Are you a 'cruise curious' cottager?

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Many in my acquaintance are lucky enough to own a country home; a cottage; a camp. I own one too. And, I love it. But ...

One thing that's not so great, is that a cottage needs maintenance, and time, and as such can come in the way of an owner and his or her plans to travel elsewhere; anywhere! For some it can become like the proverbial golden hand-cuffs, essentially keeping the owner so busy having fun and spending money, that there is little or no time or financial resources left over to travel ... Anywhere or any time. And, even if money is no problem, I have found cottagers are somewhat leery about cruising. Many believe - incorrectly - that cruising can't possibly be for them.

The truth is that of course cruising is not for everyone, but I have discovered in my time as an enthusiastic, if not full time agent, that there is indeed a ship; an itinerary; and a level of luxury and activity for virtually everyone.

So ... in this spirit; this belief that folks who own cottages should be able to experience the beauty and freedom of cruising; and paying particular attention to the financial well being of potential clients ...

I have created a special group cruise for cottagers and their family and friends.

We are departing Barcelona on September 27, 2012 (see, you have a long tome to save) on the Ruby Princess. We'll be on a 12 day Grand Mediterranean adventure, ending up in Venice. It will be a blast!

I have reserved several categories of cabin, so there should be a cabin for almost every budget. Fares (cruise only) will start about the $2,000/pp. In addition I have arranged for a US$75.00 on-board credit for every cabin, and everyone will also receive a coupon book worth over US$300.00 and that can be used for purchases while on board.

If you are interested, all it takes is a modest Cdn$200.00 (refundable) deposit. Final payment will be needed some time in June or July 2012.

The booking window is short and soon. If you are interested. please contact me asap. I will need certain information in order to book you. I need to hear from you by MAY 1, 2011.

Give me a shout through www.cruiseshipcenters.com/billmeldrum if you would like comprehensive information, and I'd be happy to include you in our happy, smiling band of adventurers.

Come join us won't you?

Now ... Lovin' Grenada!

Taken at a small beach we discovered only in the last couple of days.
Not big, but great for walking our dog.

(Image © 2011 the author)

Time flies (even if you’re not cruising)

We’re coming up to the three month mark here in Grenada, and my attitude has changed markedly versus how I felt about the island after the first week or two.

I suppose the primary shift in thinking is as a result of meeting more people. People with whom we have become acquainted - Grenadian people as well as folks from the U.K., many of whom are business people or entrepreneurs with the latter having been here many times over the years. One or two have made Grenada their permanent home. They have all been delightful!

We have also met several fellow Canadians who for various reasons have also made this beautiful island home. A couple from Quebec now own a marina, restaurant, and butchery - which by our limited experience - will have a very bright future. Feel free to check them out here: http://whispercovemarina.co/?p=77 (they do have some work to do on their online presence... but it's a start). We met another fellow who built a 50 foot Ketch on a mountain top not 50 kilometers (30 miles) from where our summer home is located in the Laurentian Mountains. Louis now captains his craft, taking folks on sailing vacations all over the Caribbean from a few days in length, up to a month. You can contact him through the marina. It is indeed a small world.

We have also had the pleasure of meeting one or two of the ‘movers and shakers’ in the tourism industry here. While Grenada is still finding their way with respect to marketing ‘Brand Grenada’, it seems to me this is a country with great potential. And, I do believe they are trying to do all the right things to improve the country's tourism offering.


There does however seem to be a divide amongst the local folks we met. Not surprisingly (and only in my opinion) those who obviously have employment - particularly in the tourism industry - have demonstrated a palpable pride in both their country, and their work. I was even stopped once in St. Georges by a perfectly random stranger. All he wanted to know was whether or not I was enjoying my visit. Wonderful!


There are regrettably - also in my opinion - too many, obviously able-bodied but apparently bored adults with nothing useful to do. Or, at least many have chosen to lie prostrate, may asleep during all parts of the day, on the front stairs to their homes, seemingly for hours at a time. You see this everywhere. Unemployment is clearly an issue to be tackled, but I can't help wondering what sort of apathy must be present for young 30 somethings to choose not to do something to help their nation, even if only on a voluntary basis. There is also evidence of far too many very young women who have had children prematurely. And, without judging, I cannot help wonder about what role the 'church' plays in this. (There are churches and signs of worship everywhere here). I believe sex ed. should also be at the top of someone's list of issues to be dealt with. By the evidence I've seen, it should begin somewhere in the 3rd or 4th grade. And soon!

Having read the local newspaper - the Grenadian Voice - on a regular basis, and having talked to enough local folks here, I will leave encouraged that the current prime minister, Rt. Hon. Mr. Tillman - who by all accounts is a fair and honest man - is at the very least trying to make a difference.

Only time will tell. Grenada needs more investment, which will in turn drive the economy; improve the employment picture, and generally help the country’s 110,000 citizens.


Only one lingering doubt remains in my mind: do a majority of Grenadians want to help their country, or are they waiting for their country to help them? 

For now, I’m going to enjoy my last several days here. Perhaps we’ll be back next year? I hope so!

Want to see Grenada for yourself? 


Princess - http://www.princess.com/, Celebrity - http://www.celebritycruises.com/  and WindStar cruise lines - http://www.windstarcruises.com/ all have iteineraries that include St. Georges. Plenty of fantastic scenery; beautiful beaches and generally great food. What more could you possibly ask for?