Travel Plans for 2016

5 January 201622 July 2024

2016 is going to be another great year for travel. With close to 20 trips already planned and more in the works, I am excited that I will be venturing out into the world and experiencing fun, local trips across the state of Ohio.

With a Caribbean Cruise coming up, I will be working with tour operators and agents to maximize our time in each port. I am most excited about this opportunity as I will be leading some tours throughout the Caribbean over the summer and fall months of this year.

The Harbor of St. Thomas

Some of the islands I will be visiting include: Antigua/Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados (Bridgetown, West Side, St. James Parish Church, Malibu Rum Tour and Beach), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia (Part 1 and Part 2), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

Snorkeling with Stingrays

I will also be making visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Sunset in Key West

Booked Travel in the US & Canada includes: Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine; Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park (maybe); the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Booked Travel Elsewhere includes: London and Paris

I was hoping to hit Machu Picchu this year, but that did not work out with my current schedule, only because I want to hike the trail which would require a guide and a permit.

Local Travel includes: Exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants of Cincinnati (Hamilton and Butler Counties) as well as Covington, Kentucky, the Erie Islands and Cleveland.

Have you already booked your vacation for 2016 or made travel plans? I would love to hear about your adventures for this year, so please leave a message in the comments section below. 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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New Orleans, the Perfect City to Start Your Cruise

8 January 20148 August 2024

It took me by surprise when I learned that I would be transferring to another ship mid-cruise with Bermuda Star Lines. I had recently joined the Vera Cruz in Tampa when the Chief Purser explained that I would be signing on to the Queen of Bermuda later that week. The move would take place while both ships were anchored off of the port of Cozumel and my new port of origin would be New Orleans. Another port, another city to be explored.

Little did I know that the Crew Purser position would leave me with limited time to visit this amazing city. I was in charge of customs and immigration for the ship, so while we were docked, I was processing the paperwork and contracts for the officers and crew in preparation for sailing.

Close to the port was the Riverwalk Marketplace (now the Riverwalk Outlets), an elaborate shopping plaza and food court which was perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat. The dining area was located upstairs and there were quite a few options for lunch, including some of the local Cajun and Creole cuisine.

On days where I had an extra hour or two, I would stroll away from the food court and enjoy my lunch at the Riverwalk Fountain, located in the Spanish Plaza nearby.

Each week I yearned to meet up with friends in the French Quarter. They told me about all of the shops and restaurants that they had visited which only made me want to jump ship and check them out for myself.

The time had finally come when I had completed my contract and I would be taking a six week break to visit family and friends. The ship’s agent knew how much I wanted to see New Orleans so he arranged my travel itinerary so that I would have a few hours to spend here before catching my flight. I was more than excited to finally venture out past the confines of the Riverwalk and to explore “The Big Easy” for myself.

With my long list of historical sites and points of interest in hand, what better way to start my exploration than to visit The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France? One of New Orleans’ oldest cathedrals and most notable landmarks, it is the perfect showcase of the city’s French architecture with its elegant spires, clock tower and extravagant courtyard.

Approaching the cathedral straight on was enough to take my breath away. Taking center stage in the square is a statue of General Andrew Jackson sitting atop his bronze horse. Beautifully designed after the spectacular Place des Vosges in Paris, I would have never guessed that public executions took place here in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Today it is a popular location for artists, fortune tellers and tarot card readers.

Soon it was lunchtime and my shipmates highly recommended that I visit Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter. I was offered a lovely seat by the fountain in the courtyard and I placed an order for gator bites and the restaurant’s signature drink, the Hurricane. I was beginning to feel miles away from civilization. I wasn’t sure if it was the rum from the Hurricane or the relaxing atmosphere of the outdoor garden.

After paying my bill, I enjoyed strolling the streets of The French Quarter. I knew that Bourbon Street was close by and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos. During the daylight hours, New Orleans seems like a sweet, southern hospitality kind of town with a rich history and fabulous restaurants. It’s when the sun goes down that the French Quarter comes to life and continues on until the early hours of the morning. The streets are packed with tourists collecting beads and enjoying frozen drinks with names such as High Octane and Mind Eraser.

I had only a couple of hours until I needed to catch a taxi to the airport, so my final stop brought me back to The French Market. Our ship’s agent would bring us beignets and coffee from Café du Monde and it was that time in the afternoon when I was ready for a café au lait and a last stroll through the shops. I could smell the fresh seafood and the local Cajun and Creole spices for which New Orleans is known. I placed my order for some jambalaya and enjoyed every bite before saying goodbye to The Big Easy.

Is there a place where you have traveled that brings back fond memories? Maybe it was a childhood vacation spot a business trip that you frequented? I would love to hear about that special place if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about New Orleans and wishing you many Happy travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Spanish Plaza
2 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France (also known as St. Louis Cathedral)
615 Pere Antoine Alley
New Orleans, LA 70116
Telephone: 504 525 9585

Admission Fee: Free, with the option to leave a donation
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 4PM with daily mass held at 12:05PM.
Amenities: Gift shop, can light candles for a charge of $2,
Guided Tours and Informational Booklets: Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation. Guides are available for groups with a prior reservation.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: The cathedral may be closed on Saturdays due to weddings, so check their website to inquire if a wedding is on the schedule. Please respect fellow visitors who may be entering the cathedral for prayer and refrain from taking photos during mass.

