Yet Another Caribbean Christmas And New Year, Part Three

Saturday 28th December – Antigua (mid-cruise changeover day)

I really don’t know why, but as usual, I woke just after six a.m. as it was just getting light, and we were heading into port. It was fully light as we pulled into the new cruise pier in the island’s capital, St John’s. This deep-water pier was built especially to accommodate overnighting cruise ships and has immigration, customs, and cruise check-in facilities at the port end. It is a new addition to the two older piers, so the port can now accommodate five large ships at once. I understand that there are four or five flights from the U.K. due at the V.C. Bird International Airport today. The TV tells me it is foggy in the Midlands and North, so I hope there are not too many delays for folk.

I was surprised how many people flew all the way out here for a week and were flying home this weekend. But then, there are also people who flew out the week before Christmas, taking advantage of the cheaper cruise price. Now that P&O offers the option of one- and two-week holidays from both Barbados and Antigua, I suspect they are tapping into a bigger market.

WorthingGooner, Going Postal
At the pier in Antigua (with airport buses waiting).
© WorthingGooner 2025, Going Postal

A lot of people with bags and rucksacks were sitting around as I headed for my breakfast. Once again, I was the only person on a table for eight, but it filled up rapidly. As it did so, the waiter poured me a coffee and chatted. It seems the ship’s computerised ordering system crashed overnight, and all breakfast orders would have to be taken using old-fashioned pen and paper. He was not a happy bunny.

I ordered my usual square toast, a glass of orange juice, and Rice Krispies and asked for a mushroom omelette. Only plain or cheese omelettes were available this morning, so I circumvented the system by ordering a plain omelette with a side of mushrooms, which was perfectly acceptable. Of the eight on the table, two were going home today, two were going home tomorrow, and four were staying on until Barbados.

I was still full of cold, although it wasn’t that runny this morning, but it had spread from just the right side of my sinuses to both sides. I think a very easy day is called for—sitting, watching the world go by, and reading my Kindle. The ship was very quiet this morning, with lots of people sitting around waiting for flights back to the U.K. and loads out on excursions. The island tour, beaches, and Nelson’s Dockyard are the most popular. In my time cruising, I have done them all, so I had picked a panoramic tour to see the island’s five best beaches, with photo stops at each, but it was cancelled due to insufficient bookings. I have swapped over to a Stingray experience tomorrow, so you will just have to imagine what the five best beaches are like!

By mid-morning, two cruise ships, one behind the other, were heading for the old pier. As they got a bit nearer, I saw they were the NCL sister ships, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel—that’s going to make it a bit busier in Heritage Quay today. Sitting on deck, there was a regular buzz of helicopters whizzing by overhead. It reminded me of a visit here many years ago, shortly after the volcano on the nearby island of Montserrat erupted. I think, from memory, it was 1996 or 1997, and the volcano was still grumbling. We took a helicopter out to Montserrat to fly over the still-steaming lava fields, and my old mum had the front passenger seat, giving her a magnificent view with glass all around her, even a glazed panel under her feet. She talked about it for years afterwards as one of the best excursions she did. I think that and gently drifting down Jamaica’s Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft were her absolute favourites.

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As I remember Montserrat.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano,
David Stanley
Licence CC BY-SA 2.0

Lunchtime arrived, and I wasn’t very hungry, but I was thirsty, so it was just a hot dog—no chips—and a heap of fried onions, plus a large chilled bottle of Doom Bar. Then back to lazing around, doing very little in the warm air. I believe I may have even shut my eyes for a short while. I headed back to my cabin, took a seat on the balcony, and watched people leaving the ship for the airport. A while later, people were arriving from the airport—you can always tell from the carry-on bags and coats over their arms.

Down to dinner this evening, and I still wasn’t very hungry. I was first to be placed on a sharing table for eight. It was incredibly quiet in the MDR, and while waiting for more arrivals, the waiter came over for a chat. It was quiet because several planes from the U.K. were going to be late due to the fog in Britain—at least two flights were currently running up to eight hours late. When we managed to get to six occupants at the table, the waiter decided not to wait any longer and took our orders. I chose my old favourite—tomato soup—then honey roast gammon with peas, carrots, spinach, and mashed potatoes, which was fabulous. For dessert, I had marmalade frangipane tart with custard and ice cream—something I always look out for on a cruise, as P&O do it really well.

Now for my nightcap in the Crow’s Nest, which offered excellent views over the bustling bars of Heritage Quay. No wonder Jinnie chose it for the Continental/Aunty JoJo’s site—it’s really busy out there. I enjoyed my regular vodka and lemonade, watching the busy comings and goings on the quay.

