Ahoy there, fellow cruisers! Welcome aboard the Norwegian Sky for this exciting 9-day Caribbean adventure! Today’s port-of-call is the enchanting island of St. Maarten, a unique blend of Dutch and French influences offering a double-dose of cultural charm and adventure.
First, let’s explore the island’s fascinating split personality. The southern part, known as St. Maarten, is Dutch, while the northern part, Saint-Martin, is French. The best side to visit is often debated, but most cruises, including ours, dock on the Dutch side in Philipsburg. Depending on your time in port, you might be able to hop over to the French side without worrying about missing the ship!
Stepping off the ship in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, you’re greeted by a lively boardwalk lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. This area is perfect for grabbing a cool drink, soaking up the sun, and people-watching. Many boardwalk establishments offer deals where if you purchase food and drinks, you can use their beach chairs for the day, making it an ideal spot to relax.
To get to the boardwalk, you can either take a leisurely 10 to 15-minute walk or opt for a water taxi, which runs regular service between the port and the boardwalk for $7 roundtrip per adult. The boardwalk’s atmosphere is reminiscent of Venice Beach in California, with its quirky, laid-back vibe and friendly locals.
Interestingly, our visit fell on a Sunday, which turned out to be an “off-day.” Since this cruise started on a Tuesday, our itinerary didn’t follow the typical 7-day schedule with weekend departures, resulting in us being the only ship in port at each stop. This has been both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is the reduced crowds, with only 2,000 of us exploring the city at once, as opposed to sharing the space with multiple ships and thousands of additional passengers.
The curse, however, is that many local businesses were closed. St. Maarten usually sees several ships at once, but with just our ship in port, many merchants didn’t find it worth opening their shops. About 25% of the stores at the port were closed, and even the usually bustling outdoor beer bars were empty. The boardwalk, typically a hive of activity, felt like a ghost town, with many stores, restaurants, and bars shuttered for the day.
Despite the closures, I made the best of my time. If you’re looking for more adventure, Maho Beach is a must-visit. A short taxi ride away, this famous beach offers the thrilling experience of watching planes land right over your head at Princess Juliana International Airport. For a taste of local culture, consider venturing to the French side to Marigot. This charming town features quaint markets, French cafés, and the historic Fort Louis, which offers stunning views and a bit of history.
While our visit to a quieter St. Maarten was unique, it lacked the vibrant energy of a bustling port day. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable day and a memorable way to spend my birthday!
Speaking of birthdays, for my 53rd celebration, I dined at the ship’s French restaurant, Le Bistro. This is one of three specialty restaurants onboard, alongside La Cucina (Italian) and Cagney’s Steakhouse, with a Sushi Bar also available. The menu at Le Bistro is priced à la carte, similar to restaurants back home, with no discounts. However, dining package holders are entitled to an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert.
My reservation was at 7:45 PM, and my table was ready upon arrival. The intimate restaurant, with its 30 tables, exudes an old Queen Mary vibe, featuring wood paneling, art deco-inspired wall sconces, and dim lighting—perfect for a romantic evening.
My waiter introduced himself and the wine steward, who took my wine order. The meal began with drinks and a baguette, and I started with the Steak Tartare, which was exceptional, albeit lacking enough baguette. The French Onion Soup followed and was good, though not as extraordinary as expected from a French restaurant.
For the main course, I chose the Braised Shank and Roasted Lamb Chop based on my server’s recommendation. It was a superb choice, with tender, flavorful meat. The wine steward kept my glass filled, and the restaurant manager checked in to ensure everything was satisfactory.
Dessert was the Marquise au Chocolat, a dense, rich chocolate delight enhanced by raspberry sauce. The wine steward also offered two port wines and an ice wine, with the reserve port being my favorite.
Overall, the service was impeccable, the food delicious, and the intimate setting made for a perfect birthday dinner. After dinner, I decided to try my luck at the casino. Surprisingly, I couldn’t lose on a Dragon Link machine, hitting bonus after bonus. After two hours, I cashed out nearly $1,000, which significantly reduced my onboard account balance.
Tomorrow, we sail to my favorite port-of-call, San Juan, Puerto Rico. With a short day in port, arriving at 7 AM and departing at 3:30 PM, I’ll make the most of my time there. From San Juan, we’ll enjoy a day at sea before our final stop at Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, on Wednesday.
Stay tuned for more adventures and info on Norwegian’s casino program in my next post!
Norwegian Sky Daily Programs
The daily programs can be viewed or downloaded in PDF format by clicking on each below.