Ambassador Ambiance to Caribbean

[Stephen]

When the book comes out Ray can you make it large print please.

[Happydays]

Ray this has been an excellent review! Thank you for taking the time to do it

[CaroleF]

Great reading Ray, thank you. I remember anchoring in St. Thomas and there being five ships in total there, lots of tourists and that must have been over 10 years ago so I dread to think how many there are now. I went on a trip to I think, Mountain Top, does that ring any bells with anyone? It was a lovely vantage point and there was a great bar and various shop s. The bar had seats like the swing seats at fairs where you sat and had your drinks, sound odd but I enjoyed it. I remember watching the bartender making a Banana Daiquiri using a whole banana and it was delicious!

[oldbluefox]

Very enjoyable read Ray. Can’t say I would ever go to the Caribbean - too hot for me but I enjoyed reading your exploits and calamities!!
Btw please could you get Sarah to pass on a few tips to OL because I’m past despair with him!!

[Jan Rosser]

Loved your reports Ray - brought back lovely memories of many Caribbean cruises. We always tried to go at this time of year to escape the winter - it’s been so interesting reading about your cruise - thank you

[Onelife]

Very enjoyable read Ray. Can’t say I would ever go to the Caribbean - too hot for me but I enjoyed reading your exploits and calamities!!
Btw please could you get Sarah to pass on a few tips to OL because I’m past despair with him!!

The tide always turns Foxy, but until such time that it does if Ray would be so kind as to pass on my contact details to his lovely wife Sarah it would be very much appreciated, she sounds the kind of lady who is far more sympathetic to a person down on his luck than some I could mention on this forum

If it wasn’t for seeing the Monarchy disintegrating before our eyes and being able to enjoy Ray’s live streaming reviews I’m sure things could be a lot worse

[Stephen]

Wait until he checks his onboard statement and the laundry bill

[Ray B]

Wait until he checks his onboard statement and the laundry bill

We purchased a one day wifi for £14, and a wash or dry in the laundry cost £3 a pop. The laundry is very popular with 8 washing machine and the same number of dryers. There is an attendant who organises the queue.
One of our table companions was taken ill, which necessitated him having to go into hospital in the Dominican Republic a couple of days ago. They were hoping that it wouldn't be long to do the tests, and then they hoped to catch a flight to rejoin the ship. Today we phoned to check how he was, but unfortunately they are keeping him in all week and will not now be rejoining us. So sad.

[Ray B]

Thank you all for your kind replies. I was hoping that someone would read it.

[Ray B]

Day 23. Today the ship has pulled alongside the quayside at pier 9, Sansouci Terminal , Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
After a light Breakfast we made our way ashore, the gangway normally being on port or starboard Deck four, forward.

The Terminal had many stalls set up inside with the local traders selling their crafts. Once through the terminal, we made use of the free shuttle service put on by the port which took us to the town centre.. Being a Sunday, a lot of the people may have been in church, and at 11.00 just a few shops were open but there were plenty of restaurants open. We stopped for a drink in one of the bars in the big square opposite the Cathedral. A stage had been set up in the square and pop music was pumping out of the speakers, maybe there was going to be entertainment there in the afternoon, and indeed there was, as it was Independence day, lots of road were closed off for the celebration. It looked like a nice place for how much we had explored . We made our way from the square to some steps that led down to the main road(closed off for celebrating). Following the line of the old city wall fortifications we arrived back at the shuttle bus for our return to the ship. If walking it only looked maybe a 15 minute or so stroll.
We took it easy in the evening, staying in the Raffles Bar till gone 22.30 as Alex Dennis sang and played the piano.
One thing P&O did that that really annoyed Sarah was once when ordering a Balini it came without the cherry. The waiter at the time informed her that P&O had recently stopped doing the cherries.
Well for the ladies out there, Ambassador still do the cocktail cherry for you to have with your drinks.

Day 24. Sea day to Martinique. We woke at 09.30 to find that we had missed breakfast, time we got ourselves together the resturants close at 10.00. Bagging a couple of sun loungers, after a short period went up to the alfresco Pizza bar which opens at 10.00 till 18.00 for a brunch, Sarah had a burger and chips and myself half a four cheese pizza. A big difference from our normal breakfast in the Buckingham. We obviously needed the sleep, cruising takes it out of you with some late nights, drinking and more or less on the go most of the day without realising it.. Anyhow it was another glorious day at sea, and later going down to centre court to have a Fanta orange in a glass full of ice was most welcoming. In the pool on top deck , the chance to test the DIY boat creations to see which boat will sail through the waves.
Another evening of good entertainment throughout the ship with the Theatre Company performing 'Medleys from the Musicals' from Lionel Bart to Rodgers and Hammerstein. Again ,very enjoyable. Next we went to Centre Court where Alex Dennis played and sang the songs from Paul Simon. After Alex had finished we remained there in conversation to fellow pasengers before getting back to the cabin at 23.30.

