While we are on the “bonus day” Saturday of our cancelled cruise, I will attempt to provide an update from one of our favorite islands so far. The island of Tortola, one of the British Virgin Islands has the best mountain views that we have seen while on this cruise. Here is a quick update and a few photos.
Background/History
From Google: Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It features several white-sand beaches, including Cane Garden Bay and Smuggler’s Cove. Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, has a harbor dotted with sailing boats and is known as a yachting hub. In the island’s southwest, forested Sage Mountain National Park offers trails and sweeping views over neighboring cays.
While under the British flag, the island uses the US dollar as its currency due to the proximity. Hurricane Irma did extensive damage to Totola and we saw some of it, but much has been rebuilt or in progress whereas on other islands not as prosperous, the destruction was still widely evident.
Christopher Columbus “discovered it and soon had English settlers, then the Dutch, and they all brought slaves to work the sugar plantations. The island can be reached by air or sea. We watched several planes coming and leaving.
The harbors were completely filled with boats at anchor and tied up to the many docks. This is obviously their peak tourist season. And it is very popular for boaters to visit for the winter.
Bus Tour
We took the open air bus tour all around the island that took about 3 hours. Making three stops for restroom and shopping. The small narrow roads around and over this small islands were incredibly steep and narrow. They drive on the left side and usually have to pull over when an oncoming car passes.
When ascending the steep banked S-curves, they honk before entering to let oncoming traffic be aware. It was a hairy drive, but I was pretty awestruck looking over the high overlooks. Scenery everywhere. The aqua-blue waters dotted with hundreds of sailboats. Amazing!
Your happy tourists on the open air bus. 
Our cruise ship 
Look at the color of the water
Another view of our bus and driver 
A well done mural depicting island life 
One of the tight turns and steep roads – crazy! 
We stopped for a free drink. It was so-so 
The sun is HOT down here. Must wear hats and SPF gear 
I’ve got crazy eyes for some reason. I’m sober, I swear!
The spirits of everyone onboard has been impressive. The crew that is mostly getting discharged have all been super and professional. The passengers are mostly okay except for having to make several travel plan changes. It is certainly the topic of conversation.
Take care and God Bless
BANANA smoothie with rum punch does sound good while taking in these gorgeous scenes!
Very pretty pictures. Looks like a great stop.
Great pictures and quite an adventure you’re on! Fugitives on the run 🤪. Love your hat Patricia.
I’m excited to actually be sailing there soon 🤞