San Juan(圣胡安，波多黎各)

Jan 15, 2024: Our nearly two-week Caribbean cruise is drawing to a close, and today we docked at our final destination: San Juan, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. As we approached the port, we were greeted by a stunning double rainbow.

Early in the morning, we joined a cruise-organized tour of New and Old San Juan. We began with a bus tour around New San Juan before visiting Castillo de San Cristóbal in the old town. Built between 1631 and 1772, this fortress features tunnels, traps, mazes, and hidden devices. From the fortress walls, we enjoyed a breathtaking panoramic view of San Juan.

After leaving the castle, our guide took us to a street famous for its local food, lined with simple eateries. We sampled some fritters that reminded us of Chinese scallion pancakes, as well as fried meat and shrimp rolls — everything fried tasted delicious. Next, the bus took us to the luxurious hotel district by the sea. Our guide recommended visiting the beautiful Vanderbilt Hotel, Puerto Rico's first luxury hotel, and also suggested trying the local coffee. With limited time, we chose to skip the hotel tour and savor the coffee instead, which was indeed excellent.

Finally, the bus dropped us off at the entrance to the shopping district in the old town. We decided not to return to the ship with the bus and continued exploring the old town on our own. The area was bustling with countless small shops, bars, and hotels, making it a perfect tourist attraction. Many houses were still beautifully decorated for Christmas. Our guide had explained that locals have numerous holidays and continue celebrating with one festival after another well beyond Christmas. We walked from the old town all the way to El Morro Fort at the end of the coastline, enjoying the picturesque scenery and even encountering a few green iguanas along the way.

Overall, San Juan impressed us with its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a destination well worth visiting.

一月十五日：近二周的加勒比海游接近尾声，今天停靠这次行程的最后一站，波多黎各的圣胡安，美国的领地。进港的途中迎接我们的是漂亮的双彩虹。一早参加游轮组织的新／旧圣胡安游，先坐着大巴在新圣胡安地区转转，然后去参观位于旧城区内的圣克里斯托瓦尔堡，建于1631--1772年，内有暗道、陷阱、迷宫和暗器等设施，站在城墙上眺望圣胡安的全景。

出了城堡导游带我们去当地人常去的饮食街，街道两旁都是简陋的小餐厅。我们要了油饼，有点像中国的葱油饼，还要了油炸的肉末卷饼和虾馅卷饼，感觉只要是油炸的都好吃。接着大巴开到了海边的豪华酒店区，导游推荐参观漂亮的Vanderbilt Hotel ，波多黎各的第一家豪华酒店，同时也推荐了当地的咖啡。时间不多，二者取一，酒店就免了，我们俩当然不会错过品尝咖啡的机会，味道的确不错。

最后大巴来到老城区的商品区入口，我们选择不跟大巴回船，而是下车继续我们的自由行去老城区的商品区转了一大圈。不计其数的小商店，酒吧和酒店，真是个吸引游客的好地方。许多房子还保留着漂亮的圣诞节的装饰，我们的导游告诉我们说这是因为当地的节假日特别多，圣诞节之后还有一个接一个的节日，会庆祝很久的。我们从老城区一直沿着海边走到尽头的莫罗古堡，沿途风景如画，在路上还碰见几只绿鬣蜥。

总的感觉是圣胡安除了漂亮的海滩外，还有它特有的历史和文化，很值得来看看。

Jost Van Dyke （乔斯特·范·戴克岛）

Jan 14, 2024: Yesterday's visit to St. Barts exuded luxury, but today’s stop at the British island of Jost Van Dyke felt raw and untouched. It’s also the smallest island we’ve visited on this trip. Our ship anchored offshore, and we took the tender boat to the island.

From our online research, it seemed that apart from the renowned White Bay Beach, there were no other notable attractions. The cruise ship provided a complimentary shuttle service from the pier to White Bay Beach. The weather was pleasant, so after breakfast, we headed to the beach early. The sand was fine and comfortable to walk on, making it a perfect spot to relax. There were several bars along the beach, with plenty of lounge chairs. A large yacht was anchored not far from the beach, with a private club at the far end of the bay for its passengers.

The beach wasn’t crowded when we arrived, so we easily found two lounge chairs in the shade and went for a swim. Fortunately, we got there early because the beach soon filled with tourists, becoming noisy, and small yachts nearly occupied the entire shoreline. We decided to leave and walked around near the pier. Apart from two bars, there was really nothing else. After watching birds catch fish by the water for a while, we returned to the ship.

Having visited different islands every day for the past few days, we were a bit tired and used today to recover. We went back to the ship in the afternoon. We had a Latte and Mozart Torte at Bistro. Dinner was at Waterside restaurant where we ordered a grilled beef rib. It was well-cooked, very tender, and tasted great.

一月十四日： 昨天的St. Barts感觉是奢侈，而今天所停靠的英属小岛乔斯特·范·戴克是原始，它也是我们这次行程中停过的最小的岛。 邮轮抛锚在离岛不远的海里，还是用小船来回接送乘客。

上网查了一下这个岛，好像除了一个比较好的白湾海滩就再没其它什么景点。从码头到白湾海滩邮轮有安排免费接送。 天气不错，早餐后我们俩便早早去了海滩。沙子很细，走在上面很舒服，还的确是个挺不错的放松的地方。沙滩上有好几家酒吧，放了许多躺椅。离沙滩不远处的海里停着一艘大游艇，海湾尽头处是这条游艇的专用俱乐部。沙滩上人不算多，我们很容易就在树荫下找了二个躺椅，然后下海玩水。幸亏我们来得早， 慢慢地海滩就被游客占领了，变得嘈杂，还有那一艘艘小游艇几乎都停到沙滩边了。 我们赶紧撤退，回到码头附近走走，除了二家酒吧，那里真的什么都没有。在水边看了一会儿鸟抓鱼后就回船了。

之前连续几天每天都停靠不同的岛，路走了不少有点累，今天趁机恢复一下。晚餐在水边餐厅，要了一份烤牛肋排，烤的不错，很嫰，味道也不错。

Gustavia, St. Barts (居斯塔维亚，圣巴特)

Jan 13, 2024: Yesterday, we reached the farthest point of our Caribbean journey with a visit to St. Lucia (圣卢西亚岛). Last night, our ship started its return journey, and this morning we arrived at another French island, St. Barts. If the French island Les Saintes (勒桑特斯) we visited two days ago was beautiful, then St. Barts today is even more exquisite, a haven for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. The first thing that caught our eyes were the enormous private yachts anchored offshore, sparking our curiosity about their illustrious owners.

Since the island lacks a large port for cruise ships, our ship anchored at sea, and we took the tender boat to shore. It began to rain as soon as we landed, fortunately we were prepared. Undeterred, we headed straight to our first destination: the island’s unique small airport. The runway is remarkably short, with the sea at one end and a canyon at the other, closely flanked by a road. Taking off and landing here is a challenge task, and it’s known as one of the world's most dangerous airports. Pilots need specialized training and special permits to land.

After a nearly thirty-minute walk in the rain, we reached the quiet airport, subdued by the bad weather. We found a restaurant at the end of the runway on the beach, where we rested and had lunch, enjoying the sea view while waiting for planes. It was then that we truly grasped the meaning of the world’s most expensive tourist destination: a bottle of water and a lobster sandwich cost over fifty dollars, and the average daily room rate is reportedly $1770. As the sky cleared, the airport buzzed to life with planes taking off. The most exhilarating part was standing by the road next to the airport, watching planes land seemingly just overhead, close enough to touch.

After visiting the airport, we walked back to the pier area, passing through the shopping street to another attraction, Shell Beach. The beach was covered with shells, and after getting our feet wet, we returned to the pier area to stroll along the shopping street. Though it was just a short street, it was lined with super luxury brand stores. We could only window-shop before taking the small boat back to the cruise ship.

Last night, we dined at another specialty restaurant on the ship, the Italian restaurant. Between the two specialty restaurants, we prefer Umi Uma by Nobu. Tonight, we’re heading to Umi Uma again for the third time on this trip. We ordered a variety of sashimi and sushi, indulging in Nobu's Japanese cuisine one last time. The sunset was beautiful and perfect. The evening show featured an Italian musical singer with a captivating voice, delivering each song beautifully. We look forward to hearing him perform again in the coming days.

