Moving Hotels

This has been a common sight in Road Harbour since I've been back. We've had at least one cruise ship in port every other day, and a couple of days with two ships in. Considering that only three total came to the BVIs during my first two months here, the increase in frequency has definitely alerted us that high season is approaching. 

When a ship is in port, it is highly advisable to avoid downtown Road Town. Although not many cruise ship passengers rent vehicles, the assumption among locals is that a cruise ship means bad traffic, which seems to give the local drivers and excuse to drive worse than usual. It is also a good idea to stay away from the beach at Cane Garden Bay, since the majority of on-island excursions, along with the buses that line up at the dock, shuttle cruise passengers directly to that beach. 

Despite the mild traffic annoyances created by having cruise ships in port, I rather like waking up in the morning and seeing them there. The influx of people into downtown helps create a holiday atmosphere. It makes me feel as though I, too, am on vacation, even on days I'm working. I doubt I will ever get tired of sitting on the balcony at sunset, watching these moving hotels maneuver their way out of the Harbour, and head down the Sir Francis Drake Channel to their next destination.