Holland America Line, Rotterdam, Caribbean Cruise, Saint Maarten. 7th Feb 2023. 

 I was very organised and order breakfast as room service for 06.00. But! not as organised as I though as I forgot to put the room number on the order 🤣🤣. So we went to the buffet for breakfast. 

The ship slid into the dock in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten at 08.15 and we were allowed off the ship at 08.30. The ship was due to leave at 16.00, but all aboard time was shown at 15.30; this was to be the pattern for the duration of the cruise. Late getting into port and early leaving 🙄😣. 

I had booked a self hire of an ATV with ATV Island.  The instructions were to go through the cruise port gates and we would be met by a member of the ATV team. this was exactly what happened and we were taken to the depot, a very short way from the port and within 15 minutes we had our ATV, helmets and a map. 

There were lots of Taxi drivers and tour companies at the port if you wanted to be independent and not use the cruise tours. 

ATV Island Map. Sint Maarten. 

I think this ATV, or Quad Bike, was really for one passenger. But we squashed on it! we also were given a few Bungy cords to secure our stuff on to the bike. 

ATV Island Quad Bike 

We set off up the left hand side of the Island, crossing into the quieter French side. 

Stopped at Friars Bay and Friar Beach for our lunch and a swim. Then headed back to the Dutch side of the island to some thing I have wanted to witness for ages. The beach at Maho Bay, where the aircraft come into land at Juliana Airport.  

Well! this is the fantasy picture: 

Not my photo, this is from the Islands tourist board. 

And this is what I saw; 

St. Maarten beach. 

Absolutely over touristy, people packed on the beach and in the bars to get 'the photo'. 

I was very disappointed, but, this is the 'Facebook or Insta' effect.  

Despite my disappointment about the beach / aircraft,  our ride on the AVT around St Maarten / St. Martin was a good day out and we enjoyed ourselves. 

Returning the bike at 15.00 we were back on the ship by 15.20.

Holland America Line, Rotterdam Daily Program 

Back on the ship we had time for a swim and request an Aperol Spritz - but they had run out. Day Four and run out?! then asked for a rose prosecco - ' Sorry we have Run Out', Ok, how about a sparkling water...No, none on board. There was also a problem as there were no drinks menus, they had run out and were being printed. But, I discoverd a new drink, a Mud Slide, they had that. 

Following the step one dance company show of Humanity, we were ready to retire for the night. St Lucía tomorrow.