Tezels on the Road

Category: Cruise

  • Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 10

    Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 10

    San Juan, Puerto Rico: History, Mofongo, and a Relaxed Farewell

    Our Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 officially came to an end this morning as we woke up once again in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While the cruise itself was over, our Caribbean adventure wasn’t quite finished yet.

    After saying goodbye to the wonderful crew aboard the Grand Princess, we disembarked and headed to the airport to pick up a rental car. From there, we drove to the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, where we dropped off our luggage and prepared to spend our final night in paradise.

    Exploring Old San Juan

    With the logistics out of the way, we made our way into Old San Juan, one of the most atmospheric and historic cities in the Caribbean. After parking, we spent the morning wandering the narrow, colorful streets of the old city, popping into shops and soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant port.

    Uphill cobblestone street in Old San Juan lined with pastel colonial buildings, balconies, and parked cars under a blue sky

    Hunger eventually led us to Los Yeyo’s, a restaurant proudly known as “The House of Mofongo.” That alone made it an easy decision.

    We shared a crab mofongo along with a side of sweet plantains, and it did not disappoint. The mofongo arrived on a sizzling skillet, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. For those unfamiliar, mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from fried plantains mashed with garlic and other ingredients. Los Yeyo’s crab mofongo was absolutely outstanding and easily one of our favorite meals of the trip.

    Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)

    After lunch, we continued exploring Old San Juan until we reached Castillo San Felipe del Morro, part of San Juan National Historic Site. Perched high on a promontory overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay, El Morro is one of the most impressive fortifications in the Caribbean.

    Constructed over more than 250 years by Spanish engineers, El Morro reflects Spain’s determination to protect San Juan as a critical hub in the trans‑Atlantic trade routes. Walking along its massive walls and gazing out from its strategic vantage point, it’s easy to understand why such effort and resources were invested here. The fortress feels immense—an imposing, nearly impenetrable stronghold guarding the city.

    San Juan’s Defensive Network & Castillo San Cristóbal

    El Morro was only one element of San Juan’s elaborate defensive system. San Juan National Historic Site also preserves large sections of the original city walls, which completely encircled the city by 1783, as well as Fort San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo) on the opposite side of the harbor.

    Our next stop was Castillo San Cristóbal, the largest fortification built by Spain in the New World. Unlike El Morro, San Cristóbal was designed primarily to defend the city from land-based attacks. Its sheer scale and layered defenses are just as impressive, showcasing remarkable military engineering and ingenuity.

    Together, these fortifications tell stories of ambition, empire, and conflict. For centuries, nations fought for control of this small but strategically vital island. Generations of soldiers lived and worked within these walls, and today visitors are inspired not only by the history, but also by the beauty and brilliance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    A Relaxed Caribbean Evening

    After spending the afternoon immersed in over 500 years of history, we returned to the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort. Our room wasn’t quite ready, but that was hardly a problem. We found seats by the beach, ordered some sangria, and simply relaxed—reflecting on an unforgettable week in the Caribbean.

    Tomorrow brings a calm, easy morning before our late‑afternoon flight home to San Antonio. There’s no sign of winter weather here in San Juan, so we’re hoping that the weather on the mainland doesn’t affect our trip home.

  • Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 6: History, Forts, and Beaches in Antigua

    Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 6: History, Forts, and Beaches in Antigua

    ⚓ Port of Call: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

    This morning, Grand Princess sailed into St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a former British colony rich with Caribbean history. We spent the day on a Half Day Historical Tour with Voyages Antigua, which turned out to be an excellent and well‑paced introduction to the island.

    🚐 Exploring Antigua by Mini‑Bus

    We boarded a comfortable mini‑bus with our driver, Dr. Drew, and our incredibly knowledgeable guide, Carl. Heading south out of St. John’s, we traveled through the mostly flat northern portion of Antigua.

    Carl explained that this flat terrain—combined with volcanic ash deposits—created some of the most fertile farmland in the Caribbean. This made Antigua particularly well‑suited for sugar cane cultivation, which shaped the island’s economy for centuries.

    🌾 Sugar Cane, Rum, and a Complicated Past

    The British highly valued Antigua’s sugar cane fields and invested heavily in protecting them. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Antigua did not frequently change hands between European powers.

    Sugar cane had many uses, but none more profitable than its role in producing rum. Cane was processed into molasses, which was shipped to Britain where rum was distilled.

    This economic success came with devastating moral consequences. The ships that transported molasses to the British Isles were part of the infamous triangular trade, delivering enslaved Africans to Antigua to work the plantations before returning to England loaded with molasses. It is difficult to comprehend that systems of forced labor persisted in Antigua into the 1960s.

