Today is the first of four port days in a row on this Carnival Journeys cruise and the first port is St. Thomas. This is a port I’ve been too many times and really like. Last December I went to Emerald Beach which was quite enjoyable but this time we decided to try Coki Beach.
We joined a nearly full safari taxi and it was about 20 minutes to Coki Beach. Many people were going snorkeling while we just wanted the beach. This place is perfect for both. We rented two loungers and an umbrella front row on the beach for $20 and they took down the time we wanted to return to the ship.
One of the beach servers introduced herself and told us to order from her if we needed anything.
We declined for the moment as all we wanted to do is get into that beautiful water.
Well, after a selfie first…
The water was warm, with little wave action and very clear. There wasn’t any dropoff so it made it easy to get in and out. This beach would be great for families with small children.
The couple next to us brought dog biscuits and crumbling it into the water brought dozens of fish by them. It was awesome and she gave me one to try myself. I tried to get pictures of the fish, but never could.
I did get a picture of a mama chicken and her babies walking the beach. At one point, a chicken was on the lounger next to us trying to get at those dog biscuits.
Sister T and I spent a lot of time in the ocean but did find time for a frosty cocktail that hit the spot.
It never got too crowded but there were only two ships in St. Thomas today.
We left after about 3-4 hours rejoining the original taxi driver. The staff at the beach did a great job letting us know the time we selected was coming up and coordinating drivers. There wouldn’t have a been a problem changing times so don’t feel locked in.
The ride back is very scenic but we were having a hard time holding on due to the driver’s recklessness so I didn’t get many pictures. He was pretty aggressive on the trip to the beach. On the way back, he was downright dangerous.
At one point, he was about to hit another vehicle and jammed on his brakes. Things and people went flying and my sister’s ankle got hurt. This type of braking happened twice.
I think it was the Liberty of the Seas in port with us.
One of my sons is a firefighter so I always get pictures of fire stations/engines when I come across them traveling.
When we got to the port area, my sister purchased cigarettes (I believe it was $25 a carton but don’t hold me to it). US citizens can bring back 5 cartons duty-free when purchased in St. Thomas.
Once onboard we grabbed something to eat at the Lido after quick showers and then it was nap time!
Of all my visits to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas this was the first time it didn’t pour in the late afternoon.
During the afternoon a card came with our new table assignment. Now we were on the upper level of the Paris dining room at a table for 10. Much better!
We also received a letter regarding the itinerary.
The ports of St. Maarten and Antigua were swapped. Sister T was happy because she wanted to visit the public market in Antigua but many people weren’t happy because of Sunday store closures on the french side of St. Martin.
I bought the social media plan today. It was $40 for the entire 10-day sailing and included unlimited access to Facebook (including messenger), Instagram, Twitter and a couple of other apps. I primarily used Facebook and Instagram to keep in touch with family.
Before long, it was time for dinner. Our table mates were three men traveling solo along with a mother and her adult daughter. All great people and we had many fun nights to come.
Click on any of the menus to enlarge for better reading.
My appetizer selections were navy bean soup…
and Greek salad. Both were very good.
For the entree I selected Shrimp Curry.
It was okay but nothing special. After this meal, I decided not to order any more shrimp entrees. Sister T. had the Rosemary Lamb Shank which she enjoyed.
On to the dessert menu.
I didn’t take a picture but think I had the melting chocolate cake as none of the others ring a bell.
We didn’t do much this evening after a tiring day. Here is tonight’s towel animal.
Click on the image below to see today’s Fun Times program.
If you missed the other parts of this cruise the links are below.
November 2nd: Pre Cruise Travel
November 3rd: San Juan
November 4th: Embarkation
This was really fun to read. I’ve never been on a cruise so it was cool to see what really happens. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Katy Kozee recently posted…31 Days of Holiday Self-Care, Day 12, Buy Yourself a Present
Hi Katy, thanks for stopping by. Cruising is one of my favorite vacations. It’s like being on a floating resort!