Cold and rainy when we docked. New dock development with pool and beach as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Would have been fun on a nice day.
Next day we went to La Romana in the Dominican Republic. Obviously very poor. Did not leave ship due to foul weather but heard good reports of the Santa Domingo bus tour.
Docked at Crown Bay on Christmas Day. Rented a car from the airport and went to Coki Beach for snorkeling and Magen's Bay for swimming. NOTHING ELSE was open except beaches on Christmas.
Nothing open on Boxing Day. Went to the beach at the very southern tip of the Island. Expensive taxi and VERY expensive food on the beach - bring a picnic. Very arid and dry island with large hills.
Interesting town with good shopping. It is an easy 15 minute walk into town. Took a cab to the Hilton to swim (lovely sand) but should have gone to the Boatyard for drinks and a floating play structure. Taxi situation at the dock was ridiculously unorganized. Cheap internet in the dock shopping area.
Went to Trinidad the next day. Did not get off ship. We were told that there were guides in the neighborhood near the dock that made sure that passengers did not walk into dangerous areas. Heard good things about the bus tour of downtown with the trip to Maracas beach.
Great port. Dock is walking distance to the charming town with the swinging bridge. Took a cab to the Aquarium which is small but really fun. Get there by 11 am so that you can seen the first dolphin show. After, we walked to the beach next door. Great restaurants and beach bars with inexpensive massages. Very European. Amazing firweorks display at Midnight for New Year's - the ship left port at 5 pm but lingered in the harbor to see the fireworks at midnight.
Went to Aruba the next day. Took Pirate snorkel cruise. Rough weather made the snorkeling difficult. Everything closed because of New Year's day.
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