"In The Bullseye Of A Hurricane", Part 3

Darts on the boat was only half the dream. I still had eight ports to enjoy and explore. After two days at sea, the search would begin in Aruba and Curaçao, two of the "ABC Islands", part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. And, as we all know, the Dutch like darts, so my hopes were high.

The cruise began like every episode of "The Love Boat", raising cocktails and waving goodbye to Fort Lauderdale under azure skies and melting marshmallow clouds. We spent two days at sea, skirting the Keys and The Bahamas, slipping through the famed Windward Passage between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica, where the Atlantic and Caribbean mix. With wonderful warm weather, no one worried about the tropical depression, soon to be a tropical storm, that left Africa the same day the Grand Princess left Florida.

By the time we reached our first town, Oranjestad, I already had a small group of new friends to tour with. Aruba, a raised coral reef off the north coast of Venezuela, is known for it's rocky, dry, flat landscape, and incredible beaches. So, snorkeling was the primary plan. But, I also knew a bar I hoped to trip across if the opportunity arose. Perhaps, if ever you visit Aruba, you can find the Cafe & Restaurant Bingo and a few friendly games; ask for Diana, and tell her I sent you. Unfortunately, between a gorgeous day of snorkeling and an early departure, I wouldn't have the chance.

Instead, to the tune of the Beach Boys' "Kokomo", we trundled past the "bing" machine and into the port. Within minutes, I haggled a driver down to a good deal, and we were humming across the cacti-dotted island for the white sand of Baby Beach, a fabulous rocky lagoon filled with reef and fish.
Wisely, I had the driver stop at a local market, to buy drinks, beer and a bag of ice, and our first destination was unforgettable, an afternoon swimming with funny fish and grinning under the shade of a thatched wooden hut. Afterward, I had a few minutes to search the tourist bars back in town, but all I found was some new friends and some icy local brews.

After another fun night on the ship, growing our circle of friends, we arrived in the technicolor town of Willemstad, Curaçao, affectionately known as "Little Amsterdam". With more to see and do, we walked the town, through the rainbow of buildings and floating markets, before finding a minivan driver that moonlighted as a school shuttle. We toured the dripping Hato Caves, then, while transfering schoolgirls, got a little lost on the way to the Curaçao Liquer Factory. Zipping back, we barely made the boat, "bing", before departure time. Again, darts were sought but unseen, but with some local advice, I do know a pub or two to investigate when I return.

So, the first two ports were a bust on dartboards, but a maxim on memories of amazing places and people. Plus, I still had an oche on board and all the floating ton-eighty attempts I wanted, especially with another sea day before we would anchor off the "Spice Island", Grenada, in St. George's harbor. That night, somewhere between the shows, sports, and socializing over seven course meals, the captain came on, with his classic British accent and the first fateful announcement: "The tropical storm we've been monitoring has indeed reached hurricane strength and is now Hurricane Tomas, class 3 and predicted to strengthen. It's currently approaching Barbados on a west north-westerly course. Therefore, in order to clear its path, our navigator has set course to circumnavigate Tomas to the south, and we shall attempt to effectively 'get behind' him. Therefore, the Grand will be traveling at her best speed, tonight and tomorrow, to counter the winds and rough seas. Do be careful moving about the ship and decks. Rest assured we are safe, and that I will provide any and all updates necessary. Thank you for your attention, and have a good evening."

Now I must say, I love the water and weather, so the wilder and wetter the better. For the next thirty-six hours, if I'm not on the bow soaking in the surf spray, I'm in Snookers, trying to throw that ton-eighty. Because this cruise just got more exciting: full speed ahead and head-on into Hurricane Tomas.

Over and double out.










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