Green Harbor MA Captain’s Log

We arrived in Freeport Harbor aboard the Carnival Cruise Ship Liberty early morning November 14th, 2005. The view from the upper deck of the harbor and surroundings was not impressive. Freeport Harbor’s appearance is basically a shipping port and there was very little around the Harbor for tourists. From the upper decks of the ship you could still see much of the destruction left behind from Hurricane Wilma (October 05). One of the downside to cruising is the short amount of time you get to spend at each port. Wanting to make the most of our visit we disembarked the moment we were cleared. Less the 1000 yards from the ship the was an information booth and an area where you could get a cab. We had to factor in travel time with whatever excursion we decided to undertake. After looking at where we were on the Island it was clear it wouldn’t make much sense to go to the capital city of Nassau. Nassau is on the other side of the Island and even though we were entertaining the idea of visiting the world famous Atlantis Resort, today we would be happy to settle for a sandy beach and some surf. With that in mind we left the harbor in a small minivan cab headed for Port Lucaya. The cab ride took about twenty minutes and it revailed more destruction left behind from Wilma. Following our plan we went directly to the beach. Our decision to get an early start paid off nicely, we had Port Lucaya to ourselves for almost two hours. The water was warm and the waves were big enough to body surf if you don’t mind eating a little sand on your landings.

While on the beach a very friendly woman selling shell bracelets and necklaces approached us. No pushy sales or irritating behavior she was very pleasant (as were all of the local folk on the island). Each of the kids got something. We played in the water and lounged in the sun for about three hours. By the time we left the beach was very crowded. I was very glad we got there early, especially after seeing how little personal space you can claim when the beach is overrun by the cruise ship crowds (another downside to cruising). Opposite the beach and hotels we found the Marketplace. There was an interesting mix of stores selling all kinds of Island mementos as well as few places to eat and drink. I was most interested in the seashell creations. We stopped into one place for a quick drink. That was a mistake because there is no such thing. What I mean is that no on is in a rush to do anything in a hurry. So to order, receive and then pay for a drink you can expect to burn almost a full hour! I’m not saying that is a bad thing but it will defiantly take some getting used to. After the “not so quick” drink we grabbed a cab back to Freeport Harbor. The was a band playing near the information booth when we returned to the boat. The Caribbean beat was a nice touch to the end of our visit. Even though Freeport Harbor wasn’t much to see Port Lucaya made up for it. The combination of our good planning, some good luck with the weather and a beautiful beach made this visit one to remember. Next stop Grand Cayman Island.