January Cruise Vacation 2014

St. Maarten is the most attractive Caribbean destination I have been to where attraction is not measured in natural beauty alone. When I last visited on 23 November 2011 [qv], there were six cruise ships in port which I thought might be exceptional. However, there were six again today (or seven if you include Star Clipper). As Holland America Eurodam approached Philipsburg, trailed by sister ship Maasdam, the first four were already berthed. They were (l-r) MSC Musica, Royal Princess, RCCL Freedom of the Seas and Celebrity Summit. 200_P1000906

On another busy day at Philipsburg, St. Maarten, a pair of Holland America ships were the last of six to arrive. Eurodam (on the right) had arrived from San Juan and Maasdam from Fort Lauderdale. Just glimpsed on the far right is RCCL Freedom of the Seas. 200_P1000924

St. Maarten is a wonderful destination frequently visited by cruise ships in large numbers. They make an impressive sight as I noted in on an earlier visit on 23 November 2011. On this occasion, four of the six ships present were RCCL Freedom of the Seas (front, right), Celebrity Summit (front, left), Holland America Maasdam (rear, left) and Holland America Eurodam (rear, right). 200_P1000928

Royal Princess and MSC Musica at St. Maarten. 200_P1000937

Celebrity Summit and RCCL Freedom of the Seas at St. Maarten. 200_P1000941

This panoramic view goes some way towards capturing the atmosphere of a port call at Philipsburg, St. Maarten, my favourite Caribbean destination. There were six cruise ships present on this occasion and Star Clipper (centre). The number of leisure craft is also evident in this sunny scene. The larger ships are (from camera) MSC Musica, Royal Princess, RCCL Freedom of the Seas and Celebrity Summit. 200_P1000961C

In the shadow of six ocean-going cruise ships at St. Maarten was Star Clipper which follows a Caribbean island itinerary. However, according to what I could find online on the day, the Star Clipper should have been away so I do not know why it was in port here. 200_P1000964