Author Archives: PamelaTravelBlog

Caribbean on Princess Mar 2010, entry 3

 

Carib Day 3 Mar 2010

Greetings once again from the Emerald Princess …. sailing in the sunny Caribbean.

Yesterday we anchored and were tendered in to the fabulous privately owned Princess Cays in the Bahamas. We laid on the beach, were astounded by the breathtaking and famed turquoise blue water. White sand, soft like baby powder. Amazing palm trees, and vibrant flowers. We were greeted with rhythmic steel drum (Calypso?) music, friendly ladies wanting to braid our hair (we declined) and quaint little shops filled with Caribbean treasures. We managed to restrain ourselves …. did not spend any money!!

Scattered along the beach were colorful beach cabana’s (we did not see any Cabana boys  or girls??? were they there???) Singing and dancing on the beach to the fabulous music … it was paradise. Be a tough job to work there!!!

Staff from Princess were entertaining us with the slicing of watermelon, cutting into detailed carvings … using very large knives and quite amazing skill. The barbeque included chicken burgers, salads, fresh fruits and cookies. Plenty to eat, iced tea with lemon wedge complimentary and other beverages for purchase.

Awaiting our arrival were the hundreds of lawn chairs lined up on the beach waiting for our plentiful behinds <smile>. Volleyball nets, and water toys – kayaks, giant water trikes, banana boats, sail boats for one and paddle boats – all lined the private beach. Music played on and off and there were plenty of places to enjoy a cool drink. Because it is all owned by Princess, guests used the cruise ship room key cards for the activities and drinks. Small private local vendors accepted US currency.

The sun was so hot, we plunged into the cool Caribbean sea …. water so clear, so inviting. We endured MANY comments about “must be from Canada” that we would swim in such cold water. Haaaa – we cooled ourselves and back into the sun for more. It is a great routine!

On our walk back to catch the tender home, Cari walked by a vendor selling ice cold beer – not just any beer, though, an Australian beer in the biggest can I had ever seen. She had to have one … that invited even more comments!! She took them with style!. We sat atop the tender for the ride back to our ship.

When we arrived back at the Emerald Princess, we began to plan our evening and found that the movie Mamma Mia had been featured at the large outdoor movie theater in the afternoon …. sorry we missed it but hey, how often does one get to visit a private island and swim in emerald green and turquoise waters??? We can always rent the movie when we get home, or watch it from our own private collection!

Princess Cruise Mar 2010 to Carib, entry 2

 

Fort Lauderdale to Eastern Caribbean Cruise, day two 7 Mar 2010

I am not really sure if it is day two or still day one? It is the next morning after we left Seattle. All has been going like clockwork. Great connections, no rush, not late, Starbucks tea to whet the whistle. A few laughs, indeed. And I am afraid, no sleep.

We were greeted by folks in navy blazers with Princess signs. Two of the Princess greeters knew us by name … they say it was the cowboy hats that gave us away <grin>. Truly feel special. And isn’t that what it is all about? Met some folks en route through various airports who are also on this trek. Some sailing with NCL, some with Carnival. We are trying out the life of a Princess. So far, it is a step above and a really nice greeting.

I could see the ship from the air, as we landed. I know it is not very far. So now we are just waiting for the shuttle. Feeling a bit weary from the travel however, spirits are high – especially when I saw the luggage come off the carousel.

People are fun and happy and so many on vacation. It is a great thing.

Several gay men came looking for their cruise (Celebrity) and have to get to Miami. I guess it is not that far from Fort Lauderdale … or maybe all meshed up together.

I have no book to read and am open to the scents and sounds of the Caribbean.

Later …..

Love P

Preparing for Princess adventure to Carib Mar 2010

 

6 March 2010

CARIBBEAN CRUISER entry one

It is early morning the day before my Princess cruise to the beautiful sunny Caribbean. I am once again a walk on passenger on the Schwartz Bay to Tswassen Ferry, off Vancouver Island.

