Curacao

 Our first island stop was Curacoa, and luckily, due to jet lag, I was up early enough to see us coming into port as the sun rose.

Sunrise over Curacao

Curacao is a Dutch island, with the houses painted cheerful colours, and as it was our first stop, we (I) had decided to book a P&O excursion. The Ultimate Island Tour. We had to get to the bus by 8am, but no problem with the jet lag. Ian did all his morning stuff and we had a quick breakfast in the buffet, then we went back to the room to suncream up etc, Captain Afoot had said it would be 33 today. I was wearing my Xmas cozzie, and carrying my Xmas beach bag. We were off the ship and at the bus just before 8, perfect. 

Setting foot on Curacao

Sadly, we were the last two on and everyone was waiting. There was only one seat left too, Ian had to sit right at the front in the disabled spot. I was seated next to a chap who turned out to be from Melksham. We had a long discussion about Devizes traffic. 

Our guide was called Sampson. An older chap who was funny, knowledgable and respectful. Top marks. The driver was Ricky, who knew everyone one the island and had a system of hand signals depending on who they were. I know this from a reputable disabled source.

Sampson gave us a running commentary, including a story about his dogs eating iguanas, before Ricky rolled up to a beach where we would snorkel with turtles. We pulled on our xmas water shoes and, wearing a life vest, had a great time. The water was colder than I expected but we saw loads of turtles and fish. I had bought a little underwater camera that Ian did some filming with so no photos here I’m afraid. 

Next stop,was a lovely national park where Sampson introduced us to the resident iguanas Max and Maxine, and also showed us a cave. 

National Park with sea cave

We were given some lunch at the next stop, Grande Knipp beach, a chicken wrap, which we ate watching a hummingbird and lizards. We then popped down for a swim. This was just what you imagine the Caribbean to be like.

Beautiful Grande Knipp beach

 A lizard friend

Next was an art gallery in an old plantation house, where we didn’t buy anything.

View from the art gallery

Finally we were taken to try and spot the flamingos, sadly the majority were miles away.

A lonely flamingo

On the way back to the ship Ricky drove us through the capital, Willemstad, showing us the sights.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and back at the room we needed an afternoon nap.

It was to be our first evening in the main dining room so we got dressed up and went down. One or two had made an effort, but most were still in normal clothes, although Ian did see one guy get refused entry for wearing shorts. The food here wasn’t nearly as good as the Epicurean, we were a bit disappointed to tell the truth. The waiters weren’t as good as the ones on previous cruises we have done either. It made us long for the over attentions of those in the Epicurean. After tea we headed for the crows nest, where we met a lovely couple from Worksop and ended our night on a high note. The waiter in here was really good as well. 

When we got back to the room we could hear the boom, boom of base from the Live Lounge. Thinking I wouldn’t be able to sleep I tried to get my snooze band going, to no avail. I laid down without hope, but was off to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.