Day 5 - Wednesday December 18, 2013:

We played Yahtzee (a game that uses 5 dice in the main lobby last night before retiring for the night.  As usual, James won the game handily, by rolling two Yahtzees (100 points each) and made no apologies whatsoever for his need and desire to win games against the rest of us.

I hope my kids at school are doing well with my supply teacher this week.  They’re only going to be at school one more day after today before Christmas break and then we are all off until January 6, 2014!  Hurray!  I do not have to go back to work right away after we get back from Jamaica early Sunday morning (December 22^nd). 

As it turns out, the weather is again spectacularly sunny and hot!  I booked my first external excursion called “Dreamer – Catamaran Cruises, Montego Bay, Jamaica”.  It’s known as “The Ultimate Sailing Experience”.  Since I’ve never been on a catamaran, but love sailing, I am about to discover what sailing on the Caribbean Sea is like.  Here’s what the brochure says about the evening sail:  “Champagne Sunset Sail – Sunsets are breath-taking in Montego Bay.  Here…the sun goes down amidst white sand beaches, romantic music & gentle Caribbean waters.  Sail along Montego Bay’s beautiful coastline on board your Dreamer Catamaran (there are 4 different ones) for a two hour cruise, drinking in our renowned Jamaican sunset.  This is an unforgettable experience not to be missed.  Sunset Cruise includes Open Jamaican Bar with Champagne Mimosas and light Hors d’Oeuvres.”

However, I decided to go on the Dreamer Catamaran during the mid-to-late afternoon instead, which starts at 2:30 and ends at the resort by 6:00 pm.  It involves snorkeling (they provide the equipment if you want to go).  The afternoon session is known as the three hour “Sail and Snorkel” and is offered Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  I suppose they just tell you to get ready to depart by 2:30 pm for the 3:00 sail time so you won’t miss the shuttle bus taking you to the dock.  I am really, really looking forward to this adventure because that’s just one more thing vacations are for!  The brochure describes this adventure as:  “Sail along the coastline aboard one of Montego Bay’s premier Sailing Catamarans – Day Dreamer, Tropical Dreamer, Island Dreamer or the new Sun Dreamer - designed for an ultimate sailing experience!  Open Jamaican Bar included for all scheduled cruises.”  You’re supposed to wear your bathing suit and bring a towel and sunscreen.  I am definitely wearing my swim suit and bringing my hat, T-shirt and a towel with me.  If this is not going to be an absolutely terrific adventure, then I haven’t planned my vacation here in Jamaica very well!

As it turned out, I missed the Dreamer Catamaran Cruise today because of some screw up that I couldn’t control.  The bus for the excursion somehow left without me and couldn’t (or wouldn’t) come back to get me.  So, I rebooked this excursion for tomorrow afternoon.  Hopefully, I would make it this time.

This is a good day to plan external excursions because the cruise ships stop here every Wednesday and the passengers have free access to any resort.  That means a lot of extra people will be here today at the swimming pools and waterpark and other activities at the resort.  Brent and James are also planning a couple of external excursions for themselves.  One of them is:  “Cool Runnings:  Dunn’s River Fun Cruise”.  This is what is says in the brochure about this adventure:  “Jamaica’s tropical beauty and exciting watersports fun are highlights of your ‘Cool Runnings’ adventure.  Board our super catamaran and cruise to Crystal Cove for a swim and snorkel stop.  Equipment and instruction included.  Then, sit back and enjoy the specular scenery as we sail to famous Dunn’s River Falls.  After your guided climb up the falls, the real fun begins.  The hot dance music will have you rocking as our staff shows off the latest soca and reggae moves.  This is a tour you won’t forget.  Beverages, Red Stripe Beer and Rum Drinks served after Dunn’s River.”  Things to bring:  Swim Suit, Towel, Sunscreen, Money (for tips and cool stuff).