2021 Jun - Windstar / St. Maarten to St. Maarten

Legend

Boat
Driving

Philipsburg, Saint Marteen, Netherlands ‐ Jul 24, 2021

We arrived back in Philipsburg at dawn. As a whole it was a very enjoyable cruise. There were only 126 passengers so the ship was only about 1/3 full. The weather was good with only occasional rain, so the deck was accessible the majority of the time. The staff was exceptional and the food good. Entertainment could use some improvement. We disembarked 8:30 and caught the shuttle to the airport for our flight home. We managed to get though the crowd at customs in JFK, recheck our luggage [...]
, get through security at JFK and arrive at our gate as the plane was boarding.
St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda ‐ Jul 22, 2021

Arrived about 9:00 am and docked. We decide to spend a day on a beach tour. The beach was beautiful and the ocean waters were crystal clear. We were supposed to sail to the other side of the island but because of the wave activity were we were going to dock, we stayed over night at St. Johns. Thus the ship never opened the activity platform on the back of the ship. We sailed about 5:00 pm.
Castries, Saint Lucia ‐ Jul 21, 2021

Arrived at about 8:00 am and docked at the cruise port. We took a tour to see a bee venue. It involved the beekeeper telling the history of bees on the island, a visit to the hives, and finally we made a couple beeswax candles. We than returned to the ship. This was the first stop where we were allowed access to the cruise port shop. Most of the stores were open and we stopped in a couple, but did not buy anything. Sailed about 4:00 pm
Pigeon Island ‐ Jul 20, 2021

Arrived about 8:00 am and anchored off Pigeon Island Park. We tendered to the park and took an Island tour. Windstar had setup a beach party and picnic at the park where we had lunch. We sailed about 5:00 pm.
Bridgetown, Barbados ‐ Jul 19, 2021

Arrived in Barbados about 7:00 am. We decided to take an snorkel tour to several spots along the coast. The first spot was supposed to be where turtles gather, but they had other plans and none were spotted. The second spot was near a sunken ship and small reef. Nice visit but minimal fish. We had a snack at the third spot and just a swim, then headed back to the ship. We sailed about 5:00 pm.
Philipsburg, Saint Marteen port, Netherlands ‐ Jul 17, 2021

On Saturday morning checked out of hotel and caught a taxi to the docks. Check-in procedures included temperature check and another Covid test before boarding the Windstar Breeze. After a lengthy interview we finally got to our cabin and settled in. The ship sailed 7:00 pm and we spent Sunday at sea, lounging by the pool and eating and drinking. Entertainment on the ship was minimal.
Princess Juliana International Airport, Netherlands ‐ Jul 15, 2021

Flight delayed leaving Denver resulting in missed connection at JFK. Had to get a new Covid test at airport and spend the night in New York. Resumed travel the next morning and arrived in Saint Maarten Thursday at noon. Cleared custom and proceeded to Flamingo Beach Resort By Diamond Resorts on Simpson Bay. Hotel on the beach within walking distance of several restaurants. Enjoyed snorkeling in the cove and drinking beer while sunning on the beach and at the pool.