RAINY DOMINICA DRENCHED US!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Enchanted Princess/Rouseau, Dominica
80F, rainy with drops of sun

View from our balcony as 

we arrived in port 

This is the 4^th time we have been to Dominica, a lovely volcanic island with a rainforest, waterfalls, a gorge, crater lakes, active   underwater fumaroles, and expansive coral reefs. Dominica, an island country of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea, lies between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante to the north and Martinque to the south.   Christopher Columbus landed on the island on November 3, 1493. Prior to that it was inhabited by the Carib tribe, which still continues to live on Dominica today.

Known for its Morne Trois Pitons (3  mountains), the highest peak is Morne Diablotin at 4,747 feet. The other two are Morne Trois Piton, a significant volcano, at 4,570 feet, and Morne Watt at 4,016 feet.  There are actually 51 mountains on this island that is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide.  These mountains caused the rain today!

We have taken tours on this island before (rainforest, waterfalls, crater lakes, and whale watching), we decided to trek into the town of Rouseau with our umbrellas, about a mile. In the past we have docked right by the town and school children would sing “Welcome to Dominica” as passengers disembarked—so charming. None of that today as we docked in an industrial area.

Along our walk into town-

nothing wrong with palm trees and a cruise ship 

in the background!

Because of the rain, the straw market was almost empty. We felt really bad for the vendors because few passengers visited the island today.  Rouseau has not been “invaded” by many jewelry and souvenir shops. 

Streets of Rouseau

narrow sidewalk

Empty booths in the straw market

Rouseau

Rouseau

After about an hour, we caught a shuttle back to the ship and headed to Gigi’s Pizzeria by Alfredo. The pizzas are oven fired. TK opted for the four cheese pizza and I had the Margharita pizza, both were very tasty, but not personal pan size.  Salad and dessert were included. This is an upcharge restaurant, but we our package came with two free dinners/each at the restaurants with additional charges.

After lunch we headed to the stateroom to get warm, and get dry shoes for me.  About that time we learned Donna and Lawrence found beach glass at the black sand beach nearby.  It was too wet for us, but the rain had somewhat subsided for them.  

Tim rested until dinner and I started another book. 

Things I learned at dinner: one of our tablemates took a tour in Dominica—her tour guide said that China has given aid to Dominica, building a new high school, as well as a new hospital, Dominica-China Friendship Hospital to replace one destroyed in their last hurricane. The Chinese also built a beautiful huge new Windsor Park Stadium for cricket games for Dominica.

Dinner was the usual banter. Brian is hard at work with ChatGPT and adjusting our photos into cute ones.  Donna gave me a little gift she brought from home, an ornament with beach glass on it and a quote, “It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that really matters. Thank you for being mine.”  So sweet. Donna is a great friend!    

Brian K's fun with ChatGPT:

2010

2010

2016

2026

TK’s Takes:  It was a long walk to the town. We missed out on finding beach glass.  Not a lot of people in the pizzeria at 2 p.m., but it filled up. The 4 cheese pizza had balsamic vinegar on it. The rain made it a disappointing day in all. We liked the other docking area better.

Continuing TK's game: GUESS WHAT FOOD THIS IS!

We appreciate your guesses, and we are 

figuring out prizes for those who participate!