一月十三号：昨天的St. Lucia（圣卢西亚岛）算是我们这次行程走的最远的一个加勒比海岛了，晚上船离开那里就开始往回开，今天早上来到另一个法属小岛St. Barts。如果说前二天到过的法属小岛Les Saintes（勒桑特斯)很漂亮的话，那今天的St. Barts岛就更上一个台阶了，是名人，超级富豪们的乐园。首先看到的就是一艘艘超级大的私人游艇停泊在海里，让人浮想联翩，揣摩着游艇的主人都是谁。 小岛没有邮轮可停的大码头，所以我们的船抛锚在海里，然后坐小船上岸。 天公不作美，刚来到岛上就开始下雨，还好我们有备而来。冒着雨直奔我们的第一个景点，岛上一个很特别的小飞机场。 机场跑道非常短，一头是海，一头是峡谷，且离边上的公路很近。飞机起飞，降落都是一个挑战。据说这是世界上最危险机场之一，飞行员都必须接受专门的训练，持有特别许可证才能降落。在雨中走了近三十分钟来到机场，天气不好，机场比较安静。我们就在跑道尽头的海滩上找了家餐厅休息也顺便吃个午餐，边看海景边等着看飞机。 那时才知道什么叫世界上最贵的旅游胜地，一瓶水和一份龙虾三明治花了五十几美金，据说那里客房平均日价是$1770。雨过天晴，机场也开始忙起来，一架架飞机开始起飞，最刺激的还是站在机场旁的公路边看飞机降落，飞机就在头边上飞过，感觉手都能碰到。

看完机场，走回码头区，穿过商品街来到另一个景点贝壳海滩。这里的海滩上全是贝壳，在那里湿湿脚后又回到码头区，在商品街上走走。虽说只是短短的一条街，超级奢侈品牌店一家挨着一家。我们只能饱饱眼福， 然后乖乖坐小船回邮轮。

昨天晚餐是在船上的另一家特色餐厅 - 意大利餐厅用餐。对我们俩来说二家特色餐厅我们更喜欢Nobu。今晚又去Nobu日本料理，这已经是这次行程中的第三顿了。叫了一大堆生魚片和寿司，再过上一次Nobu日本料理瘾。

晚上的演出是一位意大利音乐剧歌手，声音很不错，每一首歌曲都唱得非常动听。真希望在接下来的几天里能再次听到他的歌声。

Castries, St Lucia(圣卢西亚国)

Jan 12, 2024: Over the past few days, our cruise ship has been stopping at a different island each day. Today, we arrived at the island of Saint Lucia, docking in Castries, the capital of St. Lucia. We signed up for a seven-hour hiking excursion organized by the cruise ship to see the famous Pitons. The activity description mentioned that it was quite challenging and required good physical fitness. Since several moderately demanding activities we had signed up for in the past few days were canceled, we hoped this one wouldn’t be. However, we were a bit worried if we could handle it after yesterday’s exhausting hike.

When we gathered in the morning, we found that only eight people had signed up for this activity, and none of them were young. Unexpectedly, after boarding the minibus, we drove for two and a half hours to a nature trail on private land. The scenery along the way was quite nice, and our tour guide was very talkative, so we learned a lot. We hiked uphill along the trail to a viewing platform where we could see the two beautiful Pitons. The hike took just over forty minutes, and we didn’t even break a sweat. It’s said that this hiking tour used to involve climbing the Pitons, but the difficulty was too great and it took much longer than expected, causing the ship to delay its departure once before.

After we finished the trail, the minibus took us to a restaurant near the scenic area for a buffet lunch. From drinks to main courses, everything was traditional local cuisine. It was a delicious meal. When we returned to the dock, there were still two to three hours before the ship departed, so we walked to the nearby city center on our own, where there was a farmer’s market, shopping street, and church. Overall, Saint Lucia is the most underdeveloped island we’ve visited on this trip, but it has produced two Nobel Prize winners (in Economics and Literature).

In the evening, we dined at the ship’s main restaurant. The maître d' told us that a few weeks ago, he was robbed near this dock. If he had told us this a few days earlier, we probably wouldn’t have wandered around on our own this afternoon.

一月十二日：这几天我们的邮轮每天都会停靠一个不同的岛。今天来到了圣卢西亚岛，停靠在卡斯特里（Castries), 圣卢西亚国的首都。我们报名参加邮轮组织的长达7个小时的徒步活动，去看著名的岩钉山(Pitons) 。活动介绍称这个难度相当大，需要很好的体力。因为前几天我们曾报名的几个稍微需要些体力的活动都被取消，我们希望这个活动不要再被取消了。但同时因为昨天的爬山搞得我们俩人很累，有点担心今天是否能挺住。一早集合时发现只有八个人报名参加这个活动，且年纪都不轻。没想到上了小巴之后直接开车二个半小时去了在私人绿地上的自然步道，一路上风景倒是挺不错，导游小哥嘴说个不停，我们学到不少东西。沿着步道上坡来到观光平台，可以看到两座美丽的岩钉山。上下就花了四十几分钟，连汗都没出。据说以前这个徒步游是真的爬岩钉山的，结果难度太大，时间花了比预期的多得多，结果造成船延迟离开。我们走完步道后，小巴送我们去到景区边的一个餐厅吃自助午餐。从饮料到主食都是当地的传统美食。再回到船码头时离船开还有二，三个小时，我们便自己走去不远处的市中心，那里有农贸市场，商业街和教堂。 总的来说圣卢西亚岛是我们这次行程到过的所有岛中最落后的一个岛，但却出了二个诺贝尔奖获得者(经济奖和文学奖)。

晚上去船上的主餐厅吃饭，领班告诉我们说几星期前他就在这个船码头附近被抢过。估计如果他早几天告诉我们的话，我们下午就不会自己瞎逛了。

Les Saintes 法属勒桑特斯

Jan 11, 2024: Today, the cruise ship anchored in the bay off Les Saintes, and we were taken ashore by small tender boats. Les Saintes is an archipelago that belongs to Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory. The main street along the coastline is lined with restaurants and shops, giving an immediate impression of a picturesque French town, with red rooftops harmonizing beautifully with the blue ocean.

We embarked on a self-guided tour today, spending the morning hiking to the island's highest observation point, which involved a nearly continuous uphill climb. Our original plan was to ascend from the west and descend from the east, but upon reaching the summit, we found the eastern descent to be much steeper, requiring us to use both hands and feet. After attempting a few steps, we decided to turn back and retrace our route. The round trip covered 1,000 feet in elevation over 4.5 miles and took us three hours.

Once back in town, we decided that taking the tender boat back and forth to the cruise ship would be too cumbersome. Instead, we chose a random restaurant on the street for lunch and took a rest. Afterward, we headed to another attraction on the island – the old military barracks.

The Napoleonic barracks are situated on a small hill over 300 feet high, with no shade along the way, making the sun unbearably hot. However, the higher we climbed, the better the view became, and we were often accompanied by chickens and goats along the way. After more than a mile of walking, we finally reached the top only to find that the barracks are only open in the morning, and the gate was closed. This instantly dampened our spirits, especially since we still had to brave the scorching sun to walk back down the hill, leaving us quite disappointed.

Back on the ship, we first went to the Bistro for a latte, some fruit, and snacks, then returned to our room for a long nap. Today felt like the most exhausting day of the trip so far. We had dinner at the Waterside restaurant.

一月十一日：今天游轮抛锚在勒桑特斯岛外海湾， 由小船送我们上岸。勒桑特斯岛是法国属地瓜德罗普的群岛。沿着海岸线的主街两旁有餐厅和商店，一上岸就有法国美丽小镇的感觉，红的房顶和蓝的海洋相呼相依。我们俩今天自由活动，上午徒步上山去岛上最高的观光台，几乎就是不停地上坡走。原本准备从西边上东边下，到山顶上时发现东边下山是坡度更陡，必须手脚并用，走了几步后就打退堂鼓，原路返回。上下1千英尺走了4．5英哩，整整三个小时。

回到镇上后，因为嫌坐小船回邮轮来回太麻烦，就随便在街上找了一家餐厅吃个午饭，休息一会儿。然后又走去岛的另一景点-古军营。

拿破仑军营在三百多英尺高的小山上，一路往上一点遮阳的地方都没有，太阳晒得好厉害，不过越往上走风景就越好，沿途还时常有鸡，羊陪伴。结果走了一英哩多终于来到山顶却发现军营只在上午开放，门已关。一下子把我们剩下的热情全部打消掉了，关键是我们还要冒着酷暑走下山，别提有多失望了。

回到船上后先去咖啡厅喝杯拿铁，来点水果和点心，然后回房睡了个大午觉。感觉今天是这次行程到目前为止最累的一天。

St. John's (Antigua and Barbuda) 圣约翰

Jan 10, 2024: We woke up early this morning to find the ship docked at St. John's in Antigua and Barbuda. We were especially excited today because we were going to swim with the stingrays. After a half-hour drive in a minibus, we arrived at a small pier and boarded a speedboat. Ten minutes later, we reached Stingray City, a shallow sandy area in the middle of the vast ocean where stingrays gather. Over twenty years ago, locals started feeding a group of stingrays three times a day. Several generations later, even after the nets were removed, the stingrays stayed because they knew they would be fed. These stingrays seemed very familiar with the staff, allowing themselves to be handled and posed. We had never been so close to stingrays before. These enormous creatures swam around and beneath us, often startling us as we tried to avoid stepping on them. We fed them small squid and took photos with them, having a fantastic time.