My friend Cari will be at the other end, having driven half the night from Merritt. We will have lots of laughs, I, expect. Of course anticipation and preparation and packing are part of the adventure. I have once again over packed!. I brought the lovely white suitcase I bought on my Europe river cruise. I also have a carry on with wheels to bring along some important things.

I am insured on this trip for trip interruption, baggage and medical. I hope to never have to use them but have seen some things that make me believe in security and peace of mind purchase! Donning my cowboy hat, Halle Barrie boots, vest made locally by Jan Donaldson designs, and a comfy pair of jeans, I give the image of an old cowgirl! It makes me smile to think of how that looks in the city, but alas I will be on my way to the other side of the United States soon enough. We fly out of Seattle this afternoon and perhaps a wee bit of shopping and to begin the eating frenzy before we depart by plane.

This time to further my exploration and hopeful relief of the dreaded “packing stress”, I made a list. I laid out the days, nights and other events that are likely to present themselves on this trip and a list was made. It means I have enough clothes for more than 2 changes a day, with shoes and matching scarves and jewelery. A bit excessive this way too, although the stress of packing was not so obvious this time. I have packed my favorite pants in my carry on in the event my luggage is delayed or lost, as I simply can’t replace long pants! I also have my jewelery in my carry on. It will be interesting to see what I have forgotten that I neglected to put on a list!! Following the list helped me eliminate some items I had originally thought to bring.

I forgot a few things already – my breakfast (yogurt with cottage cheese and blueberries in a disposable container – two actually) in the fridge. And a bag of dried fruit with nuts and seeds sitting on the freezer. Steve assures me he is not interested in either of my “left behinds”. <grin> We did search until we found the camera last evening, so it is safe in my carry on.

It is springtime in Victoria and on the island so the pollen has started to irritate my eyes, and otherwise my other senses are enjoying the color, and texture of the season. How I love the change of seasons.

I think I am most in love with the in-between-ness.

I just called Cari and she is pulling in to the ferry terminal. All excited, we have connection. In half an hour we will be on our way. The sun is so bright and beautiful today in the very bright clear blue sky.

Ooops I also forgot sun block and dramamine for just in case …. better stop in a shop in Seattle. I am also looking forward to getting across the border so we can have some breakfast and a wee bit of shopping in good time. Maybe even Costco or Lu Lu … or both?? We thought we might pick up wine in plastic bottles to stick in luggage for the trip.

Such a welcoming day, such an exciting trip. I have not sailed with Princess before but have achieved my Commodore training, so I get to sail as an Elite passenger (as if sailed 15 times with them before). Shoes polished, complimentary mini bar set up, wine tasting, internet, complimentary laundry and dry cleaning and more. I will enjoy those little extras. I brought some clothes just so I can get them dry cleaned !!! <smile>

Another first, I have not been to the Caribbean before. Cari has and she plans to do some diving while there – I expect to walk the beaches and enjoy the relaxation. 4 stops in hot lands – truly a lovely way to spend the week.

I don’t have a book to read or a magazine to peruse. Perhaps along the way something will show up. Otherwise, oh computer, you shall be my form of communication.

It is getting time to move along … use the loo and prepare for my debark and off to the great big adventure.

Thanks to the factors, family and friends that travel with me and are in my heart.

With love,

till later

Pam

CRUISING WITH A CONSCIENCE

 

CRUISING WITH A CONSCIENCE

 365 Day Commitment to Caring, Conservation and Cruising

Pamela MacDonald pmacdonald@cruiseshipcenters.com invites you to join me in a commitment to being more globally responsible. As a reward, to join me again on a women’s cruise ………. (friends, family and partners are welcome to join the cruise …. it is not JUST for women)

check out my website at www.PamelaMacDonald.cruiseshipcenters.ca to sign up for newsletters and to enter draw for free cruise!

