St John - Trunk Bay

 We made our first visit to St John yesterday as part of an excursion to Trunk Bay. Jeremy has visited Trunk Bay on other cruises and calls it the best beach in the world. 

It may be. 

Getting to Trunk Bay from St Thomas is no small task. It requires a 30-minute boat ride and then about a 25-minute bus ride to the beach. The total travel time from cruise ship to beach and return is about 2.5 hours--including loading and unloading time, which was exactly the amount of time we were allotted on the beach. 

Chris at Trunk Bay
St John
July 30, 2026

That the beach is part of a National Park was an added benefit.

The beach is a beautiful lagoon. It reminded me of Hanauma Bay in Hawaii. The reef was, reportedly, filled with fish and marine animals to include a turtle. 

And there were other fine sights to enjoy on the beach. 

The water was crystal clear and the temperature was perfect. The only negative was the Saharan Dust sucked the life out of the sky making it more gray than blue. 

Crystal Water
Trunk Bay, St John
July 30, 2026

The boat to St John and return did experience some rough water that most were not prepared for. And I mean waves well over 6 feet. People sitting near the bow were wet--as if they had been swimming, by the time we docked. 

I was disappointed in the shortness of the trip which was because the Royal planned only a 7 hour port call. The back on board time was 2 PM. And we were on the pier by 7:15 to head off to St John. Chris and I would have liked more beach time and time to explore St John as well as St Thomas.

-- Bob Doan, Atlantic Ocean headed for Coco Cay near 214242N 0700901W

Orient Beach for the Day

Orient Beach
Saint Martin
July 29, 2026

 Chris and I did a beach excursion to the world famous Orient Beach on Saint Martin for the day with Jeremy and Julie. Our ship docked in Philipsburg, St Maarten, and we went to the French side for the beach.

Having spent some time on St Maarten and St Martin, we thought we would enjoy time on the beach.

Jeremy and Julie Getting onto the Boat
Orient Beach, St Martin
July 29, 2026

We were treated to a glass of prosecco upon arrival and then to a more private portion of the beach. We were besieged by the pesky Saharan dust, which moderated the Sun's rays, but also robbed us of a beautiful blue sky. But, the beach was in good condition, even with the rough surf.

Jeremy and Julie did parasailing, while Chris and I watched.

Chris Dressed for Country Night
Allure of the Seas
Atlantic Ocean

The evening was devoted to Country Dress-up Night and we attended the Aqua Show.

We had a lot of fun with both. The interpretation of Country Music was a bit strained at time, but the melodies mostly came through.  

Today we are in St Thomas, but we are doing another beach day on St John. It is a very early and short day. We muster for our beach time at 7 AM, and the ship departs the port at 2 PM. 

Bob Doan, St Thomas, USVI

St Kitts 2026

Chris Preparing to Board
La Valle Transfer Station, St Kitts
July 28, 2026

 Chris and I made a return visit to St Kitts, we had previously visited on my birthday cruise last year. Last year we did not do an excursion, while yesterday we did the Caribbean Scenic Railway around the island. 

The Quill on Sint Eustatius and
Closed Westin Resort
St Kitts
July 28, 2026

Although the day was mostly bright and sunny, the Saharan Dust muted the sky and colors. The railroad is narrow gage and the cars and engine, frankly, look too big for the tracks. But, it has been operating successfully for almost two decades and we put our faith in the operators expertise. We had both thought the railway would be fun and it is fairly long, I think the trek covers about 30 miles. We were treated to great views of the island, the mountains, and the ocean during our trek. We also learned a lot about the island's history--some of it in not very pleasant. There were many, and I mean a lot, of burned areas from the hot, dry summer. The island is not green, it is brown and blackened.

Chris with the Monkeys
Basseterre, St Kitts
July 28, 2026

The mountains are intriguing, both on the island and just off the northwest coast on Sint Eustatius. Much of the rail journey was through open country and small towns. We were treated to some authentic island dancing and an open bar. Chris and I chose to ride in the air conditioned portion of the car, while most of the kids went for the second level open air part of the trip.

I'm not sure the Caribbean Scenic Railway provides as good product for the price, but it was a fun way to spend the morning. 

As we returned to Basseterre after the train, Chris found a couple monkeys to play with. She really enjoyed the monkeys and they seemed to like her as well. 

Today we are sailing into Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and planning to spend the day at Orient Beach on the French side, Saint Martin.  

-- Bob Doan, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Sea Day 2 - Allure of the Seas

Beck Taking Charge
Allure of the Seas, North Atlantic Ocean
July 27, 2026

 Yesterday was the second Sea Day in a row. I have to admit that this morning as the ship docked in St Kitts, it was good to see land! I stood on the balcony and watched the pilot boat meet our ship to allow embarkation of the pilot to facilitate our docking in St Kitts. It was something different than staring at wide ocean.

