Dateline Dayton – Recounting the first part of our Caribbean cruise last week, I should have said that we spent Monday on Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay, the Bahamas, not at sea. We found a shady spot beneath a tree, and relaxed the whole time on the island. Even though the water was warm, I only walked through it. One month after our 51st wedding anniversary, Pauline swam, though. did go for a swim.

Later, we found low-hanging hammocks that were so close to the ground, getting in and out was not easy, especially for us. Our maneuvering would have made a great video.

Monday night was the first of two formal nights for dinner, and all of us were dressed for the occasion. Shortly afterward, it was time for the second show of the evening. It was outstanding.

At midnight, a comedian who had entertained the previous evening gave an “adults only” show. Not a bad performance. He took off on the problems in Washington, exactly on the mark. The crowd was with him. 

Tuesday was actually our day at sea, and we were poolside the whole time except for breakfast and lunch. Late in the afternoon we attended an entertaining ice show. Since we missed the dinner  hour, we went back to the pool-adjacent café by the pool, where you could always find a meal. Tuesday offered another enjoyable show followed by an hilarious love and marriage stage game show.

We landed in St. Thomas the next day, the only place we took an excursion, a six-hour outing. Two hours on Magen’s Bay Beach and two hours of shopping in St. Thomas, which we did not enjoy. Returning to the ship in time for dinner, we found an overpriced place to eat. Unfortunately, by the time we reached the beach, it was raining. No big deal. We had  planned to get wet anyway. Soon the rain grew into a thunderstorm, closing the beach.

I should tell you we were at Megan Bay Beach 25 years ago, and we fell in love with its beauty. Things change, though. This time the beach did not have the same appeal. Possible it is our age? Maybe the rain. If we get back to St. Thomas, we will avoid going to town.

Wednesday night entertainment was a magician, the least enjoyable stage production. 

Thursday in St. Maarten, we took a water taxi from the pier to town. A nice spot under an umbrella on the beach made us comfortable for hours. Even with the umbrella, I managed a slight sunburn.

By 4 o’clock, the ship left St. Maarten, and the rest of our cruise was on the sea, taking in shows, sunning at the pool, exploring the ship, and of course eating. We did have our second formal night on Friday. Lobster was the choice entrée.

Sunday morning at 9:30, we effortlessly departed the ship, and by the next afternoon, we were back home in Kettering, pretty fast time.

Avoiding Atlanta saved a bundle of time.

Already I am looking forward to our next cruise. Better start saving today.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net