ST. THOMAS

Since we were in St. Thomas on a Sunday the stores were only going to be open until noon or so so the first thing we did was get a taxi, ($8. for both of us), to the downtown area. The ship docks in an area called Crown Bay but since we had been to downtown St. Thomas before we wanted to go there again. We shopped around finishing up buying some gifts and I found one store I just fell in love with. It's owned by a woman who does all her own handpainting on assorted things and it was so colorful!






























































We got back on board around noon and had a light lunch and got our snorkeling gear. We had wanted to take the ferry over to the island of St. John's and snorkel in Trunk Bay which we had loved on our previous trip but found out we had missed the ferry that would have gotten us across in time. Instead we were advised that great snorkeling could be found at Sapphire Beach. While we walked out to catch a taxi to Sapphire we came across a whole family of iguana's basking in the sun. It was quite an unusual site for us! The taxi was $11. pp one way. We drove thru beautiful areas and finally came to the beach.






































































































It was windy when we got to the beach and there were frequent waves coming in but I wasn't worried about snorkeling anymore. It turned out to be very rough and I would swim out and then get carried back in towards shore. Several times David had to come pull me back out. Then I suddenly found myself on top of a reef that was way too close to me for comfort! There were some prickly looking coral spiney growths that I was so worried I was going to scratch against. All of a sudden this didn't seem like such a good time! At that point I really was stuck and David had to come guide me to safety. After that we decided to just relax on the beach and we found two empty lounge chairs and enjoyed the warm sun and outstanding scenery.




























This Pelican landed right in front of us!









We had never seen birds with this coloring. Still have no clue what they are.





We made sure we were back on board way before sail away as we had gotten used to enjoying watching all the activity before we pulled away as well as the sight of the islands fading away into the sunset. While in St. Kitt's David had purchased a bottle of Bailey's and had wrapped his towel around it and put it in our snorkel bag when we reboarded. Apparently they pretty much look the other way if you don't volunteer to give them your liquor purchases as no one said anything to us as it passed thru the x-ray machine. So we took quick showers, put on our Princess provided robes, poured some Bailey's over ice and sat and watched the sail away show!






































































The day before we had made reservations to eat at the Italian restaurant on board - Sabatini's. It's $20. pp but Alicia and Chuck had eaten there a few days before and had really been raving about it so we decided to treat ourselves. They had also been to the beef restaurant, The Crowne Grill, but suggested we go with Sabatini's. It was just as wonderful as they had described. There are two waiters for every table and we were given an excellent one right by a window with a fountain outside of us.








Even the hall elevators are pretty!





















































Besides the two waiters the maitre'd was also constantly checking with us to be sure all was satisfactory. We really felt taken care of! The only thing you really have to choose from the menu is your main course and dessert. All of the pre entree items are served to you by the waiter and you can refuse anything you don't feel you want to try. David took everything offered but a few things I wasn't up for such an anchovies and some of the sliced meats.









Assorted Antipasti:
including Proscuttio & Melon










Cold Appies
including Shrimp & Marinated Artichokes with White Truffle Oil










Anchovies, Porcini Mushroom








Hot Appies
Deviled Crab Cake, Ricotta Cheese & Elephant Garlic






There was a soup course at this point. I had White Bean With Vegetables and David had Cream of Tomato with Shrimp. Both excellent!





Pasta Course







Ravioli with Truffle and Egg Noodles with Asparagus both in yummy sauces.








David's Main Course:
Sea Scallops with Truffled Tomato











Amy's Main course:
Roasted Sea Bass with a Whole Grain Mustard Crust






We both shared a delicious Pumpkin Risotto




Dessert
I had the Tiramasu and David had White Chocolate Mousse with Limocello Cream which he said was the best dessert he'd ever had in his life!



We agreed this was one of, if not, the best meal we've had! David sent his compliments to the chef and we left very full and very happy! We decided our after dinner stroll around the ship was definitely in order tonight! We stopped in and caught the tail end of comedian Scott Wyler's show and were laughing so much we decided we had to be sure and catch his last show in full the following night. Next up was a day at sea.