The sunny weather we had been experiencing so far changed a bit as we made our way into Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.
We could see a few clouds coming over the hills as we approached the pier.
It was shaping up to be a busy port day in Sint Maarten. 4 ships were scheduled to make a call. P&O Britannia had already docked as we came in.
We anticipated a few showers, but as our stateroom attendant wisely said: “They have showers and sun in the Tropics, so you can have rainbows.”
As we headed into the pier, an old friend was following us into Philipsburg. We would recognize her anywhere.
Marella Voyager is the former Celebrity Mercury. We have cruised aboard Mercury to Alaska and the Bahamas and made many friends aboard her. Sarah and Dave cruised from Australia to New Zealand aboard Mercury. It was good to see her again.
We left the Reflection and headed downtown. It began to rain lightly – just enough to dampen you, not soak you completely.
Eventually we stopped on the porch of a restaurant until the rain stopped.
Near the restaurant. Not much rain coming down, but there were pudddles everywhere.
It’s easier to walk along the waterfront now as the town has installed a stone walkway. Before you were walking on sand.
Eventually we made our way to Main Street and up one of the side alleys to Back Street.
Nice old hot rod. I did not sit on it as requested.
Back Street was in pretty poor shape when we were here in 2018. It’s still not 100% but it’s a lot better than it was.
The Courthouse is looking pretty good now.
The souvenir shops are a bit cheaper on Back Street and the shopkeepers were friendly.
Shopping right next door to Ray’s Jewelry.
I didn’t go in though. I have enough watches at home to last a lifetime .
Back on Main Street we passed the little chapel we remembered from a previous visit.
The rain was picking up again so we hung out in the foyer of yet another souvenir shop until it slackened.
On our way back now. A good view of the cruise ships in port – Carnival. P&O, Marella, Celebrity.
Back aboard, this was the view from our balcony. Lots of maritime action.
Looks like the folks on the former Mercury are enjoying themselves.
Things brightened up in the afternoon, but we were happy to be back aboard. At least we did get to see a rainbow. Off to Tortola tomorrow.