    Today, Antigua proudly stands as an independent nation, having gained independence from Britain in 1981, while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

    🏰 Antigua’s Historic Fortifications

    The Blockhouse

    Our first historic stop was The Blockhouse, one of approximately forty forts built by the British to defend Antigua. Sitting high above the Caribbean Sea on the island’s more rugged southern end, the Blockhouse offers sweeping 180‑degree views, ideal for spotting approaching ships.

    Shirley Heights

    Just a short drive away, we arrived at Shirley Heights, overlooking English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. The panoramic views here are nothing short of breathtaking, and the strategic importance of this location becomes immediately clear.

    ⚓ Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

    Our final historical stop was Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of the day.

    Developed by the British Royal Navy, the sheltered harbor is surrounded by high cliffs that protected ships from hurricanes while providing an ideal place for repairs and resupply. The beautifully preserved Georgian‑style buildings are still in use today, making Nelson’s Dockyard both a working harbor and a living museum.

    🏖️ Beach Time at Pigeon Point

    After exploring Antigua’s past, we shifted into relaxation mode at Pigeon Point Beach. Antiguans are very proud of their beaches and boast that they have 365, one for each day of the year. This idyllic spot offered calm waters and postcard‑perfect views.

    The water was a little chilly at first, but we quickly acclimated—and the refreshing swim, combined with the scenery, made this a perfect way to end the day ashore.

    🌙 Evening Aboard Grand Princess

    Back on board, we enjoyed another excellent dinner in the Michelangelo Dining Room. Before the evening show, we caught an entertaining dance performance in the promenade.

    We wrapped up the night in the Princess Theater with the production show “Sweet Soul Music,” a lively and well‑produced performance.

    As Grand Princess sailed onward, we turned in with anticipation for the next port.

    🌴 Up Next: Day 7 in Dominica

    Tomorrow morning, we arrive in Roseau, Dominica, for Day 7 of our Southern Caribbean adventure.

  • Day 5: Horseback Riding Into the Caribbean in Sint Maarten

    Day 5: Horseback Riding Into the Caribbean in Sint Maarten

    We woke this morning aboard the Grand Princess as she glided into Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, one of the Caribbean’s most unique islands. Sint Maarten is famously divided between two countries—the Netherlands and France—making it one of the few places in the world where you can cross an international land border without even realizing it. Locals move freely back and forth, and many of the people we spoke with held both Dutch and French citizenship.

    Philipsburg was already buzzing when we disembarked, and for good reason. Six cruise ships were in port, making it a particularly busy day on the island. The timing makes sense—winter is peak season here, as hurricanes tend to keep visitors away during the summer months. We would later discover that having six ships in port also makes finding open beach space almost impossible.

    Horseback Riding at Seaside Nature Park

    Instead of fighting the crowds in town, we had booked a horseback riding excursion, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our Southern Caribbean cruise.

    A short bus ride took us to Seaside Nature Park, located on a scenic spit of land between Cay Bay and Cole Bay. The drive alone offered a glimpse into everyday life on the island, passing colorful neighborhoods and coastal views.

    Upon arrival, the staff gave us a quick orientation. Most of the ride would take place along hilly trails winding through the park, but the real treat would come at the end—our horses would carry us onto the beach and directly into the Caribbean Sea. We were warned that anything worn from the waist down might get wet.

    Soon we were guided to the stables, where our horses were waiting. The staff helped each rider mount and carefully adjusted the stirrups before we set off.

    Riding Above the Caribbean

    The trail immediately climbed to a ridge overlooking the water, and the views were spectacular. From our elevated perch, we looked out over both bays and the deep blue Caribbean Sea beyond. On clear sightlines, faint outlines of neighboring islands appeared on the horizon.

    The horses clearly knew the route, allowing us to relax and take in the scenery. Along the way, iguanas darted across the trail, adding a touch of wildlife to the experience.

    After climbing a bit higher, the trail looped back toward the starting area. We paused briefly so riders without waterproof shoes could remove them—because the best part of the ride was still to come.

    Horses in the Caribbean Sea

    From the trailhead, our horses carried us onto the sandy beach and straight into the turquoise waters of Cole Bay. Before long, the water was nearly up to the saddles, and both riders and horses seemed to enjoy the refreshing coolness after a warm ride on land.

    We walked the shoreline a few times, splashing gently through the surf, soaking in a moment that felt uniquely Caribbean—and far too short. All too soon, our ride came to an end.