After our stingray encounter, we returned to the ship for lunch, then headed back out to have the same minibus driver take us on a tour around the island. We visited Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other attractions like beaches. As usual, after returning to the ship, we stopped by the Bistro for a strong latte and a small cake to recharge.

For dinner, we went to the main dining room and had seafood paella and T-bone steak. The food was delicious, though the steak was so large we couldn't finish it. Tonight's entertainment was another stand-up comedy show, featuring a performer who had made it to the semifinals of America's Got Talent.

一月十日：一早醒来船停靠在圣约翰 (安提瓜和巴布达)。 今天特别兴奋，要去与黄貂鱼（Stingray)一起游泳。小面包车开了半个小时后来到小码头，换上快艇，十分钟后就来到所谓的黄貂鱼＂镇＂。这黄貂鱼聚集的地方就是在一望无际的大海中有那么一小块水深不到一人高的浅沙地。二十多年前当地人围养了一批黄貂鱼，天天一日三顿喂它们，几代魚下来，把围网拆了，魚还是待在那里不走，因为知道会有饭吃。那些鱼好像对工作人员很熟，任他们抓着摆样子。从来没有这么近距离的与黄貂鱼相处过，一条条超大的黄貂鱼从我们身边和脚下游过，常常会吓我们一跳，怕不小心踩到它们。我们用小鱿鱼喂它们，还扶着它们一起照相留念，玩得很开心。

看完黄貂鱼后回船吃个午饭，又下船岀去请上午那位小巴司机带我们围绕小岛转了一圈，去世界遗产保护地的尼尔森造船厂和海滩等景点看看。还是老规矩，回船后去Bistro, 来一杯加浓拿铁和一块小蛋糕，补充一下能量。

晚餐去了主餐厅，要了海鲜饭和T骨牛排，味道不错，但牛排实在太大，剩下一半。今晚演出又是脱口秀，表演者曾到过美国的达人秀半决赛。

St. Thomas Island 圣托马斯岛

Jan 9, 2024: Yesterday was another delightful day at sea. Besides attending lectures, taking several laps around the deck, bird watching and working out in the gym, we savored the exquisite cuisine on the Crystal ship, renowned for offering one of the best dining experiences in the industry.

Today, we docked at St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Early in the morning, we took a taxi to Magens Bay Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When we arrived, there were fewer than ten people on the one-kilometer-long beach. Despite the warning signs about strong winds and waves, the beach was one of the calmest we've ever visited. We spent a long time playing in the water, swimming, and watching pelicans dive for fishes, with small fishes swimming around our feet. When we left the beach, we saw groups of tourists arriving in 20-person taxis converted from trucks. Back at the pier, we noticed another large ship with thousands of passengers had just docked next to ours, and their passengers were noticeably younger. Compared to theirs, our cruise ship seemed a bit quiet and lacking in energy. We had booked two kayaking shore excursions on our cruise, but both were canceled due to low participation.

After returning from the beach, we had lunch on the ship and then went ashore again to explore the town. We walked the "99 Stair Steps" and visited one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.

We walked over 20,000 steps today. In the evening, we dined at Umi Uma by Nobu Again. This time, we skipped the main courses and focused on sashimi, accompanied by sake and white wine. After eating and drinking, we ended our day by watching a show and dancing a little. What a wonderful day, we felt completely satisfied.

一月九日：昨天一整天又是海上行。除了听听讲座，沿着甲板绕船走上几圈或者去健身房锻炼，剩下就是继续享受邮轮上色味俱佳的美食。

今天停靠美属维尔京群岛（US Virgin Islands )上的圣托马斯岛(St Thomas), 俩人一早就下船叫了出租车去梅根湾海滩（Magens Bay Beach)。据介绍梅根湾海滩是世界上最美的海滩之一，我们到那里还早，一公里长的海滩上就不到十个人。在海滩上有大风大浪的警告牌，但对我们来说，这海滩是我们去过的最为平静的海滩之一。在水里玩了很久，一边游泳一边看着从天直下的鹈鹕抓鱼吃，还有小鱼在我们脚边游来游去。当我们离开海滩时，看到成群结队的游客坐着由卡车改装的20人的出租车来到海滩。回到码头时才发现原来我们的邮轮边又来了一艘几千人的大船，而且游客的平均年龄要比我们的船低很多。相比之下我们的邮轮有点冷冷清清，少点生气。我们这次在船上订了两次划船的岸上游，后来都取消了，说是报名的人太少。

从海滩回到船上，先去吃个午饭，接着又下船去市区转一圈，走了＂九十九级台阶＂，又去参观了西半球里最古老的犹太教教堂之一。

今天一天走了二万多步，晚上又去Nobu日本料理店，这次不点主菜，而是以生鱼片为主，再来点日本清酒和白葡萄酒，吃饱喝足后再看一场表演，真是心满意足了。

Grand Turk and Nobu 大特克岛

Jan 7, 2024: Yesterday was a full day at sea. Crystal Cruises claims to have the most diverse range of activities during sea days in the industry. There were several lectures on topics such as politics, culture, and history throughout the day, delivered by experts in their respective fields. We attended three of them out of curiosity and they were all very interesting. In the afternoon, we went for afternoon tea and grabbed a bunch of snacks. With so many carbs consumed, who knows how high our blood sugar spiked. In the evening, we dined at the main restaurant, ordering lobster and caviar, which were delicious. After dinner, we watched a comedy show and laughed all night.

This morning, the cruise arrived at the first port of this trip, Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We participated in snorkeling organized by the cruise line, which was reasonably priced compared to other cruise lines. The weather was sunny today, and the sea was calm. The yacht took us to the famous 7,000-foot-deep Grand Turk Wall. For safety reasons, we were only allowed to snorkel in a 20-foot-deep water area. We saw many small fish, making it one of the most rewarding snorkeling experiences we've had. After snorkeling, the yacht took us to a private beach with clear waters and fine white sand, allowing us to fully enjoy the perfect Caribbean scenery.

Another feature of the Crystal Serenity cruise ship is the renowned Nobu Japanese restaurant. During our last world cruise on the ship, we visited it every few days. The waitstaff got to know that we liked Japanese ramen and mochi, so each time we went, they would have the kitchen prepare these items, which were not on the menu, specifically just for us. Nobu has branches in some major cities, and it is quite expensive. Before boarding, we even made a point to visit Nobu in Scottsdale. Now back on the ship, we could finally indulge in several delightful meals again. Tonight, we had a fantastic dinner at Nobu, ordering all our favorite items from the menu. Despite being on a ship, the food was just as good as what we had at the Nobu in Scottsdale two weeks ago.

In the evening, we watched a Broadway show, which is also a highlight of this cruise and we enjoyed it very much. The ship offers unlimited internet access via StarLink, and the speed is decent. Since the Shanghainese drama "Blossoms" was about half way in the playing before our trip started, with good enough WiFi on the ship, we ended the night by watching two episodes before going to bed.

