small pier near the downtown, passengers were provided their first glimpse of this poor, developing Honduran fishing village.

Stepping off of the tour boat, it was not difficult to see why the locals refer to Bonacca as “Little Italy”. The maze of channels, backstreets and alleys remind me of the canals of Venice. There are no roads here, so moving from one place to the next requires a lot of walking. The homes within the interior of town seem to be more upscale and roomy. I enjoyed losing myself among the walkways, stopping to watch children fishing here along the bridges.

Moving inland into the town of Bonacca, I was saddened to see areas of poverty and ruin. Refuse filled the waterways and the smell of garbage was overwhelming at times. I learned later that day that the town was undergoing renovation. The Hondurans were optimistic that these areas would be cleaned up over the next couple of years in an effort to attract more tourists. The government was hoping that this focus would lead to more visitors which would in turn improve the economy and provide local jobs. Little did I know that tourism would eventually play a large part in the future of Honduras and that major cruise lines would vie for position to include Honduras on their ship’s itineraries.

It was soon time for me to reach the pier where I would join the other passengers and we would enjoy another boat ride back to the Ocean Spirit. The ship anchored overnight which meant that divers and crew could experience the nightlife before the ship’s departure the next morning. This was always my favorite part of the day.

After the shore excursions returned and dive masters unloaded their boats after a day of diving, we would all catch a ride over to The Bayman Bay Club on Guanaja. It became our most popular spot to escape our cruise ship life and leave the passengers behind. Even if it was just for an evening, this was our special place. From here we could escape, discuss our dives and catch up with one another over a couple of games of pool.

I took great comfort each week visiting Roatan and Guanaja with its unbelievable scenery and laid back atmosphere. To us, the islands were so profound that it was hard to believe that a place like this could actually exist in a world that had become so commercialized. I remember how each of us felt so privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time in a place that felt as though we were the only ones who existed. It truly was a magical place.

Honduras will always have a special place in my heart as it was here that I passed my certification to become a diving instructor. Looking back, it is hard to believe that I had the chance to dive at one of the most amazing dive sites in the world and I look forward to an opportunity to return to experience it all over again. And of course, the day would not be complete without a few dive stories over a game of pool at Bayman Bay Club.

Have you had the opportunity to visit a location that was once your best kept secret and you had hoped it would stay that way forever? Have you visited there recently to find that things have changed yet you have fond memories of its earlier existence? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. I am so thankful that you read my post about cruise life in Honduras and look forward to hearing from you. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Eat:

The food from Honduras is certainly a melting pot of flavors. Influenced by the Indian culture of the Maya, Lenca and Garifuna, it is also inspired by African, Caribbean and Spanish cuisine. Here are a few dishes one should try while visiting Honduras.

Black Bean Soup: A traditional staple, black beans are cooked with tomatoes and such spices as coriander and paprika. I love to top it off with sour cream and hot sauce.
Horchata: A milk-based drink, this concoction includes rice, water, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, which is absolutely delicious.
Licuados: Another drink that comes from Honduras, this is a fruity dessert drink that is sweetened with honey and milk.
Machuca: This spicy dish is made of mashed plantains and then smothered with a jalapeno and garlic paste.
Pastelitos de Carne: Translated as a Meat Pie, pastry is stuffed with ground beef cooked in wine, with tomatoes, onions and raisins and cooked a golden brown.
Traditional Baleadas: Similar to a soft taco, a tortilla is filled with beans, eggs or beef, avocado and copious amounts of cheese and usually served at breakfast or lunch.
Yojoa Fish: Deep fried lake fish is marinated in cumin, paprika, cilantro paste and sugar, this dish is usually served with pickled onions (put on the fish) and lemon slices.

What to Read:

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Roatan & Honduras’ Bay Islands by Sharon Collins
Roatan Honduras Dive Map & Reef Creatures Guide Franko Maps Laminated Fish Card by Franko Maps Ltd.