    Back on shore, we wrapped up the experience by saying hello to a few peacocks and an unexpectedly friendly pig, followed by a well‑earned complimentary rum punch.

    Back to the Ship

    Island traffic made the return trip slower than expected, but eventually we reached downtown Philipsburg. Our driver offered to let us off for some shopping and beach time. While we did manage a little browsing and a quick snack, the beaches were completely packed. With six cruise ships in port, there simply wasn’t any room left in the sand.

    Instead, we headed back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon by the pool.

    That evening, we enjoyed our first dinner in the Michelangelo Dining Room, where the meal was delicious and the service—unsurprisingly—was superb. After dinner, the Grand Princess slipped back out to sea, setting course for our next destination: St. John’s, Antigua.

  • Southern Caribbean Cruise – Day 3

    Southern Caribbean Cruise – Day 3

    Embarkation Day in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Day 3 of our Southern Caribbean cruise was embarkation day, and while the morning started a bit more frenzied than we would have liked, it ultimately turned into a lucky and memorable beginning to our time aboard the Grand Princess.

    A Chaotic Morning in San Juan

    The day began smoothly enough with coffee and packing up our belongings before heading to the port to board our cruise ship. Dropping off the rental car at the airport was surprisingly easy, and at that point we thought we were right on track.

    Then things went sideways.

    The San Sebastián Street Festival was in full swing in Old San Juan, including the area around the cruise piers. Our Uber driver managed to navigate the traffic fairly well, but despite clearly telling her we were sailing with Princess Cruises, she dropped us off at the Royal Caribbean terminal instead.

    Staff at the Royal Caribbean pier told us we would need to walk—but before we learned that wasn’t possible (the Princess pier was actually across the bay), our Uber driver had already taken off. After a bit of scrambling, we finally found a taxi willing to take us to the correct terminal—at a rather inflated price.

    Once again, we crawled through festival traffic, hoping we hadn’t lost too much time. Nearly an hour later, we finally arrived at the Grand Princess. Thankfully, we still had plenty of time to spare, and at that moment our luck officially began to turn around.

    Boarding the Grand Princess and a Pleasant Surprise

    Once on board, we headed straight to Horizon Court for our customary first cruise lunch. Afterward, we wandered around the ship while waiting for our cabin to be ready—and then came the next big win of the day.

    We had learned the week before that we’d been upgraded to a premium balcony cabin, and it exceeded our expectations. The stateroom was much larger than what we’re used to, and the balcony was especially spacious and inviting. We spent most of the afternoon relaxing there, soaking in views of Old San Juan as the harbor buzzed with activity below.

    Winning Big Before Dinner

    Just before dinner, we attended a presentation about the ports of call on our Southern Caribbean itinerary. To our surprise, the good luck continued—we won a free shore excursion in Barbados and a spa treatment. Not bad for our first day on board!

    Pizza, Sail Away, and Spectacular Views

    Dinner was at Alfredo’s Pizzeria, one of our favorite specialty restaurants on Princess Cruises. The pizza was so good, and we finished just in time to head up to the top decks for sail away.

    Watching Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fade into the distance as we sailed out of the harbor was absolutely spectacular—one of those classic cruise moments that never gets old.

    An ABBA-Filled Night at Sea

    We wrapped up the evening with a lively performance featuring ABBA’s greatest hits, which had the entire audience singing along. It was a fun, feel‑good way to end embarkation day.

    What’s Next: U.S. Virgin Islands

    Tomorrow, we arrive in the U.S. Virgin Islands and are especially excited for our first visit to Virgin Islands National Park. After a chaotic but lucky start, we can’t wait to see what the next day brings.

  • Southern Caribbean Cruise – Day 1

    Southern Caribbean Cruise – Day 1

    San Antonio to San Juan

    Our Southern Caribbean Cruise marks our first trip of 2026, and Day 1 was all about getting from Texas to the tropics.
    We left San Antonio in the early morning hours and flew to Charlotte, where we had a five‑and‑a‑half‑hour layover. Thankfully, access to the Admirals Club made the wait far more comfortable and relaxing. From there, we continued on to San Juan, Puerto Rico, arriving around 9:00 p.m.
    Fortunately, we were able to upgrade all of our flights to first class using points, which made a long travel day much more enjoyable. The extra space and quieter cabin were especially appreciated after hours in the air.
    All of the travel was worth it the moment we stepped out onto the balcony of our room at the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort. Even at night, the view and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean were the perfect introduction to Puerto Rico and a welcome reminder that vacation had officially begun.
    Tomorrow we’ll have a full day to explore Puerto Rico before boarding the Grand Princess on Sunday, when our Southern Caribbean Cruise adventure truly begins.

