Ship’s Ahoy! Pirate Boat Shore Excursion, Antigua

17 November 201531 August 2024

Cruising through the Caribbean, I finally reached the island of Antigua. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical forts and dockyard as well as its natural landscape, I was interested in purchasing the “Best of Antigua” excursion. Unfortunately, it was sold out. With limited options available from the ship, I decided to board a local Pirate Cruise for the afternoon which included a stop at the beach with drinks included.

Announcements were made for passengers holding tickets for the ship’s excursions to make their way to the meeting area prior to leaving. Crowds of passengers headed down towards the dock where we awaited the arrival of the pirate vessel. According to the literature, this tall ship was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which made the experience even more exciting. Anyone up for a sword fight against Jack Sparrow?

We boarded the Black Swan and checked out its main deck and masts as well as the Jolly Roger flag. The crew gave us a safety presentation followed by an overview of the parts of a pirate ship. We learned how pirates would circumnavigate the Caribbean in search of trade ships to plunder as we sailed the open waters.

The small white caps of the waves were proof of a calm, gentle sailing. It was the perfect ship to shore experience. The informational session continued as we coasted towards Deep Bay beach. We would have an hour and a half to explore the coast by hiking the trail towards Fort Barrington on Goat Hill or take the opportunity to sunbathe.

The craggy rocks would have made sailing these waters dangerous for both merchants and pirates. The outcroppings and coves would have been the perfect protection for pirates surviving the islands, raiding merchants ships and stealing their cargo.

Cruising through the passageway we noticed a stone fort perched upon the hill. Just as we were passing by, the sound of cannons boomed from the mound and pirates threatened to board our ship. So the battle began.

The reenactment between the pirates on the island lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. It was just enough time to bring us to the beach where we hopped off for some fun in the sun.

We safely approached the bay and were greeted by other sailboats and pontoons in a beautiful harbor setting.

We were tendered off of the pirate ship to the beautiful sandy beach of Deep Bay. From here, we climbed the trail towards the fort in search of buried treasure taking in the stunning coastline of the harbor. It was a short hike and I had some extra time to enjoy the surf and sand.

The clouds began to roll in protecting us from the heat of the day. The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature for a short swim. In the distance, sailboats were anchored off shore providing a picture perfect view and the salty air was the best therapy I could have ever imagined.

On our return, we indulged in the unlimited, free Pirate Punch provided by the pirate ship crew. We enjoyed the music and dancing as we tried on our pirate headgear looking fierce and ready for a take-down. The brave ones were challenged with the opportunity to “steer” the boat while the rest of us relaxed, sipping on pirate juice.

We arrived at the dock with about an hour remaining. I had time to stop by The Island Beehive, a popular bar for cruise ship passengers that specialized in fruity cocktails and people watching. Shops surrounding the square filled with tourists shopping for local deals while Antiguans were dancing in the streets, entertaining us with their local zydeco music.

It was finally time to stroll back to the ship where I could see a pier off into the distance. I was happy to have the short visit, but as always, cruising reminds me of my former life as a cruise ship purse. Always a great time with the friends I made from one ship to the next. How I miss those laid-back, worry-free days.

The cruise ship was within sight and I had plenty of time before departure. I couldn’t help but think back to my days at sea when I would return to a port each week, but unfortunately those days were gone. I learned so much from my work with the cruise lines, such as the island culture and its history. I always look forward to an island cruise to reminisce about those irreplaceable memories.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Antigua/Barbuda? Did you arrive by cruise ship or stay for an extended period of time? I would love to hear about the places you visited, the restaurants where you dined and the memories that you made if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience in Antigua and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Black Swan: This excursion was booked through the cruise line.

Where to Stay:

Cocobay Antigua
Hughes Point
St. Phillips, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 736 8000

Where to Eat:

Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort
Ffryes Beach, Valley Road
St. Mary’s, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 463 6161

We started with the Seafood Risotto, Pan Roasted Grouper and a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine. Saving room for dessert, we ordered the Banana and Rum Cake as well as the Passion Fruit Mousse. The meal was spectacular!

