“Let’s go cruising now…”

St John, US Virgin Islands

It’s Monday afternoon, and I’m lounging on one of the many deck chairs on Deck 6 of the SeaDream II.  Saturday’s 70.3 Ironman, is but a faint memory now.  But what a way to celebrate completing the gruelling race!

After leaving the San Juan port on Saturday night, we awoke to the beautiful island of St John, one of the US Virgin Islands.  (The locals call it the Beverly Hills of the Caribbean.)  The view of this Island from our ship, was the typical Carribbean sea-side town I’d imagined.

Andy taking a break after a gruelling hill

Being still sore from the previous day, we decided to take two of the ship’s mountain bikes, and take a leisurely cycle along the coast to explore some of the island’s incredible beaches.  Little did we know that “Shore Drive” does not hug the coast line, but is a hilly meander up and over hills from one cove to the next!  Even in the lowest grear, I had to resort to hopping off the bike and pushing it up the steep ascents.  Not the way I had planned post race day!  But the views from each peak were well worth the effort.

View of Trunk Bay, St Johns

We settled at Trunk Bay Beach – rated one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.  With its deep blue coloured water and fine soft white sand, we could believe it.  After doing a bit of snorkelling on one of the coral reef outcrops in front of the beach, we lazed on the beach, taking in some Caribbean sun.  (We’re still trying to get rid of our dorky triathlon tans!)

Today, we visting the Island of Saba, Netherlands Antilles.  It’s so strange to think that most of these islands are owned by large countries oceans away!  We scuba dived this morning, just off the island.  While the sea life wasn’t anything extraordinary, I loved the amazing visability – we could see 25 metres or more.  The water temperature at 26 degrees Celcius is also a welcomed change from the cooler waters off the South African coast that we are accustomed to.  Our DM (dive master) was, believe it or not, South African!

Denise at Trunk Bay

Talking of South African, surprisingly enough, 11 of the 90 crew onboard our cruise ship are South African – and we’re trying to get away from the bunch!  No, it’s really nice.  I don’t think that they get many South African passengers on board, being so far away from home and all.

One of the desserts we indulged in

So, cruise ship life has been fabulous so far.  Besides for the food, drinks (including cocktails!) are also inclusive, so someone is always readily availble to offer you something.  The food has been world class, especially the dinners, with as many courses as you please.  (My clothes are shrinking as I speak!)  But it’s a wonderful, “larney” experience!  The warmer weather is also a welcomed change from after being in a snow globe in the earlier part of our trip!

Me with the boat in the background

Tea time has arrived, and I better run.

Next stop: St Barts, the French West Indies