    🎥 Day 1 Video

  • Day 8: Victoria, British Columbia – A Perfect Farewell

    Day 8: Victoria, British Columbia – A Perfect Farewell

    Our final full day aboard the Anthem of the Seas began after a restless night tossed by the ocean. As morning broke, we sailed into the tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, flanked by the Olympic Peninsula to starboard and Vancouver Island to port.

    Afternoon Arrival in Victoria

    After cappuccino in our cabin, we spent the morning enjoying the views from the ship and attending on last enrichment program as we approached Victoria, arriving shortly after noon. Once docked, we disembarked and began our stroll along the harbor toward the vibrant city.

    Our first stop: Fisherman’s Wharf—a charming area lined with delightful shops and picturesque floating homes. Imagine the fun of kayaking right off your back porch!

    Fisherman’s Wharf

    Scenic Walk and Parliament

    Continuing along the Harbour Pathway, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Parliament Building, officially known as the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The building exuded grandeur, surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and majestic totems.

    Majestic Parliament Building in Victoria, BC with Iconic Fountain

    Exploring Downtown

    Venturing down Government Street, we stumbled upon a charming pedestrian district filled with diverse shops and restaurants. Our exploration led us to Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood with an unmistakable Asian flair. Among its many treasures, we discovered Fan Tan Alley—the narrowest street in Canada. Barely wide enough for two people to pass, this alley was lined with even more delightful shops. We ended our afternoon with high tea at Murchie’s Tea and Coffee.

    Entrance to Chinatown in Victoria, BC
    Fan Tan Alley Sign in Victoria’s Chinatown
    Fan Tan Alley in Victoria’s Chinatown
    High Tea at Murchie’s

    A Charming Farewell

    To return to the ship, we boarded the Harbour Water Taxi, a delightful yellow boat with a “skipper” perched on a platform in the center. This cute vessel provided the perfect end to our enchanting day ashore.

    Water Taxi in Victoria

    Final Evening Aboard

    Back aboard, we savored our final dinner in the main dining room, then meticulously packed our belongings, eagerly awaiting the moment of sail away. Tomorrow morning, we bid farewell to the Anthem of the Seas and begin our journey back to Texas.

  • Day 7: From Calm Seas to High Drama

    Day 7: From Calm Seas to High Drama

    Day 7 began as a leisurely day, but it ended with a hint of excitement. We were once again sailing in the North Pacific Ocean, making our way to our final port of call in Victoria, British Columbia. The Anthem of the Sea was playing softly, creating a pleasant ambiance. While it was tolerable—and almost fun—it also hinted at the challenging conditions that awaited us.

    Onboard Learning

    In the morning, we attended an intriguing program on basic oceanography led by Dr. James Engman. Dr. Engman had previously presented two other programs during the cruise, and each time, we gained valuable insights into the marine world.

    Later in the afternoon, Mark delivered his final seminar on the Klondike Gold Rush titled Jeff Smith’s Parlor: A Gold Rush Story. It was a fitting conclusion to a series that brought history to life aboard the ship.

    Solarium Serenity Turns Stormy

    After Mark’s presentation, we headed to the Solarium, the glass-domed, adults-only area at the front of the ship. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the view of the sea. However, it was here that we first noticed the onset of rough waters. The ocean had become choppier compared to the morning, and at times, the spray from the ship hitting the waves seemed to reach us on deck 14.

    Dinner with a View—of the Waves

    The sea provided an awe-inspiring spectacle during dinner in the Main Dining Room on deck three. As we gazed out the windows, the waves appeared enormous, occasionally breaking over the top of the deck three windows.

    Evening Adventure: Swaying and a Helicopter Evacuation

    Walking during the evening was an experience like no other. The ship swayed so violently that we were bouncing off walls and each other. An emergency evacuation by helicopter required the ship to slow down, which intensified the bouncing effect. It was an exhilarating yet challenging experience.

    Back in our cabin for our second-to-last night, the motion of the ocean continues to rock us to sleep. We hope to wake up in calmer waters in the morning as we prepare for an early afternoon arrival in Victoria.

  • Day 6: Exploring Sitka – Where Cultures Converge

    Day 6: Exploring Sitka – Where Cultures Converge

    Our final destination in Alaska was the picturesque city of Sitka, surrounded by scenic mountains, the sea, and lush islands.

