Tezels on the Road

Category: Sea

  • 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 9: A Perfect Sea Day on the Grand Princess

    Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 9: A Perfect Sea Day on the Grand Princess

    Day 9 of our Southern Caribbean Cruise was our only full sea day, and we were more than ready for it. While we loved every port of call on this cruise, there’s something especially wonderful about a relaxed day at sea—no alarms, no shore excursions to rush to, and no embarkation or disembarkation schedules to manage.

    Sea days on Princess Cruises always seem to arrive at just the right moment, and this one was no exception.

    Culinary Demonstration: A Princess Cruises Favorite

    As is tradition on the last sea day of a Princess cruise, we attended one of our favorite onboard events: the Culinary Demonstration in the Princess Theater.

    The ship’s Executive Chef Arturo and Director of Restaurant Operations, Erdal, gave us a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes look at what it takes to feed nearly 2,700 passengers every day. Chef Arturo then took center stage, preparing a beautiful Pasta al Pesto and spicy Diablo Shrimp, with Erdal assisting. As always, the aromas alone were worth the visit, filling the entire theater.

    Black Forest Cake (and a Little Friendly Competition)

    After the savory dishes were complete, the attention turned to dessert. The head pastry chef created an absolutely stunning Black Forest Cake, showcasing the high level of skill found in Princess Cruises’ pastry kitchens.

    As usual, Erdal joined in with his own version of the cake. While perhaps not as visually refined as the pastry chef’s creation, it added a dose of humor to the demonstration—a reminder that these events are as entertaining as they are informative.

    A Behind‑the‑Scenes Galley Tour

    Following the demonstration, we were treated to a guided tour of one of the two main galleys aboard the Grand Princess. Walking through the kitchen really drives home the scale of the operation and the level of organization required to keep thousands of passengers happily fed.

    Seeing where all that food is prepared made lunch later at the Horizon Court even more enjoyable—especially knowing we were tasting some of the very dishes we had just watched being prepared.

    Our Final Evening at Sea

    A lazy afternoon onboard led us into our final evening at sea. We enjoyed one last dinner in the elegant Michelangelo Dining Room, followed by the Farewell Variety Show in the Princess Theater.

    Entertainers Ashley Rose Smith and Radio Recall, who had performed earlier in the cruise, returned for one final performance. The show concluded with a moving moment as crew representatives filled the stage, giving passengers the chance to thank the entire crew with a heartfelt standing ovation.

    Looking Ahead to San Juan

    Tomorrow morning, we arrive back in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While it will be time to disembark the Grand Princess, our journey isn’t quite over yet—we’ll still have a full day in Puerto Rico before flying home Monday evening.

    Sea days like this one are the perfect way to reflect, relax, and savor the final moments of an unforgettable Southern Caribbean cruise.

  • 🛳️ Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 8: Barbados’ Wild Atlantic Coast

    🛳️ Southern Caribbean Cruise 2026 – Day 8: Barbados’ Wild Atlantic Coast

    Our final port of call on our Southern Caribbean Cruise was Bridgetown, Barbados. While Barbados is often grouped with the Caribbean, the island actually sits outside the Caribbean Sea, fully exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight, we crossed the invisible line separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic, arriving at an island that feels distinctly different from the others we visited on this cruise.

    Locals still refer to the Caribbean side of Barbados versus the Atlantic side, and the contrast is striking. The Caribbean-facing coast features calm waters and sandy beaches, while the Atlantic side is rugged and dramatic, with rocky shorelines and powerful surf. Very few boats operate along the Atlantic coast due to the treacherous tides and unforgiving shoreline.

    A Coral Island, Not a Volcanic One

    Unlike many of its Caribbean neighbors, Barbados is not volcanic. Instead, the island is an ancient coral reef that was uplifted from the ocean floor over time. Evidence of this coral origin is everywhere, especially in the limestone that makes up much of the island.

    Barbados is also not mountainous, but rather defined by gentle, rolling hills. These conditions created fertile soil, perfect for agriculture—and like much of the Caribbean, sugar cane once dominated the economy.

    4×4 Scenic Drive with Island Safari Barbados

    Today’s adventure was the 4×4 Scenic Panoramic Drive & Bathsheba Beach tour with Island Safari Barbados. Our guide, Andre, was equal parts informative and entertaining. While we were warned about plenty of bouncing during the off-road portions, the vehicle was comfortable, and the open sides provided fantastic views of the countryside.

    Climbing out of Bridgetown (before the 4×4 portion began), we passed through farmland growing sweet potatoes, cassava, and sugar cane. Along the way, we saw remnants of Barbados’ sugar plantation era—boiling houses, plantation homes, and even a 300-year-old stone bridge spanning a gully. Built by enslaved workers, the bridge stands as a sobering monument to the labor that sustained the sugar industry.

    Limestone Roads and Fossilized Coral

    The legacy of sugar cane also shaped Barbados’ road system. Cart paths were cut directly into the limestone to transport goods from inland plantations down to coastal ports. In many places, you can clearly see fossilized coral embedded in the stone, a reminder of the island’s ancient reef origins.