What to Eat:

Antiguan black pineapple is sweeter than the traditional pineapple and lower acidity.
Antiguan butter bread – a staple bread in Antigua
Ducana is dumpling filled with sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar and spices and placed between banana leaves. This delicious appetizer is either fried or boiled.
Fungee and Pepperpot Stew is a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that is simmered for hours; paired with a cornmeal and okra based bread for dipping
Saltfish, an abundant seafood of the island.

What to Read:

Books by Jamaica Kincaid
Sailing for Home, Theo Dorgan
Journeycakes: Memories with My Antiguan Mama by Monica Matthew

Photo Guide for Antigua and Barbuda:

The colorful port of St. John, best taken from the end of the fishing pier
View of the English Harbor from Shirley Heights
Galley Bay, the island’s most popular beach
The white sands of Ffryes Beach
Half Moon Bay, Antigua
Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
Fort James
Nelson’s Dockyard
Sunset from Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, best seen from helicopter
Red telephone booth at Dickensen Bay at Antigua
The Causeway in English Harbour, Antigua

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Staying Close to Port in Mazatlan

18 June 201531 August 2024

As the ship sailed into the port of Mazatlan, I was so surprised by the large number of containers and cranes that were lined up along the dock. While it is not the prettiest of sights, in the distance, we could see the colorful homes climbing up the hillside. From the ship, the center of town seemed so far in the distance.

There were not many tours available from the ship, so my friend Dani and I decided to explore the nearby plaza for shopping and then enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch. Since Mazatlan is known as the “shrimp” capital of the country, I was excited to try one of their local specialties, Mexican antojito, a dish which includes shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Instead of boarding the complimentary shuttle into town, we decided to walk the short distance to the shopping plaza. We had six hours to explore the port town of Mazatlan and continued on through the walk way which was highly guarded with military soldiers holding automatic machine guns. The scene reminded me of my cruise ship days while visiting Playa de Carmen in the Yucatan.

A few of the excursions available for this port were (1) City Tour, Scenic Drive of Malecon, Cliff Divers and Scenic Harbor Cruises; (2) Panoramic Hike to Faro Lighthouse and Scenic Drive of Downtown; (3) ATV, Mexican Village, Tequila and Lunch; (4) Top 10 Best of Mazatlan; (5) Bar Hopping Tour. Unfortunately, we had waited to long to book one of these tours and they were sold out.

We strolled the cruise ship terminal where we found a few shops with colorful crafts to purchase. To be honest, it was quite disappointing but we found a taco stand and searched for souvenirs before heading back to the ship. I wished we would have booked a tour here….maybe next time…

Old Town Mazatlan is only a mile from the cruise ship, so it would have only taken about 25 minutes to reach the town. In hindsight, I wished we would have made the most of our time here, but I was surprisingly unprepared.

It has been my experience that when Americans visit Mexico for the first time, they are fascinated by the over the counter products that are available without a prescription. From Cipro to Z-Pacs, this is typical of the pharmacies in Mexico.

After lunch, we walked back to the ship, took more photos of the military men and relaxed on the deck with a Miami Vice (mix of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri). We had plenty of time to watch the sun begin to set as a rainbow appeared in the distance.

It was a relaxing day and we enjoyed strolling the port, agreeing that if we were to return, we would book an excursion, take a third party tour or walk the 25 minutes into town.

Have you been to Mazatlan? What did you see and which attractions did you visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my simple visit to Mazatlan, and if you have any suggestions for a future, visit that would be great! Wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and Do:

Old Town Mazatlan is a 25 minute walk from the port of Mazatlan and well worth a visit.

Where to Stay:

Casa de Leyendas
Venustiano Carranza, Centro
82000, Mazatlan, Sin., Mexico
Telephone: +52 669 981 6180

Where to Eat:

Restaurant La Puntilla
Cruise ship terminal
We ordered chips and salsa and a shrimp salad with a couple of coronas.

