January warmth, 4 new countries, and another National Park

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine." – Walt Whitman

Jack absolutely can't miss traveling to a warm destination or cruising the Caribbean in January! With that excitement in mind, we embarked on an adventure to a new National Park and explored a few new countries. Our thrilling cruise kicked off in Fort Lauderdale, followed by an exhilarating day at sea. Then, it was off to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, where we had an amazing time learning to kayak and soaking up the fantastic weather!

We chose this cruise specifically to visit the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John through St. Thomas, and guess what? We made it to the national park! Although the tour itself wasn't something we'd do again, the experience of spending time in the park was absolutely worth it!

Next up, we have countries #71 - Antigua & Barbuda, and #72 - Martinique, where we decided to set off on our own walking adventures! Here's a tip: avoid doing what we did by exploring Antigua & Barbuda on foot alone (we only managed to snap one picture). Unfortunately, it's a very impoverished country, and the streets can be somewhat risky for walking. However, in Martinique, we thoroughly enjoyed our stroll around Fort-de-France! From the ancient walls to the Fort, vibrant murals, modern buildings, and captivating art, it was a delightful experience!

Country #73 was an exhilarating adventure in Dominica! We embarked on an incredibly windy and slightly queasy tour up the mountain, followed by an exciting tubing experience down a peaceful river, and finished with a visit to a breathtaking waterfall. Jack absolutely loved every moment of the tour, and despite feeling a bit queasy afterward, I had a fantastic time too. Next time, I'll definitely remember to bring Dramamine or Bonine!

St. Kitts was country #74 on our list, and we had an amazing time exploring the vibrant city of Basseterre on our own! The enchanting spots we discovered were absolutely captivating, and the friendliness of everyone we met made the experience even more delightful.

Our final stop was in St. Maarten, and what an adventure it was! We embarked on an exhilarating kayaking journey from St. Maarten (the Dutch side of the island) to St. Martin (the French side). We had an absolute blast! Our guides were fantastic, and we definitely plan on kayaking more in the future! The last few days at sea were filled with relaxation, stunning sunsets, and delightful dinners.

5 Exciting Things to Consider When Cruising in the Caribbean

1. Strolling through Fort-de-France, Martinique and Basseterre, Saint Kitts is a breeze and an absolute delight!

2. If you find yourself docking at Antigua, embark on a thrilling ship-based tour or enjoy the amenities onboard!

3. Kayaking at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas and Philipsburg, St. Maarten is not only easy but also incredibly fun!

4. Our ship-booked tour in Dominica was fascinating! If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to take some medication beforehand, as the roads are steep and winding.

5. This is our third adventure with Holland America, and we’ve loved every moment! The food was decent, but the staff and entertainment were absolutely amazing!