    One of the true off-road highlights was driving into a gully, formed when limestone caves collapse. Barbados is riddled with caves and gullies, and these areas provide some of the best up-close views of coral fossils.

    Hackleton’s Cliff: A View from 1,000 Feet

    About an hour into the tour, we made our first stop at Hackleton’s Cliff, located between the rural parishes of St. Joseph and St. John. Rising nearly perpendicular from the surrounding land, the cliff reaches 1,000 feet above sea level and offers sweeping views of Barbados’ Atlantic coastline.

    The cliff is named for Thomas Hackleton, a plantation owner who, according to local lore, died by riding his horse off the cliff after becoming entangled in a scandal. Hackleton and several others are buried here, adding a layer of haunting history to the already dramatic setting.

    Bathsheba Beach and the Atlantic Coast

    From Hackleton’s Cliff, we descended toward the coast, spotting Barbados Blackbelly sheep grazing in open fields and catching brief glimpses of the island’s famous green monkeys. Unfortunately, the monkeys were extremely camera-shy, denying us that elusive photo.

    Our second major stop was Bathsheba Beach, located on Barbados’ wild Atlantic shore. The name “Bathsheba” comes with its own legend—some say the mineral-rich waters resemble the biblical Bathsheba’s milk baths, believed to preserve beauty. Myth or not, the beach’s natural beauty is undeniable.

    We walked along the rocky shoreline, watching waves crash against dramatic rock formations while a few surfers took full advantage of the powerful Atlantic swells.

    A Nautical Farewell to Barbados

    As we sailed away from Barbados, we were treated to a fascinating maritime moment: the harbor pilot disembarking the Grand Princess. The ship doesn’t slow down as a small pilot boat pulls alongside and the pilot descends a rope ladder—a carefully choreographed nautical “dance” that’s always a thrill to watch.

    Evening Entertainment at Sea

    The evening brought excellent entertainment, starting with “Born to Dance” in the Princess Theater. Later, musicians from around the ship gathered in the Piazza to perform hits from around the world, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.

    Tomorrow brings a sea day as we head back toward San Juan. Our cruise may be nearing its end, but the memories—especially of Barbados’ wild Atlantic coast—will last long after we’re home.

  • Day 4 Southern Caribbean Cruise: St. Thomas & St. John

    Day 4 Southern Caribbean Cruise: St. Thomas & St. John

    We woke up on Day 4 of our Southern Caribbean cruise to find St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands waiting just outside our balcony. The Grand Princess was pulling into Charlotte Amalie Harbor, marking our first port of call of the voyage.

    Ferry to St. John and Virgin Islands National Park

    We took a short taxi ride to the marine terminal to catch the ferry to St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. We arrived early enough to enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the Petite Pump Room, located just above the ferry terminal. The omelet was excellent, and the sweeping views of the harbor were just as satisfying.

    Soon, it was time to board the ferry for the scenic 45-minute ride to St. John. The route skirts the southern shoreline of St. Thomas before turning northeast and crossing the narrow channel separating the two islands. Before long, we entered Cruz Bay, where we disembarked and began our exploration.

    Exploring Virgin Islands National Park

    A short walk from the ferry terminal brought us to the Cruz Bay Visitor Center for Virgin Islands National Park. This was our first visit to this national park, even though our time here would be relatively brief. The National Park Service manages nearly two-thirds of St. John, along with the adjacent Virgin Islands Coral Reefs National Monument, preserving both land and sea ecosystems.

    After checking in at the visitor center, we decided to hike the Lind Point Trail, heading toward Honeymoon Beach and Salmon Beach.

    Virgin Islands National Park entrance sign on St. John with a playground, palm trees, and green hills under a blue sky.
    Entrance sign for Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, with tropical hills, palm trees, and a community playground in the background.
    Cruz Bay Visitor Center on the waterfront in Virgin Islands National Park, St. John USVI, with colorful shutters, red roof, boats docked in the harbor, and a bright blue sky.
    The Cruz Bay Visitor Center in Virgin Islands National Park sits along the waterfront of Cruz Bay, St. John, welcoming visitors arriving by boat to explore the island’s protected beaches, trails, and history.

    Hiking the Lind Point Trail

    The Lind Point Trail conveniently splits into upper and lower paths, creating a pleasant loop hike. Along the way, we passed through one of the Caribbean’s most diverse dry tropical forests, where cactus and agave line the trail alongside tropical trees like gumbo limbo, known for its peeling red bark.

    The vegetation is dense in places, but every so often the trail opens up to reveal glimpses of the turquoise Caribbean waters below. Taking the upper trail, we soon reached Lind Point, where expansive views stretch across Cruz Bay to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north.

    The trail continued along the ridge before beginning its descent—just over a mile from the trailhead—toward Honeymoon Beach.

