Caribbean Day 8 (St. Maarten)

Day 8 - St. Maarten

Today is the last port of the cruise.  We are going to the Dutch side of the island St. Maarten - an island with a borderless Dutch and French side.  We were hoping to visit Maho Beach where the aircraft come in right over the beach and take off right next to it, but we didn't have time to drive from the port there and back. Also, unfortunately, a lady died there the same week when she was blown headfirst into a concrete wall by the jet engine.  

So, we spent the day relaxing and snorkeling at the "Tiki Hut".  Only a few minute boat ride from the ship, the Tiki Hut was built on a series of floating barges in a peaceful bay.  Next to the barges were areas to snorkel. 




 They had submerged an airplane, submarine, helicopter, and other structures.

Submerged helicopter

Submerged plane

Pelican about 5 feet away

There was also a bay where dozens of pelicans were roosting and you could swim pretty close (although the floor was all spiny anemones which will really sting if you touch them).  We spent about four hours at the Tiki hut - had some good burgers and some cold beverages and then we went back to the port.  



Bix and I hung out at a bar and I taught the girl there about Oranjeboom which is my favorite Dutch beer.  She (and an old guy from the ship crew) said they never heard of it, even though they had both lived in The Netherlands - I only lived there for a summer (but I probably drank more beer than they did).




We had our last dinner aboard with Fredy (sic) and his staff - they were the best waitstaff.  The next day we were back in Puerto Rico and flew home - we all had a great trip!