Orlando

After the first week on the Epic, we received information on how to enter Orlando the evening before today. Even if you wanted to stay on the ship, you had to leave the ship for a moment and then get back on. The whole process takes about an hour and was done really quickly. We then walked along the harbor of Port Canaveral towards the beach and were even able to observe tortoises there. After a while we went back and were able to take the “priority” line since we had already checked in and had also exchanged our cabin tickets the day before. You can get this from reception with the new cruise dates. Being in the same cabin makes the whole process even easier. A special event that day was the Super Bowl . The entire ship was in a sporting mood for this mega-event for Americans and the event was broadcast wherever possible. There were additional buffets throughout the ship with nachos, chili, cakes, burgers, hot dogs and much more.

Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay was the first stop this week too and this time we were able to fully enjoy the day on the island. It was wonderful weather and in the bright sunshine we treated ourselves to cocktails and pulled pork burgers on the beach . If you walk a little away from the beach, you can discover a large number of iguanas in the forest, which will certainly spread across the entire island when the last guest has left the island.

Sea day

Even on this day at sea the pool deck was really very full . Unfortunately, despite the ban on reserving loungers, hardly anyone adhered to it. Very annoying on this trip. In our previous trips we never had any problems finding a lounger or with a crowded ship. These two weeks were really the first time when we thought about not traveling during the peak season and if we did, then less popular routes. Tonight the Moderno was on the program. A Brazilian steakhouse where the meat is freshly cut from the grill on the spot. Countless types of meat are accompanied by Brazilian side dishes and there is also a starter buffet with something for everyone.

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico we booked an excursion in the port: jungle tour with waterfall . The tour took us to the only rainforest on US territory, the El Yunque National Forest . When we arrived at an old watchtower we had a wonderful view of the rainforest. After a short drive we arrived at a small waterfall where the water cascaded down a black rock face. The next stop was a small snack bar where you could fortify yourself or just shop for souvenirs in the small shop. The next stop and highlight of the tour was an insider tip from the driver and so he took us along a closed road through the jungle to waterfalls and river basins . Here you could enjoy the wonderful views of the rainforest and cool off in the pools of cool river water. On the return journey we were able to get off in the old town center and explore it. Having been here almost a year ago, we knew exactly where to get the best mojitos and cigars to round off Puerto Rico.

U.S. Virgin Islands

On the U.S. Virgin Islands, we did the island tour last year, so this year we decided to visit the world-famous beach "Megans Bay." Early in the morning, we were still alone on the beach. However, with four ships in port that day, that was soon to change. The beach, which also requires an entrance fee, is truly well-maintained, offers all amenities, and is stunning. Crystal-clear water, fine sand, and palm trees dominate the scene. Additionally, despite the many guests, the water is teeming with sea turtles, and you can easily swim and dive with them even without snorkeling gear. They are so friendly that you have to be careful not to step on them in the shallower waters. There are also plenty of pelicans diving into the water in a steep dive to pick out a fish or two. To top it off, just a few meters in front of me, a stingray jumped out of the water, flapped its fins a couple of times as if it were flying, and then disappeared back into the water. We hadn't expected so many animal encounters at this popular beach.

Dominican Republic

My personal highlight of this trip and of the two weeks overall was the “Damajaguas Waterfalls & Buggies” excursion booked by the ship. After a short bus ride, which starts directly at the cruise port “Amber Cove” where we docked, we reached the area for this excursion. You could theoretically leave your stuff on the bus, but you could also use a locker for a few dollars. After we had stowed away our things, we went to the buggies briefing. After a few minutes we roared off. Wearing a rally helmet and in great spirits, we race along the dusty track. At first it was well paved and it became more and more of an off-road experience until we finally had to cross the river for the first time. That was an experience. You had to maneuver the off-road vehicle through the river, sometimes up to your knees. Some of the guests failed and had to cross on foot because the vehicle got stuck in the river. Of course, we mastered this challenge with flying colors and continued through several villages , past cockfighting arenas, schools, shops and farms. An incredibly great insight into the lives of the local population. After about 25 minutes you could change the driving position and go back again. Here too, the river crossing was once again an action-packed highlight. Covered from head to toe with water, dust and mud, we were more than ready for the falls. However, you first had to reach it on foot, which meant walking uphill for around 30 minutes. When we arrived at the starting point of the waterfall tour, there were (unfortunately) many other visitors waiting to plunge into the cool water. After a short wait, our group was able to start and the journey through the gorges began with a jump from a height of around five meters into nothingness. You jumped into the water into a kind of cave. Then we went between steep rocks and under the canopy of the forest along the river to the first slide , which was naturally washed into the rock by the water. This excursion is really not for the faint of heart or the physically challenged. After many more jumps and slides, we reached the exit of the gorge after about two hours and walked back to the starting point where we could shower and change. Without much delay we went back to the ship. A really successful trip that I can recommend to anyone looking for adventure and action.

Sea day

After the eventful day in the Dominican Republic, the last day at sea was absolutely right. Relax for one last day, unwind and try out the food and drinks. In the evening we finished off with a show in the theater and our two-week Caribbean trip was coming to an end.