Sunday 29th December – More Antigua

Once again, I woke just after six—this seems to have become a regular thing. The sun was just coming up, and it looked to be another beautiful Caribbean morning—warm, with just a very few scattered clouds. It’s my visit to Stingray City this morning, but breakfast first.

Just before eight, it was almost deserted, but the table for six I was put on filled rapidly. So, I ordered what is becoming my regular breakfast: square toast, orange juice, Rice Krispies, and a mushroom omelette. The man sitting opposite me said he had done several P&O cruises but didn’t know about square toast or that you could order an omelette.

I had plenty of time to stroll down to the pier and join the queue for the excursion, along with a number of families. Who knew a stingray experience would be so popular with children? A minibus ride across to the other side of the island, then a boat out to a sandbar where the water is shallow, and you can virtually paddle among the small rays. They recommend you shuffle on the sand as it makes the rays move—apparently, they don’t like being trodden on! A most interesting morning. Only one problem—I forgot my phone. It was on charge in the cabin, so no photos.

WorthingGooner, Going Postal
More Antigua.
© WorthingGooner 2025, Going Postal

Back on board and up to the cabin to get up to date with this afternoon’s footie before lunch. Two bits of paper in my mail slot—one good news and one bad news. The good news is a voucher for a free drink from the Peninsula Club. I think I might have a glass of wine with dinner tonight. The bad news is a third excursion has been cancelled for lack of participation, so it’s no trip to Smithy’s Garden on Grenada for WG. I must have a look and see if I can book a replacement.

A look through what excursions are still available on Grenada, and most of them are beaches or things that I have already done. I did consider a trip to a nutmeg mill, but it said in big letters that photography is banned, so I skipped that thought. Instead, I have booked to go to Palm Tree Gardens, where I read they have red-footed tortoises. They must be worth a photo.

Dinner this evening was on a table for six, but with only five people, including me. I was first and was quickly joined by two couples—but not before I had got my free glass of dry white wine. I have no idea what it was—I presume the house dry white. It was very pleasant and nicely chilled.

I scanned the menu and thought I might have to settle for a sirloin steak when I realised I hadn’t looked at what is laughingly called the Chef’s Selection. Tonight’s main course there was Lancashire hotpot, so I opted for that. Tomato soup to start and ice cream to finish.

The hotpot came in small individual pots and was really good—tasty, with loads of meat and gravy. The waiter brought everyone who had it an extra spoon for the gravy. After dinner, I made my way from the Main Dining Room at the stern of the ship on Deck Six all the way to the Crow’s Nest bar on Deck 16 at the bow, above the bridge. It was only then that I realised I had left my reading glasses on the dinner table. So, I trudged all the way back to the dining room and then back to the Crow’s Nest. I really needed a drink after that hike!

I woke up about 2:30 with violent indigestion. I think it was the garlic in the hotpot. Fortunately, I always take some indigestion tablets with me, and they cured me, and I got back to sleep quite quickly.

Monday 30th December – At Sea

As is becoming the thing, I woke at about six this morning. It was just getting light, and we appeared to be doing a reasonable speed in a calm sea. The TV tells me we are doing nine knots in a calm sea, and it is currently 26°—a beautiful morning. I spent a while on GP and then forced myself to get up and head to breakfast.

I was placed on a table for six, and I must have been there ten minutes before anyone else arrived. Sea days are always slow in the restaurant, but this was glacial. It was another five minutes before the table filled up and the waiter took the orders.

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Early Morning at Sea.
© WorthingGooner 2025, Going Postal

Square toast, orange juice, Rice Krispies, and a plain omelette this morning. Not a huge breakfast, but it’s the Peninsula Club Lunch, and that is a good blowout. I sat across from a Mancunian who had a huge breakfast—fruit juice, smoothie of the day, avocado on toast ×2, three poached eggs, three rashers of bacon, and baked beans—and he was only skinny!

A nice morning on the balcony reading. It got very hot in the sun, so I had to move into the shade. Then it was time for lunch, and it was the Peninsula Club Lunch for upper-tier members, and P&O really pushed the boat out. The captain was on hand to shake everyone’s hand as they arrived and ensured they got a glass of champagne. Then I was shown to my table and seated next to a lady with the same surname as me. A waiter asked if we were married. Not bloody likely—she was 25 years older than me!

Loads of very large glasses of red or white wine were poured, and glasses were continually refilled throughout the meal. I started with ham croquettes on a bed of crushed peas, which was delicious, then a mango sorbet as a palate cleanser. For my main, I had a fillet steak (medium rare), duchess potatoes, asparagus, and a crispy onion ball thingy. Dessert was three little white chocolate cakes and ice cream. Then coffee and petit fours. An excellent meal—so good I needed an afternoon nap!

