We woke up this morning to warm Caribbean sunshine. The ship had docked in Philipsburg St Maarten at 7am. We then had a leisurely breakfast before making our way ashore where there was hustle and bustle in the harbour area. As we looked back we got a great view of the Balmoral.
We were welcomed in to St Maarten to the sounds of a Caribbean steel band.
St Maarten is the world’s tiniest island which is shared between two nationalities.The French side to the north is considered part of France and in this historic year the Dutch side of St Maarten has stopped being part of the Netherlands Antilles, and it is now its own little country within the kingdom of the Netherlands.
The views of the mountains and the palm trees are quite spectacular
Each year, the Heineken Regatta is held in St Maarten. Some 200 boats and 3000 sailors come to St Maarten for this Regatta and the island parties !! We could see a number of sailing boats on the sea.
There are 37 beaches on St Maarten which is a tiny 37 square mile island. We saw white sandy beaches with beautiful crystal clear Caribbean blue waters.
The Courthouse is the historical landmark in Philipsburg. It was built in 1793 and has been destroyed several times in hurricanes but has always been restored to its full glory including the pineapple crown at the top !!
We browsed the shops on Front Street and also on Back Street linked by Old Street. Philipsburg has West Indian charm mixed with European style. John is looking for a pair of sandals and I think he tried on every pair in Philipsburg but without success !! I bought a pair of trainers. St Maarten is a Duty Free island so there were the usual jewellers,electronics and alcohol and perfume stores etc.
It was very hot in St Maarten today and we decided to make our way back to the ship by water-taxi. We walked to the quay and got on the awaiting boat.
The water-taxi skipper entertained us with a Caribbean cabaret which we enjoyed very much.
We could see the Balmoral ahead of us standing proudly on the glistening blue sea.
In the evening, a steel band from the island came aboard the Balmoral and entertained the passengers on the Pool Deck.
It was a beautiful warm evening and there was a party atmosphere with crew and passengers dancing to the Caribbean music.
I took a fetching picture of one of the ship’s photographers who was definitely enjoying the Caribbean celebrations !!!
We sailed away from St Maarten at 11pm. We had enjoyed our day in St Maarten very much.
Just to let you know that we are thinking of all our family and friends at home and other places as well !!
Lots and lots of love
from
Sally XX and John XX
sally's space 