一月七日：自五号晚上离开迈阿密后，昨天一整天是海上行。水晶邮轮公司自称有着行业中最丰富多彩的海上行活动安排。整天有好几个面及政冶，文化和历史的讲座，而且讲解人都是行业中的专家。我们也凑热闹去听了三个讲座。之后又去了下午茶，服务员拿来一大堆点心，这么多碳水物吃下去血糖不知道要冲到哪个新高度了。晚上去了主餐厅用餐，要了龙虾和鱼子酱等，味道很不错。饭后去看了脱口秀，笑了一晚上。

今天早上邮轮来到这次行程的第一个港口，特克斯和凯科斯群岛的首府 - 大特克（Grand Turk)。我们参加了由邮轮组织的浮潜，相比其它邮轮，这次我们邮轮上提供的岸上游的价格比较合理。今天天气晴朗，风浪也不大，游艇带我们来到著名的七千英呎深的大特克墙边。为安全起见，只允许我们在二十英呎深的水域区浮潜。看到不少小鱼，算是我们仅有的几次浮潜中最有收获的一次。浮潜后游艇又把我们带到了私人海滩，清澈的海水，细腻的白沙，让我们尽情享受了一下完美的加勒比海风光。

水晶邮轮的另一特点是船上有一家久负盛名的Nobu日本料理店。上次周游世界时，在船上时每隔几天就会去一次。去多了服务员知道我们喜欢日本拉面和麻薯，之后每次我们再去那里时，都不用我们说，就会直接让厨房特意为我们做菜单上没有的拉面和麻薯。Nobu 在一些大城市里都有分店，价格不菲。上船之前我们还特地去了Scottsdale 的Nobu。这次回到船上，终于又能痛痛快快地吃上几顿了。一位难求，所以我们早早地就预订晚餐，今晚就在Nobu好好美食了一顿。饭店领班还是我们四年前周游世界时的领班，有几位服务员也是熟悉的面孔，真是不可思议。我们把菜单上我们喜欢的东西全叫上，还有日本清酒，不过没有拉面和麻薯。虽说是在船上，饭店并不大，但菜的味道不比二周前刚去过的Scottsdale 的Nobu 差。

晚上看了百老汇秀，也算是这邮轮的一大特色。邮轮提供无限量上网，用的是StarLink, 上网速度还不错。上船前，沪语版电视剧《繁花》正在热播中，我们也跟着追剧。StarLink让我们有机会在船上继续追剧，每晚看上两集语《繁花》后，才上床睡觉。

Returning to Miami & Crystal 重返迈阿密&水晶邮轮

Jan 5, 2024: The last time we visited Miami was in the winter of 1989. We don't remember much about Miami from that trip, except that we dined at an expensive Cuban restaurant, which was quite a luxury for us as poor students at that time.

Yesterday, we took an overnight flight from Phoenix to Miami, arriving early in the morning at our hotel  - InterContinental  Miami. We paid an early check-in fee, so we could catch up some sleep in our room. The room was very nice with great ocean view. Once settled into our room and well rested, we went out and spent the rest of the day exploring the Bayside area near the hotel. The cat and dog sculpture garden and the Jimenez Deredia’s sculpture exhibition on the street were quite unique.

This trip is not about Miami though, we have some exciting activities waiting for us. In early March 2020, we had to cut short our ninety-day world cruise trip with Crystal Cruises due to the pandemic. Today, we will board the Crystal Serenity cruise ship again to start a two-week Caribbean journey. The ship is still the same, but the cruise company has changed ownership. The new owner made significant interior renovations, reducing the number of cabins from hosting nearly one thousand passengers to just over seven hundred passengers capacity. Each cabin now comes with a butler, who can be contacted directly if needed.

We woke up early this morning and headed to the Claughton Island near our hotel before boarding the ship. We had some great breakfast from one of the local favorite spots. From there, we saw our beautiful ship, the Crystal Serenity docked at the cruise terminal.

The waiting game was finally over, we boarded the ship around noon. It was an incredible feeling. We went to the Marketplace for lunch buffet，and immediately we felt so welcomed by the crew members. We settled into our room after lunch, and walked around to check out the ship. The new owner did a fantastic job and the ship just couldn’t look any better. We even saw a few familiar faces, crew members and fellow passengers from our last world cruise trip.

Found a photo spot to duplicate the photo taken four years ago.

Our ship left Miami at 6pm, with the song of “What a wonderful world” playing loud, we sailed away and said goodbye to Miami.

Four years ago, there was a Chinese restaurant on the ship, now it  has transformed into an international restaurant, Taste, where we dined this evening. The waiter was one of the crew members from our world cruise trip, so we had a little catch up with him. We ordered four appetizers and two main courses, all in small portions, and the food was delicious. In terms of both cuisine and service, Crystal is above and beyond. None of the other cruise lines that we have cruised so far can compare.

The evening concert was scheduled for 9:45 PM. After attending the concert, we went to the bar and enjoyed some live piano performance for a while before returning to our room to call off the day.

上次来迈阿密还是一九八九年的冬天，当时的迈阿密是什么样都没印象了，只记得当时好像去了一家对我们穷留学生来说很贵的古巴餐厅。

昨天从凤凰城坐夜班飞机来到迈阿密，一早就到了州际酒店（InterContinental)。加付了提早入住费之后就先住了进去。补了个觉后，就在酒店附近的Bayside 区转了一大圈。狗猫雕塑花园和街头上的Jimenez Deredia 雕塑展都是别具一格。

这次行程并非是迈阿密游。二零二零年三月初由于疫情的缘故，我们无奈终止了水晶邮轮九十天的邮轮周游世界游。今天我们又将再次回到水晶尚宁号(Crystal Serenity)邮轮上，开始为期二周的加勒比海之行。邮轮还是同一艘，船公司却已换主人。新主人在收购之后对船作了重大内部装修，许多客房变大了，原本可供近一千人住宿的客房被改建成满客只能容纳七百多人。每间客房还配备了一位管家(butler)，有事可直接找他。

一早醒来先走去酒店附近的 Claughton Island。找了个当地人喜欢的地方吃早餐，简单却很好吃。 在那里可以看到我们的水晶尚宁号邮轮已经停在对面的码头，很兴奋。

中午的时候我们终于上了船，那真是一种难以形容的感觉。先来到 Marketplace 吃自助午餐, 热情的服务员让人感到宾至如归。午餐后我们在船上走了一圈，改建后的邮轮比以前更漂亮了。我们还看到一些熟悉的面孔，有四年前周游世界游时的服务员，也有当时一起的乘客。

晚上六点左右我们的船在“What a wonderful world”的歌声中离开迈阿密。四年前船上的中餐馆变回成了国际化餐厅，今天晚餐我们就选在那里。招待我们的服务员居然是四年前周游世界游时其中的一位，话题自然就从四年前开始了。俩人要了四个开胃菜和两份主菜，当然都是小份的，味道很不错。无论是船上的饮食还是服务，是目前为止我们所坐过的所有其它邮轮都无法与之相比的。

晚上音乐会安排在9:45, 听完后又去酒吧坐了一会儿后就回房睡觉。

Keelung Port 基隆港

Oct. 30, 2023: Last evening aboard the ship, we had the pleasure of attending the final concert featuring Mary-Jess, a soprano from the United Kingdom. This marked our third time witnessing her performance during the voyage, each time left enchanted by her melodious voice. Mary-Jess, an alumna of Nanjing University and a winner of the Chinese X-Factor, is fluent in Mandarin, which she skillfully incorporates into her performances by speaking a few phrases in Chinese and singing a Chinese song. The cruise director, a French national raised in Chile and now residing in Taiwan, is also proficient in Mandarin, as is the ship's general manager, who hails from China. The ship boasted a considerable number of Chinese-speaking guests.

Upon the ship's arrival at Keelung Harbor this morning, we savored our final breakfast. Over the span of 27 days, our mornings were consistently greeted with a freshly prepared omelet, a croissant, and a cup of coffee - a simple yet fulfilling routine, with the extensive buffet offerings failing to tempt our appetites further. Post-breakfast, we disembarked and proceeded to take a train to Taipei Railway Station, followed by a transfer to the airport express line leading to Taoyuan Airport, experiencing firsthand the efficiency of Taiwan's public transport system.

Arriving slightly ahead of schedule at the airport, we were momentarily stalled by airline’s early check-in restrictions, leading us to settle for a less-than-satisfactory bowl of wonton noodles at an airport eatery. Post check-in and customs clearance, we made our way to the airport lounge to await our flight, indulging in a second lunch accompanied by beer and coffee.

Our arrival at Shanghai Pudong Airport was clocked at 5:30 PM. In stark contrast to our experience six months prior, the airport was notably busier, with increased customs booths dedicated to international travelers. What was once a swift five-minute customs clearance had now extended to a forty-five-minute queue, inadvertently prolonging our daughter's wait to over an hour.

