Grand Turk and San Juan on the Smooth Jazz Cruise

Posted on February 1, 2014 Updated on February 2, 2014

Entrance to Grand Turk Photo: Chris Gibbons — Entrance to Grand Turk
Photo: Chris Gibbons

1234614_10202175750488671_2113932405_n — Best Margarita that I had ever had!

Close up — Margarita with a Tequila float-Photo by Chris Gibbons

Back on the ship, the evening’s entertainment was Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler. Per usual, both shows moved me to tears Kirk talking about the love for his wife and family, Jonathan starting his show with a tribute to Nelson Mandela. It was amazing and moving. After the show, I had the intention to go rest and then see Chance’s Boom Boom Room with Chance Howard and DW3, and go to International Night at 11:45 p.m., but the resting got too good to me! Didn’t wake up! Sorry that I missed this, especially Peter White in Candy Dulfer’s Wooden Shoes!

International Night on the Smooth Jazz Cruise-from Peter White's collection — International Night on the Smooth Jazz Cruise-from Peter White’s Collection

The next morning I was up at 5:30 a.m. It was peaceful watching the sun come up on the ocean, I got a Chai Tea from the Explorations Cafe, and walked around the ship peacefully. Later was the autograph session. I usually don’t have my poster signed, but I had brought a copy of Smooth Jazz News with Kirk Whalum on the cover, that I wanted to frame. Since I brought it all the way from Arizona, I stood in line to have Kirk sign it. I was in line with Markus, Christian and Sascha, so it was a fun wait. When we got inside the Crow’s Nest, I noticed that David Sanborn was seated next to Peter White. Since you were only allowed to ask for one thing to be signed, I asked Kirk to sign the magazine, and forego the poster. When I got to David Sanborn, I reminded him of the time I met him in Tucson, and he asked me why I wasn’t going to be on that year’s Smooth Jazz Cruise. I told him it was because Peter White wasn’t on it! So this year, Peter was on, and I was too!

There was a “Latino Sail Into San Juan Party” with DW3. Listening to Latin tunes and pulling into beautiful San Juan was magical

No matter where you are, you can’t get away from those “Blurred Lines”….

We took a private tour of San Juan with an Architectural Guide, and it was lovely–

One of the finest hotels in Old San Juan

At El Morro Fort — A shot of PW at El Morro Fort-couldn’t resist!

Great view of the Puerto Rican coastline from El Morro Fort

I left the tour a bit early with some others, so that I could make it back to catch Boney James’ show. Tonight was Sheila E and Boney James. I watched Sheila E’s show from the cabin while changing and getting ready. Made it in time for Boney’s show. It was great! When he played “Ride” at the end, I felt compelled to get up and dance in the aisle. Alone. I didn’t care. The spotlight came over to me for a quick instant, which was somewhat embarrassing, but I had to move to the groove!
After the show, I had BBQ under the Stars, at a table overlooking San Juan at night with a Full Moon above. It was breathtaking. I had a glass of wine, and just took it all in.
The ship left San Juan at 10:00 p.m., on its way to St. Maarten. But this was Ladies Night Concert on the Lido Deck at 11:00 p.m. Party on!

We actually made it to the Night Music show hosted by David Sanborn, with Marcus Miller and Keb Mo at 11:45 p.m. It was a great show. I tried to get photos, but got nervous, when someone behind me started clearing their throat, like I shouldn’t take photos…