Island Hopping in the Eastern Caribbean: An Emerald Princess 5/2/10 Review (w/photos)

[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The sailboats moored in the harbor made for a great subject. I became oddly obsessed with the blue one:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]And this is what a parrot looks like when he drinks too much:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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The Marigot stop was approximately 30 minutes or so and I felt like that was just about right. Just enough time to browse around and grab a pastry before hopping back on the bus.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Here’s the view heading down the mountainside to our final stop, the famous Orient Beach:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]I think we were given just under two hours to spend at Orient Beach, although it seemed a bit shorter than that. Wow, wow, wow was this a gorgeous beach. And it reverted some of us back to an 8th grade mentality! For those of you with kids, there’s really no way to ensure that you’ll avoid the nudity, especially when you first pull up. JR informed us that the only snakes on the island would be found right here at Orient Beach. :eek: And he wasn’t kidding! He gave us a scheduled time to return and being the good man that he is, he doled out more beer as we each hopped off the bus. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Here’s a shot of the famous Orient Beach sign... we were parked very close to it:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]And Mom and I on the beach:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]While editing pictures from this part of the trip, I got a crazy idea to photoshop out our bathing suit straps from that last picture and add a black bar across our chests. I thought it would be hilarious to include this in the review with the title “When in Rome...” ;) Turns out my photoshop skills are better than I thought they'd be and I ended up making the shot a little too realistic. I debated whether or not it was too risqué for the site. I don’t want my thread getting shut down! When I showed it to Mom she couldn’t stop laughing, and then, only half joking, she told me she may lose her job if I post it (after all she works in education). And we don’t want that. Soooooo, unfortunately, no picture for you... just the story! But it’s still going in the scrapbook! :D
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[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Brett and I snagged two chairs and an umbrella for $10 and made ourselves comfortable. There were some better deals on down the beach, so I’d suggest going for a walk before setting up shop at the first chairs you come to. And my parents literally walked the whole time they were on the beach. Up and down it from one side to the other. I got up for a walk at some point, taking the camera along, of course![/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]The beach was littered with signs just like this one:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Hey look... it’s Judy (kittikat) and Corky (kittikats sister)! I totally didn’t know they were in my shot until I opened it up later:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Eventually I saw my parents up ahead, but never could catch up. This paparazzo style shot is super zoomed in:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. The clouds in the sky made it perfect for picture taking:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Back in my chair, I was humored by the reggae guys pushing their albums. I can just hear the conversation taking place between the Rastafarian and this tourist:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Musician: “Hey mon, take a listen to my music.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Tourist: “Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Musician: “C’mon mon, I’m the next Bob Marley, don’t you know?!”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Tourist: “No thanks,”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Musician: “I gotta tell you, you’re really missing out.”[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Uh-oh... looks like this guy’s coming in for the sell. No really, he approached Brett and the conversation was much like the one above. “Don’t believe Musician # 1... he’s just an imposter, I’m really the next Bob Marley, for real man. You don’t believe me? Take a listen... you’ll want to buy right now. And I’ll even give you a deal.”[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]If I’m a betting girl... I’d say the one person on the beach who bought the albums was this white dude with dreads:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]I mean, c’mon, he’s looking for the most authentic island experience possible, no?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Unfortunately, our time at Orient Beach was wrapping up, so we found my parents.[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]And we took a few pictures before hopping back on board the bus. Because we didn't have enough already:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Bernard, who was driving the other bus, hopped on ours and collected the $35 per person fee. I’m still surprised we didn’t all pay up front. $35 per person is a heck of a deal if I may say so myself. Shoot, the alcohol we consumed would have cost that much if we were paying ship prices. I would definitely do this tour again; although, in the future I would maybe be interested in just two of the stops: Maho Beach and Orient Beach. Does anyone know the price of a cab to either of these locations? My parents will actually be back in St. Martin this July and it’s something they’re interested in.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]JR made a stop in Philipsburg, and those of us who were interested in shopping got off here. He took everyone else straight back to the pier. I wasn’t so much interested in shopping, I just wanted to walk through downtown and take in the ambience.[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]After a short walk we found ourselves on Great Bay Beach. Wow... I could totally spend the day here, too. Score some points for St. Martin, because I’m definitely ready to go back! There seem to be a plethora of things to do on the island.[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[Hollybelle]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]I wanted to take the water taxi back, only because I was excited to take some pictures of the ships as we approached. The jokes on me though, because our water taxi was covered and the side railings were so high you really couldn’t see over them too well. [FONT=Wingdings]:rolleyes:[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]I managed two decent shots though, perfect for a diptych:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Back at the dock we took a few more pictures before calling it a day, albeit a very good day:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Whew! Stopping here for now... and next up, we’ll be back on board![/SIZE][/FONT]