This journey back home was quite unique, taking twenty-seven days of sailing across oceans to reach our hometown. It might have been the extended period at sea during the initial part of the voyage, or possibly the daily outings and enjoyment when we docked in the second half, or maybe just the anticipation of homecoming, but towards the end, we found ourselves a bit weary and unfocused. Upon reaching home, the joy of reuniting with our family was immense, and having daughter by our side made it even more special.

十月三十日：昨晚在船上的最后一次音乐会我们再一次享受来自英国的女高音歌手(Mary-Jess)的演唱。我们在船上已看了她三次表演，唱得真好听。她曾留学于南京大学，获得过中国X-factor 冠军，能说一口流利的中国话，所以每次表演都会说上几句中文，唱一首中文歌。这游轮上的巡航总监是智利长大的法国人，现住在台湾，也能说中国话，而船上的总经理来自中国，船上能说中国话的游客也不少。

今天早晨船到了基隆港后，我们先去吃上最后一顿早餐。二十七天在船上，几乎每天早上一个现做的用蛋白煎的蛋卷，一个小羊角面包和一杯咖啡是必须的，简简单单，而其它数不尽的自助餐食品对我们来说一点没食欲。早餐后我们就下船坐火车去台北火车站，再换去机场专线到达桃园机场。台湾的公共交通还是非常方便的。

到机场有点早，中国民航不让我们办理登机手续，只好在机场内的餐厅先吃上一碗馄饨面，不怎么样。等办完登机手续，过海关，来到机场休息室候机，又吃上第二顿午餐，再来点啤酒，咖啡下午五点半到达上海浦东机场。与六月前相比，这次的浦东机场人多了不少，光是为外国人就开了十几个海关窗口。我们六个月前五分钟就搞定的过海关这次竟然排了四十五分钟的队才出关，白白让女儿等了一个多小时。

这次回家行程算是有点特殊，经过二十七天漂洋过海才回到家乡。也许是上半航程中太多天的海上行，也许是下半航程里每天靠岸下船游玩，也许是回家心切，到了最后几天我们觉得有点累，已心不在焉。

到家了，很高兴再次与家人团聚，而且还有女儿陪伴。

Hualien Port 花莲港

Oct. 29, 2023: Our ship arrived at Hualien Port, not far from our previous stop at Hirara Port in Japan. Our Taiwanese compatriots greeted us warmly, sang, and danced on the dock as we disembarked at six in the morning.

Our day was filled with excitement as we embarked on the shore excursion organized by the cruise during this trip: a visit to Taroko National Park. Our first stop was to capture a photo in front of the sign marking the Central Cross-Island Highway. Then, we went on a 3-kilometer hike along the breathtaking Shakadang Trail, winding beside a river valley carved by a crystal-clear stream flanked by imposing cliffs and magnificent scenery.

Our journey continued with a visit to Changchun Shrine, a solemn monument dedicated to the workers who lost their lives while constructing tunnels and trails. However, our enthusiasm waned slightly when we reached the park's visitor center, which offered little to see and lacked any refreshment options. This unexpected downtime cost us fifty precious minutes of exploration.

But our spirits were soon lifted when our guide suggested a visit to Qi Xing Tan, an additional attraction. Here, we indulged in the delectable delights offered by street vendors, including small sausage wrapped with rice, scallion pancakes, and grilled squid. The flavors were simply divine, especially after our adventurous day left us famished.

As our nearly four-week cruise journey draws to a close, we anticipate our arrival at Keelung Port tomorrow. It's a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to our voyage and eagerly anticipate returning home.

十月二十九日：花莲港离上一站日本的平良港不远，早上六点船就靠岸了。台湾同胞也很热情，在码头上唱歌跳舞欢迎我们。

今天我们参加游轮组织的岸上游，去了太鲁阁国家公园，也是这次游轮中我们唯一一次参加游轮组织的岸上游。先在东西横贯公路门牌前照个相，然后就去溪谷边的砂卡当步道徒步3公里，狭谷被清澈的溪流切割而成，岩壁陡峭，景色壮观。

接着来到长春祠，那是为纪念修建隧道和步道而牺牲的劳工们而建造的。参观完长春祠后，导游就把我们放在公园游客中心。中心实在沒什么可看，并且居然没任何吃的地方，更别说喝咖啡和吃甜点了，白白浪费了五十分钟。回到大巴，导游说带我们去七星潭，算是外加的景点。在那里，从街头小贩那里要了大肠包小肠，葱油饼和烤鱿鱼, 那味道太棒了，饿晕了的时候真是什么都好吃。

明天就要下船了，近四个星期的游轮行也将在基隆港结束，终于可以回家了。

Miyakojima 宫古岛平良港

Oct. 28, 2023: Today marked our arrival at the final Japanese port of this journey, Hirara Port on Miyakojima. The ship docked at 8 a.m., and due to restrictions on walking on the pier, shuttle buses provided by the port transported passengers directly to the terminal building at the pier's end. Miyakojima, part of the Okinawa archipelago, is not very large and lacks any particularly prominent tourist attractions.

Following a route recommended by local volunteers, we set out to explore. Apart from fellow passengers from our ship, few people were on the streets. Our first stop was Miyako Shrine, followed by a leisurely stroll along the coastline. Spotting a small shop with a queue, we hurried over to investigate. It turned out to specialize in seaweed-wrapped rice with canned spam and eggs. We didn't want to miss out today after seeing many similar shops at Naha Port in Okinawa yesterday but not having tried them. A sign on the counter mentioned sashimi, and upon inquiry, we were directed to a fish shop across the street, highly recommended for its offerings. It turned out to be a delightful breakfast experience.

We then ventured to a nearby beach, dipped our feet in the water, and continued exploring the tiny port's main street. Most shops were closed, and the area was deserted, with tourists like us searching for open establishments. Anticipating this, we enjoyed a comforting meal of local noodle soup and Japanese sweet red bean porridge at a small restaurant.

A Halloween event at the seaside park was reportedly arranged explicitly for our ship's arrival, featuring performances and snacks. Unfortunately, rain began shortly after our arrival, prompting us to seek shelter and forego further dining adventures. As we departed Japan today, we had to clear Japanese customs before returning to the ship. The boarding line was exceptionally long, so we decided to wait at a nearby coffee shop, where we enjoyed conversations with fellow Taiwanese passengers. Finally, back on board, our journey in Japan came to a close.

In anticipation of our ship’s arrival in Taiwan tomorrow, the Garden Café adorned in beautiful Chinese-style decorations.

十月二十八日：今天我们来到这次行程的最后一个日本港口，宫古岛的平良港。早上8点船停靠在码头，因为码头上不允许行走，下船有专车直接送到码头终点站楼前。宫古岛是冲绳群岛中的一个，岛不大，也没什么特别的旅游景点。我们就按照当地义工推荐的线路走。街头上除了我们船下来的游客外，几乎没什么人。先去宫古神社看了看，接着就沿海边走。看见一处小店有人排队，赶紧过去看看，是专卖紫菜包饭夹午餐肉和鸡蛋的。昨天在冲绳岛的那霸港看见许多卖这个小吃的，昨天没吃，今天不能再错过。柜台上有个牌子说有生鱼片，问了一下说是对面鱼店的，推荐给我们，还真是很不错的一顿早点心。接着走到不远处的海滩，稍微湿了湿脚又继续往小港口的主街区走，大部分店都没开，冷清清的，路上都是和我们一样的游客满街找店。我们有备而来，在一家小饭店里吃了当地的汤面和日本甜点红豆粥。

海边公园里今天有万圣节活动，据说是专门为我们船的到来而举办的，有些演唱及小吃。可惜我们刚到那里就开始下雨，忙着躲雨没了心情找吃的。因为今天就要离开日本，所以要过日本海关才能回船。回船的队非常非常长，索性去了边上的咖啡店边喝边等，顺便与同船的台湾同胞聊聊天。

终于回到船上，日本游也到此结束。

Naha Port, Okinawa Island冲绳岛那霸港

Oct. 27, 2023: Our ship docked at Naha Port on Okinawa Island this morning after visiting two small ports in the last two days. Naha Port is considered a major port with well-established facilities.

Our primary objective for the day was to explore the castles and parks on the outskirts. Naha Port offers convenient transportation options, including buses and monorail trains. In just over an hour, we reached Shuri Castle on the outskirts. Originally the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it was built in the style of the Forbidden City. Unfortunately, the main hall inside the castle walls was entirely destroyed by a fire in 2019 and is currently undergoing reconstruction.

After departing from the castle, we discovered a nearby local cultural heritage site – the Kinjo Stone Path, an old stone pathway with steep steps. Traditional guesthouses lined the pathway, highlighting the daily challenges faced by residents in their comings and goings. At an intersection, we encountered well-preserved traditional Japanese village houses.

Walking along the tranquil stone pathway, we stumbled upon a restaurant at the end, a delightful find. We relished a delicious and reasonably priced Japanese hot pot and noodle soup for two.

Following lunch, we climbed over a small hill. We embarked on a journey of over thirty minutes to reach Shikina-en, the royal garden of the Ryukyu Kingdom, once favored as a vacation spot for Chinese emperors. While wandering through the garden, we unexpectedly saw someone filming a video. Although unsure whether they were celebrity or an internet sensation, we were captivated by a young man playing the Sanshin and singing beautifully.

We returned to the city center by bus and explored the commercial district, where we indulged in some delectable sushi made with black-haired wagyu beef, renowned for its tenderness. Although most shops along the main commercial street offered various tourist souvenirs, we felt genuinely distinctive Japanese items were lacking.

十月二十七日:接连去了二个小港，今天早上我们的船来到冲绳岛的那霸港，算是个大港，周围设施完善。

今天主要想看郊外的城堡和公园。大港口到底不一样，公交车，单轨铁路都很方便。一个多小时便来到郊外的首里城堡，原是琉球王国的皇宫，按紫禁城建造的，又是一个世界遗产名录的景点，只可惜城墙里面的大殿在2019年被大火全部烧毁了，正在全部重建。

出了城堡，附近有一个当地的文化遗产 - 旧时的石道，坡度很大，还有阶梯。石道二旁还都是民宿，感叹当地的居民每天进出是有多么不方便。路口边还保留着收拾得非常干净的日本传统村屋。沿着幽静的石道往下走，在石道的尽头看到一家餐厅，走进去发现真是找对地方了。俩人吃上一顿物美价廉的日本火锅和汤面。

饭后，我们爬过小山坡，走了三十多分钟来到识名园，琉球王国的皇家花园，以前还用于中国皇帝度假的地方。在花园里，正遇见拍摄小视频，也不知是哪个明星或网红。看了一会儿，弹琴唱歌的男生唱得真不错。

坐公交车回到市中心，在商业区里转一大圈，尝试了一下黑毛和牛寿司，好吃，很嫩。整条商业主街上以卖各种旅游纪念品的商店为主，但觉得真正有日本特色的并不多。

Amami Oshima 奄美大岛

Oct. 26, 2023: Today, we docked at another small port, and there aren't many attractions in Amami City. While many tourists opted for the beaches, we decided to visit a traditional Japanese kimono and silk fabric workshop on the outskirts by the public bus. The workshop was fascinating; they still utilize traditional dyeing and weaving techniques that have been practiced for over a thousand years. The silk fabrics they produce are primarily used for kimonos. Due to the entirely manual production process and the high skill level required, genuine silk fabric production is very time-consuming, resulting in expensive prices.

Upon returning to the city center, we had hoped to try the local delicacy, chicken rice, but unfortunately, the dish in the restaurant sold out. Instead, we settled for sashimi and fried pork cutlet. In the evening, we continued to enjoy sashimi and sushi on the ship. We've had quite a lot of sashimi during this journey in Japan.

十月二十六日：今天停靠的又是个小港，奄美市区也没什么景点，许多游客去了海滩，我们去了郊外的日本和服丝绸布制作坊参观。制作坊很有意思，在那里，至今还采用了有一千多年的传统染色和编织技术，所织丝绸布料主要用于和服。因为真丝布料制作过程完全是手工，技术要求相当高，非常耗时，所以布料价格昂贵。

回到市中心后，想吃当地美食鸡饭，可餐厅卖完了，只能又要了个刺身便饭，还有炸猪排。晚上在船上继续吃刺身和寿司。这一程日本游刺身吃了不少。

Sasebo Port 佐世保港

Oct. 25, 2023: Since we arrived in Tokyo, our cruise has been docking at different ports daily, resembling a river cruise experience. Each morning after breakfast, we disembarked and utilized public transportation or walked to explore the nearby attractions near the port. We typically spend about five to six hours each day on these excursions, covering a distance of at least twenty to thirty thousand steps. After a few days, we're starting to feel a bit tired. Today, we decided to take a break and leisurely stroll around the nearby streets, not going on any trips to the Kujukushima National Park on the outskirts.

Sasebo Port, a Japanese naval stronghold near China and Korea, greeted us as our ship sailed into its bay. The aura of military activity was palpable from the moment we arrived. Relaxing on the outdoor deck at the back of the ship, we were serenaded by the crew's cheerful "coffee, coffee" chant while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Saikai Bridge and the Hario Radio Tower. This towering structure once transmitted the coded signal that initiated the Pearl Harbor Attack. The weather blessed us with its perfection on this memorable day.

Our first destination was Sasebo 5Bangai, followed by a stroll to a Cathedral church and Tono market. Our journey continued to Saruku City 4O3 Arcade, renowned as Japan's longest shopping street, stretching for a kilometer. While shopping wasn't our priority, we delighted in a delightful Japanese-Western fusion lunch at a restaurant along the bustling arcade, impressed by its exceptional quality. We visited the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Museum in the afternoon to learn about Japan's history.

Before our ship departed in the evening, a local female singer serenaded us with several beautiful songs on the dock as a farewell gesture.

十月二十五日：自从来到东京后游轮是每天靠岸，有点像河上游。我们更是每天早餐后就下船，利用公共交通和＂1 1路＂在海港附近景点转转，花上五，六个小时，每天至少走二，三万步，几天下来有点累了。今天给自已请个假，就在附近街头看看，不去郊外的国家公园。

在城里1公里长购物街号称是日本最长的购物街，但购物对我们来说并没有吸引力，我们就在街上一家日式西餐厅里吃了顿日西结合的午餐，还不错。下午参观日本自卫海军博物馆，了解一点日本的历史。佐世保港是日本的军港，离中国和韩国很近。

晚上我们的船离开前，当地的一位女歌手在码头上唱了一首又一首好听的歌为我们送行。

Nichinan 日南市

Oct. 24, 2023: Once again, we arrived at a new port. However, the port where we docked, Aburatsu Port, is approximately 1.5 miles away from the center of Nichinan. There are several attractions around the city that we wished to visit, but upon checking, we discovered that while there are buses available, they aren't very convenient. Typically, if the port is far from the city center, free shuttle buses would be provided. However, this time, the cruise only offered shuttle buses for $15 per person, and we had to endure long queues for them. Initially, we lined up for the shuttle bus but eventually opted for a taxi. We agreed to share a cab with two fellow passengers, but after waiting in line for over half an hour, we were informed that all the taxis had been hired out. Our only recourse was to walk from the ship terminal to the city center. We were told that there were temporary shuttle buses to Obi Castle and Udo Shrine near the city center. Consequently, the four of us embarked on a walking journey of over half an hour to reach the city center.

Obi Castle, near Nichinan City, is dubbed "Little Kyoto." Although the ancient Obi Castle dates back to the 15th century, what we observed were primarily recent reconstructions. In China, Korea, and Japan, numerous newly constructed historical sites can become somewhat tiresome to visit after a while, as they don't quite capture the authenticity of the originals.

In small towns in Japan, restaurants typically close from 2 to 5 p.m. We couldn't find any dining options near the tourist attractions, and even upon returning to the city center, we struggled to locate a restaurant for lunch. Upon consulting with locals, they suggested visiting the supermarket. Consequently, we purchased a box of sushi, rice balls, and beverages to satisfy our hunger.

Following that, the two of us strolled along the seaside. The Gion-jinja shrine concealed within the coastal caves was remarkably unique, and Nichinankaigan National Park left a lasting impression. The distinctive rock formations sculpted by wind and rain along the coast evoked memories of the scenic beauty of the "Great Ocean Road" in Melbourne, Australia. Vending machines selling all kinds of drinks are everywhere in Japan, but we found a vending machine with the lowest price while walking back to the ship.

As we returned to the terminal, a quaint market had sprung up for passengers. Though we didn't linger, the sight was bustling. At dusk, our ship gracefully eased away from the dock while a local music and dance troupe entertained us, creating a truly enchanting farewell scene.

