So I have been on a mission. This mission has been started and stopped many times before (like for years… don’t judge me) but this time, I feel like I’ve actually gotten my mind and body on the same page. Like, they’re friends now. And if you’ve been on this mission before, you probably know exactly what I am talking about. Continue reading “Scale Wars… Issa Journey.”
I know, sounds dreadfully depressing. But I promise you it isn’t… well not really. It kinda is, sometimes. But for the most part… let’s start over.
I really love Autumn. It’s my favorite season… for real. Continue reading “Another Lonely Autumn…”
It’s one of your worst fears… you’re out to eat with a table of folks (in this case, folks I just met a few hours avo when we left the ship for this paddleboard and snorkeling excursion), and your card declines.
You nervously smile, furl your eyebrows, laugh and say “whaaaat? Run it again…” only to sideeye the Mexican tableside card machine as it tries and tries and once again glows declined. What in thee everloving pesos is going on here??
When I think of cruises, generally ports like Miami are what come to mind. Flying to Miami, enjoying the beaches and nightlife, and then hopping on a ship. New Orleans? Not so much. So when I found out that this year I’d be cruising from the New Orleans port, I was like whaatt?? To be honest, I didn’t even realize New Orleans had a port. When I think of New Orleans, I think of Essence Music Fest, Cafe Du Monde, and Bourbon street… and not necessarily in that order. Cruises, though? Never. But what an amazing port of call, especially for foodies…
Oh, Montego Bay, how do I love thee…
First of all, let me say I’ve been to Jamaica several times before but this visit was pretty top shelf. Not only did I wake up to the beautiful water and clear skies of the port in Montego Bay out my balcony door,
we had arranged a lovely excursion to Secrets Montego Bay only about a five minute drive by motor coach. (Sidebar – I usually don’t purchase excursions from the ship, but this one proved to worth it’s weight in jerk chicken.)
We were to meet at the dock by 9:30am to be whisked away to Secrets Montego Bay all-inclusive, adults-only resort. Two of my favorite hyphenated words, mind you… Anyway, after a quick intro from our tour guide and a painless air-conditioned ride thru the scenic Montego streets, we arrived at the tree-lined oasis.
I had already read online that the resort consisted of two sister properties, Secrets Wild Orchard and Secrets St. James, but I wasn’t sure as cruise guests if we would have the run of both – we did. From what I could tell, they were equally beautiful and while the beaches weren’t as long as expansive as say the well-known 7 Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, it was plenty enough for us.
Before heading to the oceanfront, shaded beach loungers, we stopped at their World Cafe restaurant for a buffet style breakfast complete with friendly waitstaff and never-ending mimosas. The omelets were delicious, the festival were crunchy, and the escovite fish with veggies was amazing – an absolute must-do if you visit the resort.
With a quick pass by the circle bar (you should always greet your local bartenders with a smile!), we had feet in the sand in no time.
A few highlights from the day? The jerk chicken cart man! We were told ahead of time that around noon, the cart man would roll through the resort waffling his jerky goodness and we stayed on the lookout. He did not disappoint.
And not to be outdone was Dywane, the chocolate-y, heavy-handed, server/bartender I met as I was strolling the resort checking out the amenities. He later found us at our lounger and kept the glasses coming. The Bob Marley and the 7 Liquor “Butt” Kicker were of special note… though I would definitely suggest the buddy system getting back to the ship!
But seriously, if you’re looking for a new travel destination – definitely consider Montego Bay in you travel list! I’m sure you’ll make memories for a lifetime.
Have you ever been to Jamaica? What was your favorite spot? I’d love to hear about it! See you stateside…
xoxo,
Lalovelee
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