Yesterday was a full day at sea as we sailed back from Grenada (the southernmost island we visit) to St Thomas USVI back close to Puerto Rico. The "croozies" were right into it with games, photos being taken, hammering the buffet, bingo etc etc. we thought we would be a bit bored but managed to occupy ourselves well with a sleep in, reading in one of the lounges, a galley tour and cooking demo as well as a visit to parts of the ship we hadn't seen. The pools were packed all day - the ship is a very busy place when all 2000 guests are on board all day.
Today is our last day and we have booked a half day tour to Magen's Bay beach with a little bit of sightseeing included.
2 hours at Magen's Bay Beach so peaceful, relaxing and scenic - would be a great place to spend a day under a sea grape tree reading, drinking and eating. The rest of the tour was basically a taxi ride - boring and a rip off. After lunch on the ship we walked into Charlotte Amalie town (capital of the USVI) and shopped a bit but lucky enough to be in town in carnival week so a big street parade and many shops shut for the local festivities - the parade was colorful and loud with typical west indian music and the locals line the streets for it. In true West Indian fashion the carnival goes for a week and when asked what it is for the answer is "to have carnival do we need a better reason" - it is a 60 year tradition.
Have to pack our bags and leave outside by 11pm so now dinner and final packing for leaving the ship in the morning to fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica via Miami. The cruise has been great but we are ready to get our land legs back