COMMITMENTS

  •  I commit to not purchase any clothing for myself over the next year (until spring break March 2011)

 

  • I commit to being more conscious about my spending with regard to items of a personal nature
  • I will give up spending frivolously and without careful fore thought
  • I will use the money I save and reward myself with an earned holiday to a hot and sunny climate
  • I will commit to writing monthly into the Blog created by Pam about the struggles and successes including personal reflection on the commitments made

 CRUISE DETAILS

  • once a year in spring break (March) I will reward my thriftiness and connection to other women who are committed to this program by cruising to Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii or other hot spot
  • we will travel together and celebrate our success

 KEEPING IN TOUCH

  •  purchase or make a diary of “extra” money spent on self over the next 12 months
  • review monthly and keep track of how overall financial situation changes
  • write in the Blog, encouragement and stories of success and struggles for others to share

 

OTHER IDEAS:

FOR LIVING MORE CONSCIOUSLY AND CONTRIBUTING TO A CARING SOCIETY

  • give up “buying” token material gifts for others, and instead, share gifts of creativity (write a poem, paint a picture, make jewelry, pay it forward, re-gift, make a homemade card or scrapbook page, donate in the name of friend or family to charity of your choice, etc)
  • find something you can give up (cable TV, clothes you won’t wear again, old wedding dress, )
  • monthly go through one area of your house and clear it out (under bathroom sink, top shelf of spare room closet, storage locker, garage, under the bed) and donate what you never use.
  • Keep track (in writing) of what you eat and spend every day (be more conscious)
  • stop buying bottled water – carry an environmentally friendly refillable water bottle
  • use library instead of purchasing new books and dvd’s
  • walk more, take the stairs whenever you can,
  • use headset when driving to answer cell phone calls

Princess Caribbean Cruise March 2010

Last day at sea Caribbean cruise with Princess Emerald, 13 Mar 2010

Cari is learning to pronounce “Dos Equis” (her new second favorite beer — her other new fave is Carib beer ) OK well maybe she has a few faves … Fosters in a big can was a hit as well!! When was that?? Princess Cays, days ago, on a private island beach …. wow!! The week has zipped by.

Dos Equis was a beer in our complimentary mini bar in the room, as well as the name on the free t-shirt she scored at the bar, a gift for her man!!

Another word we are practicing is Caracoa …. (Kare -a – sow) the name of an exotic Caribbean island for future adventure … we did not get there this cruise.

Turns out there are many many places to cruise and we have really only just begun.

Highlights of this particular cruise have to include the following:

– crème brulee every night for dinner … oooops, I mean dessert

– complimentary mini bar with cute little bottles of vodka and gin for our pleasure

– unlimited laundry and dry cleaning which we took full advantage of – in fact, delayed my packing while waiting for my last load to be returned. I had no idea my clothes could look like that!!

– I had my boots shone .. but that was just a day in the life of a princess!

– Shopping for flip flop accessories …. actually, more like necessities

– sandy beaches, emerald green warm ocean water, people watching,

– we met so many friendly and kind people … wow!! not even one dud. It was amazing.

– Are all Princess passengers wonderful or do only wonderful people cruise with Princess?

– Movies under the Stars …. not just under the stars but all day long, you can lay out in the hot sun, enjoy a dip in the pool, eat french fries and pizza galore, all without missing a favorite movie scene

– did I mention food? Wow! Great food selection, preparation and tastiness

– we had a great ocean view stateroom with a view of the life boat / tender but can see out the side of the tender, out into the ocean …. the sun shining in, the waves, the ocean dancing

– Our stateroom also had great lotion and hair products and our room steward was pretty good about keeping our room organized.

– We had internet and I used my travel lap top to check on emails and write for the blog.

– The International Buffet and Sushi and tapas bars are amazing and free!

– We really enjoyed stopping in for yet more food, a little desert and more people watching in the atrium

– Cari used the gym and did the walk for the cure for breast cancer .. I forgot my running shoes

– We had the room steward add a mattress topper to our beds, for an even more comfy sleep

– chocolates with turn down service.

– Great entertainment, even a country dance!

– We did some shopping, beach and tour excursions with independent tour folks on St Maarten / St Martin and St Thomas. Very fine ports of call and we agree we love St Martin and would like to return there.

