Late last night and early this morning Royal Princess continued on a northerly course over the Grenada Basin passing the islands of St Vincent, St Lucia and Martinique on the starboard side then making the final approach to Woodbridge, Dominica shortly after 6am and docking around 7am.

Woke at 7.30 to blue skies, partly cloudy very warm with a temperature of 80⁰C and the clear blue sea is flat. No wind on this side of the island thank heavens. Last night the water was very choppy with white caps and we thought it might be raining in Dominica.

By the time we disembarked the Gangway and passed the Pier Security most of the passengers had started their tours at 9.30am the cruise ship is only in port till 3.30pm today, which is a bit of a rush to site see. Walked through the souvenir stalls before paying US$2.00 each for a Shuttle ride to the capitol Roseau, which we found was just around the bay.

Saturday is market day and the roads are very busy plus a lot of fumes from the vehicles. All you see is lots of rundown buildings, homes and makeshift shacks on the shoreline. The Shuttle Stop is at Fort Young on the Roseau waterfront, we looked at some of the shops walked along the pier and waterfront to the local New Market, which was busy with everyone selling their vegetables, catch of the day, clothes and whatever.

Only can see lots of rundown building, the fumes and noise from vehicles is too much for Richard so we cross the Roseau River Bridge down an alley between the shacks to the shoreline. Walked along the volcanic black sand and smooth round rocks (like being in Mauritius) talking to the locals and taking photos as we went along before getting back on board the Royal Princess. Would have loved to take a tour to the southern tip of Dominica, to Scott’s head-Soufriere Marine Reserve where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of swimming through warm bubbles of the famous hot springs. Remember this is a volcanic island so there are lots of hot springs and sulphur springs, which we enjoyed last time 13^th March with Woody.

Hot and sweaty when we cleared security and the Gangway on Deck 4 to the ship (glad they have refreshing hand towels before you enter the Gangway) and Richard cooled off in the pool and hot spa on Deck 16. I strolled around the three decks round the Atrium, caught up with Yury in the Photo and Camera Section to view today’s photos and have a laugh. Seeing there are too many children on this 10 day cruise I didn’t bother going in the pool or spa, as one cannot swim in the pool due to the kids jumping in and out plus there is no room in the spas with the big people. Richard looks like a dwarf in the spa against all the very over-weight people.

Before dinner, relaxed in the Piazza listening to Inspiration Trio (3 Ukaine violinists) before being rudely interrupted by 2 Asian couples who were more interested in talking than listening to the lovely classical music being played.

Time for dinner in the Concerto Dining Room once again we were spoilt by Aurel (Ukraine) the Food and Drink Supervisor and our Waiter was quick with our three courses and drinks. Ventured down to the Atrium Piazza to listen to the New Deal and once again the evening was spoilt by 2 American couples who decided to talk loudly behind us and other people drowning out the music. They were quite rude when asked to lower their voices, we have found the Americans on this cruise to be very rude, arrogant and above themselves.

Retired up on Deck 16 by the pool with a peppermint tea watching a repeat movie on the outdoor screen. If the ocean didn’t have such a swell it would be a great time to have a swim in peace and quiet, but you would drown in the pool with the ship rolling from side to side. Will be a rough night tonight and I wonder how many people will be suffering sea sickness