13-14 February 2019 - St. Kitts and St. Barthelemy (St. Bart's)

13 February 2019 - Wednesday

Basseterre, St. Kitts

St Kitts and its neighboring island of Nevis constitute one country, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. A 2-mile wide channel known as "The Narrows" separates these islands.   The capital and largest town is Basseterre.  Tourism has taken over from sugar as the major industry here.

Basseterre is a small town with a population of 13, 000  -- it is laid out in a grid pattern.  There are two main centers here:  The Circus targeting tourists and Independence Square where the cathedral, courthouse and older buildings reside.

Enjoying some shade in Independence Park

Phil and I are off the ship shortly after docking at Port Zante Cruise Pier -- very close to town.   Our first impression is a nice little town with friendly people.   We work our way through the tourist area to Independence Square, which had its beginnings as a slave market but is now a large park.  We pop into Immaculate Conception Co-Cathedral.  I notice a small prayer room -- a crucifix on a stand, two kneelers and one chair -- located just to the left of the altar -- interesting arrangement.  

Pat on Independence Sq - with Immaculate Conception Co-Cahedral.

We walk back to the shopping area by the ship -- Phil finds "Champions Entertainment Bar" -- outside but undercover so when the sky opens up -- which it does -- there is shelter.   He gets 2 beers for $5 and they have a restroom with a code.  I thought it interesting that the code for the ladies is 4321 and the men 1234-- apparently they realize that the men are better at counting forward.   I shop while Phil drinks.  Finding a Payless Shoe Store, I purchase a pair of sneakers for $21.

Phil at Champions - St. Kitts

After a stop into a liquor store where Phil buys rum for less than $10, we head to the ship only to be stopped at the gate.  There is a Costa ship docking so we must wait.  And -- wait we do as they only have one guy pulling the big and heavy lines.    Soon we see a helper arrive but our wait is still another half-hour  -- no question we are "on the islands" -- where time is of no consequence.

Rivier on Right  in St. Kitts

Sharon, John, Phil and I have a very nice dinner in the Terrace Cafe.   Sharon regales us with tales of the "drunk" monkeys on St. Kitts as told by their tour guide. 

14 February 2019 - Thursday

Gustavia, Saint-Batthelemy 7:45am to 5:00pm

 St. Barts is known for its beaches and 300 sunny days each year as well as its numerous restaurants and cafes as well as high end shops throughout this very French Island.

This bathing suit cost almost $400 on St. Barts

After breakfast in Horizons, Phil and I meet John and Sharon to embark the tender to Gustavia, St. Barts -- a port we four have previously visited together on an earlier cruise.    The seas are very rough but this driver knows what he's doing and how to ride the waves making his passengers more comfortable.  Sharon and I make a b-line to Longchamp -- which has moved to a much better location since we last visited.  I purchase a large carryall and Sharon a very stylish pair of sunglasses.

Sharon and John on St. Barts

We have no idea where the boys are but they can't have gone far -- so after a short walk down the main drag and a visit to the pharmacy -- we settle into a restaurant just across from the tender pier at a table by the open windows.    Eventually we see them -- they have walked all around the harbor so join us for a beer.  Sharon and I have been watching the line to get on the tender and it has been very long.  I even go over and ask someone at the front what the problem is -- they have no idea.    We are now thinking we'll have lunch on shore.  

Phil and Pat on St. Barts

After a failed search for a satisfactory place to eat -- everything is too crowded  -- we bite the bullet and join the tender line.   It isn't too bad -- about 20 minutes.   We have a late lunch in the Grille on board Riviera.

Line for the Tender - St. Barts

In addition to being Valentine's Day -- today is also Sharon and John's wedding anniversary so we have 8:00 pm reservations at Jacques.  Phil and I bring champagne (given to us by Oceania) to celebrate the occasion.   This is my favorite dinner -- we have such a nice time with Sharon and John and the food and service are flawless.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat