The small city of Soufriere, on the beautiful isle of Saint Lucia, sits at the edge of a massive volcanic caldera. The name of the city means "Sulfur in the Air," as the smell of sulfur dioxide is pungent. We drove to a great overlook adjacent to the UNESCO Pitons, which are two massive volcanic plugs rising to almost 2500 feet above the sea. Along the way we stopped at a small shop which sold the world's most unique catsup, made essentially from bananas and pure cacao. We then visited Diamond Falls Botanical Garden, which hosts a cornucopia of every variety of tropical plants, including ginger, lilies, anthurium, vanilla, cocoa, and cashew. It is said that the Empress Josephine visited the gardens when she stayed at her father’s estate “Mal Maison.” We then went to Butterfly Beach for a great snorkeling adventure. Guests saw octopus, parrot fish, purple wrasse, and fan and brain coral. Tonight, photo instructor Rich Reid ran the slide show of all the photos the guests submitted – a great souvenir of our unforgettable voyage. We completed this great adventure with the fantastic Captain’s Farewell dinner.
1/31/2025
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Sea Cloud
Grenada
Our adventure in Grenada began with a scenic drive through lush, rolling hills, where spice trees and tropical flowers filled the air with their fragrances. Our first stop was Annandale Falls, a hidden gem nestled within a dense rainforest. A short walk along a shaded trail led us to the cascading waterfall, its crystal-clear waters tumbling into a natural pool. Some guests took a refreshing dip, while others enjoyed watching local divers perform intrepid jumps from the rocky ledges. The vibrant greenery and the sound of rushing water created a peaceful and invigorating atmosphere. Next, we visited a chocolate factory. Grenada’s rich volcanic soil nurtures some of the world’s finest cacao. We learned about the traditional methods of growing, harvesting, and fermenting cacao beans. A tasting session delighted our senses, revealing the deep, complex flavors unique to Grenadian chocolate. We finished the excursion at Frederick Fort, with an incredible view of the bay. It was a day of discovery, indulgence, and appreciation for this Caribbean treasure.