Day 24. Fort de France, Martinique. Today will are off to the beach at Anses D'Arlet Beach,after booking the last two places two nights ago.
After the ship docked it took ages before we were cleared to go ashore, by that time everything was running late. It started to get very crowded as passengers gathered around Centre Court. . Once allowed to disembark, chaos outside as stickers and directions to tour busses made late even later, till finally half hour late ,we started to make our way to the beach three quarters of an hour away.
Arriving at the beach, it looked a nice little place, a church in the middle facing a small square, opposite, a little jetty stretched out into the sea, the beach was clean with golden sand but no sun loungers or parasols, towels on the sand. Plenty of beach bars.

[Ray B]

Todays ,Tuesday, Beach.

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[Ray B]

Not getting back to the cruise ship until just gone 17.00, it was a quick jump in the shower, not having time to shave, I did shave in the morning, it was off to dinner for 17.45.
It was a long day so we decided to again pitch up in Centre Court to have a drink, leading up to Sam Hays doing a Cabaret at 21.30. Before he came on we were soon in conversation again, the gentleman who turned out to be a retired Sea Captain. One or two passengers had recognised him from the days he was Captain on Thomson Cruises. The Center Court started to fill for tonight's Cabaret, and Sam did not disappoint. With that, it was another enjoyable day coming to a close.

Day 26. The more observant of you may have noticed two day 24s..
Today we are in the lovely Island of Barbados. After Breakfast we made our way to the taxis to transfer to Harbour Lights and the beach. The taxi fare is $5US each. Two sun loungers and an umbrella plus all the facilities at Harbour Lights cost $25US. So if you are heading to Barbados you have the heads up on what to expect.
After spending the morning on the Beach and having a swim in the beautiful azure sea we have now rocked up to the bar. I have a rum punch and Jerk chicken and fries, Sarah opted for the Banana, Baileys and Coconut drink and fried chicken. The jerk being a bit to spicy for her. I have just one annoying fly keep trying it's luck with my lunch. Sorry folks,a nice lunch, and now it back to the lounger, bye for now.,

[Ray B]

Before I go, here is a photo I took of myself,with the weather back homeI, just hate myself posting this to you all.

[Ray B]

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[oldbluefox]

You can soon go off people but the food and drinks you had at the beach sound wonderful, gets the taste buds tingling.
By contrast we had a ride up to Glasgow for a day around the shops and a Greggs pasty!! And it rained!!!
Bet you’re envious

[Stephen]

Those feet have had a hard life Ray. Id have draped a towel over them.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I reckon it's fake news Ai designed to upset us at home.

[Ray B]

I reckon it's fake news Ai designed to upset us at home.

You're supposed to be in Maderia, and yes mon, thems is my feet.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I reckon it's fake news Ai designed to upset us at home.

You're supposed to be in Maderia, and yes mon, thems is my feet.

Week after next...

[Ray B]

A lovely day had in Barbados, one of our favourite ports of call.
After dinner we made our way to the pool deck to get a seat. Tonight will be busy as it's Caribbean Night. We had a while to wait till the party got started, but there was music pumping out of the speakers.
Salt and Pepper kicked of the party with some good songs that got people dancing, they were going for nearly an hour. There was then line dancing, and during the half hour only three dances were had, most of the time was taken up with the dance instructors more or less having to teach the moves. Got a bit boring. After, there was limbo, best Caribbean and Pirates dress and more, a beautiful warm Caribbean Night.

