Hearts in Hawai'i
Our Caribbean Cruise (2006)--Day 5
4/26/2006
Antigua
This was the warmest day we encountered during our cruise--88 degrees but the humidity was down somewhat so it was still fairly comfortable. We were already entering the harbor at St. John's, Antigua when we arrived at the Windjammer Cafe at 7:00 for breakfast. At this point, there was doubt on our part whether we would (nor would want to) make it to the main dining room, Tides.
After leaving the ship earlier than expected and finding no tour guides on the pier holding up their signs for the various tours folks had signed up for on this day, we walked up off the pier and found ourselves in a small group of people. We figured we'd just wait for the Antigua Highlights group to arrive and would join up with them. After some time, a group came by without a sign; we joined them to where they were getting on their tour busses only to find out it was the wrong tour! We had to go back on the pier (and go through security in the process) where we found a mob scene. All kinds of tour groups were gathering so we ran around trying to find our group to no avail. Eventually, the tour guide showed up...he was late. So, off we went on our tour after some nervous moments.
This tour was far superior to the St. Maarten tour. Steve Champion, our guide, did an awesome job of explaining the history and features of Antigua. We had three excellent stops where there was time to mill around and explore. At the first stop, Nelson's Dockyard, a brief explanation of what used to be done here was followed by some individual time. We found a bar and quaffed a few soft drinks and then reboarded the bus. The next stop was The Blockhouse followed by a breathtaking view from Shirley Heights (featured in the pictures below). Antigua rating: 8.5
Once again, to the Windjammer for dinner. Sleep came easier tonight as I was asleep by 11:00. Falling asleep was a problem on the previous night as the thumping of some bass beat kept me awake well after midnight. Eventually I learned that this sound was coming from the Safari Club which was located two decks below us. Once I was used to the sound, I was able to block it out and my sleep was no longer delayed or disturbed.
But, this is something to be considered when deciding which stateroom you want to stay in on a cruise. What is directly above you and below you? As it turned out on this ship, our room was in a fairly quiet area. Deck nine directly above us would have been better, but we were satisfied with our room, even in light of the fact that we were about as far from the elevators as you could be, since the only elevators on the J.O.S. are in the central area (Centrum) and the front of the ship.
Antigua tour--Blockhouse
Antigua tour--Blockhouse
Antigua tour--Shirley Heights
St. John's Harbor
Adventure of the Seas leaving the port
Norwegian Jewel as we depart Antigua
Departing Antigua
One of the "animal towels" Cody had prepared for us before we returned to our room after supper
Previous: 4/25/2006--Our Caribbean Cruise (2006)--Day 4
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