Our third island destination is St. Lucia. This was my first visit and I look forward to returning in the near future. There is much to do and see from the sulfuric-smelling drive-in volcano to the towering Pitons and the secluded bays and harbors along the western shore.
I'll try to keep this brief. I always recommend taking the ship's shore excursions, especiallly if it is your first visit to a new place. This time, however, I didn't make my decision to book a shore excursion until it was too late. Leaving the ship I walked to the St. Lucia tour kiosk and arranged to take a 12 seat motor boat, aptly named "The Champ" to Marigot Bay. It was a 20 minute ride to the bay and enroute as we hugged the rugged coastline, our guide pointed out various caves, birds and anything that seemed interesting along the way. We docked the little boat in Marigot Bay at Doolittle's Restaurant, adjacent to a small stretch of beach at the bay. Lunch at Doolittle's was very nice, with a continental flair. This area is also home to the 5-star Discovery Hotel and the Moorings Marina. More on this area later.
Back on the MSC Lirica, it is our second formal night. I would have to say that unique to my onboard experience, on formal night the buffet is closed. And actually, I like this idea. To be all dressed up and to see people in shorts and t-shirts headin' for a buffet kind of takes the zing out of formal night.
The entertainment tonight had a romance theme, and included chansons de l'amour a Edith Piaf and others. Very beautiful performances. Afterwards, small pastries are this evenings pass-around snacks. They look beautiful. None of the pastries that I have tasted were too heavy nor overpowered by the thin layers of filo dough or shells.
So, after another wonderful day on a beautiful tropical island and an evening full of European and Italian ambiance, I shall call it a night. Ciao!