    Exploring Tlingit Sitka

    After taking the shuttle from the cruise terminal to the town center, we embarked on a short walk to the Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center and Totem Trail. The walk through the temperate rainforest offered breathtaking views of Sitka Sound. The Totem Trail showcased the rich heritage of the Tlingit and Haida people, who have inhabited this archipelago for centuries. While the totems are re-carvings, some original elements are displayed in Totem Hall at the visitor center.


    Gaanax.adi Raven Crest Pole stands tall among Sitka’s forest, telling stories through Tlingit art.

    Sunlight filters through Sitka’s forest canopy along the peaceful Totem Trail.
    Sitka National Historical Park

    Russian Sitka

    Sitka holds a unique history where Russian and Tlingit cultures met—and later clashed. Around lunchtime, we ventured into the Russian area of town. Passing by the Russian Bishop’s House, we arrived at St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The cathedral’s interior was adorned with sacred objects, reflecting the significance of iconography in Orthodox religion.

    Across from the cathedral, we visited Sitka Pel’Meni, where we indulged in our first taste of Russian dumplings for lunch. They were absolutely delicious, and we’re eager to try making them at home.

    Continuing our exploration of Russian Sitka, we climbed up the hill to the Russian Blockhouse. This rebuilt blockhouse stands as a testament to the Russian American Company’s blockade during the conflicts with the Tlingit.

    On a nearby hill, we arrived at Baranof Hill State Historic Site, also known as Castle Hill. This site held significant importance for the Tlingit people before the Russians established their headquarters here in 1805, after the Tlingit ceded the hill to them. Notably, the transfer of Alaska to the United States from Russia took place at this very site in 1867.

    St. Michael’s Cathedral stands tall in Sitka, Alaska, with its green spire and historic charm.
    Sitka Blockhouse
    Baranof Castle

    Returning to the Anthem of the Sea, we boarded and headed to the Solarium to witness our sail away through its expansive windows. As we bid farewell to Alaska for this year, we anticipate a sea day before reaching our final port of call, Victoria, British Columbia.

  • Alaska Cruise 2025 – Day 4: Juneau Adventures and Bear Encounters

    The morning of Day 4 found us sailing through the calm waters of the Inside Passage—a welcome change after a choppy day at sea. Our destination was Juneau, but before docking, Mark presented his second seminar on the CCC at Sitka, continuing his enhancement seminar series.

    Arrival in Juneau

    The Anthem of the Seas arrived in Juneau at noon, and we were soon ashore, ready for adventure. We rented a car through Turo, and our host Zachary W. had it waiting for us in the parking garage right next to the pier.

    Arrival in Juneau

    Exploring Mendenhall Glacier

    Our first stop was Mendenhall Glacier, a familiar site from two previous visits. However, this time we had the freedom of our own vehicle, allowing us to explore trails we had missed before.

    We began with a peaceful walk along the Trail of Time, moving through the temperate rainforest in the Tongass National Forest. Then we took a short stroll along the Steep Creek Trail, where we had an unforgettable wildlife encounter:

    🐻 A black bear sow was fishing in the creek, and soon we spotted her three cubs below. We watched as she begrudgingly shared her catch, while the cubs whined in protest over what they must have thought were meager rations—an incredible moment in nature.

    Next, we hiked the Nugget Falls Trail, which we had done on previous visits. But this time, the view was strikingly different.

    The retreat of the glacier was evident. In 2016, we could see the entire toe of the glacier from the falls. Now, it’s hidden behind stone at the lake’s edge—a sobering reminder of climate change.

    Entrance Sign at Mendenhall Glacier
    Serene Reflections at Mendenhall Glacier
    A black bear charges through Steep Creek in pursuit of a salmon near Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska.
    Sow and cubs feast in the forest near Mendenhall Glacier.
    A stunning view of Mendenhall Glacier surrounded by mountains and tranquil waters in Juneau, Alaska.
    Mount McGinnis rises above the forest near Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.
    Mendenhall Glacier

    A Peaceful Visit to the Shrine

    Our second stop was the National Shrine of Saint Therese, located even farther from central Juneau. The drive was scenic, and the shrine—a stone church nestled in the woods overlooking Favorite Channel—was the perfect place for contemplation and stunning views.

    Serenity at the National Shrine of Saint Therese
    National Shrine of Saint Therese
    Peaceful labyrinth garden overlooking the water at the Shrine of Saint Therese in Juneau, Alaska.

    After returning the rental car, we boarded the Anthem of the Seas once again. Tonight, we sail toward our next port: Skagway, home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

    Back to the Ship

    Anthem of the Seas in Juneau
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