Tag: sunset cruise

Oranjestad, Aruba

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today is a long port day – 8:00 am – 10:30 pm. We’ve taken the island tour, rode Segways to the Lighthouse, snorkeled, and explored the downtown area – all during the day time. Today’s stop would be the first time we have ever done an evening excursion here.

But first – My day started out as usual with a trip to the Grand Dutch Cafe. I encountered many staff wiping down handrails, elevator buttons, counters, etc. The staff is taking the norovirus seriously. I hope the guests do too.

Once I placed my order at the register and handed her my keycard, the barista said. “Happy Birthday!” Since I didn’t believe she was clairvoyant, I had to assume that the notation popped up with my photo when she scanned the keycard. I smiled and said thank you.

I decided to treat myself and ordered one of their giant raisin buns to go with my latte.

I finally got a raisin bun – a day later

When I received my order, it was not a delicious raisin bun – it was a sad-looking bran muffin. I thought about pointing out the error but then thought about my age and decided she was right – I need the bran muffin. Sigh.

When I got back to the cabin, our disembarkation paperwork had arrived. We still have 8 more days to go, and they are already preparing us to leave. My special day was not going so well.

Chuck and I spent the morning on the balcony reading and harbor watching.

View from the balcony

We had lunch in the Lido and then went swimming. Every time I handed over my keycard, I was wished a very enthusiastic “Happy Birthday.” Always made me smile.

When I came back to the cabin to get ready for our evening excursion, I found a nice treat from the Captain and his crew. A chocolate cupcake beats a bran muffin any day.

I also found two of these insulated cups. I thought they were also from the Captain but it turned out they were from the Casino as part of participating in the Ultimate Game Cruise. Didn’t matter – one of them is mine so I’m counting it as a birthday gift.

Our HAL excursion this evening was titled appropriately – Aruba Sunset Sail – 5:00 pm (2 hours)

ABOUT THE EXCURSION: A friendly crew picks you up at the cruise harbor in a custom-built catamaran.

Sail past Aruba’s famous beaches, along the island’s south coast and up the gorgeous west coast, taking in the spectacular Caribbean sunset. Experience the joy of sailing and take advantage of the many perfect picture opportunities as you glide over clear, turquoise waters past famous Aruba’s Palm Beach.

The crew will keep you comfortable and entertained during the two-hour trip and will return you to the cruise terminal at the end of your idyllic adventure.

Notes: An open bar (except beer) and snacks are included.

I put on my sundress, fastened my Birthday Queen Sash, and placed the tiara on my head. I felt like Amy did on The Big Bang Theory. I was ready for my celebration.

There were a lot of people waiting for this excursion, so I was relieved that two catamarans pulled up to the dock. The dock personnel divided us into two groups and directed us to the appropriate catamaran. Each catamaran was operated by Pelican Adventures. If you are in Aruba and want a sunset cruise, I would recommend this company.

We sailed up the coast for one hour. The first mate told us about Aruba. The other crew member served as bartender serving soft drinks, fruit juices, and mixed drinks. They had a choice of alcohol but mostly rum.

The Captain turned the catamaran around and the crew started serving some appetizers – small empanadas, Dutch bitterballen, cheese, and olives. The bar was still open. Then it was time for the show – the setting sun. It was windy but we were fortunate that it was not an overcast day. The sunset was gorgeous.

Once the sun dipped below the horizon, the crew cranked up the music and we sailed our way back to the ship. The last thing the crew did was to have the birthday girl stand up and they initiated a round of applause and well wishes.

After a pizza at the deli, some casino time, a set of the BB King band, and attending another show by the comedian (wasn’t an improvement over the first show), we came back to the cabin to watch the 11:00 sailaway from the balcony.

I was surprised to see the number of people from the apartment complex across the dock using their flashlights to wave good-bye to us. I used my phone flashlight and waved back.

After that, it was time to take off the tiara and call it a night. It was a very good birthday.

Long Weekend in Michigan – Day 2

Friday, May 31, 2024

I was surprised when I realized that our room didn’t have a ceiling fan. I usually bring a small portable fan when cruising. I just didn’t think about bringing it for this trip. I wished I had brought it. Even though the bed was comfortable, I was warm and didn’t sleep well. I ended up getting up at 5:30.

The shower had great water pressure and plenty of hot water. I was glad that the Inn had a Keurig set up in the lobby with different types of coffee pods. It wasn’t long before I heard Tim and Sherrie prepping for breakfast.

