Captain's Blog 2/12/11

Today we are hosting nearly 150 high school students from San Juan aboard the ship. This is not an unusual effort on the part of the Academy's admissions department, as we often do this in our Florida port if we go there. But the effort here in San Juan will present a higher ratio of potential cadets of ethnic diversity and minorities.

As a prelude to the tours today we had the pleasure of the Honorable Jorge Santini, the Mayor of San Juan, joining us for lunch. Also included was the Deputy Maritime Administrator from Washington DC, Mr. Orlando Gutay; and from the US Coast Guard Sector San Juan - Captain Marc Stegman, Deputy Sector Commander and CDR David Berliner (MMA 1991), the Chief of Prevention Operations; and our dear friend here in San Juan, Mr. Paul Simpson, graduate of MMA in 1960- a local marine salvage expert. These gentlemen joined about six officers and six cadets for lively discussions on a broad range of topics from education to homeland security. We had a wonderful time, and it was certainly worthwhile for us to meet one another and exchange our ideas - not to mention to showcase Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

I would be remiss in mentioning that two of our cadets, 3/C Gabriel Bermudez and 4/C Jonathan Aponte, have been willing participants in the luncheon and serving as tour guides. They have represented their island very well. Thanks to them both!

FTV 2/11/11

The weather is warm with an ever present gentle breeze, so most cadets are headed to the beaches that are close to San Juan. There are 365 beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico to choose from when deciding where to have fun in the sun. Many of the beaches are in close proximity to where our ship is docked in San Juan.

Four of the many beaches have been designated by the Foundation for Environmental Education as being the top four most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. These beaches are called "Blue Flag" beaches. They are chosen based on a checklist of 27 criteria that need to be met which include: water quality, trained staff and availability of public facilities. Balneario de Carolina is one of the beaches that is considered one of the top four. It is a government-maintained beach that is lined by tropical palm and almond trees. Another beach to consider would be Balneario de Escambaron which is also on the list of Puerto Rico's "Blue Flag" beaches. This is a popular surf beach where the waves wash up on the honey-colored sand.

There are coconut palm trees that surround the beach as well. Two more beaches that are in the area are Playa de Ocean Park and Playa del Condado. These beaches are fantastic as well. The surf is a little more intense than the previous two but swimming is still encouraged. No matter what beach cadets decide to spread their towels down on, relaxation and enjoyment are a guarantee.

Questions

How do you say "beach" in Spanish?

What side of Barbados was the surf too intense to swim (east or west)?

Captain's Blog 2/10/11

We docked in Old San Juan this morning - quite breezy outside the harbor, but very nice once alongside. Our pilot was a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, and was great working with the deck watch coming in. As a matter of fact, he extended the opportunity for additional deck cadets to "ride" with him over the next few days. Of course the opportunities were snapped up like tickets to Fenway - and I know they will learn more on that one day with a pilot then they will learn on our bridge all cruise.

Our berthing assignment in Old San Juan is the premier dock - right on the Plaza Darcenas - where some of the footage in the Martin Short's movie "Captain Ron" was filmed. The old port has restaurants, famous ones like the Parrot, and not-so famous ones with great local food. A short cab ride or a bus ride will take anyone to the Condato and Santurce regions of San Juan with world-class hotels and wonderful beaches.

We were cleared in record time by the local Customs and Border Patrol - less than one hour to visibly check 692 passports. So, by 1100 this morning the waves of crew and cadets were walking up the dock into a great experience.

We were met by Vice President of Student Services Ed Rozak, and one of his staff, Eddie Pinero, who will assist in the high school visitations on Saturday. We will bid farewell to our Chief Steward, Fritz Fritzinger as he heads north to prep his campus team for the spring semester.

FTV 2/10/11

Our short voyage to Puerto Rico is almost over. Tomorrow morning we will be arriving in San Juan, our last port. San Juan has old world charm in keeping with its Spanish heritage. Cadets are excited to see what San Juan has to offer. Tomorrow, we have what is called a passport parade. This is a part of the U.S. Customs check that our ship and all on board have to complete. Last night, all cadets and crew filled out a Customs Declaration so the U.S. Government knows exactly what is coming back to the United States. They do not want any food, especially exotic fruits and vegetables, to come back in case they are invasive.

A U.S. Customs Inspector will be on board, typically in the ship's library, where he or she will be checking to make sure that everyone on board has a United States passport. A passport is essential for getting into the United States for obvious identification and security reasons. This inspection will take a few hours in the morning but it is absolutely essential so the lost time in port causes no hard feelings. Upon completion, we will be heading off to explore San Juan for four fantastic days.

There are many places to go in 'both San Juans'. There is a great deal of history in Puerto Rico that is very interesting not to mention the shopping areas and beaches. Also, there are quite a few excursions that cadets could sign up for ahead of time in and around San Juan. Some of these excursions include horseback riding on the beach, catamaran/sailing trips and other tours. The weather as always will be warm and the days will be easy and relaxing..
Tonight is our pre-port Captain's Inspections and briefing. Tomorrow through Sunday, we will be in San Juan then we are headed back home. 11 Days until Buzzards Bay.

Questions:

What will we have to do with our clocks after San Juan to synchronize them with Buzzards Bay?

What is the official language in Puerto Rico?

What is meant by there being '2 San Juans'?

Captain's Blog 2/9/11

A strong easterly wind has churned up the Caribbean and given us a steady swell. So as to make the ride a little more comfortable the Second Mate re-charted the voyage so as to bring us closer to the western side of the West Indian Islands - so we are taking the scenic route of last week in reverse.

As we approach Puerto Rico, I am reminded of the great time we had there just two years ago. We were surprised when the cadet representatives on the Sea Term Council pushed to return there. But, it was a great port visit - we tied up deep into Old San Juan where restaurants, shops, museums, churches and old forts were plentiful. We have been confirmed to dock at the same place this year. We are also planning on hosting over 120 high school students on Saturday. This is a joint effort between the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration Workforce Development Office and MMA Admissions. We are rounding up the Spanish speaking cadets to help act as tour guides.

On this voyage, we have had aboard Mr. Tom Piascik of our food service provider, Chartwell's Dining Services. Tom tries to make a leg of every cruise, offering cadets and crew alike the opportunity to comment about the shipboard food hospitality. As he plans to depart in San Juan we wish him safe travels heading home.

FTV 2/8/11

As we mentioned before, the beaches of Barbados are exquisite. The island is divided into three main sections, south, east, and west. The northern tip of the island forms a point in which there are no beaches. The southern end beaches are broad and breezy, with delicate white sand, and speckled with tall palm trees for shade. These beaches are protected by reefs; this provides excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

The surf can range from medium to high and the winds are a little stronger to the east, this is very appealing to the windsurfing cadets. The east coast of the island is the windward side of the island. This coast takes in all the force that the Atlantic Ocean has to offer. These beaches are long with crashing ocean surf and high cliffs. Swimming on these beaches should be avoided as the currents are strong and the bottoms rocky.

If surfing is your fancy than this is the place to be, it is the east coast of the island that offers the best environment for surfers. When the local inhabitants choose to vacation, they make their way over to the east coast to enjoy the less touristy part of the island. The leeward side of the island, also known as the west coast offers a gentler touch of Caribbean waves. These beaches offer great chances for swimming and other water sports. The western beaches are considerably narrower, during the storm season the erosion can make the beaches slim down even more. The west coast is littered with luxury villas and resorts; this luxurious touch gives it the name 'platinum coast'. No matter where the cadets travel, the beaches will be excellent, beautiful, and definitely different from back home.

Questions:

What beach on the southern coast of the island is considered one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world? (Hint: rated by the Travel Channel)

How many beaches are on the southern coast of Barbados?

Captain's Blog 2/8/11

We sailed out of Bridgetown this morning under partly cloudy skies, a freshening easterly breeze and one tired crew. The cadets seemed to put their all into this port, grabbing as much liberty time as possible. The port visit was not without some problems however. Nothing serious, no injuries, just some nagging problems with a few cadets that don't seem to understand that their behavior in port matters. Well, they made their choices, and the punishments will be doled out equitably.

We've found ourselves in an easterly trough here in the Caribbean Sea, driven by a week's worth of strong easterlies. The 8-12 foot swell is catching us right on the starboard quarter - which seems to be the Kennedy's sweet spot for rolling. We are experiencing steady 10-15 degree roles. Not a problem really, but an inconvenience in that we have had it so smooth nearly the whole trip.

Busy few days ahead, as we have to do the pre-USA arrival stowaway and contraband search tonight, we have to get 692 custom declaration forms completed, and we have to do another round of Captain's Inspections before we arrive in San Juan on Thursday morning.

FTV 2/7/11

There are little facts and treasures on this island that one really needs to dig for. The most interesting things are the things that people often pass by or ignore. Walking around Barbados has caused the cadets to learn a lot about the history and talent that has come from the island. Barbados is home to Sir Garfield Sobers who is globally said to be the greatest cricketer the game has ever seen. Cricket is the country's passion and one of its oldest pastimes. He is called the greatest athlete that has come from the island as well. He started when he was 17 years old in 1953 and continued to successfully compete and break records until he retired from the sport in 1973. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974 for his devoted contribution to sports. He was also recognized as a National Hero in Barbados in 1999. Barbados is also where Rhianna, the pop singer, is from and resides.

There is also something a little less pleasant that resides in Barbados. It is called the Manchineel Tree. It is a large leafy tree that is known to grow on the west coast of the island along the beaches. This tree has fruit that resembles small green apples that are extremely toxic. Just touching the leaves and bark of the tree causes distasteful blisters. Also people are advised against sheltering under one of these trees from a rain storm because the raindrops that have touched the leaves can also be irritant to sensitive skin. These trees are usually blocked off with warning signed and red tape. They are dangerous trees to humans but are not cut down because their roots prevent erosion on the beaches.

Black spiny sea urchins are also on the island and are known to lurk around shallow sea bottoms and near reefs. They have sharp spiny skin that is harmful to people. They sting and have been known to pierce through wet suits so divers have to exercise caution. There is so much to learn about this island. Everywhere you go, there is history, scenery and adventure.

Questions:

• How many people inhabit the island of Barbados?
• What is the native language of Barbados?
• Where was the first English settlement on Barbados?

Captain's Blog 1/6/11

Barbados offers a great port visit and always delivers. We received a premier docking assignment – deep in the port, which requires us to only walk about 300 yards to the gate and taxis. We have been surrounded by passenger ships, so as they disgorge their thousands of passengers, the Barbados Port Authority opens the red carpet for them. Every shop and restaurant in the Port Duty Free building is open, and about one million taxi cabs are waiting to take as few as three, but many can handle 15 people in one lift to the far corners of the island.

The downtown area is the same as four years ago, a bustling shopping area, offering any consumer good you would need. There are many high-end jewelry shops here too. I don't know if there are any deals to grab-no big anniversaries coming in my house this year! I think the St. James area to the east has changed a little, in that where the public beaches used to be lined with small fishing skiffs; it now has given way to beach chairs and umbrellas. The beach is beautiful, so the restaurants lining Bay Street have expanded their businesses to renting the chairs. I think this captures the segment of the cruise ship crowd that does not want to ride a taxi or bus the 30 -60 minutes to get to the great beaches like Crane.

Tonight is the big Super Bowl, Packers against the Steelers. I can't predict a winner, but I think the men from Green Bay have been on a steady rise in skills and determination, so?

FTV 2/6/11

Our second day in Barbados was just as amazing as the first. Instead of relaxing on the beach for the full three days of liberty, some cadets signed up for a tour or two to explore the island a little better. One of the tours offered is the Atlantis Submarine Tour. This tour is a 45-minute exploration of the wrecks and reefs as much as 150 feet below the surface of the water. On a 50-foot submarine, tourists get to see the vibrant fish and other sea life that are usually shy and hidden from the land-based world.

There are bike tours to see the scenery, an Island Safari tour of gullies and forests in a 4X4 Land Rover, windsurfing, and golf clubs to take advantage of. There are also countless hiking paths, surf and dive shops, restaurants, boat and Jet Ski rental facilities, shopping centers and great fishing opportunities to experience on this beautiful island. Fishing is a popular sport in Barbados. Whether it is deep sea fish such as marlin, sailfish, and tuna, or more local fish such as wahoo and barracuda you will not be disappointed. After a second day with sand between their toes, the cadets are loving every minute of their time spent in this breathtaking country. The next two days have nothing but opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Questions:

What winds affect the eastern coast of Barbados which results in excellent surfing conditions?

Barbados is part of the Caribbean islands, but the islands are broken up into subsections such as the Leeward Islands. What subsection does Barbados belong to?

What is the proper term for the name of the people that live on Barbados?