Where to Shop:

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
500 Port of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70130
Telephone: 504 522 1555

Open: Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 9PM; Sunday: 10AM – 7PM

French Market
700 – 1010 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Telephone: 504 522 2621

Hours: The market is open daily from 9AM to 6PM. The Farmer’s Market is open from 10AM to 6PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Amenities: Shopping, food, crafts bazaar, flea market and live entertainment
Length of Time to Spend at The French Market: 2 – 3 hours

Where to Stay:

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 Saint Louis St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Toll Free Number: 866 538 9295

This hotel is located in the middle of all of the action in New Orleans! It is an absolutely beautiful property with a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and balconies with a street view!

Where to Eat:

Acme Oyster Bar – affordable seafood!
735 Iberville Street
Telephone: 504 522 5973

Try the oysters or a local po-boy sandwich or if you have a bigger appetite, the New Orleans Medley allows you to try a sampling of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice and grilled smoked sausage.

Brennan’s – upscale Creole cuisine since 1956
417 Royal Street
Telephone: 504 525 9711

This is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans not only because the food is so fabulous but its courtyard and patio are picturesque and remind me of dining at a southern plantation. During a recent visit, I ordered the Roasted Oysters prepared with smoked chili butter and a manchego cheese crust. For my entree, I decided to order a selection from the starters section and could not wait to try the New Orleans BBQ Lobster. The wine list is extensive with over 30,000 bottles on site! We ordered a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello. Save some room for their signature dessert which is the Bananas Foster and is world-renowned!

Court of Two Sisters – Jazz brunch buffet, expensive
613 Royal Street
Telephone: 504 522 7261

Once a home for a Louisiana governor, this restaurant is one of the most accommodating eateries in New Orleans with four dining rooms and a French menu to die for. David had been begging me to try the Turtle Soup and it seemed as though every restaurant we visited, it was on the menu. I started out with the Turtle Soup Au Sherry, which was actually quite good, but I will probably not order it again. At least I can say I tried it and I hope he doesn’t encourage me to try the Frog Legs! For my main entree, I could not pass up the Vegetarian Lasagna to save some room for the Creme Brulee!

Commander’s Palace, Creole and Jazz brunch buffet
1403 Washington Avenue
Telephone: 504 899 8221

A New Orleans landmark, this restaurant is the epitome of Creole and Louisiana cuisine! It is here that I first experienced Creole gumbo and Crawfish. Note that there is a dress code for Commander’s Palace.

Many people visit New Orleans to experience Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants and here are the links to these wonderful establishments as well! I have not had the pleasure of visiting his restaurants as they are usually booked far in advance! It is best to call ahead for reservations!

NOLA
534 St. Louis Street
Telephone: 504 522 6652

Meril
424 Girod Street
Telephone: 504 526 3745

Emeril’s New Orleans
800 Tchoupioulas Street
Telephone: 504 528 9393

Emeril’s Delmonico
1300 St. Charles Avenue
Telephone: 504 525 4937

What to Eat :

Crawfish Etoufee – shellfish over rice, using a technique called “smothering”
Andouille Gumbo – a stew consisting of a strong-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a roux, celery, bell peppers and onions. Andouille is a type of spicy sausage usually included in gumbo.
Jambalaya– a dish of meat and vegetables mixed with rice
Beignets – fried fritters, sometimes filled with fruit and topped with confectioner’s sugar
Zapp’s Potato Chips!– a thick cut, kettle style potato chip that includes cajun and creole spices. My favorite flavor is the spicy cajun crawtators!

Where to Drink:

Pat O’Brien’s Bar
718 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Telephone: 504 525 4823

Hours: The bar opens daily from noon; the piano lounge show typically begins at 6PM and the courtyard is available from 11AM; The kitchen is open until 10PM.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar and live entertainment
Tips for Your Visit: Try Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, The Hurricane. Additional specialty drinks on the menu include The Cyclone, Bloody Mary, Pat O’s Lemonade, Mint Julep, Skylab, Rainbow, Pat O’s Rainstorm, Category 5 Margarita, Fuzzy Leprechaun. For a small fee you can keep the souvenir cup, which your server will carefully wrap up for you. The piano bar is extremely fun to sing along with the dueling pianos and check out the flaming fountain at night, which is absolutely spectacular!

What to Read:

New Orleans, DK Eyewitness Travel, by Marilyn Wood
A Street Car Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story, by Miriam C. Davis
Voodoo Dreams, by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Photo Guide for New Orleans:

French Quarter: The architecture is absolutely stunning, so look for the Creole houses with wrought-iron balconies. Some of the most beautiful buildings in the Quarter include St. Louis Cathedral, the Old Ursuline Convent, as well as the Cabildo.
Jackson Square: The square is located in front of St. Louis Cathedral and was once the location for public execution. Today, there are musicians and tarot card readers that provide local entertainment and are accustomed to photographers shooting their pics.
Food photos are a must in New Orleans, so order a muffaletta, beignet or plate of oysters and shoot away.
Garden District: With million dollar homes lining the street of St. Charles, you will want to hop on the streetcar to explore these amazing homes and their spectacular architecture.
Cemeteries of New Orleans: While St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is home to some of the most famous mausoleums and interesting history, there are several cemeteries which are also accessible by tour. These cemeteries include St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, Metairie Cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Charity Hospital and Katrina Memorial Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery.
Frenchmen Street is the new Bourbon Street just across the esplanade from the French Quarter. A safe option for exploring New Orleans at night, visitors can browse a local art market, listen to local music at one of the amazing clubs and explore the fabulous street art throughout this district.

Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this post was correct at the time of posting but is subject to change. Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.