We arrived to the port of Philipsburg, Saint Maarten early this morning, and were surprised to see some ships docked already. Within the hour, we counted seven ships. There was the Azamara Quest, Seabourn Odyssey, Oceana Marina, the Star Legend, and us, the N. Statendam. Other vessels were the Star Flyer, a 4 mast tall sailing ship, and the Stad Amsterdam, a 3 mast clipper ship. Not in the count, was the Rhapsody of the Seas, which was anchored out in the bay. In addition, there were a few pretty sleek yachts docked here.
Just a quick reminder, St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world divided between two ruling powers….the Netherlands and the French. It has been that way for 374 years. The entire island is 37 square miles, with 87,000 people, and 37 picture perfect beaches. Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, was big enough for us to explore today.
Even the cruise terminal is spacious with the usual jewelry stores, boutiques, souvenirs shops, eateries and bars. Collecting the free charms, one of us went into Diamonds International and Milano for the little tokens that clip onto their free bracelet. Milano will sell you the necklace for their charms, as they have no clips on the charms.
It was going to be a very warm and humid day, even leaving the ship by 10:30am. Walking out the gate towards downtown, we looked for the cavorting monkeys on the bottom of the hillside. As hard as we tried, we saw none today. But we did meet a very nice couple from Canada, who have been reading our blog. So we had a good conversation about cruising and knee replacements, of all things. Hope we were able to help on all counts.
Following the Boardwalk, we realized that there were fewer people here than the last time we visited. With all of those ships in port, we wondered where all the people were. Probably taking tours, the folks may have come this way in the afternoon. The many bars and cafes along the beach were ready to go. We're still chicken about eating and drinking off of the ship.
There is a long pier where some nice benches are located. We caught a beautiful breeze relaxing there, watching a local dog enjoying the cool waters in the shallow end. He shook off, then followed us, checking out every café along the way. He seemed to know where he could find some crumbs, or handouts from the diners.
On the way back, we cut across to Front Street until we reached Old Street . Missing it the last couple of times we were here, it was a neat narrow alleyway of boutiques and cafes. We had intended on checking out the sweatshirts at the Harley Davidson shop, but they had none for men…..only t-shirts. Figures, they had a perfectly good one for the ladies, but I already have two.
By the time we got back to the ship, it was after 1pm. We needed some ice cold sodas, which we have a refrigerator full. Then ended up staying in our room, snacking on some chips, dips, and peanuts. Lunch in the Lido never happened. For a change it will be nice to be hungry for dinner.
Around 3:30pm, the Azamara Quest left, and after a few announcements for a missing man, we left the port with one long blowing of the ship's horn. Guess this person missed the ship.
As we got away from the island, dozens of boobies followed the ship, diving and fighting for the fish. They always put on quite a show. We stayed on the veranda until it got too chilly, and we ran out of islands to film.
Dinner was the five of us, comparing what we all did for the day. Barb never leaves the ship, with one exception in Curacao. Susie made it to the shopping area off of the ship, and Woody stayed onboard. Don't know how we do it, but we were about the last to leave the room by 10pm.
Tomorrow's port will be St. Lucia, and we will not know until we get there whether or not we will be allowed off of the ship without taking a taxi somewhere. And it will be a Sunday, and not much will be opened anyway.
Bill & Mary Ann
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Report #71 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Saturday-February 26, 2022 Sunny With Clouds 85 Degrees & Hot