十月二十四日：又来到一个新港口。但停靠的海港，油津港离市中心约1.5英里，城市周围有几个景点想去看看，但查了一下有公交车但不是很方便。一般来说，如果码头离市中心很远，码头会提供免费专车，可这次游轮提供专车，收15美金一人，而且还要排长队等车。我们先是排队等专车，然后决定改坐出租车出去，且与另外两位游客说好一起包车，结果排队排了半个多小时后，说出租车都包没了。唯一的选择只能是从船码头走去市中心，说是市中心有临时专车去饫肥城和鹈户神宫，我们俩就与那两位游客一起走了半个多小时来到市中心。去日南市附近的饫肥城号称＂小京都＂，饫肥古城堡建于十五世纪，但现在看到的都是近年来重新建的。中国，韩国和日本好多都是历史的新建筑，看多了有点厌了， 就是与看真货的感觉不一样。

在日本小地方，下午二点到五点餐厅休息，在景区附近没找到吃的，回到市中心后，也找不到饭店吃午饭，问了当地人，说是去超市吃。没办法就在超市里买了一盒寿司，饭团和饮料充饥。

然后我们俩沿着海边往回走，海边藏在山洞里的神社⛩️很有特色，日南海岸国定公园也不错，海边风吹雨打形成的奇特石岩更是觉得有点＂小太阳路＂的景观。

Hiroshima 广岛

Oct. 23, 2023: Today, the sky was clear, and our ship arrived at Hiroshima in the morning, the most anticipated destination of this cruise trip. The pilot boat accompanied our ship into the port with a welcoming water show, which was very nice. Once again, we chose to embark on a self-guided tour. Upon disembarking, we purchased a day pass for sightseeing, which included bus fare and a ferry ticket to Miyajima Island.

Taking a tram to Miyajima Pier, we then boarded a ferry for a fifteen-minute journey to Miyajima. The island is renowned for Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During high tide, the shrine gate ⛩️ appears to float on the water's surface. Unfortunately, it was low tide upon our arrival, and the shrine gate's pillars were still visible.

Our first culinary adventure involved trying the local specialty, grilled oysters, which, to our disappointment, were average and didn't suit our palates. Raw oysters remained our preference. Conversely, the grilled squid was quite delightful. We then ventured uphill to Momijidani Park, although the maple leaves had only begun to change color, lacking the vibrant hues we had anticipated. Descending, we continued our quest for street food, indulging in skewers of grilled meat, grilled squid, and some grilled mochi balls. Finally, we treated ourselves to some ice cream, constituting our lunch. Another notable feature of the island is its wild deer, akin to those we encountered in Nara Park a few days earlier. However, the deer here were less mannered and would boldly snatch food from tourists. Throughout the meal, we had to fend off the wild deer constantly.

Inside Itsukushima Shrine, we were greeted by a serene and enchanting atmosphere. After purchasing tickets, we wandered around the shrine grounds. As the tide gradually rose, the shrine ⛩️ seemingly floated on the water, presenting an increasingly breathtaking sight. With the island bustling with tourists, we opted not to linger for too long instead of catching the ferry and tram back to Hiroshima. Thankfully, the day pass we had purchased for buses and ferries spared us considerable inconvenience, facilitating our boarding and disembarking.

Boarding the tram to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, we beheld the only preserved Atomic Bomb Dome. Located directly at the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion, the dome remarkably withstood the blast with minimal damage, remaining upright. While we had intended to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the lengthy queue dissuaded us. Instead, we spent some time at the nearby Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial Hall, which was thoughtfully constructed.

Initially, we had planned to sample Hiroshima-style fried noodles in the city center. However, after an unsuccessful search, we hurried back. Near the station, we enjoyed a satisfying and affordable meal at a Japanese chain restaurant, relishing a bowl of noodle soup and tempura.

十月二十三日：今天晴空万里，广岛是这次游轮行中最期待的地方，我们还是自游行。下船后买了一日游的联票，包括公交车以及去宫岛的船票。先乘坐有轨电车去宫岛码头，然后又坐了十五分钟的渡轮来到宫岛。岛上有世界遗产名录的严岛神社，高潮时，神社门⛩️就像浮在水面上。我们刚到时，正好是低潮，神社门柱还都露底。岛上另一特色是野鹿，有点像几天前在奈良公园看到的，不过这里的野鹿比较不文明，会抢游客的食物。

我们先尝试当地特色烤生蚝，但觉得一般，并不适合我们的口味，生蚝还是生的好吃。烤鱿鱼倒是不错。然后就上山去红枫公园，但红枫还刚刚开始变色，几乎没什么颜色。下山后就继续在街上找吃的，要了几串烤肉，烤鱿鱼，还有烤的小圆子最后再来一个冰淇淋，算是当午餐了。吃的时候不停地躲野鹿。

岛上的严岛神社里面非常美，买票进去走一圈看了一下，那时开始涨潮了，神社⛩️慢慢开始有点浮在水中的感觉，越来越漂亮。岛上游客相当多，我们没在岛上呆太久，就坐渡轮和有轨电车回广岛。我们这次幸好买公交渡轮一日通，省了不少麻烦，上下车方便很多。

乘坐有轨电车来到广岛和平纪念公园，目睹了唯一保存的原爆圆顶。因为原子弹爆发中心正好在圆顶建筑的上空，它收到冲击波最小而生存下来。想去广岛和平纪念博物馆看，但因排队太长而放弃，就在附近的原爆受害者纪念堂待了一会儿，纪念堂修建的很不错。

原本还准备在广岛商业街中心尝试一下他们的炒面，走了一圈没找到，就匆匆赶回去。在车站附近一家日本连锁店里吃上一碗汤面和天妇罗等，又是价廉物美的一顿。

Osaka, Nara 大阪，奈良

Oct. 21, 2023: Today, our cruise ship stayed overnight in Osaka, giving us more time to explore the nearby  area. In the early morning, we took the subway to Osaka Castle. Despite just opening, the castle was already bustling with crowds. Alongside the tourist groups, there were numerous local high school student groups. It appears that extracurricular activities in Japan are often scheduled for weekends. Inside the castle, it was even more crowded. The castle boasts eight floors, and ascending the narrow stairs felt akin to being packed in sardines. Although the top floor offers an observation deck, we refrained from venturing out to observe and simply descended even upon reaching the eighth floor. Visitor restrictions would likely have been implemented long ago in the United States.

After leaving the castle, we boarded the subway directly to Nara, Japan's ancient capital. Upon arrival, we indulged in a bowl of noodle soup and sampled Japan's zero-carb noodles. The flavors were delightful, and the food was quite affordable; two bowls of noodle soup cost less than fifteen US dollars. A visit to Nara wouldn't be complete without encountering the deer. These deer have roamed freely in the city for generations, fostering a harmonious relationship with humans. Within the park, Nara's deer frequently approach tourists for food, with vendors selling deer treats along the pathways. When you offer them food, they gracefully bow their heads in return. Witnessing a group of deer crossing the street at a pedestrian crossing was particularly captivating.

A small café inside the park serves tea, coffee, and some simple desserts. We took our break at the cafe, but the food was disappointing. We continued to explore the area, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kasuga Shrine and the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, followed by another break at a different café serving English afternoon tea.

In the late afternoon, a drizzle commenced, bringing a chill to the air. Following our tour of Nara, we returned to the cruise ship, donned warmer attire, and disembarked again to explore Namba, Osaka's bustling downtown district. The atmosphere was electrifying, perhaps the most extensive and liveliest night market we've encountered. Unlike Taipei and Seoul, dining establishments were predominantly street-facing shops. In addition to sampling the ubiquitous grilled chestnuts, we discovered a barbecue restaurant and savored a dinner of sashimi and grilled seafood, which were delectable. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the experience of Japanese barbecue.

On Oct. 22, our cruise ship is scheduled to depart from Osaka around noon. After breakfast, we quickly headed to explore the Osaka Umeda commercial district. However, upon arrival, we discovered that most shops and restaurants wouldn't open until 11 o'clock. After searching for a while, all we could find was a seafood rice ball wrapped in seaweed, which wasn't very tasty, and we couldn't find anything else appetizing to eat. Feeling unsatisfied, we lingered until 11 o'clock when the shops finally opened. Unlike last night's night market, this area was dominated by large malls rather than small food streets. There were so many tempting offerings in the food section of the malls we couldn't possibly try them all. The freshly made red bean cakes were mainly delightful and warm. The freshly sliced dried squid had a distinct taste, without preservatives. After purchasing it, the seller even reminded us to consume it within four days. It's a regret we didn't have enough time to stay longer; we had to rush back to the ship terminal.

