First stop Grand Turk, never been there. has some stores, a good size Margaritaville complex with pool, restaurant, a flow rider, bars, a DJ. Long beach, somewhat rocky, very crowded, some shade. Get there early to get chairs in the shade. Beach further down(close to Jack's shack) is much nicer, water is clear, no rocks, not crowded, but no shade. We walked the beach, swam, walked around the stores and listened to the DJ, did not order anything there so no opinion on food or drink but heard it was expensive. There were a couple of other drinking/eating spots on the beach, more like beach shacks. Enjoyable day, it rained shortly but it poured and we headed back to the boat which was docked within walking distance.

Grand Turk

Have been to San Juan before. The boat docks close to the old town and there are hop on/hop off free trolleys across the street from the pier. At least 4 other boats in dock and the trolley stops were very crowded. We decided to get on the ferry and head over to the Bacardi factory. Ferry cost $1.00 round trip and then a van for $3.00 takes you to the factory. It was extremely crowded there. We were given 4 tickets each for free Bacardi mixed cocktails, long line to get them but they were pretty good. We drank and waited for a tour, ended up waiting over an hour and decided to go buy a bottle and head back, after someone said it was not worth the wait. Went over to the Sheraton casino to gamble, slots were fairly loose and drinks were strong and free. Good tip ensured good service and we left feeling pretty good. Walked a bit outside of the ships, there are performers on the street and it is an active and lively area. San Juan in general is very nice, lots to do, pretty city, old town is charming.

San Juan

Love this island and have been here before twice. Time was too short in port, would have liked to have had the whole day as there is a lot to do and see and great shopping. We hopped a public bus and went to the French side, Marigot, walked around the market and bought some things.( first price is not the best price). Headed back to the Dutch side also by bus, shopped a bit in Phillipsburg, great liquor prices, free samples and then ended up renting chairs on the beach and swimming, talking to some people off of Celebrity boat who were there for the whole day. Too short and felt rushed.

St. Maarten

As everyone has said this is a beautiful beach and complex, created as an idyllic Caribbean paradise by the cruise lines. The beach is the best beach and reminded me of Bermuda Beaches, pure white powder sand and turquoise water, so clear you can see the fish swimming around. It is a fairly long island but has a tram that takes you around, though we did not see it and we walked most of the length of the beach. There are a multitude of bars, one had live music, there is horse riding, bike riding, boat rentals, lots of lounge chairs, a section of cabanas and small beach houses for day rental. the cruise line hosts a BBQ lunch and has a good size commissary in the back, with covered seating in hut structures. Very nice way to end a great week of cruising.

Half Moon Cay

We attended one of the culinary center demonstrations, which was interesting and fun, we attended two sessions of dancing with the stars, which was fun, a variety of trivia games, a mixology class, art auction( did not buy, just watched, pricing too high), the marriage game, bands playing during the day and a really good steel drummer.The club they have, which is like an old time disco club, did not attract a large crowd and seemed to cater to a younger group
My other comment is that overall the entertainment and activity schedule were good, with tweaking by the social director, it would be excellent
As noted in a previous review, this ship rocked and rolled a bit more then usual.

Westerdam Review

Just Off Westerdam/ 5 Star

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