[cherylandtk]

Great review and photos Hollybelle, keep em coming
[quote name='Hollybelle']
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Crew member: “This is the front of the line, the back is in the atrium,” as she pointed how to go around.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Guy: “Oh, well if this is the front then perfect,” as he started to stand right next to us.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Crew Member: “I’m sorry, sir, maybe I didn’t make myself clear... the back of the line is through this hallway.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Guy: “Really, you’re going to make us walk all the way to the back.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Crew Member: “Yes sir, this is a line... and that is where you get in the line.”[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Guy: mumbles and shuffles through the hallway to the back of the line.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]She was extremely efficient and polite and wasn’t letting anyone pull anything over on her! If I’d have thought to get her name I would have totally filled out a comment card praising her skills![/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]Geez, I can't believe the nerve of that guy.....

[quote name='Hollybelle'][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]... Does anyone know what the mountainous island behind it is?[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote] I am pretty sure that's Saba island, about 30 miles away.
[quote name='Hollybelle'][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]... I would definitely do this tour again; although, in the future I would maybe be interested in just two of the stops: Maho Beach and Orient Beach. Does anyone know the price of a cab to either of these locations? My parents will actually be back in St. Martin this July and it’s something they’re interested in.[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]$12 to Maho, $18 to Orient beach. Rates for two, each way. Rates are set by zone, be sure they get the chart from their hotel or condo.

[Debbierpof]

[quote name='Hollybelle']

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]And there’s Andy (7x5090g), making his official cameo appearance. [COLOR=Blue][B]Everybody wave hello to Andy:[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
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[/quote]

I'm obviously living vicariously through your review right now, to the point that I actually waved at Andy... :eek: Loving it!!!

[Clutterlady]

Hey Holly, glad you stopped back!! I needed another dose of your great pictures. Sure hope you submit some for the Princess photo contest, some are professional quality:)

[PatriciaF]

I laughed when I read about not realizing people you knew were in the background of your pictures and your words and pictures of Orient Beach.

After we got home from St. Marten, we were looking through the photos we took at Orient Beach and, surprise, one of our tablemates topless and a woman from the table next to us, also topless!

Keep the words and pictures coming!

[bakjong]

did the oil spill affect the places you were at? and how is it now? Thinking of taking a cruise from Miami to Princess Cays, Bahamas, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Islands and Cozumel, Mexico this July. Wife and I were just worry about the water condition due to the spill.

Thanks

[canusa]

I'm loving your review and pictures. I'll be on the same cruise on the 30th. Can't wait:D

[BalconyGal]

HOLLY POST 169 PIC 1 is breathtaking. It could be a postcard!

[7x5090g]

[quote name='Hollybelle']


[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]And there’s Andy (7x5090g), making his official cameo appearance. Everybody wave hello to Andy:[/SIZE][/FONT]

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[/quote]

Thank you Holly, been waiting for this for what seems like eternity :D. You see this picture was taken, what, 16 days ago?

This is where our threads cross paths.

Everyone says hi to Holly and her Dad (wait is that the same beer in her hand!!) - Any my little point and shoot up against Holly's nice DSLR. My Nikon wasn't with me yet.

[IMG]http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz292/7x5090g/Day%204%20-%20St%20Maarten/P1050726.jpg[/IMG]

Sorry Holly but I'd like to hook this back up to my review thread.
[URL]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=24407295&postcount=123[/URL]

I am re-living the cruise all over again. Thanks Holly.

[7x5090g]

[quote name='Hollybelle'][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]There was a bit of a break in the planes’ arrivals so I zoomed the lens in on a sailboat. Does anyone know what the mountainous island behind it is?[/SIZE][/FONT] It's to the left of the boat and kind of hard to make out in this shot:

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If I think your camera is pointing to South South East, than that would be Saba Island (part of St Kitts and Nevis Island chain). If you were pointing the camera more to the West, than that would be the island of St Croix. I think the chances are the former due to the proxmity.