As the ship slowly eased away from the dock, the vibrant melodies of a local band filled the air, and crowds gathered on the terrace, waving and cheering as they bid farewell to the departing passengers. We had a wonderful diner at the main dining restaurant on the ship.

十月二十一日：今天游轮在大阪过夜，一早我们乘坐地铁去大阪城堡。城堡刚开门，可那里已是人山人海，除了旅游团，更多的是当地中学生团体的，看来在日本课外活动是放在周末做的。进到城堡后那更是摩肩擦踵，城堡一共有八层，从狭窄的楼梯一层层往上去完全就是人贴人。顶层是观望台，到了八层我们都没敢挤出去观望就往下走。在美国的话，应该早就实行人数限制了。

离开城堡后，我们坐地铁直奔奈良，日本最早的首都。下车后，先吃上一碗汤面，还尝试了日本的零克碳化物汤面，味道不错，日本饮食真是便宜，二碗汤面十五美金还不到。来奈良就是要去看花鹿，长期以来萘良鹿自由自在地生活在城里，与人和睦相处。公园里，大街小巷上奈良鹿时常走近游客要吃的，路上有小贩销售鹿食。你给它吃上一片鹿食，低个头，鹿也会低个头。特别有趣的是看着一群花鹿沿着斑马线过马路。我们还参观世界遗产春日大社和兴福寺大金堂等。

下午下点小雨，有点凉飕飕，游完奈良后我们就先回游轮，加点衣服后再次下船，去了大阪城里的难波闹市区。那里更是万头攒动、门庭若市，这大概是我们看到过的最大最热闹的夜市了。与台北和首尔不同的是饮食店都是在街面房内的。尝了尝满街都在卖的烤园子外，还找了一家烧烤店吃了顿晚饭，生鱼片加烤海鲜，味道不错，感受一下日本烧烤。

十月二十二日：今天游轮中午就要离开大阪，我们早餐后赶紧趁早去大阪梅田商业区转转。可是去到那里发现大多数商家和餐厅都要在十一点才开张，找了半天除了一个紫菜包的海鲜冷饭团，味道不怎么样，也没吃上什么好吃的。心不甘，硬是就在那里磨蹭到十一点等商店开门。与昨晚上的夜市完全不同，这里都是大的商场，而不是那种小吃街。大商场里的食品区好东西实在太多都看不过来。现做的豆沙饼热乎乎的非常好吃。现切的尤鱼丝味道就是不一样，没有防腐剂，我们买了之后特别关照我们四天内要吃完的。只可惜我们时间不够不能多待，只能匆匆赶回船码头。

Mount Fuji 富士山脚下

Oct 20, 2023: Today, we arrived at Shimizu, where we could glimpse Mount Fuji. Opting for self-guided exploration, we set out early in the morning, departing from the pier and boarding a public bus bound for Miho-no-Matsubara, renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Fuji. It was our first time navigating Japan's bus system, and we boarded from the front, unfamiliar with the procedures. However, the driver, doubling as the ticket seller, signaled us to use the rear door. We quickly grasped the system of obtaining a ticket upon boarding first, which indicates the boarding station number, and then exiting from the front door at our destination, paying based on the number of stations traveled. After approximately twenty minutes, we arrived at our destination.

We leisurely strolled along the divine pathway flanked by towering pine trees to Miho-no-Matsubara Park. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miho-no-Matsubara Park sprawled to the seashore. The panoramic vista of verdant pine trees, sandy beaches, the vast ocean, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance was simply breathtaking. Fortunate with favorable weather, we were treated to the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Fuji's summit. It's said that during winter, adorned with more snow, the sight is even more enchanting.

Upon returning to the ship pier, we sought a sushi restaurant to indulge in more delectable and affordable local cuisine. Following our satisfying meal, we explored some historical sites in the city center, where elderly volunteers eagerly shared insights into the local area despite the language barrier posing some challenges when communicating in English.

As we bid farewell, dockworkers and residents waved goodbye. Looking ahead, we anticipate disembarking and exploring ashore daily, likely clocking another twenty to thirty thousand steps daily.

十月二十日：今天到达SHIMIZU, 在那里可以看到富士山。我们俩自由行，一早就出码头坐公交车去三保松原，那里有最佳角度可以看富士山。好像还是第一次在日本坐公交车，不懂那里的规矩，我们先从前门上车，结果司机兼售票员咕噜一通指着后面要我们从后门上。上车先拿票，票上有上车站号码，到站时从前门下车，按乘坐站数买票。二十几分钟后就到了目的地。我们沿着两边有高大松树耸立的神之道漫步到三保松原公园。三保松原是富士山世界保护遗产的一部分，穿过公园便来到海边。沿海岸茂盛的松树，沙滩，大海与远处白雪盖顶的富士山交结在一起的景色的确是非常美。我们算是幸运的，天气不错，富士山顶有露真容。估计冬天的时候雪更多更漂亮。

回到船码头，找了一家寿司店继续享用当地价廉物美的寿司。饭后在市中心参观一些故迹，在那里总是有年老的义工热心地向我们介绍当地的情况，即使对他们来说用英文交流有点困难。

离岸时，码头工作人员和当地居民向我们招手告别。接下来每天都会靠岸下船，估计每天又要走上二，三万步了。

Tokyo 东京

Oct. 19, 2023: Our 16-day cruise from Seattle to Tokyo concluded, but we remained on board to commence the second leg of our journey. Sailing home on a cruise ship for the first time has been quite an extraordinary experience. Initially, we anticipated relatively few passengers on board for the first leg of the journey due to long stretches at sea with few port stops. However, it was quite the opposite; numerous passengers were on the ship like us, returning to China or Japan. We encountered many others continuing on the second leg, and some even embarked on the third segment. The ship was essentially fully booked, making it even more challenging to find seats during breakfast at the buffet.

Since we were staying on for the journey but had to switch cabins, we just packed our belongings, and the room steward handled the transfer of our luggage to the assigned rooms, alleviating our worries. In the morning, we disembarked and headed to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. The market was bustling with crowds, making navigating difficult, with long queues everywhere for food. Embracing the lively atmosphere, we queued up to purchase some bluefin tuna sushi and Japanese omelets. The flavors were delightful, and the prices were reasonable.

After exploring the market for a while, we attempted to find more food, but the overwhelming crowds and queues led us to abandon the endeavor. Departing from the fish market, we visited other attractions before indulging in sushi, egg soup, and sashimi rice at a nearby restaurant, all for less than twenty-five dollars. It was indeed a remarkable value.

The weather in Tokyo had been delightful since our arrival, in stark contrast to the rainy days we experienced during the first leg of the journey. We continued to explore the area near the cruise terminal.

Upon returning to our room this afternoon, our travel agent surprised us with a bottle of red wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, signaling a promising start to this leg of the cruise.

十月十九日：我们西雅图东京十六天游轮今天就结束了，但我们继续留在船上开始我们第二段游轮。第一次坐船漂洋过海回家也算是一次特别的经历。原本以为这第一段游程海上航行时间长而停靠港口少，船上游客也许会不太多，但完全出乎意料，船上有不少像我们一样回中国，回日本的。碰到不少像我们一样继续坐第二段的，更有一些继续坐第三段的。船基本上满客，早餐吃自助餐时，都找不到位子。

今天换房间，我们不用管，早上就下船去东京渔巿场。市场里人山人海，走路都有点难，到处都有排长队买吃的。我们也去凑个热闹，排着队买了二份蓝鳍金枪鱼寿司和蛋饼，味道还不错，价格又便宜。在市场里转了一大圈，还想找点吃的，但人实在太多，队太长，排了队又放弃了。离开渔巿场后又去其他景点转一转，然后在一家寿司店吃些寿司，蛋汤，生鱼片饭，花了不到二十五美金，真是价廉物美。

来东京后，天气特别好，非常舒服，与第一程许多阴雨天完全相反。昨天到达时，码头上敲锣打鼓欢迎我们。今天下午回到的房间，我们订票代理送来巧克力裹草莓和红酒一瓶，看来这一段游轮有个好开端。