Day 27. Castries St Lucia. We were first in to Castries and moored just a bit further up from the modern facilitie with Norwegian Epic taking the prime spot behind us. Again we opted for a transfer to the beach at Rodney Bay. Unfortunately some very big roller waves were coming in, and after witnessing a chap from our bus being continuously rolled over, which really worried him, I decide to stay firmly on the beach. There were a few who decided to go in, including Mrs B, and if you stayed in the sea until there was a quieter period of waves,you could safely get out of the sea. That's the way it goes sometimes, the sea can be unpredictable.. Traffic on the road as we made our way back was nose to tail and slow, but our driver knew where to go to get ahead, and a detour winding through housing estates, we rejoined the queue a good way up.
Arriving back at the ship and dropping off our bags in the cabin, we made our way ashore for a bite to eat and a couple of beers. I know the ship is next to us, and there is food on board, but we do love getting a bite ashore. If you have been to Castries and moored at the newer terminal, you can follow this bit more easily.
After lunch we made our way through the shopping complex, Sarah stopping for a look inside most of them. What is it with women and shops, especially the ones with sparkling stones in them. We made our way to see if the Americans had the karaoke bar rocking like the British do, but no, it was mostly empty. With that it was time to get back onboard and ready for the evening.
After dinner, I had to go to reception to register the credit card for the remaining charging period to London, previous spending charges have now been charged to the card companies .
Next a trip to the shops so Sarah could collect a pre-ordered item, which I (under instruction) dutiful took back to the cabin, and then rejoined her in the Theatre.
The 'Theatre at Sea Company ' were putting on a play ' Murder In The Mirror'.
On the cliffs of Cornwall, identical twins spiral towards a deadly showdown ~ where only one is meant to survive. At about 45 minutes long, it was well played out, having the audience gripped and thinking of how it's going to pan out. To find out the answer, book a cruise on Ambience.
Later on during the evening, Harry from the Theatre group was going to be doing a Cabaret in the Observatory, singing a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, featuring all the big hits. Something we would have liked to have seen, but as it was not on until 23.15 ,and we were maxed out, it was bed for us.

Day 28. Kingstown, St Vincent. The last time we were here three years ago it was a Sunday and it was raining. The town was practically devoid of people, all in church no doubt, and there was nothing open save for the Supermarket not far from the port gates. As you can imagine, it was quickly back to the ship. In the Caribbean, unless you are on a scenic tour, Sunday calls are never that good.
But, we are back in Kingstown on a lovely sunny day and it's a Friday. The town was busy with street vendors stalls all along the road selling fruit and vegetables, nuts and occasionally beers. It was full of various aromas and many Islanders no doubt doing the weekly shop. We went into three markets all selling the same as the street vendors plus more in the was of clothes, household items. The big market in the Centre of town was the best, it was huge and looked like they were doing a roaring trade with the throngs of people buying their goods from the stalls that snaked their way all over the place with little or no organisation. The place was buzzing making our markets back home looking a bit tame.
Having need of a beer, we crossed the main road to the other side and found a small local bar, I don't think they do big bars. I ordered a 'Hairoun' beer from the St Vincent Brewery and Sarah had a Sprite. Again the friendliness of the people shone through in the bar. A couple of Police Woman were in there having a beer, you don't see that at home, and Sarah was about to take a photo of me with a beer, when she asked one of the Police officers if she wouldn't mind grabbing the back of my collar for the photo. She willingly obliged all in good fun, it was a good time in the bar.
The evening had Salt and Pepper in the Observatory and Party Tunes playing in the Purple Turtle. Nothing on in the lounges.
The Palladium was putting on their version of the TV show 'The Masked Singer'. Six contestants with a panel of three giving their verdict. After all contestants had sung, the audience was asked to clap for their favourite, getting down to two finalists, clapping decided the winner. After the masks were removed one by one to reveal the contestants, it was done without all the crazy demented shouting you get on the TV. We spent the rest of the night in the quiet of the Raffles Lounge do crosswords until 22.30.

Day 29. Basseterre, St Kitts.
We arrived at the Port at 13.00, and will depart for our next port, London at 19.00.
After spending the morning on the lounging on the Prom deck, as the ship docked we got ready for another Beach Break. You may have noticed the we don't do the senic tours, we have got past sitting on coaches preferring the Beach.
This is the 13th port of call and the last in the Caribbean, as we will now make our way, for 10 days straight off, back to London Tillbury arriving on the 11 March.
So I will now be going dark and will post a final part once back in the UK.

[oldbluefox]

I have really enjoyed your reports Ray, and the detail you have put into them.
We enjoyed the little plays (I think the posh word is vignettes!) Ambassador put on in the bars and the longer dramas in the theatre. It's not something we have ever experienced before and whilst we enjoy the glitzy musical shows it made a nice change to get a bit of drama. I must say they are very well presented and keep you on your edge of the seat until the end, but no chance of guessing who done it!!!
Have a good sail back and enjoy the rest of the good weather whilst you've got it.

[Onelife]

Yes I agree with Foxy…it was nice of Ray to put time aside to give us “as it happens” cruise reports…and so eloquently written.

Good job Ray.

[oldbluefox]

I hope OL is taking notes Ray for his review next year. You have now set the standard

[Onelife]

I hope OL is taking notes Ray for his review next year. You have now set the standard

It’s so long ago now, but if I remember correctly my last “Aurora cruise review” took me longer to write than it took to do the 18 day cruise…I shall definitely get Ray to proof read it before posting as there were more grammatical errors than I’ve backed donkeys.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I think compared to another regular cruise reviewer's reports on here Ray has demonstrated clear marital neglect. At no point did he indicate that he visited the laundry to wash Mrs B's smalls.