Atlantis Cruise: St. Thomas, Labadee, & Parties

Intro

I had already spent 4 days in this 7 night Atlantis cruise to the Caribbean. And we had already been to St Marteen and done a quick stop in Anguilla.

Our next destination was going to be a replacement for San Juan, Puerto Rico, due to the damage that had been to that cruise port. Instead, we were going to the US Virgin Islands, specifically St Thomas in the town of Charlotte Amalie. I was quite upset with this change, since I love San Juan, and when I came to the Virgin Islands years ago I was super disappointed. Do not take me wrong. I loved the views and nature of these islands, but I just thought they were super underdeveloped. And also for this change, they reduced the time to 4 hours. 4 hours??? What can you even do in 4 hours in a cruise port? I guess stretch your legs? Anyway let’s dig in on this experience.

Day 05: Arriving to Charlotte Amalie

After getting some coffee from Cafe Promenade and a light breakfast, I went to see how we had arrived to the island. I had the idea to go out for like a few minutes, but did not rush to be one of the first ones out of the cruise.

Some guests had bought excursions and they were out early. The light rain did not make it attractive either.

I got out and decided to explore the cruise port market a little bit. Allure of the Seas was looking cute alone in this quick and unplanned cruise port.

Day 05: Crown Bay Market, Charlotte Amalie

I did a quick walk around the market, and was in shock when I saw a shaved ice post. I had to get some. It reminded me of the good ol’ days in Hawaii.

And the windmill was cute. Many of the stores were open and a couple of bars were receiving the many many guests that had no other option that staying close to the ship in the 4 hours we were given.

After a few minutes I came back into the cruise, and the view into the airport was nice. Seeing this American Airlines flight going away in the rain was mesmerizing.

Day 05: Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center

There was a place in this big cruise I had not been and was the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. Even though in New York I would go to the gym in an almost daily basis, and did the same in Montreal, I just did not think I was going to have the energy for the gym this week. But still visited it, and also the cafe attached to it, that serves Starbucks coffee, and some protein shakes, which I got with my drink coupons.

The gym seemed very well equipped. Reminded me of my days in the Serenade of the Seas, during the Ultimate World Cruise, where I would go everyday.

The calm before the storm was happening, as the most anticipated event of the cruise, the Dog Tag T-Dance was coming up this afternoon. Everyone was getting ready for this party, if you know what I mean.

Day 05: Dog Tag T-Dance

I think it was good somehow that the day at port was shortened, so everyone would have time to get ready for this huge party. Also, the cruise had to rush to the next destination tomorrow, on the other side of the Caribbean, but on the way back towards the West.

From Atlantis:

The troops come home for Atlantis’ longest-running signature afternoon party. Show your creative strength at our first massive outdoor party inspired by the joys of men in (small) uniforms. We’ll provide souvenir dog tags; you do the rest.

Tags were provided, and stickers as well. I would recommend you to google what the stickers mean lol.

As always during these techno/circuit parties I did not stay for the entire thing. I would go back inside, come back and so on. Social anxiety and the loud music gets me sometimes, but overall I had fun.

After a long party session, it was time to grab something to eat, and decided to passed by the Windjammer. I had been avoiding the Main Dining Room, just because I felt it was going to be a waste of time during the cruise, and also felt I was going to gain weight with all the high carb foods they always have lol.

Day 05: A very busy night

After changing and refreshing from the Dog Tag T-Dance outfit, it was time to have another long night of events brough by Atlantis. Royal Caribbean was not offering anything out of the ordinary anymore. The first thing I did was to go see Monet X Change live in the Amber Theatre. She is really funny.

Next up, even though I got a full outfit for tonight, I decided to skip the Atlantis Classics party. Not many people were in there anyways, at least by the time I got out of the Monet X Change show.

The party I did go, was at midnight, and it was the Neon Playground party in the Studio B. Really, really fun with all the lights and colors. This is the Atlantis description:

Fast, flashy, bright, and silly! We’re turning Studio B into a musical playground filled with progressive electronic sounds that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Neon, sparkles, and lights are the way to go, and don’t take yourselves too seriously!

The party continued until very late, but I was so excited for our last port, that I had to go to bed and get some sleep.

Day 06: Royal Caribbean Labadee Beach

The last cruise port on this trip was Labadee in Haiti. I always wondered how this RCL resort was going to be, especially because it is located in this country that had some tumultuous situations in the last few years. But here we were, early on Day 06 of 07, and this time we had 6 hours, that for me were long enough, to get a sense of this resort.

Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti, boasts five stretches of pristine shoreline with white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure activities. 

• Exclusive Access: Labadee is a private island, accessible only to guests sailing on Royal Caribbean ships. 
• Beachfront Bliss: Enjoy lounging on white sand beaches, swimming in the turquoise waters, and soaking up the Caribbean sun. 
• Adventure Awaits: Experience thrilling activities like the Dragon’s Breath Zipline, the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, and the Arawak Water Park. 
• Cultural Immersion: Explore Le Village, an authentic Haitian teaching village, or visit the Dragon’s Pub. 
• Water Sports: Enjoy parasailing, speedboat rides, and other water activities. 
• Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Find your tranquil spot on one of the five beaches, or enjoy the Floating Bar at Adrenaline Beach. 
• Beaches: The beaches in Labadee are Adrenaline Beach, Columbus Cove and Nellie’s Beach. 

Made it outside, and Country #82 and the last one for now, was Haiti. I know I am technically in a private resort within this country, but still counts! I step on it.

There were trams taking people from the cruise to the different beaches of this resort.

One of the activities offered, the Zip Line. Fun but not for me lol.

A map showing the most important beaches.

Allure of the Seas looks so huge towering behind all that vegetation.

I explored a lot of the beach on foot. Then eventually tried to get myself a drink, but I was not lucky and after minutes and minutes trying to get the attention of the bartenders, I quit and decided to get it on the ship. But it seemed everyone was having a blast.

One mistake I made on the way to the last beach was to pass by the market. I had never seen so much harassment from vendors in a market before. And I have travelled a lot. They literally would not let me go. I was trying to be nice, but on the way back I took the tram to avoid them for real.

Day 06: Back on the ship

Labadee was a mix bag but still I was glad I visited it. To celebrate the new 2 countries on this trip, I went to the Schooner Bar, and got myself a Piña colada.

And after refreshing and changing myself, I went to the Main Dining Room for the first time. The reason? Well, it was lobster night! Yay. Free lobster.

It is not the biggest portion, but it is just so delicious. I mean it usually cost some additional money to get the lobster on the MDR, so why not!

Got some dessert too. Oh boy, eating more meant the cruise was almost over, but one of the main parties was still ahead!

Day 06: White Legends party

At midnight, the last themed party was set to have place in the Solarium: White Legends Party. Per Atlantis:

Celebrate 35 years of Atlantis white parties with 5500 of your closest new friends. Sizzle in the moment, dress up or down in one simple color that everyone looks good in. Be as creative as your dreams, as sexy as your desires, as irreverent as your laughs, or keep it simple with your favorite white shorts. All are welcome here at an epic party heading into dawn and beyond!

This party was definitely the most fun for me. And the only one where I got to stay up all night, I even got to see the sunrise. I was in shock. But it was an experience I would definitely not forget.

And already on Day 07, the last one of this cruise, I went off to sleep. But there is still one more entry for this trip, and it is going to take a turn!