I woke up in time to see Manchester United lose at home again! Before long, it was dinner time. I decided I was not very hungry, but it would be rude to skip dinner completely. So, I put in an appearance for dinner and had French onion soup as a starter. I couldn’t face a full main course, so I had another starter—Brussels pâté—before having a crème caramel for dessert. Only a very light dinner, but I couldn’t face anything more. I think I might just manage a nightcap before collapsing on my bed.

Tuesday 31st December – Grenada (New Year’s Eve)

When I woke up at six this morning, we were just pulling into the pier at St George’s, Grenada—far too early for me to get up. So, I lay in bed watching the sunrise and did a bit of posting on GP until it was time for breakfast. I was placed in part of the restaurant I had not been in before this holiday and had to wait a while for the table to fill. All new faces again and all cruise virgins, who were loving it.

WorthingGooner, Going Postal
Grenada Bus Station.
© WorthingGooner 2025, Going Postal

I ordered what has become my regular breakfast: orange juice, Rice Krispies, and a mushroom omelette. Of course, it was accompanied by square toast and cups of coffee. The orange juice is mainly to take my pills with—something cold is far better than the hot coffee that melts them in your mouth. As I was eating my omelette, I could see another cruise ship coming in to tie up on the other side of the pier, and it was not one I recognised.

With breakfast over, I made my way back to my cabin. I have booked an excursion to Palm Tree Gardens this morning as a replacement for my cancelled trip, but it doesn’t leave until 09:45, so I am in no hurry. Consequently, I can indulge in a bit of detective work on the ship next to us. I read that it is the Explora 1, and a quick Google reveals it is a luxury brand owned by MSC. The three ships in the fleet sail mainly short cruises out of Miami to the Caribbean and rarely venture this far south. They are all suites with balconies and are fully inclusive, including all onboard expenses. I don’t reckon the passengers look any happier than on Arvia!

Only nine people on the trip to the gardens in a small minibus. I got to sit in the front with the driver, and we started to climb the hills. Some of the roads were seriously steep—I wouldn’t have wanted to walk up them. The gardens were much smaller than I expected and steeply sloping, which made getting around not terribly easy. But there were lots of interesting and colourful plants, even some red-footed tortoises wandering about. One nice thing was that it was cooler up in the hills, and there was a gentle breeze. An OK trip, but I have seen far better gardens, particularly in Madeira.

Back in time for lunch, and walking down the pier back to the ship, two things struck me. Firstly, the Explora 1 is much smaller than Arvia, and secondly, despite being firmly roped to the pier, it was moving around in the swell, while Arvia was almost stationary. I was only having a quick lunch today—a burger—as it’s a big dinner tonight, and it’s early again, at 17:30. I hope I can get to a bar with a TV for 20:00 for the midnight fireworks from London. Then it will be one or two of the many other onboard events, but I doubt it will be the silent disco in the ship’s atrium.

WorthingGooner, Going Postal
Arvia Overshadows Explora 1.
© WorthingGooner 2025, Going Postal

Dinner this evening is another extravaganza. Bottles of wine—courtesy of P&O—on the table (I know I pay for it in the fare) and more crackers to pull. I sat next to a very pleasant lady from Enfield and avoided the Scottish bore, who was at the far end of the table.

I started with an amuse-bouche—a tomato gazpacho—not the best, but OK. Then I chose mushroom and white wine velouté, which was really excellent. A gin and tonic sorbet followed—I have had it before, and it is not to be missed. For my main course, I had rack of salt marsh lamb, and it was simply divine. It came with carrots, parsnips, crushed peas, and boulangère potatoes. If I had eaten that at home, I would have chewed every last scrap of meat off the bones, but it’s not the done thing in a classy restaurant! My dessert was a fantastic mango and coconut délice with coconut crunch. Of course, it was coffee and petit fours to finish a most delightful New Year’s Eve meal.

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The New Year’s Eve Menu.
© WorthingGooner 2025, Going Postal

I just had time to see the fireworks from London on the TV in a packed Brodie’s Bar, where the big-screen TVs are, then moved up to the Crow’s Nest, which was much less crowded, for a pleasant drink or three. Just before midnight local time, I wandered out to the deck party on the open decks. The captain had turned the ship to have the wind behind us and matched the ship’s speed to the wind speed, so the air was hardly moving, and it was beautifully warm. At midnight, we had a long, long, deafening blast on the ship’s horn, and having seen the New Year in, I staggered off to bed.

Coming next – Part 4 – New Year’s Day and home
 

© WorthingGooner 2025