What to Eat:

Camarones: shrimp, prepared in a large number of ways.
Damiana: an alcoholic drink made from the Damiana plant
Empanadas de fruta: mini fruit pies usually filled with pineapple, pumpkin and guava
Jamoncillo: milk candy
Tacuarines: corn and flour cookies usually in the shape of doughnuts
Tamales de camaron: tamales with shrimp, wrapped in corn husks
Mangos: more than 30 varieties of mango can be found in the province of Sinaloa

Books to Read:

Sweet Spot: A Novel About Mazatlan Carnival, Dirty Politics and Baseball, by Linton Robinson
Hotel Belmar: The Ghost has a Key, by S.K. Carnes
(Baja) The Pearl, by John Steinbeck

Photo Guide to Mazatlan:

El Faro Lighthouse for stunning views
The Fiesta Land for history and culture
Clavadista Divers Rock Point to see local cliff divers
Angela Peralta Theatre
Continuity of Life Fountain
Solar Eclipse set for April 24, 2024, visible from Mazatlan

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Plum Run Winery Soon to Offer Craft Beer

26 March 201531 August 2024

Plum Run Winery had just completed their renovations to provide its customers a larger space for sampling its award-winning wines and hard cider. I was looking forward to visiting this Grove City winery, so I called my friend Karen to join me for the afternoon.

The winery, offering a wide selection of wines, includes a few of the sweeter wines most popular in the state of Ohio. These varietals include dessert wines, sweet reds and roses as well as a lovely selection of fruit wines. Here are the list of wines that we selected for our tasting:

Apple: The winery buys their apples from Hugo’s, a local orchard. The color of the wine is yellow and a bit cloudy. It has a delicious taste that ends with a bit of a bite. It is described as “a blend of Gold Rush, Winesap and Yellow Delicious Apples, Ohio Grown!” 5% RS, $15 bottle, $6 glass

Niagara: Plum Run Winery’s classic “Ohio Sweet Wine”; I really enjoyed this one and Karen did as well. 5% RS, $13 bottle, $6 glass
Scioto Red: The combination between the Niagara and Concord grapes, this wine is described as a “sweet red wine that is light, fruity and aromatic”; Two sweet grapes that make the perfect combination that we enjoyed so much we picked up a couple of bottles. 4% RS; $13 bottle $6 glass
Cranberry: Described as “tart and sweet with the aromas of pure cranberry juice”, this wine also ranks high on my list; 8$ RS, $18 bottle $6 glass
Seyval Blanc: This would have been my second choice for wine as I really liked this one. It had a butterscotch smell and a smooth flavor; The winery labels this one as a “semi-sweet wine with hints of apple and pear.” 4% RS; $14 bottle, $6 glass
Dessert Wine, Red Tail: This is such a fabulous wine, and sampling it with a piece of dark chocolate made it even more enjoyable. A “port style wine made from the Rougeon and St. Vincent Grapes; bottled in 500 ml bottles [this is] a perfect wine in front of the fire” 9% RS and 19% ABV $18 bottle, $8 glass
Our final sample was the raspberry wine which really does taste like raspberry jam and has a high acidity.

There were so many great choices of wine, and Plum Run will soon be offering Chilean Chardonnay and Chilean Malbec. My favorite wine choice for this visit was the Red Tail Dessert Wine, so I stopped by the grocery store for some dark chocolate to pair with this smooth delicious port.

Having opened in 2012, Plum Run Winery had recently added the rustic seating area to their tasting room. With elegantly exposed brick walls, highlighted with thick wooden counters, the new stylish space adds a level of country sophistication to the wine tasting experience. My favorite addition was the barnyard siding windows and added counter space.

Dave Crosby and his wife Diane, are owners of Plum Run Winery and have been making delicious wines for over 30 years. Dave is well-known in Grove City because he taught school before opening the winery. In addition to wines, Dave has also created Dave’s Gold Apples, a hard apple cider which is delightfully refreshing.

The winery hosts a number of events over the summer, such as music on Fridays and Saturdays. The second Tuesday, they host a Wine and Canvas event, while every third Saturday is Wine and Yoga. There is plenty of space to bring your event to the winery should you choose to host a Pampered Chef, Tupperware Party, etc. And to confirm such events, make sure you visit their Facebook Page, Grove City Brewing Company to confirm the dates and times. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter which lists the entertainment for the month and soon their website page will be up and running.

There is plenty of seating to accommodate close to forty visitors indoors as well as forty outdoors on their patio, which is only open during the summer season.

Plum Run Winery is a vendor at the Grove City Wine and Arts Festival where fifteen to twenty wineries are represented. The festivities take place over the weekend of Father’s Day with an entry fee of $20 to include a souvenir glass as well as a set number of tickets to purchase wine. The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference, scheduled in winter is another venue that the winery attends.

