Charlotte-Amalie and Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, USVI

Today, there are supposed to be 2 cruise ships in port (Carnival Dream and Oasis of the Seas).  We woke and was surprised to find the cruise ship dock empty.  It wasn’t until about 10am that Carnival Dream meandered into port.  Wow, what a late start for all those passengers.  I wonder what time it will leave today?  To our knowledge, Oasis of the Seas was no where to be found.

We went into town for a few chores/groceries.  It was surprisingly quiet again.  I remember when we used to go on cruise ships … the ports seemed to be hustling at every stop.  Maybe my perception has changed?  Everything seems so much more mellow than I expect.

Back on Soulmatie, our plan was to put the groceries away and head back towards Lindbergh Bay (the first place we’d stopped in St. Thomas).  We were able to get good internet from our boat there and it was a nice, clean, quiet bay.  We’re hoping to be able to get some internet work done … with periodic breaks for fun! 

As we slipped through that infamous cut again (between Hassel Island and the mainland), we were shocked to see Oasis of the Seas.  It was docked at the commercial dock (about 3 miles away from the cruise port).  I guess it’s so big, it can’t fit at the “normal” dock for cruise ships.  That can’t be great for its guests.  I’m sure there are shuttles to take passengers into town but at the “normal” cruise terminal, there are all kinds of restaurants, bars, shops, etc … in addition to what is downtown.  I remember taking advantage of the cheaper drinks ashore after a busy day of shopping and before we boarded the ship.  We were right there at our ship so we didn’t have to rush or worry.  It was nice.  The Oasis passengers won’t have that luxury.

So … we are now back in Lindbergh Bay … about 200 feet from where we first anchored a couple of days ago.  We have internet (from the nearby resort) so I will get this update sent and let all know that we made it!!!  We are alive and well and lounging in St. Thomas! 

So, what’s next?  We are waiting for Carl to get all the deliveries from our recent online shopping spree and send us our goodies and mail.  Not sure how long that will take but we’ll just hang around this area (maybe visit a few nearby bays/islands) and patiently await its arrival.  Once our delivery arrives, we will most likely be headed to St. Johns and then the BVI. 

Oops, almost forgot … this is an email we received … Bottle #7 was found in Cuba!

Bottle #7 – found in Nuevitas, Cuba

From Kenita

hello i´m a cuban girl i´m find a bottle in the beach

we find this mail address inside the bottle and we are helping people in the craft  
the cordenadas qe gives they are these 
n 20.35.050 w71.08.2.93 
having the cheats of our life wish yu were here miss already 
fondly, larry & tracy lambert (sv soulmaltie)

 

From Kenisbel

To my house a friend came and it counted me that that bottle where the message was I saturate in the sacred beach it shone of nuevitas in the county of camaguey vat the he didn't understand it and a days he saw me and express writes to the addresses that there put I am glad to know that they are well thanks to god. my name is Marisbel Olazabal and I live in nuevitas thank you to warn that they are safe, and you of where they are we try to look for the coordinates in the googleeart but the one that we have is very old and he/she doesn't meet with accuracy that god protects them

 

Cool … another bottle found.  This one was tossed between the Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic.  It bopped back and forth in the waves, all the way south to Cuba.  So … maybe we aren’t allowed to visit Cuba but nothing can stop our adventure from hitting their shores.  Awesome!

We will keep you posted as our adventure unfolds.