St Maarten

After two nice relaxing days at sea, we docked bright and early in Phillipsburg, on the Dutch side of St Maarten.  We had thought about arranging a private tour for just the six of us, but decided against it, as we really didn't want to pay for the whole day and just use three or so hours in the morning. So we joined a bustling taxi queue and were packed into a semi- air- conditioned van with other travelers headed to Maho (otherwise known as airplane) beach.

We first learned about this airport from the travel channel’s show on the 10 scariest airports in the world and wanted to see for ourselves.  And the kids wanted to swim at the beach, so we figured to kill two birds with one stone.

When we arrived at Maho, there were not to many options for standing so we were lucky to get a seat at the beachfront bar.  It had overpriced beverages and terrible restrooms, but an excellent view.  Brian bravely led the kids down the rocks to a little enclosed area of sand and sea. So they got to "swim" (more like wade) after all.

After watching a few small planes come in to land, it was time for the main attraction- the arrival of KLM's 747.  The excitement in the large crowd grew as the plane was spotted from afar, made a big circle, and came in to land, which seemed only a few feet above our heads!  Truly a thrill and something you'd never experience in the states.  

Totally Awesome

There were more planes to come, of course, but the day was getting even hotter, the kids hungry, and everyone a little cranky.  Service at the bar/restaurant was slow or nonexistent, so we decided to grab a cab back to the ship.   Looking back, I think a private tour would have been the way to go. Maybe visit a swimmable beach on the French side, have lunch, then do the airport and head back.  But, it certainly was a great experience and worth the effort to get there.