I did the death march in Nassau today. Whenever I’m here, I go to a candy store (Mortimer Candies) to purchase gifts for some of the crew (the cabin attendant, the waiter and assistant waiter, and the headwaiter). They always get a real joy out of receiving something made on the island and purchased for them. And who doesn’t like candy? 🙂
Anyway, Mortimer’s is about a 10-15 minute walk from the pier uphill the entire way. I’m not trying to sound like the cliche parent when we talk about their claims of walking to school uphill both ways in their bare feet. It is uphill going there but coming back is a breeze.
The only problem with going there is that it can get hot. I fully intended to bring a bottle of water with me when I left the ship and I forgot to take one. So, I made the walk and by the time I got to the store, I was more than a little parched and maybe a little dehydrated. I purchased a bottle of water there and, presto, everything was better.
And yes, the crew members enjoyed their gift tonight.
Tomorrow morning I have to go to a lounge between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. to get a COVID-19 test for my cruise the following day (Friday). On Friday, we will meet up in the same lounge and get escorted off the ship to clear customs, attend our health check, and then do the paperwork to board. Once that is complete, we will be escorted back on to the ship and have it all to ourselves as they prepare to take on the new batch of passengers.
The only other time I did a back to back was with Disney cruises and their method was similar. I’m looking forward to extending my cruise by an additional three days thus making my vacation one week in length.
When we arrived in Nassau this morning, we saw two other ships from Royal Caribbean already in place. There was the Carnival Sunshine and then Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. I have sailed on both of those ships in the past. It was really neat seeing them together with the Independence of the Seas today.
After dinner tonight, I went to Studio B and watched the ice show, Freeze Frame. It was the same show from the first day. I wanted to see it again. It’s got a lot of my favorite tunes from the years in it and some good skaters to boot.
Now, it’s time to consider hitting the sack. The sun and warmth and breezes all day have sapped me. g’night, all