Photo Guide to Honduras:

Copan Ruins: Stelae (stone monuments), Maya Citadel, Step Pyramids, Ruins
Pico Bonito National Park: landscapes and scenic views
Utila: an island off of the mainland of Honduras best for photographing whale sharks and coral reefs
Jeannette Kawas National Park: lagoons, coral reefs tropical forests, swamps, and wetlands
Roatan: mountains, coral reefs
Lake Yojoa: lush landscape, birds, restaurants, coffee plantations, waterfalls and mountains
Comayagua: Spanish colonial architecture,

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Freeport, Bahamas: A Welcome Change in Itinerary

5 March 201431 August 2024

Updated December 24, 2019

Hurricane Gilbert stunned the port towns of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in 1988. Due to the devastating damage, our ship’s itinerary quickly changed to include the Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport over the next couple of months.

Our first stop was Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island. This port offered many of the same amenities as our Yucatan Peninsula ports, so it was a perfect choice. It was such a great stop for visitors who were interested in watersports, sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Recent Hurricane Dorian, touching down in the Bahamas on August 24, 2019, was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Bahamas in over 65 years. Information provided throughout this post may require updating due to the recent event, so check for updated information online.

Since the early days of cruise vacations, the islands of the Bahamas have been a popular destination. During my days of working with the cruise lines, Freeport was a shopper’s paradise and offered a variety of activities in addition to its international restaurants.

One of Freeport’s most popular shopping plazas was the International Bazaar consistently bustling with tourists. I was surprised to learn that today, the Bazaar has become a ghost town, with limited shopping and dining, quite different than my past experience. Much of the change has been attributed to a history of hurricanes that have left the island in need of repair. A new shopping area has been developed near downtown Freeport and is much more visitor-friendly. For shoppers who are into haggling for a deal, check out the straw market to practice your bartering skills for souvenirs and merchandise.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

The bazaar, in keeping with the international theme, was divided into sections based on countries of the world. The architecture of each designated location included France, America, the Orient and Scandinavia. It remains one of the oldest shopping regions on the island.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

In front of the International Bazaar was the Bavarian Beer Garden which provided a wide range of lunch and dinner items. Continuing the tradition today, the menu highlights the following options: Conch salad, crab salad, fried chicken, lobster and French fries. With the best prices in the Bazaar, they also offer deals on tropical cocktails. Outdoor seating is perfect for people watching and enjoying the sunshine.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

Outside of the International Bazaar is a brightly colored directional sign that shows the distance from Freeport to popular worldwide destinations. It was the first time I had ever seen anything like it, so I thought it clever to know how far I was from some of the other islands as well as major cities including, New York: 1015 miles, Bimini: 53 miles, Montreal: 1323 miles and San Salvador: 285 miles.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

A nearby attraction to the International Bazaar and Straw Market was the Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino. Built in the 1970’s the resort was later named the Bahamia Royal Oasis Resort. Sitting on close to 1,000 acres, which included a hotel with pools and casino, the property eventually closed due to hurricane and tropical storm damage.

The most recent information regarding the property came from a 2010 news story which reported that there was a fire at the Princess Towers, which started on the 7^th floor.

Another shopping area is the Port Lucaya marketplace and seems today to be much more popular than the International Bazaar. Activities from this port include scuba and snorkeling, boat tours and rentals, as well as an opportunity to swim with dolphins There is a shopping mall nearby which includes a drugstore and offers duty free deals on perfume and watches. If you are searching for cheaper prices for alcohol, your best bet is to head downtown.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

In the Port Lucaya shopping area, you can also find restaurants, but downtown is where you will find Bahamian local dishes and fast food restaurants such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

While in Port Lucaya, stop by to see the lighthouse. It has since been painted with red and white stripes and visible from the shopping area.

