Jan 13 - Princess Cays

Our first stop was Princess Cays, Princess Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas.   We have two short excursions booked for today.

We went up for breakfast in the lido.  This was a new experience for all of us - for Dianne because it is her first time on any ship, and for Mary and me because it is a design we’ve not been on before.  The food is set out in different areas - the first two areas for  fruit, breads and continental style items, and a third for hot items.

After breakfast we returned to our room to get our stuff for the day and then headed to the meeting point for the first tour.  When we were taken to the tendering point we had to sit on the sidelines and wait for a boat without stairs that could accommodate the walkers.  We finally were able to board the third tender that came along.

Because we had to wait so long, we arrived for our tour at the very last minute - a few seconds later and the boat would have left!!  This was a Glass Bottom Boat Tour that went out a short distance to three different reefs.    On the way the guide gave us a bit of information about the Bahamas, and talked about the different types of coral and the fish we might see.  This was not a photographer’s dream!  We were looking down through tinted glass so all the photos were blue!  

We enjoyed the experience and when we arrived back at the Marina we decided to go in search of lunch.

It was a L O N G walk.  Mary and Dianne were up to the task but, after sizing up the distance, this lame dame found a shady spot and waited for them to return.  

Thank goodness walkers have built in seats! People watching is a great way to pass the time!  It would not have been appropriate for me to take photos of the passing parade, but ‘oh my!’  People come in all different shapes and sizes,  some who should never don a bathing suit, much less a bikini, and others who you had to look twice to see if they were even wearing one!  As I said, ‘Oh my!’  

My kind friends returned with a burger for me.

We walked back to the information booth where we had to meet for the afternoon tour.

The afternoon boat ride, called Coastal Cruise, was not worth the time or money! It was on the same glass bottom boat, with the same skipper and guide, who gave a lot of the same information!  On our way out to the ‘coast’ we passed a Disney ship, with Dumbo hanging on for dear life!

There really wasn’t much to see, except the interesting rock formations.  

The guide did pass around some photos, some samples of Bahamian money, and a conch shell to keep us ‘entertained’ for the short ride back to the Marina.

When we returned there was a long line to board the tender, and once again, we had to wait for one that could accommodate our walkers.  We ended up on the last boat and a new experience!  - the one with all the crew, gear, supplies etc that they have to take ashore whenever they come to Princess Cays!

By the time we got to our cabin, we were exhausted with all the walking along with the heat of the day.  After a short rest, we went in search of dinner in the Estrella Dining Room.  We don’t have a set reservation so each night we are at a different table with different wait staff.

After dinner we sat in the Atrium for a bit and then returned to our cabin.  It will be another early night for at least two of us!!!

Sea day tomorrow!  YAY!  Time to recharge for our next port! ( I sure hope our chargers keep working! ) 🤣