During the night, one of us noticed that the swells had increased, and it was actually rough as the ship headed for the Bahamas. We did wake up to a nice day with partly cloudy skies and a lot of intermittent sun. Rain showers could be seen on the horizon, and we hoped they would stay out there.
We are never in a big hurry to get off of the ship, mostly because when a lot of guests leave, the internet seems faster. So that is when reports and photos get posted. That gave us a little time to check out the tours and rentals on the island. Some of the main excursions included the glass bottom boat, snorkeling, sting rays, and horseback riding. The prices ranged from $30 to $100 (horses were the most). However, the rental fees on the cabanas was missing on the TV. Were they not available to rent? Strange…..
From the time we left the room and got to the island, it took 45 minutes. We had just missed a tenderboat, and had to wait for the next one. After a handful of folks were unloaded, the crew had to spray the railings and seats. We were still required to wear masks onboard the boat, although some folks did not. These must be Bahamian rules, and they are strict.
Our first stop was at the food pavilion, where we grabbed a couple of apples. The cooks were in the process of grilling the hamburgers, and they really smelled good. We had eaten a healthy breakfast at 8am, so once again, we did not dine here. The food offerings looked great. Maybe next time.
Walking the surf as we usually do, we made it to the very end of the sandy beach. Reaching the volcanic rocks, a sign said it was forbidden to go further. On other visits, we have seen people snorkeling in this area, but if they were washed up against the volcanic rocks, they would be injured. Many years ago, one of us got too close to the same type of sharp rocks, and got cut. For some reason, it hurt more than any other kind of cut. Left a scar too. So we pay attention to these signs.
Making our way back, we stopped at the Pegasus corrals, and paid a visit to good old Ted, who was grazing the grassy sands in the smoking area. Pulling out the apples, he came right to us. He ate every single bit of apple, even when some of it fell in the sand. He just shook it off, and chewed it up. That was our best fun of the day. Before we left the area, one of the wranglers offered us bottled water. We did have some ice tea, but in this heat, water would have been good. We declined, thanking him, but should have taken it. They even offered us a ride to the main area, since they knew it was one long walk back. Once again, we said no thanks.
Of course, we had planned on stopping at Captain Morgan's Bar, the one that looks like a ship. On previous trips, we knew they closed up shop by 1:30pm. But today, by the time we got there at 1:10pm, no one was there. Captain Morgan had left the building! Disappointed we did not have our frozen Margherita or daiquiri, we figured another bar might be opened. On the way back, we saw a tractor trying to pull a cart with the leftover tubs of beverages. It had gotten stuck in the sand. Walking around it, we went for the nearest bar to find it closed. Surely the bar at the courtyard would still be serving something. Nope, they were closed as well. Instead, the bar staff were dancing to the music of the local band, while they waited for their tubs to be picked up. Time to go before we died from dehydration.
On the way out, everyone has to pass through the xray on the island. A man in front of us set off the alarm, then was wanded by the security guard. He kept insisting he had nothing in his pocket, when the guard pulled out a fork. Really? He claimed he did not know it was there. Really? The guard kept it, and sent him along to join the boat. Probably an accident, or he was in the process of collecting a service for eight…ha-ha!
Beer and sandwiches with fries sounded good at the Grand Dutch Café. Just when we were ready to leave, friends Jennie and Don came along and chatted for a bit. They will be going home tomorrow. Jennie has been reading the blog, and said she had a solution to the leaking bottle of nail polish remover. They were soaked and sealed packets of remover. Running back to her room, she brought several packets to me, and also one Larabar bar, which looked to be nutritious. Now we know what to look for when we go shopping in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow. How sweet was that? We sure hope to see them again on one of these shorter cruises. In the meantime, we promised to keep in touch.
We had a few things left for us in the room, like a new Club Orange bag, the Journeys booklet with this voyage's itinerary, and the letter for the in transit guests. We have those directions down pat now.
The N.Statendam left the island around 3pm, and by then, the rain started. Not just a passing shower, we would have gotten really wet had the ship stayed longer. By the way, we realized why the cabanas were not up on the shore excursion screen. All of them had been rented, which really surprised us. Then we remembered that many of these passengers come from colder parts of the world, and savor every day they can get in the sun and swim in the water.
Dinner was in the dining room, although our tablemates went to the Tamarind. They did invite us, but two of our favorite items were on the menu…..coconut crusted shrimp and prime rib. Hate to miss either of those, and our waiters spoil us when we have a table for two. Now beginning tomorrow, with a new cruise, we will get different waiters. Maybe one of them stays and the other one moves to a different location, closer to the kitchen. We could not help but notice that the table of guests next to us, was getting a special bottle of expensive wine (according to the sommelier), served in the fancy boat-like carafe. Last evening, they had been complaining about the temperature of their food, so maybe this was a peace offering, compliments of the Hotel Director. Come to think of it, a survey will be sent to all of us via email, and the staff are striving for high marks.
Breakfast is early tomorrow, so we need to turn in earlier than we usually do. No burning the midnight oils.
Bill & Mary Ann
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Report #67 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Tuesday- February 22, 2022 Mostly Cloudy With Sun 80 Degrees