The town of Freeport has not been without its own natural disasters over the years. And although they have faced many challenges, they have worked together to make a huge comeback in the tourism industry. It was just a matter of time. I look forward to returning again soon to see how things have changed since my last visit to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

Have you visited a port that has been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes? Have you since had an opportunity to see its restoration? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the Comments Section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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Bermuda’s Hamilton Parish

5 February 201431 August 2024

During my second contract as a purser on the SS Queen of Bermuda, I met with the ship’s agent at the JFK Airport who took me to the port of New York. Another six month contract with a weekly itinerary from New York City to the ports of Hamilton, Bermuda and then on St. George, I knew this was going to be an exciting summer.

A postcard map of Bermuda

Bermuda is one of my favorite islands, not just because I spent the whole summer exploring it, but for its sophistication, laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty. It’s easy to see most of the highlights of Bermuda in one day, but there are so many hidden gems throughout the island. I was excited to discover all of the parishes and learn about the history and people that make Bermuda such a magical place.

A view from the ship in downtown Hamilton

As the ship docked in downtown Hamilton, I cleared customs and headed out with a group of friends to wander the pastel colored streets of Pembroke Parish. I loved coming into Hamilton because of its main street, lined with restaurants, shops and the local grocery.

With the ship docked in Hamilton for three of our four days, I became accustomed to the local hangouts and experienced life as if this island was my home. Of course I enjoyed visiting the local sites, but oftentimes I would make plans to take in a movie at the cinema, or enjoy a fast food dinner at the local KFC.

The ports of call that I often visited during my contract were no longer able to support the large megaships that were built in the 1990s. To accommodate the size of the new cruise liners, Bermuda built a new dock at King’s Wharf Dockyard, located on the west end of the island. Very few ships, if any, dock in the port towns of Hamilton and St. George now that the dockyard is operational.

Regardless of where one’s ship is docked, passengers can easily explore the island of Bermuda during their stay. With a length of 22 miles, it is easy to visit both ends of the island by bus, ferry or scooter. I miss those days of hopping on my weekly scooter rental at Oleander Cycles, but I’m sure I could acclimate to driving on the left side of the road should I return to Bermy.

A few of the port of St. George from the cruise ship

Our last stop on the cruise ship itinerary was St. George. This charming town is located on the more quiet side of Bermuda with its strong history and fabulous selection of tourist attractions. It is here that I was able to sample the island flavor, see its natural beauty and be captivated by spectacular views of the coral colored seashore. If we decided to stay in for the night, we would visit the video store to rent a movie but most of the time we checked into our favorite place, The White Horse Tavern. Located across from the cruise ship’s dock, the restaurant had an outside deck that would accommodate the large crowd of us that were up for a night on the town. Late nights would be spent at Reflections, a dance club just around the corner.

UPDATE: Reflections is no longer in St. George.

Hamilton Parish – Abbot’s Cliff

For the officers and crew, cruise ship life isn’t all about restaurants, shopping and clubs. I learned about Abbot’s Cliff from one of the customs agents that mentioned it had an amazing view of Bermuda once I reached the top. Finding the unmarked dirt path, I battled the tall grass on my moped and managed to avoid some of the big rocks. I was rewarded with one of Bermuda’s best kept secrets with spectacular views of the island.

Located in Hamilton Parish, I was able to access the cliff from Abbot’s Cliff Road at the northern side of Harrington Sound. This is the only marker for the dirt trail that leads to the top, but after witnessing the breathtaking views of the island and surrounding areas, I agreed the trouble to reach the top was well worth the effort.

One of the highlights of my weekly visit to Bermuda was a trip to either Bailey’s Ice Cream & D’Lites or the Swizzle Inn for my favorite Bermuda drink, the Rum Swizzle.

For the best homemade ice cream on the island, I made it a priority to visit Bailey’s Ice Cream as much as possible. I found a wide variety of flavors that included those unique to Bermuda like the “Dark and Stormy” or “Rum and Ginger”. It was never difficult for us to find the beautifully painted, light green cottage located across the street of another Bermuda icon, “The Swizzle Inn Pub and Restaurant”.

Bailey’s Ice Cream and Parlour is located at 2 Blue Hole Hill (in Bailey’s Bay), Hamilton Parish. Hours of operation are from 12:00PM to 6:00PM daily during the summer, closed in the winter.