They told us that breakfast would be served between 8:30 and 9:30 and you could eat anytime in that hour. Just so happened that we were all ready to eat at 8:30. Today, Tim served a blueberry and cream cheese coffee cake along with some small cinnamon muffins. Our first course was cheese grits with chicken sausage. Our second course was French toast. They had coffee, water, orange juice, hot tea, and sodas for your beverages. The food was delicious and very filling.

We decided to drive to downtown South Haven and look around. We had to take 2 cars, but we were able to find parking on the street. In the high season of July and August, I don’t think we would have found any parking spots. We had wanted to take an Uber, but Sherrie told us as far as she knew South Haven only had one Uber driver. Maybe they have more in the high season.

It is a very pretty downtown area. We wandered into many of the little shops. I found a cute Christmas ornament. I loved the artwork around the town.

We eventually walked all the way to the lighthouse. It was a gorgeous day for the beach and many people were taking advantage though I didn’t see many people in the lake.

Sail in a Pirate Ship

We had lunch at Clementines on the square. We found that most of the restaurants will not give separate checks for parties of 6 or more. Makes it easier on the servers who are rushed but it can be frustrating for the customers. I had the Strawberry Patch Salad (house greens topped with a grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries, feta cheese, and walnuts) and Chuck had the Fiesta Salad (Your choice of ground beef or chicken, house greens, tomatoes, green onions, green peppers, roasted corn, black beans, and Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Served with a side of tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream.)

On our way back to the Inn, we stopped at 3 Blondes Brewery as recommended by Sherrie. Three sisters run it and they are all blondes. While I was in the restroom, apparently there was a lively discussion about where our group of 8 could sit. We wanted to sit outside but was initially told “no” if we weren’t going to eat. Another one of the sisters said it was fine since it wasn’t the dinner hour. Weird. An argument broke out between two of the sisters. We were finally allowed to go outside. The place had very few customers when we were there. We took up one picnic table so I am not sure why there was a problem. Those who had beers enjoyed them. The rest of us liked our Diet Cokes.

Once we got back to the Inn, we had some time to relax before our scheduled sunset cruise. I took the time to take some photos around the Inn.

She Shed?
Fire Pit by Grape Vines
Blueberry Field behind Inn
Shade Garden
One Example of artwork around the Inn

I also fed the chickens some approved snacks (dried meal worms). All you had to do was stand in the yard shaking the cup and chaos ensued. Chickens came running from everywhere. A big chicken named Black Betty was the ringleader and would muscle her way to the front every time. She also took a shine to Chuck and stayed near him any time he was outside. If I came close, she would give me the side eye.

Black Betty giving me the “Eye”

I made the mistake of coming outside one time and sitting down without the snacks. One chicken showed her displeasure by pecking my tennis shoes before walking off in a huff.

Sherrie says she spends part of her time every day looking for their nests of eggs. That day she found a big pile of eggs in ferns next to the house. Since there are no roosters on the farm, there won’t be any chicks but that doesn’t mean the hens don’t try to hide their nests all around the property. The chickens get put up in their building every night to keep them safe from predators.

We drove back downtown for a quick dinner at Venezia Pizza Restaurant. Chuck and I split the ham and cheese sub sandwich as we were both still pretty full from the lunch we had.

After dinner, we walked to the dock. We had made reservations for the sunset cruise with The Sun Setter Company and had to be there by 8:00. We were allowed on board at 8:20. We set sail about 8:40. Our group was in the front of the boat. The company doesn’t provide any food or beverages, but you are allowed to bring your own beverages. We had a very nice time, but it was chilly. I was glad I had brought my jacket. The sail was smooth, and they played a lot of mellow mood music.

Great spot for Sunset Viewing
Three ducks enjoying the lake

Once we arrived back at the Inn, everyone was ready to call it a night. We had a very pleasant day in South Haven.

Travel Trivia

South Haven, Michigan

 

In the early 1900s South Haven became a resort town and is sometimes referred to as “The Catskills of the Midwest.” 

Liberty Hyde Bailey, co-founder of American Society for Horticultural Science and considered the Father of Modern Horticulture was born in South Haven. His childhood home was presented to the city in the 1930s and is now a museum.

South Haven has held the title of the “Blueberry Capital of the World” since 1969. 

South Haven is the western terminus of the Kal-Haven Trail, a popular route for bicyclists and snowmobilers. This scenic trail stretches over 30 miles, connecting South Haven to Kalamazoo, Michigan.