Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos was our destination today. Actually, we have never seen the Caicos, but reading about them, it would be a nice stop for us someday. Not sure if large cruise ships ever go there.
But before we arrived, we figured it would be a great time for one of us to get a haircut in the spa. Recently, we received another coupon for a $70 service, which could be used for a man's haircut, among other treatments. The haircut came first. Calling after breakfast, Bill got an appointment at 9:45am with a hairdresser named Ruth, which was perfect timing. These coupons come with restrictions….one of which was it was good for only one service. That was fine, so adding anything else that was suggested was extra, which was also fine. We had been told that the gratuity was included in the $70 coupon, but it was not. Just for our accounting, the haircut was $45 with a scalp treatment for another $19. The final total owed was over $35, even using the coupon. Confusing, right? Anyway the haircut came out good, except for the extra goop they put in the hair. Good thing it washes out. I will be next to use my coupon, but $70 will not take me very far.
We were docked by 10am, followed by the Carnival Freedom, who showed up closer to 10:30am. Grand Turk is going to be one jumping place today. Believe this……the Carnival crowd spends money touring, eating, and drinking, in general, making the most of every port on their 7 day trip.
By 11am, we were off and running. What a difference having so many people onshore today. It was nice to see so many of the lounges filled, as well as the pool, shops, and restaurants. Turning right, as we usually do, we found a couple of lounges that were perfect for watching the beach-combing. We heard somewhere along the grapevine, that it is well known that you can find sea glass here. Specifically, that is broken glass from bottles that has been tossed in the sand and water until it becomes clouded and sort of smooth. In other ports, we have seen art and jewelry made with this glass . In fact, we purchased a set of sea glass jewelry in Kauai a few years back, and it has become among one of my favorites. Well, today, we saw several gals searched among the rocks close to the pier bridge. Wearing aqua shoes is a must, since there is a lot of coral to negotiate. Later on in the day, we saw a couple with sifters, digging the sand under the surf. They were coming up with many green stones, which we assumed was the glass. There must be a hobby where folks can make their own creations with this glass. Something to Google………..
Our morning began with a visit to the Harley Davidson shop, where we had seen the perfect man's sweatshirt a few weeks ago. Failing to buy it then, we were determined to do it first thing. Luckily, they had a wide choice of sizes, and we got one right then and there. Job done, we went exploring the complex, ending up at the pool at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Today, this place was jammed with diners, swimmers, sunbathers, and dancers. There was a DJ with music that could be heard all the way to Ft. Lauderdale, ha-ha. The folks were digging it, dancing to the Caribbean music and rhythms.
Next to the pool, was the Flowrider, a free chance to look like a kid in a candy store. One lady was doing it, while many others watched. She went head-over-teakettle from the bottom to the top. Not exactly gracefully either. Why, because she could….and for free no less.
From there, we walked the length of the sandy beach, where once you leave the property, you are presented with many opportunities to get your hair braided, or take an offer for lounges with umbrellas….free wifi included. No thanks was the right answer to both as we headed to the end of the road. Many younger families like this end, where there is a café called Jack's Shack. The big draw has to be the cheap beer.
Reaching the smaller pier, we watched as a container ship was being off-loaded. Most everything has to be shipped here, since not much can be grown here. We understand that everything can be pretty pricey here, especially the food.
Making our way back, we rinsed off the sand, and made one last stop at Diamonds International for the complimentary charm. It was a conch shell, which they actually have here. It is a conch farm, where the meat is sold as well as the shells. These hard shells are ground up and used with the special salt to make a beauty pumice. Who knew?
Back by 2pm, we relaxed in our room and veranda, about what felt like two feet away from the Carnival Freedom. Their all aboard time was 4:30pm, like us, but it became apparent that a tour group must have been late returning. A group was running to board about 15 minutes late. They were applauded once they got back on, then the ship was underway. We would follow a few minutes later. Then the complex went silent, cleaned up for the next group to come. We have to say the property was spotless with bathrooms clean as could be.
As far as masks go, we saw few. They are recommended on the ship now, but in the shops onshore, they are still required. So was sanitizer and hand washing.
The N. Statendam sailed into the sunset briefly before heading southeast towards our next port in the Dominican Republic.
Dinner was in the dining room with salads and entrees of weinerschnizel and a vegetarian bean taco. We shared, enjoying both. Rocky road ice cream was a perfect ending. And the clocks finally went ahead that one hour….something we do not care for.
Bill & Mary Ann
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Report #81 Grand Turk, Turks And Caicos Tuesday - March 8, 2022 Sunny And Windy 80 Degrees