[quote name='Hollybelle']

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]All too soon we had to leave the Sunset Bar and Grill and Maho Beach behind. I’m no plane buff, but I did thoroughly enjoy this experience. I’d say we were at Maho for about 30-45 minutes, but I really do wish this part of the excursion had been longer; I would have had no problem making myself very comfortable at the bar.[/SIZE][/FONT]


[/quote]


Well Holly you should. I AM a plane buff and let me tell you if the Air France A340 lands over that beach (it's at least twice the size of that Continental B737, if not more), you really need to hang on to everything you have on you. The bigger the jet, the lower they have to come in and I have actually seen (in videos of course), that the sea water actually got parted as the jumbos fly in.

Then again, having a few more drinks at Sunset would also lead to things that you would normally not do - e.g. stand behind the fence against the end of the runway and wait for a B747 rev up her 4 giant engines. She flies and so will tou :D

[7x5090g]

[quote name='bakjong']did the oil spill affect the places you were at? and how is it now? Thinking of taking a cruise from Miami to Princess Cays, Bahamas, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Islands and Cozumel, Mexico this July. Wife and I were just worry about the water condition due to the spill.

Thanks[/quote]

We were on the eastern side and never even came close to the spill.

Sorry I answered Holly's thread as if it was mine. As you obviously know by now Holly and I were on the same cruise.

[SunshneNC]

[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Hi Hollybelle![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Your review and beautiful pictures made me book the Emerald Princess for September 12. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Favorite part of the cruise or ship?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Least favorite part of the cruise or ship?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Thanks! Tammie[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Buffalofirsttimer4]

Hey u- great review so far-haven't even begun mine yet, thanks for taking such great photos and writing such vivid details because I'm reliving it through you. :) I just grabbed a cold Corona and thought of our laugh together!

DH & I took a cab to Orient Beach- price depends on the number of people- $18 if just 2, but can go down to $6 a person if more than 6. I believe the government dictates the pricing. It was the most relaxing day... and yes my top came off :D-been doing it since we started doing AI's, my philosophy is you only live once and you better enjoy it because it will pass you by. ;)

Happy Sailing!

[traic73]

Hollybelle - great review, absolutely amazing pics. Like you, I just snap away at random pictures and see what I end up with when I upload everything to the mac once I return home. What kind of cameras do you use?
Looking forward to more info, I am on the Emerald with my family (total of 11) last week of June!

[lovevacadays]

Wow, I haven't been on Cruise Critic much this week and am just seeing your thread. Very fun and glad to hear you and your parents enjoyed your Princess cruise

[NYGirl1002]

Holly...great review and great pics. I feel like I'm there with you. You are a great writer...and photographer. Thanks for the review.

[7x5090g]

Hey Hollybelle, Buffalofirsttimer4, CruiseCheers, kittikat and kittikat_sister etc, etc:

Have your credit cards been billed by Princess yet? My bar bill still have not shown up on my card yet and it has been almost 2 weeks since I got off the ship. I wonder if they forgot:D

[7x5090g]

[quote name='Hollybelle']




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[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]I mean, c’mon, he’s looking for the most authentic island experience possible, no?[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

Hey Holly:

Could not resist to ask - What side of the beach did you take this picture from? The way you cropped the picture makes me wonder:eek: :eek:

I am cracking up as I type. Especially looking at the caption below this picture that you took (at Orient Bay of all places) !!

[Hollybelle]

[quote name='cherylandtk']Great review and photos Hollybelle, keep em coming
Geez, I can't believe the nerve of that guy.....

I am pretty sure that's Saba island, about 30 miles away.
$12 to Maho, $18 to Orient beach. Rates for two, each way. Rates are set by zone, be sure they get the chart from their hotel or condo.[/quote]

You're a wealth of knowledge!! Thanks for the info on the cab fares. They'll be there by cruise ship AGAIN. As for the guy on the ship... there's a few in every crowd. :rolleyes:

[quote name='Debbierpof']I'm obviously living vicariously through your review right now, to the point that I actually waved at Andy... :eek: Loving it!!![/quote]

That's funny! Could you also taste the rum?!?!

[quote name='Clutterlady']Hey Holly, glad you stopped back!! I needed another dose of your great pictures. Sure hope you submit some for the Princess photo contest, some are professional quality:)[/quote]

Why thank you, Louise! I don't know which to choose for the contest... I know I have some of my own favorites, but I think it's more a matter of picking "the one" they're looking for. And there's really no way to know that! Mostly, I think the caption/brief description bring it to life. So we'll have to see.