Nov 15, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
A Day of Exploration in St. Thomas on Our Royal Caribbean Cruise
This morning felt leisurely, even though we were up by 6:30. St. Thomas loomed on the horizon, and with a brief window on the island, our plans were to make the most of it. The gangplank would open at 1:00 pm, and we had to be back on the ship by 7:00 pm, with doors closing at 7:30 pm.
Room service brought early morning coffee as we enjoyed the tranquility on our balcony, watching flying fish dance through the ship’s waves and glimpsing what we believe were albatross birds trying to catch them. The sky, adorned with a few fluffy clouds, created a picturesque backdrop. The sound of the waves coming off the ship and the warm breeze added to the serene wake-up experience.
Checking the map on the TV in the room, we discovered we were directly over a remarkably deep part of the ocean—7850 meters or 25,754.59 feet deep. The deeper the water, the richer the blue hue. Per a quick search from NOAA “The ocean is blue because water absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum. Like a filter, this leaves behind colors in the blue part of the light spectrum for us to see. The ocean may also take on green, red, or other hues as light bounces off of floating sediments and particles in the water.” I guess that in this part of the world the ocean is absorbing a lot of the red spectrum.
After freshening up, we explored more of the ship, taking a break for morning ginger shots at the Vitality Cafe. They had run out of ginger so we didn’t get our shots, but with promises of getting more when we got to port. We decided to get a smoothie instead, followed by a hearty breakfast at the windjammer. Can you say over indulge, isn’t that what a cruise is all about? On my way to putting on 10 extra pounds for the week.
Foregoing our morning track walk, we opted for a visit to the rock wall. Climbing the green line, the easiest route, proved challenging enough, leaving muscles burning and jittery. Afterward, we soaked up the sun at the back of the ship, admiring the deep blue ocean and distant islands, including the north side of Puerto Rico.
With time to spare, we explored the ship’s art section, they seem to swap out the art in there every day or so with new pieces. Would love to be able to have some art on display here. We then embarked on a hunt for two of the three spacemen art pieces aboard. Our adventures continued on the top deck, where we enjoyed more fruity drinks while taking in the island views. Back in the room, we readied ourselves for our brief stint on the island.
Joining the group just off the boat, decisions split between beachgoers and those opting to explore town. We chose the latter, hiking 99 steps to glimpse Blackbeard’s castle, currently closed since 2015. We were able to walk around and get a peek at it through the fence. We then walked back down to town and circled the old Fort Christian, declining entry due to the $10 fee. I wouldn’t have minded paying the $10 and looking around but the rest of the group decided against it.
Half of the group headed to the beach, while we wandered through historic alleyways filled with tourist shops, discovering unique local art and souvenirs. Opting for lunch, we chose Greengos Mexican, a charming spot with Mexican art adorning the walls. A shared plate of fish tacos, with a basket of chips and salsa hit the spot. Again, another cheat day for the week. They are quickly adding up and I could start to feel it.
Exploring shops and alleyways further, we contemplated a town tour but decided against it as the sun had begun to set, and we heard cautionary tales about venturing out too late. Rum Island Pub became our final stop before catching a taxi back to the ship. We had to try the island drink special, the Banana Daiquiri. It wasn’t bad but we heard the best are at the bar at the top of the gondola. I guess they use actual bananas instead of banana flavored syrup.
After a brief rest in our rooms, we regrouped for dinner and a late-night show, the inTENse show, starting at 10:45. Dinner featured a Mexican theme, with enticing plant-based options. I was looking forward to the vegan tortilla soup, vegan crunchy chili-crusted tofu tacos, and for dessert a vegan toffee cheesecake. However, I was highly disappointed with the tofu tacos, the rest was pretty good.
The show, set on a stage with a manipulable pool, dazzled us with synchronized swimming, diving, and high dives, making it the standout performance of the cruise. The pool could be manipulated to a depth of 8 to 10 feet down or all the way up to just the stage. It was a pretty amazing set up. The water, sound and light show that went along with the show was great too. I think I would watch this a few times if I could, I liked it that much. If you only see one show while on this cruise, this is the one to see.
As the night concluded, we headed back to our rooms, cherishing the memories of another exhilarating day. Good night, with more adventures on the horizon, next stop St. Martin.
Have you seen the inTENse show on the “Wonder of the Seas”? Comment below about your adventures.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
