Treasured moments for the entire Barron family.
Our Lady
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady - Length: 912′, Capacity: 2,770, Crew: 1,160, Maiden Voyage: 18 March 2022
Embarkation
We had a boarding time of 3:00 PM and the process was VERY efficient.
Our Place
12th of 16 decks, mid-ship, starboard side.
Andrew's Rack
The king bed split into 2.
Rick's Rack
Closest to the head for overnight pit stops 🙂
We're Ready
Andrew approves 100%!
Exploring
The view from the gally. They had a number of different food stations to choose from.
The Pool
The Valiant Lady has a single pool and it's not for swimming, just to cool off while sunbathing.
The Harbor
A view of San Juan Harbor from deck 16.
Just in Case
We found a cabana during the farewell party, and...
Sunset
... the setting sun.
Free Champaign
The farewell party was well attended (all the free champaign you can drink for 30 minutes).
Top Deck
We took a brief (and only) stroll around the track.
Full Swing
The party at the pool was in full swing.
We're Off
Departing San Juan for Tortola, BVI.
Exit Stage Right
Video of our departure from our balcony.
1st Stop
We traveled overnight and arrived in Tortola at 8:00 AM.
Good Morning
A WONDERFUL sight given the temperature was in the teens in Cincinnati!
Pick One
Wondering if our snorkeling charter is in the group.
Grounded
Enjoying a morning coffee with Andrew.
Solo Experience
Seems we discovered someplace others had yet to find - we were OK with that!
The Other Side
The view from the port side of our Lady.
Pick a Spot
Do you see some place you'd like to call home?
Welcome
Nice greeting when we disembarked the ship in Tortola.
BVI
My first visit to the British Virgin Islands.
Town
VERY glad we chose a shore excursion, there was not much to do at the port.
We're Off
On the boat for our snorkeling adventure.
Cruising
It was a short ride to our destination.
Destination
Here's our first snorkeling paradise for the day.
Getting Ready
We had a full troop of anxious snorkelers.
I'm In
I had a waterproof case for my cell phone to take pictures.
Cheese
I prefer SCUBA but I'll take every water encounter I can get.
This Way
Andrew was busy exploring the underwater landscape.
Not That Way
It'd be a LONG swim to shore!
Cattle Call
The case for my phone did not allow me to take photos underwater, time to board the boat.
Transit Time
R&R on our way to "Treasure Island".
Norman Island
History indicates that Norman Island truly was a popular spot for pirates to hide their treasures.
Neighbors
We had a few others searching for treasure in the sea caves.
Our First
The first of 3 caves has an exit.
Exit View
Nice place to hide some treasure.
The Line
Snorkelers were lined up to follow us through the cave.
Exploring
Andrew explored the coastline for sea life on our way to the 2nd cave.
Number Two
Much larger, without an exit.
About Face
Seems the queue has caught up with us.
The Third
The third cave was MUCH bigger. I saw a small octopus at the entrance.
The Only One
This is the only underwater photo I was able to get using the camera case.
There She Is
It was a quick trip back to the dock.
Tied Up
Unfortunately, we later discovered that Andrew would fell prey to the ice in the free rum punch (nothing serious, good thing he brough Charmin aboard).
All Aboard
Let's get back on-board.
We're Off
A video of our departure toward Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe Morning
Hello Guadeloupe, it's nice to meet you.
Port View
Nice view of the port facilities.
We're Close
We were up before we docked, so hung around to see the process.
A Few
It only takes a few dock hands, Captain appears to do the heavy lifting w/ the ship.
In Bound
Watch the video of our gentle docking in Guadeloupe.
Inviting
Today we're scheduled to do some ziplining in the rain forest.
Our Charriott
We arrived w/ a bus load of other cruise goers.
Le Tapeur
Click the photo to view the adventure park's website.
Our Options
We did ALL 4 courses, 2, then 3, followed by 4 and finally 1.
Tropical
The adventure park is located across the street from the zoo.
Geared
Andrew is fully geared and ready for training.
Let's Go
Course 2 was a warm up, 3 had the best zip lining, 4 was outrageously difficulty and 1 was for kids (challenging because everything was SHORT).
In Coming
Andrew shows how it's done on course #2.
Two Plus
Another zip line on course 2.
See Ya
We were unable to see any of the end points to the long zip lines on course 3.
Treed
A tree-bound celebration!
Another Long One
You had to ring a bell at the end point to signal others it was safe to proceed.
Step Up
Yes, it WAS as precarious as it looks!
Zigging
Challenging and doable on course 3.
Not Yet
We didn't need an exit on course 3, but....
Cruise-2024-170.jpg
... were VERY grateful fir zip line alternatives to the adventures on course 4 (guess we should have taken the guide's advice).
Guadelouped
Grateful for the opportunity to have visited Guadeloupe (don't feel the need to return).