There is some exciting news from Plum Run Winery with their announcement to open Grove City Brewery scheduled for late June. A former brew master from Buckeye Lake Brewery will be heading up the craft beer creations, so it is sure to be a success.

Have you sampled the wines at Plum Run Winery or have a favorite Ohio winery that you like to frequent? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the in the comments below. Cheers!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Plum Run Winery
3946 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 991 0338

Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 10 PM on Tuesday – Thursday, 11 AM to 12AM on Friday and Saturday and from 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and for a list of entertainment.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, patio seating, Grove City Brewing Company, wine, beer
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Grove City
4109 Parkway Centre Drive
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 875 7000

Where to Eat:

Michael’s Hibachi
3985 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 317 7828

I had not visited a hibachi in such a long time that I was super excited to order some Japanese cuisine. I started out with the Spider Roll and then ordered the Steak and Shrimp hibachi with a glass of wine.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Altun Ha, Mayan Ruins in Belize

26 March 201431 August 2024

I was working for the cruise lines, traveling to Mexico each week when I became interested in the Mayan culture. In addition to the San Gervasio ruins in Cozumel, I was even more curious about the Mayans once I had visited the archaeological site of Tulum. I couldn’t wait to explore more of these ancient ruins throughout Central America.

My travels would take me to several countries where I could study the Mayan people. Belize was one of my favorite experiences because the archaeological sites had not yet been fully excavated. At every opportunity I could find, I was visiting some of these amazing villages to gain more insight to their religious practices and everyday lives.

The Mayan ruins of Altun Ha are located north of Belize City. A popular excursion for visitors to the country, it was one that our cruise line offered for our passengers and I was able to book the trip within a month of joining the ship.

We boarded a bus early in the morning for a short ride to the jungle. Once we reached the site, there was a path that led through the lush trees and tropical ground cover. We learned from our guide that it had recently been discovered in the 1960s and was an active archaeological site.

The major cruilse lines were not yet sailing to Belize during my initial visit. With such a small number of tourists, it felt as though we were embarking on our own architectural expedition in search of buried treasure. Overgrown brush and trees encroached the walkway yet we pushed forward eventually reached a clearing in the jungle. Here, we were met by the spectacular site of Altun Ha.

It was love at first sight as the view of the ruins’ largest structure stood ahead of us, standing over 50 feet tall. Named the “Temple of the Masonry Alters”, it was the central location for the Mayan’s rituals and celebrations and considered the most important of all temples. Altun Ha means “Rockstone Water,” and could possibly refer to the nearby cistern. According to the Belize Institute of Archaeology, it is the most visited of all Mayan sites in the country of Belize.

The temple was known as the Sun God’s Tomb. At its discovery, there was found the skeletal remains of an elderly male surrounded by priceless offerings to include ceramic bowls, Jade jewelry, pyrite and hematite artifacts. The most significant find was that of a head carved from jade which had been placed on the pelvis of his body. The placement of the jade artifact, weighing nearly 10 pounds, signifies that the man may have been a Mayan chief or high priest. The Jade Head had a bird-beak carved into its face, which was commonly associated with Kinich Ahua, the Sun God.

On the exterior of the temple, there were carvings beside the set of stairs that led to the top of the ruins. Above the base of the temple, to the right, was a face identified as the Jester God, similar to the Jade Head found by archaeologists, Dr. David Pendergast in 1968.

It is estimated that the Mayans occupied Altun Ha from around 900 BC to 1000 AD. Most of the information about the archaeological site comes from AD 400 to AD 900 when the city was at its peak.

Evidence that the Mayans had a rich culture of mathematics, astrology and social rituals was found by archaeologists. By the time excavations of the site came to a close in the early 1970s, there were several artifacts that suggest that Altun Ha was a center of trade and a very prosperous city at one time.

Altun Ha is a spectacular attraction for visitors who are interested in the Mayan culture. Setting up an excursion with a local tour guide is highly recommended as they can provide an in-depth overview of this fabulous archaeological site.

So if you have some time after your exploration of the ruins, find a local restaurant, kick back and order the local Belikin beer. You may recognize the structure on the label as the Temple of the Masonry Alters of Altun Ha.

