My wake up call came at 6:30 but I woke up at 6:20. My breakfast came at 7 as we were pulling into port. My tour today meets at the end of the pier and is described as:
Seize this opportunity to enjoy island sightseeing with a complete circumnavigation of Grand Turk. This 7½-mile-long island is filled with history, culture and a rustic charm that is unforgettable. Step aboard a tram destined for five of the most interesting stops on the island.
Cruising along Duke Street while listening to soft calypso music, you will see the island's old Bermudian-style homes. Panoramic views include talcum powder-like beaches and the stunning Caribbean Sea, little changed since Christopher Columbus sailed past in the 15th century. This is also the land of the 17th-century buccaneers, who used Grand Turk as a bolt-hole between raid on passing ships.
Stop in Cockburn town to browse for souvenirs, taste some mouthwatering island dishes (at your own expense).
Back on the tram, you're accompanied by picturesque views as you head towards the northern tip of the island and the Grand Turk Lighthouse. Contemporary and traditional homes, views of the neighboring islands, and the famous and friendly Grand Turk donkeys are the attractions here.
Headed south, you will see some salt ponds that date back to the 16th century, and have a chance to take photos here. Crossing over to the eastern side of the island, you will find yourself back at the cruise terminal.
I went to get my wrist band for the tour at 8:15 and we finally got onboard the tram and left at 8:40. It was a very good tour and at a stop for food and shopping, I bought a Grand Turk polo shirt and a bottle of Down Da Road IPA. We stopped at the lighthouse to take photos with the donkeys and at the airport to take a photo of the replica of John Glenn's Capsule. I took several photos while we were moving, so the quality is not ideal. I returned to the cabin at 11 and uploaded my photos into the blog. My laundry came back and I put it away and worked crosswords for a while.
I decided to take advantage of the Luggage Direct program where they check you into your flight from the ship, provide airline luggage tags and your boarding pass for only $25. Your luggage goes directly to the airline and you don't see it until your final destination. It does require that you disembark between 7:45 and 8, but since my flight isn't until 5:25pm, it makes it much easier to travel home.
At 4, I went to the sail away and had a drink while watching the cloud formations. I returned to the cabin at 4:45 to get ready for dinner. I met Jeff and Ann at 6:15 and after dinner, I returned to the cabin at 8 to update the blog and read. We do not get into San Juan, Puerto Rico until 1pm.
