Reaching the Caribbean...

Since my last blog we have visited Barbados, Grenada andAruba and are now en-route towards the Panama Canal. We have also done the back of house tour which was brilliant, but before I get to that let me just talk a little bit about our ports.

I can’t quite put my finger on why but I didn't mesh too well with Barbados. It was nice but not quite what I expected and the heat was intoxicating.

We walked from the cruise port along to the small Pelican Village craft market which was lovely. Lots of local arts, crafts and some souvenirs. From here we made our way towards the town and found ourselves on Carlisle Bay where the world famous Boatyard can be found. It was relatively quiet but I imagine at night this area really must come alive.

After a stroll we made our way back through town, through Pelican Village again and back towards the port where we could use the free Wi-Fi for a little while.

Grenada was beautiful! We spent our entire day on Grand Anse beach which really was picture perfect. The water was a little on the rough side but that definitely didn’t stop us taking a dip and catching the sun. We caught the water taxi from just outside the port. It was $8 return per person and great fun! Especially as there was quite a big swell. Anyone due to visit Grenada you must visit Grand Anse, make sure you try and haggle a little on the price of sun beds and umbrellas along with any water sports you may want to try. Just about everything is available apart from Jet Ski’s as they have been banned on the island.

Aruba was a slightly more Americanized island but great for shopping and a trip to Eagle Beach here must NOT be missed! Eagle Beach is voted as one of the world’s top 12 and it certainly did not disappoint. The water was crystal clear, there were Pelicans diving for fish and the resorts offered some nice beach side food. We opted for Café Del Mar and Matthews Bar which had a great spot and wonderful food!!! To the right is the Aruba Beach Club and just a little further up the beach you will find a Sandals resort. It is quite a way from the port so a taxi is probably the best option; it cost us $12 each way.

The back of house tour is something everyone should take part in. It lasts roughly 3 hours and costs £75 per person, but don’t let that deter you because you will not be disappointed!

The tour started in Footlights Theatre where we learned more about the production side of the onboard shows and how everything is put together with regards to sound and lighting. From here we went back stage to dressing areas, a props area (which included a full size Mini Cooper) and then through what they refer to as the rat run. Don’t worry it has nothing to do with actual rats, it’s just a quick way of getting from one side of the stage to the other. It was interesting but not the area I was most eager to see.

From here we moved to the mooring station which was an area I was really looking forward to. On Oceana you can walk round the Promenade deck and see through the caged area which houses the ropes, anchor chains and so forth but nothing beats actually getting through the door and in there to see everything properly. We were met by our Deputy Captain, Steve Howarth, who I have known now for just over a year. He is a great man, very witty and will always stop for a chat or to answer any questions you may have. He began by telling us more about the anchor chains and how it actually works when dropping the ships anchor. It’s not just a simple case of releasing it and hoping it does its job. Apparently they release the anchor then  drag it slightly to ensure it is firmly embedded in the ocean floor, once happy they also then release more anchor chain which obviously adds more weight ensuring the ship remains as still as possible. It really was very interesting.

From here we made our way down into the ship’s hull and into an area referred to as “the M1”. This seemed to be the main central walkway on the ship. I think some of the American Cruise Lines refer to this as Route 66. It felt like everything veered off from this one corridor. There were crew cabins, a little further and we entered into the printing room, the photograph processing room, garbage room, fire locker and engine control room. Again all were very interesting especially the fire locker and engine control room. The other above areas were nice to see but I like to find out about the actual ship and how that works so it offered a little insight into more than enough areas to keep everyone happy.

Next were the HUGE refrigeration areas. I have never seen anything else like it in my life. First we popped our heads into the meat room, which was quite literally full to the door! We then moved on to where they had cheese stored and then to where the fruit and vegetables were housed. This particular room was out of this world. I have never seen so many mushrooms, tomatoes or heads of lettuce in one place. The room was full to the brim and it actually smelled quite nice too!

The Galley was next which again was an eye opener! How the Chefs on board do it really is beyond me... but everything was gleaming! By now our Executive Purser had joined the group and picked up a few bits and pieces to show us, including a dough hook which looked like an ancient battle tool, and a whisk and bowl which would have been sufficient for the BFG himself.

After our galley visit we took 15 minutes for refreshments in the Ligurian restaurant then it was off to the bridge where we were met by our Captain and some of the other officers. We had a look around, various controls were explained then we each in turn had our photograph taken with the Captain. Because of the hand over at noon we had to leave just before the clock hit 12 so we ended the tour in the Captain’s lounge where we could choose from various canapés and drinks.

I could write so much more about this tour but I want you to see it all for yourself. The maximum amount of people allowed on any one tour is 16 so the group too is a nice size. You get to see so many areas other passengers never get to see. It wasn't a case of "pop your head in the door and move on". In each area we were met by the crew member in charge and they took great time in explaining how things worked, answering questions and just giving a true insight into how much work actually goes on behind the scenes.

If it is offered on your next cruise then please consider it. After the tour we also received a small pin badge, apron and letter stamped and signed by the Captain, we are also waiting for a signed picture. It really is great value for money and will see you leave your cruise with a little more to talk about than usual.

I'll be back soon with more updates on my Caribbean adventure!