– Listening and singing along “don’t worry about a thing – every little thing is gonna be alright now “

– Our table mates at dinner were 3 very nice and fine couples. We had hugs and email address exchange at our last night – hoping to all cruise together again … maybe Alaska?

– Cari did some diving in Grand Turks…. sea turtles, a shark … only the tip of the diving iceburg

– We both purchased plush green sea turtles to take home as gifts, Thomas and Thomas  (mine is for my future grandson Luke or Jake??)

Nawiliwili, Kauai Sept 2009

we have arrived on Kauai at the port city of Nawiliwili.  It is beautiful, mountains, lovely ocean and harbour, lots of greenery.
 
Hot and humid.  Yesterday we were in Kona on the big Island of Hawaii and did some coffee shopping and general walk around.  We found a beautiful quilt store <smile>
 
Well, will write more later……….. missing you all – … will see you in a few days!!!
 
Tomorrow is Honolulu and then the next day we disembark and fly home that night.  It went by fast, and it feels like we have been out here a long time too ………..  strange

Sept 2009 Maui begins

HI – was in Hilo yesterday and I shall send along a few words about that port.  Today and tomorrow in Maui … hot sunny and lovely waves coming in right off the balcony where I am sitting.
 
Mom is getting ready for the day, we are having a very relaxing time and enjoying the heat and the air conditioning!!
 
We did a bit of shopping yesterday in Hilo and scouted out a few things, like Kona coffee, found a starbucks … had iced coffee, found a Macy’s and Sears, Safeway and of course Hilo Hattie (a chain of tourist schlack that they have in Hawaii – very nice) and some macadamia nuts, and chocolate ………..
 
the wait staff have been great to me and the folks at my table … lots of great desserts, can still get my jeans on but good thing we are half way through the cruise!!!  Will need to stop eating for a while when I get home!

Sept 23, 09 Hilo on the Big Island

HILO – first port of call in Hawaii. It is a Monday, I think. The sun is out, cloud cover makes the temperature bearable. A slight wind and such a beautiful place.
From our balcony I see an out crop of black rock, out past the break water. Past the island trees and lush vegetation that is natural to this island port. A couple told us this morning, this their 7th time to the islands and the first when it was not raining in Hilo!! What a gift for them, what a gift for us. How lucky for us to see this place on this lovely day.
I see the rock, out into the ocean. Some moments it looks peaceful and sleeping, with quiet calm water surrounding it …. seconds later, a moment later in time a huge splash of white water as the great sea meets the black solid volcanic bare rock. Splash from behind, splash from in front … all around the black rock is seen white splash of angry sea … as if to argue that it has the right to that space … and takes it’s place.
I wonder how much volcanic rock erodes with each wave. How much has gone already. Out to sea, with the mighty wave claiming the spot where once liquid lava, molten and moving has claimed its place past the land and out into the ocean. Miles and miles of sea …. nothing as far as the eye can see. No white caps, no islands, just water, and that out crop that stands in defiance of the water trying to reclaim what was no doubt, once where the sea was one.
I want to remember this Hilo. This spot, this lava land and angry sea. I want to remember watching this lovely spot, from our secure balcony on the lovely cruise ship. Waiting for folks to come back aboard and our late night sailing to another port and another port ……. until it is time for us to leave these islands.
How magical Hilo is. A small town on the largest island in this grouping. Larger by double than all the other Hawaiian islands put together. We are on the island that is growing each day … fighting with the sea as the hot molten land claims it’s spot only to defend itself as the mighty sea pushes back again and again as the waves roll in. Is it tide, I wonder, is it just the natural course of the sea?
Is it some magical place and I am the only one watching the dance? Will I remember the struggle – something lost and something gained and the eternal dance of taking space … and re-claiming presence.
I am feeling moved by the vision and comforted that there is nothing to do … I don’t need to solve this mystery but to enjoy being in its presence and noticing. Just simply to show up and bear witness to one of the most beautiful sights in nature. A perfect dance of sea and land, liquid turning to solid and solid dissolving in liquid all claiming the same exact place in space, where no air ever exists.
The space between land and sea. No shore, just ragged edge and ocean face ….
have to get ready for dinner
I wonder what tomorrow will present for my sight??? I am very grateful for the visions of today and the awareness and mystery of this magical place.
Mahalo (thank you, in Hawaiian language) and Aloha (hello and goodbye)
with love, P

