It was pretty interesting making my first trip to St. Croix today. I stood out on the forward decks this morning checking out the island and, of course, taking photos. I went ashore around 10:00 this morning with Brad & Leslie and our first order of business was to check out Frederiksted, the port of arrival. It was pretty interesting to view the beautiful sea and colorful architecture. After a couple of hours in Frederiksted, Leslie went back to the ship and Brad & I continued our photo safari….. We decided to take the bus (for $1) to Christiansted. What a ride… it was almost 1 ½ hours of traveling like the locals…. Great trip. What a way to see a lot of the island and a lot of the local color. We arrived into Christiansted and immediately realized the trip was worth it. What a beautiful town filled with color…. We toured the big yellow fort, the harbor and most of the old 18th & 19th century Danish Architecture….. WE had a nice lunch at the harbor front and enjoyed the afternoon. Our return trip was by taxi… only a 20 -25 minute trip. All in all, it was a terrific day! That was until I went back to the ship…. I was going through security and they asked me if I had liquor in my back pack. I said No and he continued to press the issue. I finally had to empty by backpack and he was left staring at my small plastic bottle of suntan lotion. HAL needs to get a grip on their paranoia about someone bring alcohol onboard. I was asked, I said no and that should have been that. I would think that these guys are trained enough with an baggage scanner to be able to discriminate between a small bottle of suntan lotion and a bottle of booze…. Simply amazing! And then..……. I went to my cabin, only to discover, that it reeked of diesel fuel. You would think that they could keep the fumes out of the ventilation system when bunkering. The worst part is when they feign surprise that there is a smell when others have already reported it. This is not the first time I have encountered this type of problem and for them to tell me it is under investigation seems a bit silly. I would much rather that they just be honest and upfront with me rather that assuming I am somewhat of a dim bulb. Tomorrow, St. Kitts…. Don’t have big plans…. I may stroll around a bit taking photos and hit the pool. Not sure if I should go to the beach, afraid to take sunscreen with me and get thrown in the brig for attempted smuggling…
5 comments:
Brilliant photo's. Hope your foot is okay. Confirmed for Petra, no deposit so I have to e mail 1 week before. You will contact our friend?
sounded like security is more about keeping away items that lower revenue vs. actually looking for something that would harm a passenger or the ship.. like a weapon. (false sense of security has taken on a new meaning) Too bad you had to go through that to end your day. Your pictures are great.
Jeff when did Hal stop allowing booze or is it only wine that is allowed. The smell of diesel is my worst nightmare gives me major headache. Glad your bus ride was what you needed to see the local side of the port. Happy sailing Allan
Jeff
Take it as a compliment to your tan. Sun screen is the last thing security would be thinking. Besides, with those shades and hanging out with Big Brad, you do look a little suspicious.
Bill
Allan,
Diesl affects me the same way, huge headache... 3 days straight! Hopefully today will be different. As for security, looking for liquor, not wine....
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