Wasting Away In Margaritaville - Our Caribbean Vacation
Annndd.. We're back after a much needed vacation in the sun. Although, Adrian always somehow ends up more tanned than I will ever be, but we all know about my new-found obsession with preventative skincare so it's ok. I've found solace in sitting under the shade of an umbrella, shielded from the sun's harsh rays. However, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy LOOKING at the sun hitting the soft white sand and the gorgeous blue ocean.
Last week, we set sail on a 7-day cruise from Miami to Antigua, St. Thomas, and Turks and Caicos. This time around we decided to try out a different cruise company called MSC Cruises. As MSC is a European company, this was their first American cruise ship and we were excited to be a part of this brand new route. The MSC Seaside, with it's 20 decks, 4 pools, and 2 onboard bowling alleys, had something to do for the entire family. The shows in the Metropolitan Theatre were thrilling, and later at night they featured "Beerprov", an improv show hosted for all of the adult guests. We enjoyed pizza, pasta, a variety of European pastries, crepes, and gelato, all made fresh onboard the ship. The gym facilities and staterooms were state-of-the-art, and if you (when you, because we did..) got lost on the many decks of the ship, you could find your way by checking the giant touch-screens scattered throughout the boat. These screens doubled as a map, weather station, itinerary, and concierge able to help you make reservations for the exclusive shows, specialty restaurants, and more.
Our three island stops were chock full of fun in the sun. In Antigua, we booked an excursion where a little 8 person bus drove us to a secluded beach where we were provided with beach chairs, rum punch, a tasty Caribbean lunch, and plenty of baby soft sand to go around. Talk about relaxing in paradise.
St. Thomas is home to The Greenhouse Restaurant, Adrian's family's hidden gem. They go to this island-themed, open air restaurant every time one of the cruise ships they're on docks in St. Thomas, and for good reason. We munched on their famous (or maybe only famous to Adrian's fam..) Bang Bang Shrimp, along with a variety of other ultra-fresh seafood and authentic island rice and beans.
Our third and final stop, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, boasted pastel coloured buildings and our highlight landmark of the trip: Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. With a giant pool equipped with a swim-up bar, private beach, 22oz margaritas in cute take-home blender cups, and a food menu over 5 pages long, we had hit the Caribbean jackpot. For the entire afternoon we sipped our colourful drinks under the shade of the palm trees, in view of the 20 floor cruise ship.
Have you been on an MSC cruise before? Maybe you've been to one of the three islands we stopped at? If so, what is your favourite part about being in the Caribbean? Let me know in the comments!
