Holland America Line, Rotterdam, Caribbean Cruise, Basseterre, St Kitts. 11 February 2023.

 11 February 2023. Basseterre, Saint Kitts (and Nevis). 

Arrival was 08.00, the ship arrived on time and we were cleared to get off at 08.30 - (do you see a theme?) and as sailing time was 17.00, or all aboard at 16.30 we had a bit longer to explore.

I had booked an ATV, or Quad rental with Sunny Blue Rentals. The owner was waiting for us just past the port gates and took us to the office. The paperwork was done quickly and we were shown the Quad. It was far better than the one we had in St Maarten. Larger, so seated two adult easily. Newer, so made less noise and had storage under the seats. Sunny Blue gave us a map, and telephone numbers in case we needed them and off we went. 

First stop was the Brimstone Hill Fortress, it opens at 09.30 and they were just unlocking the gates as we arrived. 

The fortress is large and was build between 1690 and 1790, its high on a hill so the views are great, as we were so early and beat the crowds we had plenty of time to explore the buildings. 

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress

The fortress was a worthwhile visit and as we were early we were able to take out time and read all the interesting history of the fort and its occupants. 

Back on the quad we headed for the town of St Pauls. At Fig Tree Bay we started to cross the narrow gauge railway lines that are part of the St Kitts Scenic Railway. 

The St Kitts Scenic Railway is a tourist attraction that takes three hours to make the 30 mile circumnavigation of the island. It was used in the 1920s to transport sugar cane. Although we crossed the tracks many times we did not see the train. 

We stopped at Beaumont Park hoping to call into Arthurs Bar and Restaurant for something to eat, but nothing was open. 

St Kitts 

Then on to Black Rocks, again the wild and windy Atlantic side. Then past the airport and down to Half Moon Bay, were we had lunch. 

On the Southeast Peninsula the Timothy Hill Overlook was busy due to the view of the islands you have from this high point. 

We then spent a bit of time on the calm and warm Turtle beach , Cockleshell Bay and Banana Beach. 

Returning the quad was just as fast as the pick up had been. 

We still had time to walk around Basseterre with its 'Circus' in the centre of town, park and phone boxes. 

All aboard time was 16.30, we both really enjoyed St Kitts and were glad we had had the opportunity to visit it. 

Map Of St Kitts 

Back on board we had time to sun bathe before getting ready for our Dutch inspired meal in the dining room as tonight was the 'Orange Party' - or HALs Dutch themed party. The menu had Dutch food on it and Orange drinks were served at the bars. Some guests went all out and dressed from head to foot in Orange. 

Holland America Line Daily Program

Holland America Line Daily Program