Beck with his Mom and MeeMaw
Allure of the Seas
July 27, 2026

But we had a great time yesterday. Our family came together for some fun and we also enjoyed alone time.

Yesterday could also be called Beck's Day! For Beck and his antics were a big part of the day. 

We spent some time at the Kiddie Water Zone and he mastered the art of the water slide. He also demonstrated exceptionally well developed play manners with the other toddlers. He is all of 18 months old, but acts a bit older. 

We also rode the carousal. Yes, this ship. like all Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ships has a carousal. Chris and I got the first ride. Beck did not like the up and down motion of the horse and turned for comfort to his Dad. The second ride, in a seat, went better with his mom and meemaw. 

We enjoyed a specialty dinner at Giovanni's Table followed by an adult comedy show to close out a busy day. 

Today is St Kitts and we are doing a Caribbean Train Ride--should be fun!

-- Bob Doan, St Kitts

Monday Musings - July 27, 2026

 1. Welcome to the last Monday of July. My favorite month is slipping away. The year is also slipping away as there are only 22 Mondays remaining. Better start that holiday planning!

Jeremy with the Balloon
Allure of the Seas, Atlantic Ocean
July 26, 2026

2. Because I am on a cruise and there is a lot to do, this will be an abbreviated Monday Musings.

Chris at the After-show Party
Allure of the Seas, Atlantic Ocean
July 26, 2026

3. Catching the Balloon. We were up late last evening with Jeremy and Julie. We enjoyed the musical Mama Mia! on the main stage and afterwards participated in one-hit wonders on the promenade deck. There was a balloon drop and Jeremy captured a balloon for Beck. Somehow, Chris and I wound up with the balloon in our stateroom to give to Beck. But since we were up after midnight, many weird things could happen.

4. Today in History. On July 27, 1974, the House Judiciary Committee recommends that America’s 37th president, Richard M. Nixon, be impeached and removed from office. The impeachment proceedings resulted from a series of political scandals involving the Nixon administration that came to be collectively known as Watergate.

The Watergate scandal first came to light following a break-in on June 17, 1972, at the Democratic Party’s national headquarters in the Watergate apartment-hotel complex in Washington, D.C. A group of men linked to the White House were later arrested and charged with the crime. Nixon denied any involvement with the break-in, but several of his staff members were eventually implicated in an illegal cover-up and forced to resign. Subsequent government investigations revealed “dirty tricks” political campaigning by the Committee to Re-Elect the President, along with a White House “enemies list.”

Iran says it still controls strait, not seeking talks, after Trump halts bombing - ReutersTrump economy at 18 months is a tale of shocks, resilience, and signs of stalled progress - ReutersUkraine wants prototype of European missile defence system by mid-2027 - Reuters

-- Bob Doan, Allure of the Seas, North Atlantic Ocean, near 212137N 0681113W

Aboard the Good Ship Allure of the Seas

First Morning at Sea
Allure of the Seas, Atlantic Ocean
July 26, 2026

It is a beautiful morning aboard Allure of the Seas. We are somewhere in the Atlantic east of the Bahamas headed for St Kitts & Nevis, arriving day after tomorrow. I am excited about two sea days in a row. Then three days in the islands.

Our arrival at the port to board the ship was not without some frustration. We arrived at the designated parling lot that I reserved from Rightway Parking well before the stated first shuttle time of 10:00. We were greeted by the valet and found a spot, the lot was largely empty, and staged our bags to load on the shuttle. I have used the company before without problems--but not this time. 

A shuttle arrived around 9:40 AM, dropping off passengers from the ship. However, we were informed that it wouldn’t be making a return trip and that another shuttle would arrive around 10:00 AM. Since we had priority boarding, we were able to board the ship immediately upon arrival at the port. By 10:10 AM, the shuttle was still nowhere to be found. I found the valet, who was asleep in his car, woke him up, and asked for an update. He made a call but didn’t have any new information. He advised me to call, which I did three times before someone finally answered. They informed me that he would inform a driver. We waited for about 5 more minutes before deciding to leave and pay the exorbitant parking fees at the port. While they aren’t as expensive as parking in New York City or Baltimore, they are still more expensive than long-term parking at most airports. 

Jeremy and Chris
Allure of the Seas, Ft Lauderdale, FL
July 26, 2026

I know it seems crazy, but I was coordinating a very nice surprise for other family travelers and I actually needed to be on the ship and not waiting for a phantom shuttle.

We made it to the port in about 15 minutes, dropped our bags off and found very nice parking. All-in-all we were about 30 minutes later than my desired arrival time and it all worked out. 

Unless I get a full refund, I am done with Rightway Parking and will just park at the port in the future. 

Once aboard, everything has been perfect!

Oh, and the surprise? Patrick and his family surprised Jeremy, Julie, and Chris by joining us on the cruise. And it was a grand surprise! Baby Beck is having a ball. 

