Well, here we are again, visiting the port of Castries, St. Lucia. The last time we were here was January 15th, although it seems like just a few weeks ago. Not much has changed here, except for the fact we were in a different pier – La Place Carenage Shopping Mall. Usually, we dock at Pointe Seraphine, but there was Regent's Mariner and RCI Anthem of the Seas in our spot. Why, we do not know?
Here are a few facts we may have missed the last time around. St. Lucia has 238 square miles, is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. Winter temps are 82 degrees, while in the summer, it can be 88 degrees. Night temps are between 72 to 79 degrees. Sea temps range from 81 to 84 degrees. The annual rainfall is 80 inches during the months of June through November (hurricane season). There are 175,000 residents on this island, with 65,000 of those living here in the capital of Castries. The language is English with French Creole. They use Eastern Caribbean money where the US$ equals EC $2.67. US dollars are gladly accepted as are credit cards (not always American Express). Lastly, St. Lucia became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1979. And that is all we know.
So with today being Sunday once again, almost nothing was opened in downtown Castries. One good thing was due to the proximity of the pier, we were much closer to the Castries Market. Too bad it was 99% closed. We left the ship at 10:30am, after watching many tour groups going off. Some of them were being squeezed into minivans and small buses. Not certain that we would be allowed to go off on our own without hiring a taxi, we called the Front Desk first. They said we were cleared to walk outside the gates after getting a St. Lucia wristband. Guess this identifies us as cruise passengers.
There were a few terminal shops to pass by before going out the doors. Then we were accosted by several taxi drivers wanting to take us on a tour. No thanks was sufficient to fend them off, as they were respectful. There were some locals milling around as we walked around the block of the marketplace. Some were setting up food and drink stands. Crossing over a canal of what appeared to be waste water, we quickly got out of the area. This river of garbage was flowing under the road and directly into the bay. Good thing there are no beaches nearby.
From there, we headed to Seraphine Pointe to check out the two ships docked there. We walked into the complex, and stayed for a while. There was a singer entertaining in the center courtyard of the shops, so we hung around and listened for a bit. There were quite a few people in this terminal today, taking advantage of the outside bars and cafes there. We went all the way to the end and took in the local kids jumping off a pier in the distance. For the first time, we noticed schools of tiny fish in the water. One very big one was working the deeper parts.
Rested up enough, we headed back outside to walk to the N.Statendam. As we cleared the gate, we heard a woman calling us back. Thinking she was a taxi driver, we just kept going. Turning around, we realized this was a security guard, so we stopped until she caught up with us. Assuming that we were on one of the ships docked here, she advised us that we were not allowed to leave the gate on foot. The only way out was to hire a taxi driver who would take us to an approved destination. We explained that we were from the HAL ship across the harbor, and were simply out for a walk. Still not understanding, we showed her our room keys and ID. She was very surprised that we were allowed off the ship, and their two ships were not. Go figure? Satisfied with our explanation, she said it was OK to go.
With that, we left for our walk back, which took maybe 20 minutes. It was a fairly warm and humid morning, and we were building up a big thirst. We had ice cold Cokes in the room with some of the snacks we brought from Ft. Lauderdale. A salad in the Lido at 2:30pm was just enough. At 3:30pm, the Captain came on with his talk, then usually we leave after that. Apparently, one passenger was not onboard yet. That's one thing you do not want to do, is be late in returning. Watching from the veranda, we saw one man pulling a suitcase and walking quickly. Must have been him, because within minutes, we were leaving.
Thank goodness we were moving, because our veranda deck was really hot. We enjoyed sailing out of the bay, then turning left to head towards the Pitons again. Captain Eric blew the horn three times, and the other two ships left behind answered him back. It took maybe 20 minutes, but once he was at the Pitons, he stayed for some time. Since we only have 100 miles to the next port of Barbados, we will have plenty of time to get there.
Dinnertime was spent with Barb in the dining room. By the time we go at 8pm, it is never crowded in there, and we get excellent service. They served the best crispy spring rolls for appetizers. One of us had doubles. Two of us ordered the parmesan crusted chicken breast, while the other had wienerschnitzel. (Can never spell that right.) Desserts were pecan ice cream, crème brulee, and a chocolate sundae without marshmallows. We were all happy campers.
Like we said, tomorrow's port will be Barbados, and we still do not know if we will be allowed to walk about town on our own. Sure hope so.
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, February 7, 2022
Report # 51 Castries, St. Lucia Sunday - February 6, 2022 Mostly sunny & 80 degrees
