Galveston Saltwater Moms

09/04/2026

We arrived this morning and I believed we docked before 8 a.m. We met Teresa and Dan just outside of the Duty Free shop and we proceeded to go to the reservation desk where we had rented a six seater golf cart.

Teresa drove and her husband Dan Road shotgun. Her (Scooter) had the middle and Brad and I had the jump seat in the back. We could always see where we had been and never really where we were going.

Near the airport we saw the Friendship 7 which was the capsule that John Glenn circled the globe and landed off Grand Turk. Inside the port is a pretty thorough display of the original Mercury astronauts.

And when Teresa said we’d see wild donkeys I thought they’d be off in a field somewhere but they were everywhere. One of the locals was selling bags of carrot near the lighthouse so tourist could feed the donkeys.

Grand Turk is very arid. The tropical flowers in the pics are in the port where the staff makes sure they get plenty of water.

We found a spot to sit and watch the water and have a few adult beverages at Jack’s Shack (or Happy Jacks. We saw two signs for the same location. Lovely place but quickly fills up with tourist because it is about 1/2 mile away from the dock.

This is also the first port then I have ever been to where you could swim as soon as you’ve got through the duty-free. The beach right by the ship is gorgeous.

I would suggest if you were able to go on the cruise to Princess Cay or Grand Turk that it might be a good investment to bring your own floats.

I think the next time we come to grand Turk, we’re going to find an off shore fishing experience.

Lori

09/03/2026

What a wonderful day at Amber Cove. Martha wasn’t feeling good so she decided to hang back on the ship and rest, while the rest of us headed out with our private tour service. We did had to meet them outside the port which was quite a jaunt.

Teresa had seen Professor Melissa recommend Happy Driver. Angel was our driver (&son) of this family owned business. The van was only about a year old and I will tell you the AC was fabulous.

He told us it was our trip and our time. We told him there were a couple of stops we wanted to make and to let them choose the rest.

We went to the main museum, which told the history of Amber & Larimar. We did a little souvenir shopping nearby. We went to a coffee tasting where I believe Teresa purchased local coffee beans.

Then we went to a chocolate factory that was actually a chocolate factory. The smell was absolutely amazing when you stepped in and we got to see the entire process, including a five minute movie or so. Samples were handed out and enjoyed by all.

After that, we were getting a little hungry and asked Angel to suggest a restaurant that locals ate at that wasn’t too touristy, and he did not disappoint. You can pay an American cash, but everything is listed per pesos (55 pesos/American dollar).

We then went to a local supermarket to pick up some brown sugar for a member of our party and then headed back to the port. We did many other things. This was just the highlights of our six hour tour.

Lori

09/01/2026

A day at Princess Cay.

Princess Cay is a tender port and I noticed that the crew took great care with those that needed extra assistance getting on to the tenders.

Brad and our friend James went on a wade fishing tour. Each caught two 🐟 fish. But they were not one to take pictures so there isn’t any proof that any fish were caught.

I joined the rest of our party on shore for a hot minute. It was fun and lovely but not my thing. But I was impressed with the set up and kiddie area.

Hint if you plan on floating in the ocean bring your own floats. Much cheaper than renting and you can avoid long lines waiting to rent them.

We are back on the ship taking it easy and looking forward to the sea day tomorrow.

Lori

09/01/2026

Current View. I’m currently sitting on the balcony of our state room. Brad is still currently sleeping. I just finished checking all the messages that came in overnight.

It is so peaceful and the solitude is amazing.

08/31/2026

We docked this morning in Nassau Bay. Remnants of tropical storm Dolly were hanging around and we did get a little wet on our excursion today.

I had booked through Viator a Segway tour. We were joined by Brenda & Ray a lovely couple from Oregon. Our guide was TK.

We did visit Fort Charlotte and had lunch at Da Fish Fry and the meal was lovely. I would look at doing this again the next time I’m in here visiting.

08/29/2026

I will be on vacation from 8/29-9/6 and will be checking messages a few times daily. The response time will be slow slower than normal.

Brad and I are sailing with Dan & Teresa and James & Martha. Two couples that we’ve known for 25+ years and some of you might recognize Teresa as your driver.

We are sailing out of Port Canaveral on the Caribbean Princess. I will be sharing some of our adventures along the way.

We will be going to Nassau, Princess Cay, Amber Cove and Turks and Caicos. I love going out of Galveston for Cruises, but it will be so fun to travel and experience new ports.🚢🚢🚢

Lori

08/27/2026

Just a reminder, our pricing increases by $10 on September 1, 2026

08/25/2026

08/14/2026

Today Brad and I played tourist in the city of Galveston. Our first stop was the 4th floor of Rosenberg library. There we watched the slideshow for the Great Storm of 1900. There were a few artifacts and QR codes where you could listen to personal memories of what happened during the Great Storm. They also had a Maritime display on the third floor with model ships, some ships artifacts and the history of some of the ships that sold in and out of the Port of Galveston. This should only take about an hour and I will tell you the AC was fabulous.

A few blocks away, we went to Sugar and Rye. Which is a lovely and beautifully decorated restaurant. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the candied bacon we had for the appetizer Brad‘s gumbo or my shrimp salad stuffed in an avocado. The building where Sugar and Rye is located at is also a 1900 storm Survivor.

A few blocks away we went to the antique warehouse, which is in the old Oleander hotel, which I think was built in 1913 it later became a house of ill repute. And you can still see Teacup Sally’s picture and her license for prostitution.

Galveston is now very family friendly😉

Lori

08/12/2026

I don’t know about y’all, but I am about done with the hot and humid temps in Texas this summer.