-- Bob Doan, North Atlantic east of the Bahamas near 244943N 0744642W

Travel Day Finally Arrives

 

Allure of the Seas
Cozumel, Mexico
August 29, 2018

Trips require a lot of planning and when travel day finally arrives it is momentous. 

Travel day is here. We are departing on a cruise later today headed for Caribbean enjoyment with some family members to celebrate a special occasion. This particular trip has generated a lot of planning and since it is a cruise it seems to me that there has been a lot of packing, repacking, and coordination. 

Allure of the Seas
Port Everglades, FL
July 25, 2026
Image by Jeremy Doan

But travel day is here and we expect to head to the port early this morning. We are luckier than the family members we are traveling with--they had to fly to the port, which they did yesterday. We are driving and it is only just over an hour away.

I am always awake early on travel days. It is just something I do. This middle of the night sleeplessness has saved more than one vacation. A few years ago, we were traveling to St Maarten and I woke up about 2 AM. Just for grins, I checked our flight from Baltimore and found that it had been canceled. Ugh! I scrambled for about an hour and got rebooked out of Dulles on a very early morning flight which meant that we needed to leave almost immediately. We made the flight and the vacation was saved.

Hopefully today will not be so nearly nerve-racking. 

We are sailing on a ship we have sailed before, Allure of the Seas, and that will be exciting. Chris likes the big ships and this is the one we sailed on for her retirement trip. I will not be able to relax until we are on the ship, there are so many things that need to be accomplished between now and embarkation. 

But, hopefully it will be a sweet Bon Voyage!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Afternoon Flight over Tequesta

Cody and I in front of the Aircraft
North Palm Beach County Airport, FL
July 23, 2026

 I had a unique experience yesterday, I was able to fly in a Cessna 172 over Jupiter, Palm Beach, and Tequesta. It had been years since I had flown in a small aircraft and I have to admit, the thrill of flying is still there. 

Jupiter Inlet Looking East
July 23, 2026

Sitting in the right seat of the aircraft and absorbing the information on the panels and controls, as well as looking out the window, was a lot of fun.

We flew over Jupiter and around Tequesta and then down along the coast to North Palm Beach, being careful to avoid the restricted areas. The sightseeing was great.

Of course, we flew by the house--both mine and his. I love flying and seeing the world from above. I had, however, forgotten how tight the cockpit of small aircraft can be. I at times had a hard time turning to see and get pictures. It was a late afternoon flight and the sun was often in the wrong place, but Cody would make a turn to get remove the sun from the image equation.

I took video of our take-off and then one of the touch-n-gos we did on returning to the field. Cody's landings, and we did three of them, were a lot smoother than many commercial landings I have experienced. 

Formation Flying
Jupiter, FL
July 23, 2026

One of the unique things we did was fly in formation with two other aircraft. I was fascinated with the communication that occurred to keep everyone safe and while I was a bit skeptical at first, in the end it was a great experience. 

When I returned, Chris asked me whether I wanted to get my pilots license. I said no, I am at the point in my life where I need to pay others to fly me around.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Consequences for Failing Meal Planning

Blowing Rocks Marina and Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2026

The South Florida afternoon heat and humidity continues to be oppressive. But, I think we are growing accustomed to it and are doing some outdoors activities.

Last evening we headed to Tiki 52 for Happy hour and dinner, primarily because we were so busy packing for our upcoming cruise that we failed to adequately plan for dinner. I have heard it said that planning for meals is one of the toughest things that adults have to accomplish. Well, we failed at meal planning yesterday. 

But we enjoyed Tiki52! And so did Finn! Tiki is one of those words that Finn understands. As we were discussing dinner options last evening, I casually mentioned Tike as a possibility and the dog literally and really became very animated and making it clear that Tiki was his choice.

And so we went. 

It was very pleasant under the Tiki out of the sun and with a comfortable breeze off the water. We enjoyed some nice adult beverages and salad and wings. 

Finn was happy and he enjoyed the wings as well, well some of the meat from the wings. No wonder he doesn't eat the food we prepare for him!

I'm not sure that heading to Tiki52 as the consequence for failing meal planning is actually encouraging us to do better. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Promise of the Day

Rainbow over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2026

 It was not the usual Hump Day beginning. We were treated to a rare sight this morning. 

A rainbow stretched across the sky. It was perfectly placed above the palms just outside our door. I saw it when I took Finn out. It was actually the second attempt for Finn this morning. It began raining during the first attempt and we aborted. We were lucky that it rained because we would likely have missed seeing the rainbow had we not aborted Finn's first outdoors adventure of the day. 

The rainbow scene was enhanced because the sun was still relatively low in the sky and the rain added to the color saturation. 

It is rare that I can almost see both the beginning and end of a rainbow. That made me wonder--which is the beginning and which the end? Are they both ends or both beginnings. 

I guess it is a conundrum, like which came first the chicken or the egg? Of course we know the answer to that one; the chicken came first! (Gen 1:24-25)

Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL