Sting Ray City! A Super Experience

One adventure not to be missed while visiting the Caribbean is a trip to Sting Ray City.  Maybe you are spending a week or two on the island or just enjoying a quick shore excursion while on board a cruise ship, either way, swimming with the rays is a lot of fun.  I  visited Stingy Ray City in Antigua while on vacation with my husband and once again while on the Enchantment of the Seas tendered outside Grand Cayman

with a group of women.  Let me tell you about the trip to Antigua with hubby, we had a blast!

We chose the excursion from a menu provided by the ship which rates excursions by time, activity level, and in this case swimming skill involved.  Carnival uses the "little walking man" to rate their excursions, the more little men, the more difficult and the more fit you have to be.  The stingray adventure was rated a 2, which was perfect for me.  We both swim well, but according to the rating, little swimming would be required.  The price of $50 per person was great as well.  Snorkle gear and refreshments were provided.  We booked from our stateroom through the tv and the cost of the trip was added to our sail card.  Voila!

Having never snorkeled before much less touched a stingray, I was pretty excited the next morning as we got ready to board the bus.  We had slathered on sunscreen, wore our bathing suites, and of course sunglasses and hats.  Our bus was almost full with a mix of young and old, couples, and families with kids.  Our ride to our boat took us through "town" and highlights were pointed out by our very funny and very pregnant tour guide.  When I asked her when she was due to have her baby, she said 3 days ago.  That's a pretty strong work ethic in any country, but I digress from the story!

We arrived at our destination which from the front appeared to be a private home.  We were escorted to the back where four open motor boats stood ready.  We boarded the boats and were off!  Approximately 20-30 minutes later (who wears a watch, it's island time) we arrived at a sandbar with a floating dock which we tied up to. After scrambling out of the boats we were given a few directions by the handlers who would be in the water with us.  My husband practically raced in, and I eased in and in no time the water seemed full of black shadows under the water. (See them in the picture above) With a closer look, I could make out the rays--eerie and beautiful at the same time.  The water was about 4 feet deep with some areas less--parents with older children seeming to have no problems.  The rays would bump you and then wait as if they wanted to be petted.  One of the handlers told us this was a retirement home for old rays, but them seemed pretty lively to me.  We were given the opportunity to feed the rays and then look through them with a snorkel mask.  Since I can be a scaredy cat about new things, my husband held my hand while I tried my first snorkeling.   Even though it was in shallow water and in a controlled situation--I felt pretty proud of myself! If you haven't seen the blue of the waters of the Caribbean, you haven't seen blue--the color was amazing! 

After an hour or so, we loaded the boats and headed back to shore.  Refreshments had been set out with cold "koolaide" punch being handed to all the adults.  Honestly it was punch pink, but it carried quite a "punch" of a different sort.  I switched to water to be sure I didn't miss the nice dinner awaiting me on board by having a hangover headache.

The trip took about 2-3 hours from start to finish and did not require a lot of heavy activity.  The adventure was not appropriate for small children and would not be advisable for persons having problems climbing into or out of the boat or going up or down the small ladder going into the water.  For us it was a wonderful trip, an adventure with nature that I can recommend wholeheartedly.

Until we cruise again,

Sandy, the diva cruiser

 Sandy, thedivacruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, an independent travel consultant for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow Sandy on her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Email Sandy for more information on this or any of her other blog posts.  

What Carrie Bradshaw Can Teach Women About Sparkle!

When Carrie kissed Aiden while vacationing in Abu Dhabi, I was SO aggravated with her.  Yes, I am talking about Sex and the City 2; I saw it a couple of weeks ago on a perfect girl’s night out— pedicures, dinner out, and the ultimate chick flick-a great time.  I was upset because like many of the faithful I had followed the “girls” as they made their way through the perils of dating in New York City.  Carrie, in particular, had a tough time finding true love with her guy, John Preston, aka Big; finally marrying him at the end of the first movie, Sex and the City 1. 

After nearly two years of almost wedded bliss, a few tiny blips had begun to surface on the radar of the Preston marriage.  Just like women everywhere, Carrie and Big had to work on their marriage to keep the “sparkle” going.  When John came home from work tired and wanted to skip an important social event to veg on the couch with the remote, Carrie was livid.  Girls, I mean who hasn’t felt this way?  Whether we live in a sleepy rural community or the city that never sleeps, men and women go through this same song and dance everywhere all the time. Girls how do we keep the SPARKLE between ourselves and our hubbies?

One thing I have found helpful (and I think Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda would definitely approve) is to recommend that women keep their friendships with other women close and up to date.  It’s tempting with all that women have to do-mother, homemaker, wife, and a productive member of the workforce—to skip the time and effort it takes to remain friends.  I find that when I am involved with my gal pals, be it a simple dinner out together, or a luxury vacation in Abu Dhabi, I am happier, more content, more willing to work on that all important relationship with my spouse.  I feel better about myself and that translates into a better feeling toward everyone around me.  Time away with other women gives me perspective, and the sharing of laughter, fun, and most of all support is welcome and necessary.  And of course there’s the old saying “if mama ain’t happy, then nobody’s happy!” 

Have fun and keep the sparkle going girls!

Sandy

Sandy, thedivacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler an independent travel advisor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruisier or on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com

Need help arranging your girl's getaway travel?  Email with questions, it's WHAT I DO!

Wild Women Afloat on the Tennessee River

Every year my sister and I take a long weekend away together and just have fun.  It's something we both look forward to greatly: we bond, we laugh, but mostly we just relax.  We have had some "complications" in the past couple of years--both my children decided to get married two summers ago and her daughter graduated from high school last year--no expenses there right?  But this year we were right on track with our planning, with the Gaylord Resort in Nashville being our choice for this summer.  I have never been but always wanted to and looked forward to sharing it with her and then with you, my readers.  Unfortunately Mother Nature decided to nix that idea with the Resort as well as significant parts of Nashville experiencing extreme flooding and damage.  So I got out my pile of Southern Living Magazines, (otherwise known as the "bible" for Southern travel, gardening, decorating, and entertaining) and lo and behold there was a newish article on my sister's hometown, Chattanooga, TN with several really cool hip and historical things to see and do right there.  So our plans have changed--we're going for an adventure on the Tennessee River!

Our first destination is an overnight stay at the Delta Queen.  The Delta Queen was the last surviving steam powered paddle boat to carry passengers overnight until just recently when she was docked  in Chattanooga.   The Delta is so significant, she was inducted into the Marine Hall of Fame.  I didn't even know they had such, did you?  We can stay in a passenger cabin with private bath and luxurious sounding linens and appointments.  I am a sucker for high thread count aren't you?  In addition to unique, historical accommodations, we are going to enjoy paddle boat type evening entertainment, just as passengers have enjoyed for decades.

As well as fun times and a great room, a complimentary breakfast is served to guests each morning.  A floating bed and breakfast, how about that?

To finish off our Tennessee River adventure, I think we should take a dinner cruise or a daytime sight seeing cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat that operates up and down the River.  A great dinner, scenic views, music, dancing--you don't get much better than this.

I will keep you posted on our trip which takes sail in mid-July.  I'm pretty excited as you can tell and will be full of descriptions and pictures when I return.  If you are a local, please send me pictures or recommendations of things to visit in the area--I am always on the look out for fun things for the gals!

Until later, Sandy

Sandy, thedivacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, an independent consultant with Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.

When I Grow Up I Want to be a Golden Girl!

I am really going to miss Blanche Devereaux.  I’m going to miss Rue McClannahan, too, She was a beautiful woman with a lot of talent.  But Blanche, well Blanche was my heroine.  A smart, sassy, stylish, sexy woman who loved life, her friends, and yes—she loved the men!  As a Southern woman trying to be any or all of these, Blanche was a true Southern belle and one of my favorite TV characters of all times.  Not since the likes of red-headed Flo from Mel’s Diner has a Southern woman captivated our ideas of what a strength and beauty in one package should be.  Although Blanche never had a catch phrase to rally behind like Flo’s “Eat My Grits”, she had plenty of identifying characteristics that made me like her.

• Blanche fought against aging with every fiber of her being.  She wanted to be young in body, mind, and spirit and often tried out new sports, activities, and ideas.  She knew staying young was an inside job.

• Blanche had a signature sense of style in her clothing and accessories.  She dressed well to please the latest fellow in her life, but to also please herself.  She seemed comfortable in her clothes and confident about her looks.

• Blanche loved her gal pals and went to them for advice, comfort, and a sense of family.  Sometimes it looked like she might sell them short to please a new guy, but in the end she always came through for her roommates and girlfriends.

• Blanche had a career she loved and appreciated.  She volunteered to help the less fortunate and benefitted from a full, well rounded life.

Yes, I am going to miss dear Blanche.  Fortunately for us, the Golden Girls seem to always be in season on Lifetime TV.  Her antics will always be fresh for the next generation of Southern girls looking for a heroine.

Fiddle de dee,  Sandy    

Sex and the City 2--Samantha Didn't Get Her Due!

Of the 4 gals on Sex and the City the one that I identify with least is Samantha.  She is the one I probably laugh at the most, I wonder what she is going to do next, but with my beliefs, upbringing, and personality, I just don’t see myself in her.  One thing I do admire about her is her commitment to her business and ability to rise to the top of her profession, while still “having a life”.  The reason for the ill-fated (and expensive) trip to Abu Dhabi was the Arab businessman who had observed her success as a public relations executive and was eager for her input on his upcoming projects. Eager enough to give in to her request that the “girls” go too and to spare no expense to impress her, he treated her as a business force to be reckoned with. I think the movie did the character of Samantha a real disservice and here’s why.

Ms. Samantha Jones, New York City PR maven, would never travel to a country and culture uninformed.  This was the start of what could be an extremely lucrative deal; and as much as Samantha loved a good looking man, she also enjoyed money, respect, and power in her chosen profession.  No intelligent person traveling to another part of the world for the first time would arrive so blindly unaware of what was required in terms of conduct and behavior.   Even in a menopause induced frenzy (been there, felt that) she knew better than to create the kind of dangerous situation she involved herself and her best friends in.

Didn’t she have a travel professional for her business and personal travel?  She has the best of everything else money and power can buy, who makes her travel plans?  Could I volunteer?  Had I been her travel advisor, I would have made sure she knew the rules of behavior, particularly between men and women in public.  Knowing Samantha, I would have been very firm with her—she does love her men!

No, the movie didn’t give Samantha credit.  For all her free-wheeling ways, she was still super intelligent and uber successful.  And yes, I know it’s just a chick flick, never meant to make a statement or be taken too seriously.  But, the business woman, 50 something, travel advisor in me couldn’t help but notice.  Maybe next time I can play the part of the intelligent, elegant, but fun loving side kick!  Show biz here I come!

Happy travels, Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, outside travel professional for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Email Sandy for comments, questions, or just to say hello.   

The Best Cruise Line for YOU!

I am often asked the question "which cruise line is BEST?"  I always have to laugh, because this is a tough question to answer--I always answer back--define BEST.  Best price? itinerary? entertainment? food? accessibility? casinos? what is BEST?


Accessing your cruise needs are similar to writing a good news article.  There's the who, what, when, and how of it all.  Let's take them one at a time.  


WHO is sailing?  You and your hubby? You and your family? Family reunion? Gaggle of gal pals? WHO is sailing makes a lot of difference.  The who involves your interests, hobbies, and activity levels.  Will you be happy swimming with the dolphins, ice skating at sea, or just lounging by the pool?  Are you an experienced cruiser or a first timer?