Close to the Ice Cream Parlour, I could take the footpath access over to the Crystal Caves for a time to cool down. Tourists can swim in the cool water down in the caves for a bit of refreshment from the hot summer sun.

Descending 120 feet below ground, Crystal Caves, one of the largest cave systems in Bermuda. Pontoon-style walkways are provided to access this amazing underground attraction. We walked among the limestone rock stalagmites and stalactites for a surreal experience with a tour guide providing us with a geological overview of the cave. I loved to see the crystal clear waters of Cahow Lake below that reflected the beauty of these spectacular formations.

During the tour I learned that the caves were discovered by two teenage boys in the early 1900’s. The caves were once the property of the Wilkinson family. Further exploration led the family to a fantastical world that would one day become one of Bermuda’s favorite attractions.

There are so many attractions and natural sites to see throughout the island, so I took the time to visit them to enjoy the splendid views, explore Bermuda’s beauty and soak in the beautiful flavors of the island.

I will never forget the summer I spent in Bermuda. I keep in touch with friends there and dream about returning someday soon. Is there a place that brings back fond memories for you? Have you had a chance to return? I would love to know what sites, cities or countries that have made the most impact on you, so please leave a comment below! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Abbot’s Cliff
Abbot’s Cliff Road
Hamilton, Bermuda

Crystal Caves
8 Crystal Caves Road
Hamilton Parish, Bermuda Blue Hole Hill
441 293 0640

Admission Fee: Crystal Caves (along with Fantasy Caves) will cost $22 per adult, children 12 and under, $10 and children under 5 are free. Credit cards are accepted.
Hours: The caves are open daily from 9AM to 5PM with tours leaving every 20 minutes. Allocate about 75 minutes to explore both of the caves.
Scenic View: The stalagmites and stalactites of the cave are fantastic.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and a swimsuit beneath your clothes to enter the underground lake.

Where to Stay:

The Saint George’s Club
6 Rose Hill
St. George’s Parish, Saint George, Bermuda
Telephone: 877 734 3180

Where to Eat:

Bailey’s Ice Cream & D’Lites
2 Blue Hole Hill
Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
Telephone: 441 293 8605

NOTE: Bring cash because Bailey’s does not accept credit cards.

Where to Drink:

Swizzle Inn
3 Blue Hole Hill
Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish
Telephone: 441 293 1854

The local drink is the rum swizzle made from Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Gosling’s Gold Seal Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine and angostura bitters.

What to Eat:

Bermudian Gumbo: a type of fish chowder, this soup includes a mix of spices, vegetables and a blend of seafood
Black Rum Cake: Check out Bermuda Black Rum Cake at the Royal Naval Dockyard. This local favorite is made with dark molasses, dried fruit and walnuts and of course, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum.
The Codfish Breakfast: boiled or steamed salt cod with potatoes, onions, sliced bananas and a hard boiled egg: Can also be cooked as a patty called a Fish Cake
Fish Sandwich: fried cod on wheat or raisin bread
Hoppin’ John: rice and peas

What to Read:

The Story of Bermuda and Her People, by W. S. Zulli
Under the Moon Gate, by Marilyn Baron
A Home with no Roof, by Wayne Whicher
Captain Devlin’s Captive, by Susanne Saville

Photo Guide for Bermuda:

Crystal Caves: A visit to this unique location is absolutely breathtaking.
Front Street Hamilton is one of my favorite places to visit and photograph because of its colorful buildings
Gibb’s Lighthouse: Climb to the top for spectacular views
Horseshoe Bay: explore the gorgeous pink coral sands and beautiful blue waters
Jobson’s Cove: This secluded cove is absolutely romantic.
Royal Naval Dockyard: With its historical clock tower and stone structure, there are several photos that can be shot from this location
The Unfinished Church in St. George’s: A Catholic church that has been damaged over time stands without its roof.
Warwick Long Bay: This beach is the perfect spot for stunning sunrises
Water Street in St. George for colorful homes showing Bermuda’s Old World Charm

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