"Bonus Night" is what we call the optional add-on day we offered for the Amazon Expedition aboard the MV Explorer. Considering the time of year and the weather concerns along with travel issues in general these days we suggested that many guests might like to arrive a day before we sailed from Nassau just in case. Was that ever a good idea! [Editor's Note:  the 1 night pre-cruise package, which included accommodations and meals aboard the MV Explorer, was offered to those passengers with a substantial air journey to reach the ship in Nassau.] 

Given the numerous flight delays due to weather, which naturally lead to baggage issues, Bonus Night was a blessing for many. And the majority of the truant luggage had a chance to be delivered to the ship before we sailed from Nassau.

We provided a private check-in terminal just for the Enrichment Voyages’ guests which was separate from the one that all the other cruise lines share. Not only was it protected from the elements but the  location was directly in front of the gangway.

Soon enough we had our intrepid travelers aboard and we set sail for a leisurely two-day cruise to St Barthelemy, a.k.a. St Bart’s, an idyllic, French island hideaway for the rich and famous. Can’t wait to see that!

                             Sunset in Nassau Harbor on Wednesday, Dec. 17 (aka Bonus Night)

This being an Enrichment Voyage our two days are filled with Enrichment sessions featuring a variety of topics relevant to our itinerary. We are so fortunate to have aboard with us several scholars/authors sharing their insights on anthropology, biology, art history, geology, environmental concerns & economic development issues. Whew, that’s a wealth of knowledge we have here!

During our May 2008 Enrichment Voyage, our artist in residence, Ciel Duke,  gave classes that were so popular we’ve invited her back and this time she has a larger classroom and double sessions. And let’s not forget our international folk dancers and many wonderful entertainers that I’ll tell you more about later.

Not only is the level of interest high judging from the packed audiences but our guests are truly engaged in the topics. One of our speakers was so impressed that they could ask her such a relevant and up to the minute question that she did not readily have an answer. She’s delighted to have the challenge and has already dispatched her assistants to investigate.

                                   Enrichment Voyage passengers enjoy time on deck as the

                                  MV Explorer cruises along at 17.3 knots toward St. Bart's

There’s more to come soon. See you in St Bart’s!