Page 83 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2018

stunning. Ryan had never snorkeled before and it was indeed
an incredible experience to share together. After snorkeling, the
crew took us to a crystal clear, white sand beach where the
rum and punch starting flowing. Swimming, drinking and dance
parties continued throughout the day until we returned to the ship
for some more fun.
Our second port was San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since the
hurricanes hit many of the islands in Fall 2017, I was interested
to learn that these ports were open and ready for tourists. We
walked around Old San Juan on the blue cobblestone streets,
tried mofongo (the country’s signature dish of fried plantains
mashed with garlic) for lunch and took in the colorful city, hand
in hand. At the end of the day, we attended a benefit concert
hosted by the LRBC and Puerto Rico’s Tourism Company. This
free concert for both LRBC cruisers and the people of Puerto Rico Taking in the view at one cruise port in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
helped raise funds for the local non-profit Second Harvest Food Photo by Claire Henderson
Bank, which delivered supplies to many citizens in need after
the hurricane. The concert was a mix of LRBC artists and San a community uniting together through this time. Many island
Juan’s premier salsa and jazz musicians, starring Puerto Rican economies highly depend on tourism, and we felt so blessed
Jerry Medina Salsa Septet, Commander Cody, Tab Benoit and to be able to visit Tortola and support them in the short time we
Taj Mahal. Just think – the sun setting on the ocean, a drink in were there. If you’re thinking about visiting a place that was
your hand and Taj Mahal singing “Corrina” in the beautiful city affected by a hurricane, now is a great time to go and lend
of San Juan – it can hardly get more romantic. Just the memory your support!
of it still makes me swoon. Cruising back to our last port in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we
Our third port was Road Town, Tortola, the largest British thought about visiting the on-board spa, hitting the gym with
Virgin Island. This island was severely hit by Hurricane Irma. its grand view of the ocean and whales spouting nearby,
As we docked, we saw the white sand beaches and exuberant trying our lover’s luck at the casino or sunbathing on the
mountains, but once we got off the boat, the destruction of the upper deck – all is possible on the LRBC – but instead we
hurricane was evident everywhere. Our local tour guide told us opted to take in a few last acts. We wanted to catch a little of
the island’s history, but also gave us insight on how the locals every performance, so we stopped in on Tommy Castro and
are rebuilding their lives. It was a humbling experience to see the Painkillers on the back of the boat, Charlie Musselwhite
on the World Stage with his briefcase full of harmonicas,
Southern Hospitality with Victor Wainwright jamming on
the piano (as he announced the engagement of his friends
on board!) and ended the night dancing under the stars to
Trampled Under Foot.
In Fort Lauderdale, most cruisers said their good-byes,
hopped off the boat and headed home. We stayed in the city
to enjoy one last day of our honeymoon, catching up on sleep
and soaking in a little more sun before returning to the cold-
wet winter in Northern California. We couldn’t have asked for a
better honeymoon full of music, dancing, exploration and above
all, creating these memories
together on the LRBC.

By day, Claire Henderson
works in a physical therapy
office. By early mornings/
evenings/weekends, she is a
photographer and doula. She
lives in Northern California
with her husband Ryan and
Magic Dick (l) and Ronnie Baker Brooks (r) tearing it up on the LRBC outdoor stage. their dog Akira. Ryan and Claire Henderson
Photo by Claire Henderson honeymooning on board the LRBC

Blues Festival Guide 2018 81