    Honeymoon Beach and Salmon Beach

    The Virgin Islands are famous for their beaches, and Honeymoon Beach lives up to the reputation. Soft white sand meets crystal-clear blue water, making it an irresistible spot to linger. We hadn’t brought our swimsuits on this excursion—saving beach time for later in the cruise—but the water was incredibly inviting.

    On our return, we took the lower Lind Point Trail and soon came to the cutoff for Salmon Beach. Just as beautiful as Honeymoon Beach, Salmon Beach felt more secluded and noticeably less crowded, adding to its charm.

    Lunch with Unexpected Company

    Back at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center, we stopped for lunch. Our meal came with unexpected company—a hen and several chicks that appear to have claimed the visitor center as home. They seemed mildly offended that we didn’t share our lunch with them.

    Back to St. Thomas

    Before long, it was time to catch the ferry back to St. Thomas. Once there, we did a bit of shopping near the cruise pier before reboarding the Grand Princess. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool, enjoying a well-earned break after a full morning of exploring.

    As the sun set over St. Thomas, we sailed onward toward our next destination—St. Maarten—bringing a perfect close to an unforgettable day in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • Southbound to the Sea: Kicking Off Our South Padre Getaway

    Southbound to the Sea: Kicking Off Our South Padre Getaway

    We hit the road around noon, leaving San Antonio behind and heading south toward the coast for a much-needed escape. With bags packed and an audiobook queued, we head to island time—because nothing says “vacation mode” like the promise of sun, surf, sand, and relaxation.

    Our destination? Margaritaville South Padre Island, where the beach meets laid-back island vibes. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and soak in the coastal beauty of Texas. Whether it’s morning walks on the beach, sunset views over the Gulf, or simply lounging with a cold drink in hand, we’re ready to embrace every moment.

    Stay tuned as we share highlights from our tropical timeout—#SouthPadre2025 is just getting started!

  • 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.

  • Day 5: Skagway & Dyea – Exploring Gold Rush History

    Day 5: Skagway & Dyea – Exploring Gold Rush History

    On the fifth day of our 2025 Alaska Cruise, we arrived in one of our favorite Alaskan towns: Skagway, home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This marked our fourth visit to this beautiful town, and once again, we found new adventures waiting for us.

    A Special Reunion and a Drive to Dyea

    One of the highlights of Skagway is reconnecting with our friend Cory. This time, Cory generously lent us a truck, giving us the chance to drive out to Dyea, a historic boomtown that once thrived at the head of the Chilkoot Trail.

    Dyea played a pivotal role during the Gold Rush, serving as a launch point for thousands of stampeders. However, its location—on a shallow inlet surrounded by mudflats—made access difficult. The Chilkoot Trail, though shorter than the nearby White Pass, was steeper and more treacherous. These challenges led to Dyea’s rapid decline. Dyea boomed for only two years, and by 1905, most of its buildings were gone. Today, the National Park Service maintains trails and street signs that hint at its past.

    Historic street signs in Dyea framed by mountains and blue skies
    Peaceful waters and towering peaks at Taiya Inlet in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Gateway to the legendary Chilkoot Trail

    Remembering the Palm Sunday Avalanche

    Nearby, we visited the Slide Cemetery, a somber site named after the Palm Sunday Avalanche of April 3, 1898. This tragic event claimed the lives of sixty stampeders, who are buried near Dyea.

    Final resting place along the Chilkoot Trail

    Skagway’s Colorful Past

    Back in Skagway, we explored the Gold Rush Cemetery, where the infamous Jefferson “Soapy” Smith is buried. Smith, a notorious con artist, met his end in a shootout on Juneau Pier in July 1898. He operated out of Jeff Smith’s Parlor, a building that Mark will be presenting a program on this Wednesday on board the Anthem of the Seas.

    Soapy Smith’s Grave

    Nature’s Beauty: Lower Reid Falls & Dewey Lake

    Just beyond the cemetery, we discovered Lower Reid Falls, a stunning cascade tumbling down from the mountains above Skagway. We then hiked the trail to Lower Dewey Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Along the way, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Skagway and the Anthem of the Seas docked below.

    A Perfect Ending

    Our day ended with drinks and snacks with Cory before returning to the ship. Sailing down the Chilkoot Inlet is always a magical way to conclude our time in Skagway.

    Tomorrow, we set sail for another favorite of Alaska: Sitka.

  • Explore Our Alaska Cruise Highlights – 2025

    Explore Our Alaska Cruise Highlights – 2025

    Our journey through the breathtaking landscapes and historic towns of Alaska was nothing short of unforgettable. From misty fjords and glacier-carved valleys to charming coastal cities rich with gold rush history, every moment was a story worth capturing.

    We’ve curated a special photo collection featuring highlights from our Alaska 2025 Cruise—including stops in Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and scenic views from aboard Anthem of the Seas. Whether you’re dreaming of your own Alaskan adventure or reliving memories of the Last Frontier, we invite you to explore the sights through our lens.

    📸 View the full collection here:

    👉 https://wirestock.io/collection/65032

    From historic parks and vibrant markets to glacier vistas and waterfront strolls, this gallery brings together the spirit of Alaska in every frame.

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