 

—

Sept 24, 2009 Maui

Beautiful bountiful Maui.
The sky is wonderful soft blue with scattered clouds … not to interfere with the sun. The water is the show stopper!! Teal in some areas, white caps and hundreds of surfers – wind surfers, kite surfers, sailing out from the sandy beaches – out and back.
Like a frenzy of activity …. they can be seen from the balcony of our stateroom as we sit docked at the harbour in Maui.
Today we took a Hilo Hattie shuttle to Kehiue (??) (small town across the island) where we shopped, saw Starbucks and Safeway in the mall, and an ABC tourist shop …. and then back for lunch on the ship. After lunch we took another shuttle to Queen K something mall in this harbour town. A fun Serendipity store with fabulous sarongs and lovely pants long enough for me!! I also saw a beautiful hand painted silk komono … for dress wear. Nice outdoor mall with cover overhead to keep out the hot sun, but allows birds to be present.
After so many days at sea, we sure notice the sight and sounds of the lovely birds. And fragrant flowers on the bushes and hedges and trees all around at every stop.
The islands are magical. Scents and sights, sweet and full of song. Music to the ears, fresh scents for the nose and almost too much to take in through sight. Tall palm trees, beautiful and bright reds and whites, yellows and scented flowers. The locals in lei’s, (or maybe they are tourists??) and the store clerks and folks walking around in the bright colors and floral fabrics, loose mu mu style dresses and flowers in their hair.
People coming back to the ship now from a day of sight seeing and touring around Maui. Another day tomorrow and although we will spend the night on the ship, it won’t leave the dock so many may decide to stay in a bed and breakfast or resort elsewhere on Maui.
People pulling up in rental cars, convertibles for the adventurous and sun loving, vans for the family travelers and people traveling together to explore the island on their own, in small groups. Many are heading out for the big Maui Luou that that was organized.
There are shuttle vehicles to take folks to the rental car places. The airport is close by as well.
I bought a few postcards and some stickers for future scrapbooking pages. That is it. I have my eye on a hand painted beautiful tie-dyed blue, turquoise and white big shirt from the artist painter, who has a booth set up in the area outside the cruise ship. Lots of local hand sewn and hand painted items – hats, t shirts, kids clothes, back packs, purses, etc etc. It is really lovely to see the local artists works.
Well time to prepare for dinner – another casual and fun evening with the women of our table. We get along well and have been chatting about plans and also hearing how everyone’s day has been. Perhaps tomorrow we will spend some time with Patty and her mom – off to find an island bus to Lahina and maybe walk on a beach as well. That is the hope for tomorrow.
I feel full and content with today’s adventure. Relaxed, sunny, enjoyable and inexpensive time spent with my mother on this exotic and beautiful island of Maui.
Mahalo and Aloha … till tomorrow. Love P xoxoxo

 

—
Pamela MacDonald

Sept 17 en route to Hawaii by cruise

I will try to make them fun and interesting …..  today we have water, lots of it!! It is wavy and windy and beautiful … had sunshine this morning streaming in our room, very nice
 
Lovely room, met some interesting people and went to a talk about Hawaii already and of course, a wee bit of shopping <grin>
 
Will send more later … got to go eat again!!  <smile> 
 
We are in eastern north pacific ocean.  betweeen oregon / washington state … we can’t see any land from our room. ….
 
we are heading SW at speed of 16 knots.  2100 km till Hilo (maybe I heard that wrong???) strong wind from south (warm) 25 – 30 knots, waves 6 to 8 feet high ……….. partly cloudy sky now …. light overcast.  (Noon report).  Predict sunshine tomorrow.