Lauren Simone Blogs

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Caribbean Journey. After touring the stunning islands of Tortola, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Antigua, it was time to return to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a city that held special meaning for our family. Matthew and I had visited before, our older daughter, Alyssa had visited, but this was Olivia and Jenna’s first time experiencing its vibrant charm. Arrival and Morning in San Juan We disembarked the cruise ship and dropped our luggage at Patio Elba Hotel (Address: 415 Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan, PR 00901), a cozy and conveniently located spot in...

Our family’s visit to St. Lucia revealed an island of striking contrasts—steep hills, breathtaking views, and warm, welcoming people. Though we missed the waterfalls, the beauty of Marigot Bay and the island’s vibrant spirit made the experience unforgettable and worthy of a return.

Antigua greeted us quietly. We arrived by cruise ship to spend just a few hours, and instead of fanfare or a grand port entrance, we were met with a brief rainfall, closed businesses, and a very low-key welcome. The customs office was open, so we got our passport stamped immediately.  No oversized letters were spelling out the island’s name, no dramatic arrival moment—and the port area itself wasn’t particularly walkable. Still, as is often the case in the Caribbean, the atmosphere shifted quickly. The rain passed, the skies cleared, and sunshine took over. One small but meaningful highlight was earning...

St. Kitts was undeniably beautiful, but the experience was shaped by a lackluster tour. While the island offered stunning views, cultural richness, and memorable moments with monkeys and dolphins, it ultimately felt like a one-day destination that deserved better planning to truly shine.

December 16, 2025—my birthday—and there I was, stepping off a cruise ship with my family into what felt like a full-circle moment. Our next stop was the British Virgin Islands, specifically Tortola. My mom brought me here when I was two years old, but I have no memory of it—so this visit felt like a reintroduction, and honestly, a dream come true. Tortola is the largest and most populated island in the BVI, which itself is made up of more than 60 islands, rocks, and cays—only 16 of them inhabited. With a population of roughly 30,000 people, most living on...