We'd selected a seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary. That meant stops in Nassau (Bahamas), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands). Having been to each of these rather unexciting port cities before, I was determined that we would spend our time wisely in each.
For years I'd heard how intelligent dolphins were and about their uncanny ability to communicate with humans. So we registered for the Dolphin Encounter shore excursion ($90 each) in the Bahamas.
Along with 30 other passengers, on a small boat we sailed to a small island and met Andy, a 250-pound, six-year-old dolphin. The experience couldn't have been more artificial and choreographed. While video cameras rolled and still photographers clicked away, groups of 10 tourists at a time got waist deep in water and followed the trainer's directions: Feed a fish to Andy. Feel Andy's smooth belly (but not his slit; that gets him hot). Hug Andy. Let Andy kiss you.
Respecting animals and their wild natures, I could bear it no longer. I knew what was coming next: "Dance with Andy." Call me crazy, but I had little desire to "dance" with a creature born with flippers instead of arms. I bolted from the enclosed pool. If they caught that on tape, it was one of the few images not offered for sale later.
My husband has since requested that I no longer emit the high-pitched "Eek! Eek! Eek!" that mimics Andy. I am trying to respect his wishes.
Chastened by this experience, we curtailed our on-shore visit to the subsequent port, San Juan. The next time we touched land, it was to venture into the jewelry-store-lined streets of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas. I had put in a request for something sparkly, and my good husband did not disappoint. Eek! Eek! Eek!
Photograph appears courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.
