Cookstown couple cruises from one stop to another
by Susan Stein

Don and Hattie Milne have returned from their cruise, which started out from New York Harbour, on the cruise ship of Holland - American Line.

Already the first moments of their trip was impressive with the lights of the Statue of Liberty beaming to them. The first stop was at the Grand Turk Island, entering the new Terminal for Cruise ships. The beauty of the island is the gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water, a good place for snorkeling.

The second stop was at Tortilla island, boasting an all year round subtropical climate. For the Milne's it was an occasion to visit friends, who have their home there.

For their third stop, the ship docked at St. Martin, which is half French, half Dutch. St. Martin has a different landscape from the previous places, as it is volcanic and dry. A bus took them to the highest point for a splendid view of land and seascape.

A shopper's paradise is the island of St. Thomas, the next stop on the cruise. No taxes on anything, from alcohol to jewelry, and the shops are located on narrow alleyways.

Puerto Rico was next, where the ship did not dock in the regular harbour due to her size. The first impression was that of a beautiful island, but the bus tour was a disappointment, takin them only to the modern part and not to the historic Old San Juan.

From there homewards bound, landing in New York after two days and two nights.

The time spent on the boat was a time to enjoy the luxury of the accommodation, the nice company of fellow travellers, great food with an all - day buffet, and special dinners, nightly shows, and the international crew.

The sea was calm with only a little turbulence one day.