OUR CLIPPER SHIP CRUISE

We went on a cruise to the Grenadines in the Caribbean on the Royal Clipper. It was wonderful to share the cruise and the time with Lovern’s daughter, Peggy, who joined us. The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world. It is a gorgeous ship in the style of the old clipper ships with rich mahogany and brass décor. The islands it visited are: Barbados, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Bequia, Martinique, Mustique, Union, St. Lucia. These were all new islands to us except Barbados. We spent two extra days before the cruise and four days after on Barbados, one of our favorite islands. The self-catering at the hotel there allowed us to watch our dietary needs and not have to eat out at every meal. These islands pretty well completed islands we have visited in the Caribbean. Zoe checked and it brings to 95 islands we have traveled to in the world. Guess we’re island crazy. At one point, we were moored next to the ship “Ocean” where the people buy their own cabin and live in it while they travel the world.

The islands have endured six years of drought so were not as lush as usual but pretty anyway. Each island seems to have its own flavor. Grenada was fascinating for is varied tropical plants and to see them growing in their natural habitat. Mustique Island in Bequia is known as “the home of the rich and famous” and impressive estates line the shore although, for some reason, they seemed to be mostly Canadians. Martinique is actually part of France and has always remained under French rule. It is also the birthplace of Empress Josephine. It was originally known as “the island of flowers” by the Carib Indians and that was confirmed at the marvelous Botanical Garden of Balata. Sulfur Springs on St. Lucia is billed as the world’s only drive-in volcano. This historic site is the result of volcanic eruptions over 300,000 years ago. Bathing in the sulphur water is supposed to have medicinal properties. Nearby is the Botanical Gardens and Diamond Baths with more lush gardens and a beautiful waterfall.

The crew of the ship were very attentive and were at a ratio of one member for each passenger. Some of the passengers chose to climb the mast where they could relax on a couch on the upper platform and view the watery scene. We opted to relax on the lounges on deck instead. I thought the food on board would be simple but turned out to the best that we’ve ever had on a cruise. Breakfast and lunch were buffet but dinner was served at our table.

Because of Lovern’s problems walking, we had a wheelchair for her at each airport which greatly simplified our travel. It allowed us to slide unimpeded through check points even on the way home when spring break flooded the airports. Age does have its advantages sometimes. Lovern is slated for an operation to replace her artificial knee on March 23 and we hope that will be the answer to her walking problems.