Good morning Barbuda. The first view of our first morning from the deck is of gorgeous blue skies, clear turquoise water and a long sliver of a pink beach lined by trees behind it. After a few sun filled photos it is off to breakfast on the Star (top) Deck at The Veranda. There are a few seats in the air conditioned inside but who wants to settle for that when you can have a Caribbean breeze and fabulous Barbuda views on the open deck.

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The breakfast menu will be the same daily but it is extensive. I found myself rotating between my three or four favorites. There are plenty of hot and cold items in the buffet. There is also an Omelet Station with at least 10 different toppings to select from. The menu is extensive with Tomato Basil Benedict, Classic Eggs Benedict (photo on left), Stuffed French Toast, Blueberry Pancakes, Waffles Your Way, and a Ham & Swiss Cheese Croissant. I loved the quality of breakfast every day and of course the changing surrounding Caribbean island views. 

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Barbuda is a sister island to Antigua and in the middle of the Leeward Islands. It is a very small island with a population of only about 1,600. There is nothing to note about Barbuda. The one worthy attraction is the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, home to over 170 species. The Wind Surf is anchored offshore so we tender ashore. Better move quickly today as we only in Barbuda from 8am until 12:30pm. 

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The main attraction in Barbuda is the beach, many of them are pink in color. You can grab a cab and venture to any of the many beautiful beaches but there is a long sandy beach within walking distance from where we came ashore. That is what we did and what we recommend.

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We found John's Beach Bar & Grill for our base. We rented lounge chairs and an umbrella for a few $, and the cold beers and drinks were reasonably priced. However we recommend you don't indulge in ordering food. Prices were prohibitive and you will back onboard the Wind Surf with plenty of time for lunch. The beach is soo picturesque and was nearly private. Only a few souls from the ship venture here. Went for a long walk along this beautiful beach and chilled the rest of the time as long as possible at this nearly deserted beach before venturing back to the ship. 

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With a short day on port guests returned to the ship and immediately descended on The Veranda for lunch at about the same time. No worries. Tables became available quickly and a great lunch was had on deck as we sailed away from tiny but pretty Barbuda.

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Soon after departure from Barbuda we experienced the grand Sail Away experience - as one sail at a time was unfurled under blue skies to dramatic music from Vangelis. The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the deck, pools, hot tubs, spa, sun and enjoying the picturesque views of the passing islands.

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Tonight I ventured to the Compass Bar and met the lovely couple of Amy & Ludo, better known as Mellow Yellow Duo. they performed twice nightly and took requests in this indoor/outdoor bar venue. They are extremely talented and kept guests dancing and entertained every night, sometimes until very late. We hit it off the first night and talked about music, traveling and life for more than an hour after the bar closed. After this cruise they will remain onboard as the Wind Surf does a 14-night Transatlantic cruise to Europe and remain onboard for the next season. Cheers Mellow Yellow Duo!

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DRINK OF THE DAY: Caribbean Sunset

Tequila Gold, orange juice and a dash of Grenadine. $7.75