Since we’ve been to these islands numerous times, we generally just walk into town, go through some of the shops, and maybe stop for a cold drink. It’s been very warm ad humid on each of our days at port. The only port we decided to take a tour was Barbados since we haven’t been there in a number of years. Our tour was to a orchid garden and the Sunbury Plantation House, where we sampled rum drinks, cod fish cakes, jerk chicken and plantains. Our tour guide, Nicola, was a riot. She insisted that her groups always have the most fun and I’m quite sure she was right. I think this has something to do with the rum tasting!
Below, our group enters the Sunbury Plantation House which is over 300 years old.
After our tour of the estate, we gathered under a banyan tree to sample the local rum, fish cakes, jerk chicken and plantains.
We have really been enjoying the Dynamic Dining on this ship. Every night we go to a different restaurant, one better than the next. There is no traditional dining room on this ship, which many of the guests complained about. The more seasoned cruisers seem to like having the same table with the same waiter with just the menu’s changing. This ship there’s a different menu in each restaurant, but it doesn’t change. Since we’ve been doing my time dining for so long, we love this new concept. This is considered the first “smart ship” and everything is computerized. Again, not everyone is tech savvy so there were a lot of complaints about this as well. The shows have been amazing. Starwater,, below, was a high tech spectacle like I’ve never seen.
Wonderland, one of the specialty restaurants was simply awesome. The décor, theme, service, and quite unusual food was a delight.
Even the photographers were imaginative!
Martinique was a disappointment. If you didn’t have a tour, or go to the beach, there was not much to do. The town was shabby and the shops were seedy. It looked nice from the ship’s vantage point, but once we got into town, it was a different story.
OK – I really didn’t want to go up on the North Star. I announced that many times, however, dear old Kos decided differently. So, we queued up and waited for our turn to board the vehicle. I’m a little anxious, but after watching it for a few days, it appeared to be safe. So, I come across the “important information” sign. I shouldn’t have read it, but I did and wanted to turn around and run away. But, it was too late. I was committed, or should be committed.
LOL The operator told us that it malfunctioned on the inaugural voyage and the passengers had to be rescued. Then…..the doors closed! Up we went…..up and up. I took a few deep breaths and then realized I was loving the views! 
Another first on a ship was the hot dog truck! Situated in the Seaplex area, you could get brats, dogs, with all of the toppings. This area was also used for bumper cars, basketball, roller skating, and circus school……..none of which appealed to me!
The Grand, was the formal restaurant and was complimentary. So if you don’t like to dress up, you don’t have to. No mandatory formal nights, only one formal restaurant. We went twice and both times I had the lobster thermidor. Delish!
iFly was a air chamber that would simulate sky diving. No thank you.
But, people seemed to like it!
Below are some pictures from around the ship. Words can’t express how beautifully this ship is appointed. Even on the decks, around the pools and the solarium had comfortable, cushy furniture, rather than the usual pool furniture. Below are a few more pictures of the Wonderland restaurant. Stunning.
The 270 lounge was located on the back of the ship on decks 5 and 6. Very high tech computer generated shows. Above is a virtual group called Santa Fe Fat City Horns. There were many different types of shows in this venue, one more interesting than the next. Also, the 270 café was similar to the Park Café on the other ships. Light fare. The best roast beef sandwiches!
The artwork on this ship was so different! Above is a sculpture called X-Troaordinary by Lawerence Argent. It is 30 feet tall, 8 tons, composed of 1,340 stainless steel triangles. He sits on deck 15 and there’s no doubt that this ship is the Quantum of the Seas when you see it coming!
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