Roadtown, Tortola BVI

Day 65 , 11 March

A beautiful set of islands and islets and many sailboats. So many sailboats it reminds me of the Apostle Islands on the 4^th of July. Every bay and cove is loaded with boats. 

 

The new cruise ship pier had a slot for us and we backed in, port side to the pier. (Our cabin in port side.) Immediately across from us was the Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas, which blocked our vision of everything. In fact, their balconies and upper decks overlooked ours so we had to keep our draperies closed for any privacy. This would be a one ambulance port as one of our shipmates was taken away.

We think we have been here before, but to another part of this island so we just walked a few blocks. It is a holiday here (Commonwealth Day). The two ships in port provided many tourists to the streets and the shops that were open. Early afternoon we boarded a motorboat with about 20 other shipmates and went off on a snorkeling expedition to Norman Island. (Norman Island was made famous in R. L. Stevenson's Treasure Island.) That was a busy spot and we had to wait a bit to get a spot to anchor. That allowed a ½ hour swim. Then we removed to a large bay filled with anchored charter boats and private boats and yachts. The beach there was crowded so we snorkeled down from the beach for another ½ hour. Then we sped back to the ship and were aboard at 1630. 

Prinsendam (left)

 

For sail-away, this being the last of the voyage, a gala bash was held on the pool deck 'midships and the upper deck. A band played from the upper deck, food staff worked the crowd of several hundred with trays of spring rolls and two bars served up free champagne, wine, beer, rum punch and many other offerings. The noise grew and scuttlebutt has it the Captain of the Vision asked our Captain to keep it down. No deal. The other ship does not do sail-aways and their passengers lined their decks waving at us and enjoying the spectacle, enjoying our music as well. (Imagine the scene of several hundred retired people slurping beverages, dancing a conga line, jumping in the pool fully clothed, dancing on the open decks and laughing and having a great time as the ship blew 3 blasts and sailed straight out from the pier.) It was a great departure which resulted in a nearly empty dining room later.

With our departure from Tortola the voyage is on the final leg. Now it is just a matter of 2 days at sea sailing back to Port Everglades, Florida. The final posting will be made after arrival.