Are you fascinated with Mayan culture? What archaeological sites have you visited in Central America? I would love to hear your recommendations for my next Mayan adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Altun Ha and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins: I would suggest contacting a local tour guide for this trip who will provide transportation as well as a guide to walk you through the site.

Belize Exotic Adventures or Belize Fun Tours

Where to Stay:

Chateau de Pradines
Rock, Stone Pond, Belize
Telephone: 501 623 8656

Where to Eat:

Mayan Crystal Skull Mampi Diner
Rock Stone Pond, Belize
Telephone: 501 600 344

What to Eat:

Ceviche is a seafood dish made from raw fish cooked by the use of citrus juice.
Papusas are a popular street food also known as stuffed corn pancakes. Usually comes with hot sauce and a side of coleslaw.
Tamales are a traditional Mayan food and wrapped in plantain leaves instead of corn husks
Rice and Beans: made in coconut milk and pinto beans
Conch Fritters: Conch is a staple in Belize and this is their most popular appetizer
Chimole is a Creole stew made from local spices such as garlic, cumin and oregano.
Seafood which includes white fish, shrimp and lobster

What to Read:

Ping Wing Juk Mo, by various writers
Maya Cities and Sacred Caves: A Guide to the Maya Sites in Belize, by Dr. Jaime Awe
Tropical Nature by Adrian Forsyth
Maya Art and Architecture by Mary Ellen Miller

Photo Guide for Belize:

Baron Bliss Lighthouse is located at the mouth of Haulover Creek in Belize City
Barrier Reef
Beaches
Belize and Orange Walk Clock Tower
Belize Sign
Corozal Bay and its teal waters
Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio
Hummingbird Highway connects Western Belize and the South
Mayan Temples
Mountain Pine Ridge which is the home to 1000 foot falls, Rio On Pools, Big Rock Falls, and Caracol
San Ignacio Murals‘ colorful artwork
Tropic Air flights for amazing views of Belize’s Barrier Reef.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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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Hurricane Gilbert 1988: The Aftermath in Photos

22 January 201431 August 2024

Hurricane Gilbert made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula on September 14th, 1988 after destroying the island of Jamaica just a couple of days prior. It would go down in history as one of the worst hurricanes to hit the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

The beaches of Playa del Carmen following Hurricane Gilbert in 1988

During this time, I was working as a Purser on the SS VeraCruz and based out of Tampa, Florida. The cruise ship was scheduled to leave port with an itinerary to include Cozumel and Playa del Carmen for a five day voyage. It was determined that the hurricane would most likely continue its path heading west with a slight direction towards the north, but the Captain decided to set sail. In hopes that we would miss the hurricane, the ship headed north towards New Orleans with the possibility of docking in Progresso.

As you can imagine, our ship did not make it to Cozumel that week and no sooner did the ship depart out of the Port of Tampa, it was determined that the ship needed to head north towards New Orleans to avoid the hurricane. With swells reaching over 30 feet in height, we waited out the storm only to return back to Tampa. Gilbert would eventually hit the Yucatan Peninsula resulting in massive damage and destruction.

According to the website Hurricanes: Science and Society, there was $1 – 2 billion dollars worth of damage to Mexico alone. Ships were tossed ashore and 341 people lost their lives.

Hurricane Gilbert was documented as a category 5 hurricane that resulted in 83 ships sinking, 60,000 homes destroyed and 35,000 people left homeless.

It was later learned that the aftermath of the hurricane had an impact on Mexico again in 1989 when wildfires went out of control as a result of the debris left by the hurricane, burning 460 square miles.

According to the website source, there were storm surges that reached heights of 20 feet causing ships to be washed ashore.

Some of the ships were literally tossed out of the water, making contact with the buildings ashore. This created additional destruction to hotels, homes, and other coastal establishments.

I visited the ports of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen weeks after Hurricane Gilbert touched down. In addition to damaging the coral reefs and buildings, we couldn’t believe the condition of the beaches which looked as though they were under demolition.

The island of Cozumel and resort town of Playa del Carmen have long since recuperated from the destruction of the hurricane, but for those who were there or visited the Yucatan shortly thereafter, it will forever have a long lasting impact on their lives.

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