Holland America Line, Rotterdam, Caribbean Cruise, Castries, St Lucía. 8th Feb 2013.

 8th Feb 2023. St Lucia. Israel Water Taxi. 

We were due to dock in Castries, St Lucia at 08.00 today. I got the breakfast order correct today so tea, Danish pastries and fruit was delivered to the cabin at 07.00. 

Holland America Line, Rotterdam at Castries, St Lucia. 

We were cleared to get off the ship at 08.30, but we did not have to rush as I had arranged to hire a boat for the day with Israel Water Taxi and they were picking us up from the end of the cruise pier, but not in the cruise pier. To get to the pick up we had to walk through the cruise port shops, onto the main road, turn left and take a short walk into a wooden market selling touristy stuff. At the back of the market was a dock and Titus and Commie were waiting with an orange speed type boat to greet us.

I had read that St Lucia was hilly and driving was not advised as the roads were narrow and winding, so decided on a day out on the water. 

Titus asked us what we wanted to do and see, We wanted to snorkel, not go on land to the mud baths, but other than that we didn't really know so just went with his suggestions.

St Lucia map 

Leaving Castries bay we turned left, stopping first at the Sea Arch, 

Where some locals just happened to be jumping off, into the sea, for tips of course. 

then on to Marigot Bay, where the rich and famous live. 

Ance Chastanet Beach was our first snorkelling stop, with the Jade Mountain resort looking down on us. The snorkelling was surprisingly good. I saw corals and fish I have not seen before.

We pulled into Soufriere bay and Titus ordered a lunch of chicken, beans and rice for the price of US$ 20.00 each - no change given back from a US$ 50.00 note - so I took that as the tips for the day!

It was cloudy now and the rain was intermittent. 

We went to Sugar Beach to eat the lunch, swim and snorkel some more.

We took a close up look at the Pictons.

Then it was a fast ride back to Castries and we were back on the ship by 15.00. 

All aboard was 15.30, and we left soon after that to sail past the Pictons, the weather had improved and seeing them from a different angle on deck 3.

The Pictons, St Lucia

Things were a bit rushed and manic in the dining room tonight, there did not seem to be sufficient staff. But the food was good, 

For evening entertainment we swapped between BB Kings and the Rolling Stone Rock Room. The band in BB Kings were very good. 

Holland America Line. Rotterdam. Daily Program 

Holland America Line. Rotterdam. Daily Program