WHAT do you want to, see, visit, and explore?  Do you have a special place or climate in mind?  On one cruise, I knew without a doubt I wanted to see a particular beach in St. Thomas as a shore excursion.  What do you want to do on board?  If you have your heart set on a surfing simulator or rock climbing at sea, you  are limited to the number of ships you can choose.  You need to think about WHAT you want to experience.


WHERE are you willing to go to board your ship?  Depending on your location, you may have to drive a long distance or fly to make your cruise happen.  If you choose not to travel, you could be limited by where you live.  Ships are traditionally stationed in certain ports and stay their until the season changes or larger/smaller ships are brought in.

WHEN do you want to sail?  The time of the year, season, or even holiday makes a big difference.  Going during spring break season?  Expect to see a lot of college students on board.  Think it would be cool to spend Thanksgiving on board?  Yes, it would, but you can expect to pay more.  Remember too, that certain itineraries like Alaska and New England are only available during certain seasons and fill up quickly.

Lastly, after deciding on all of the above--HOW much is your budget?  Do you have a realistic idea of what a cruise will cost?  With prices averaging $100-300 a night for accommodations, gourmet food, and entertainment galore--cruise prices are great vacation values. How much are you willing and able to spend?


When you talk with me, I will ask you all of these questions.  I try to match the client with the best fit of all of the above criteria.  By thinking on these questions and making a list of anything else that might be important to you--we can find the perfect fit just for you!


Call me and let's talk about your who, when, where, and how.  I will do my best  to match you as much as possible with the best cruise line and sailing to fit your needs.


Happy sailing!


Sandy


Sandy, thedivacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her web site www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Questions are always welcome click here to contact Sandy.


Photos are #1 Me onboard Celebrity. #2 Clients swimming with the dolphins onboard Royal Caribbean; #3 Line dancing on board Princess; #4 Hubby and I on pink sand beaches onboard NCL; #5 Hubby and I swimming with the stingrays onboard Carnival.

The Airport Shuffle

I love to line dance--it's super fun and good exercise.  The exception maybe what I call the "airport shuffle" --when you ride an escalator to get to another escalator to get to a monorail to get to an elevator and on and on.  But such is the reality of modern day airports, it's part of the dance.  The bigger the airport, the longer the dance, and like a line dance, it's easy to get out of breath.

Another modern day reality that makes the trip longer is, of course, the security check in, which seems to get more elaborate every time I fly.  I laughed out loud when the TSA took my rolledup tube of toothpaste.  As a travel advisor, I spend a good bit of time reminding people what to pack.  I keep a cosmetic case packed so I can grab and go, but my last trip was to a resort and didn't involve flying.  OOPS! note to self!  never assume!

But in the few seconds (which stretched out a l---o----n----g time) when I realized my bin of stuff was being pulled aside and I was being called over-- my thought was OH NO, SOMEONE PUT SOMETHING IN MY BAG!  I had never let my bag out of my sight, but still eek!  I wasn't exactly sure what would happen in this situation but I was pretty sure I wouldn't make my flight, among other things too scary to mention.  When she held up my toothpaste and said she would have to keep it, well as I said, I laughed. 


So to recap, just a couple of points that might be of interest.

• Keep your eyes and hands on your bag at all times.  Don't trust anyone you don't know, no matter how innocent they seem.  Check out reruns of NCIS or rewatch the Mission Impossible movies for examples.  Plus, hey, it's Mark Harmon and Tom Cruise-never time wasted!
• The 3 ounce carry on rule applies to liquids AND gels.  Toothpaste IS a gel dear readers!
• Don't argue with the nice TSA's.  They are there for your protection and just doing their jobs!

Happy and safe travels, Sandy



Sandy, the diva crusiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, and Independent agent of Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her website http://www.sandywheelertravel.com/.  Email questions about this or any of her blogs, she loves to hear from readers.