We were surprised with Cartagena, not at all what we were expecting. We had thought we wouldn't even get off the ship. We shared a taxi with another couple and got a 3 hour tour through old town and new town, stopping for photos and shopping. It was very interesting. Seeing the dungeons made into shops was sobering, just thinking about all the pain and suffering that had accured there. Then we went on top of the wall for some nice photo opportunities.
Aruba is always nice. We just grabbed the local bus accross from the pier and rode it down the coast. We got off at the end of the beach and walked the beach back towards the ship, stopping to swim or get a drink along the way. When we had enough sun we caught the bus back to the ship. We found it very relaxing. This was our 4th time in Aruba. Last time we were there we rented a jeep and drove around the whole Island. Since we felt we have seen it all, the beach was a nice option for us.
We got a taxi in the am and went to Aquarium beach. Only $3.00 per person to get on. Nice lounge chairs or beds to rent at a far price. Beautiful water basin to swim in.
We always like St Marten. We have been there several times. We decided to try a different beach this time, usually going to Orient Beach, we went to Dawn Beach. The currents were very ruff all over the Island this time, due to high winds. We were not impressed with "Dawn Beach, it was a small beach blocked in by hotels and rock formations. Not the long spacious beach of the Orient. We wouldn't go there again.
St Thomas is usually a very nice stop. We usually go to Sapphire Beach but it was rainy and not a good beach day. We ended up just walking down to the K-mart which was about 7 block from the pier. It was interesting to see the prices and the merchandise in the Caribbean. Items and souvenirs were far cheaper than at the pier shopping. Even the clothing was priced just as it would be in the States. Even going to K-mart was an adventure on a rainy day.
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