Ooooeeee Baby ... Let Me Take You on a Sea Cruise!

Hello...I've missed ya'll.
We've just returned from an Eastern Caribbean cruise...

Image source Holland America

Last week we sailed from Ft. Lauderdale on the Eurodam, via the Holland America cruise line.

Come sail with us!

Our first night you could find us in the casino!

The next morning we sipped our coffee in the pool area while it was quiet and so surreal.

 Aren't these fish barstools fun?

The ship offered cozy cabanas at poolside, don't they look inviting?

Our first stop ... Grand Turk, one of a chain of more than 40 islands in the Turks and Caicos, this stop offered a tropical, laid-back ambience.  We docked at a pier and entered through a cruise ship terminal where we found gift shops filled with jewelry and beachwear.

We spent most of our day enjoying the pool area at Margaritaville.

This venue set the pace for our vacation...slow it down a notch or two!
At this point all iPhones and Blackberries were turned off!!!

The Jimmy Buffet bar was the happening place...

Everything was decorated very colorful and with a fun vibe.

Time for a swim!  Our ship was the only one docked for the day

so there was plenty of space to enjoy our day.

Image source flickriver.com

Our next port was Puerta Rico my favorite!

Here is our first view the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fortress to protect San Juan.

The landscaping in San Juan is filled with such vibrant colors.

We made our way to the Barrachina located in Old San Juan. It is located just one block from La Fortaleza (the Governor's Mansion). The Barrachina is famous for being the birthplace and home of the pina colada drink.

After our complimentary pina colada sample we set out to explore more of this charming area.

We stopped, listened, and enjoyed (supported) the local music of Old San Juan.

We found the Hotel El Convento which is a unique Puerto Rican treasure. It's a

  350-year-old former Carmelite convent in the heart of San Juan.  You won't be disappointed with this alluring mix of Spanish colonial architecture and contemporary styling with a panoramic terrace bar!

Please come inside to visit the courtyard.

I will frame this photo to remember our wonderful day.

  We couldn't resist quenching our thirst at the Hotel El Convento terrace bar!

Next stop to view was the El Batly.  

The locals told us this is a favorite haunt of Hunter S. Thompson.

You'll find this bar directly across the street from the Church and the El Convento hotel.

    

 As we continue to sightsee we noticed these lanterns everywhere.  I love the way they complement the blue brick streets.

The streets of Old San Juan are still so beautiful and historic.  As most, I was fascinated by the adonquines, small blue-gray glazed bricks.  We were told they were cast from the residue of iron furnaces in Spain, and brought to the Americas as ballast in the Spanish galleons. Absolutely amazing!

Goodbye San Juan I hope to see you again real soon!

Image source caribbean-tour.com

Once I complete unpacking I'll post St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas,

and the Las Olas, Ft Lauderdale art fair!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia