Today is Oasis of the Seas’ third and final port visit at St. Maarten.
Yesterday we had a letter suggesting not to go over to the French side due to political protests.
I had already booked a shore excursion for the Dutch side so am good.
St. Maarten Morning
Up at 6 am and went to my usual spot for coffee and to journal. Found this wonderful Christmas display had gone up overnight.
I decided to try Johnny Rockets for breakfast. There were already people waiting at the tables outside for them to open.
Servers came out right on time and took the orders of those at tables before seating new tables. The outdoor seating filled up while I was there.
The coffee wasn’t as good as on the Promenade but they kept it filled.
I had the meat scramble minus the onions.
It was good, quick and hot. First time in a while I’ve had hot toast on a ship. I also enjoyed sitting outside.
We were already docked. Other ships in port with us today are Oceania Riviera, Grandeur of the Seas and an Aida ship.
After breakfast I got ready to go ashore and meet my excursion on the pier at 8:45. This is where it wasn’t fun. Found shore excursion and got wrist bands and waited. Finally we left about 20-25 minutes later. Long time to stand and only 1 bench for hundreds of people.
We walked to the water taxi and filled it entirely up. Quick ride to Philipsburg where we were led to the Blue Bitch Bar. We had our choice of chairs that all had umbrellas. I was fortunate enough to get one on the front row.
We also got free wifi and 10% discount on food and beverages from the bar where it had restrooms for us.
Royal wasn’t doing bubble tours where it was just families with unvaccinated children; they’ve been mixed on my two tours and this one was VERY popular with the families.
The water was super calm and there wasn’t any rocks in the water so no problem going without water shoes.
After a couple of hours of in and out of the water, I headed back to the ship. Had to wait about 5 minutes for the water taxi but then another 10 or more for it to leave. Nice ride back.
I wouldn’t do this tour again as it’s quite easy to do the same on your own and save money if more than 1 person.
Water taxi tickets are $7 roundtrip. There were many vendors offering two chairs, umbrella, and free drinks (variety of ways 5 beers or 2 frozen or water/soda) for $25. Some had padded chairs (Holland House for example) and some offered WIFI. Just walk along and pick the one you like best.
St. Maarten Afternoon
Once back at the pier, I just got onboard the ship. Then showered quickly so I could get some lunch at the Windjammer. I had chicken curry and a pork stew over corresponding starch along with a salad.
No coconut cookies today so had another serving of the Mississippi mud cake from last night’s dinner.
Then it was nap time.
Izumi Dinner
Tonight I’m using the third dinner in my dining package at Izumi Hibachi. I got there a few minutes early and was seated next to a family of 3. They didn’t say boo to me the entire night. Very unfriendly. Another couple came and was seated at the other end. The last to arrive were seated by me and very fun. We chatted all evening. Shout out to Michael and Mikey from Springfield!
Service was fantastic. We were brought hot towels to wipe our hands before being given edamame.
Then we had salads.
Several people tried the geisha cocktail. It sounded really good except for the sake. I went with ginger ale using my soda package.
I decided to get the samurai pairing; filet mignon and shrimp. Next was the salad which was good. Then our chef came and introduced himself (Resti).
He started with making the fried rice.
The vegetables were cooked next and the meat followed.
Then came the meat. It was very good. Lastly, he cooked the seafood. Some people had scallops and a few of us had shrimp. The shrimp was overcooked so not as good as it could have been.
Resti said goodbye as we completed our meal. Then dessert was served.
I had the chocolate molten cake and it was good; just too much of it at this point.
I paid a $10 upcharge for this restaurant (not sure why as it’s the same price as Chops) but enjoyed it. The guys next to me invited me to visit their owner’s suite. It was very nice (don’t worry they were gay and my kids ages). I loved the balcony and jetted bathtub. They said the coastal kitchen was so worth it. Some day Steve and I need to splurge. After a soda and chatting, we said our goodbyes.
Note: While dining the ship left about 30 minutes as a group of 8 people were an hour late getting back. I heard later it was an excursion.
Click the image below for today’s entire Cruise Compass PDF.
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