ST. BARTS_Bonjour!
We have arrived at this Caribbean French playground for the rich and famous, but happily they also welcome the not-so-rich unknowns as well.
Shopping here is something like an island version of Rodeo Drive: Lots of high-end brand names that draw the yachting crowd like a magnet. But there are also deals to be had. Some of our new friends came back with jewelry, clothes and accessories that didn’t break the bank.
Normally, Pam would be right there with them, but I’m scheduled for a massage at the L’OCCITANE Spa (the only one at sea) and she is enjoying some downtime at The Dome on deck 7. We later learned the shops on St. Barts close from 1-4 pm, so it just didn’t work with our schedule. Whew.
One of the joys of cruising is meeting people and making new friends, and that’s especially true on this voyage. We have bonded with several other couples and made some new best friends that we are certain to stay in touch with long after this cruise is over. Since World Navigator is a small-class ship, it’s even easier to get know your fellow passengers.
This afternoon there’s a screening of the documentary, “Duty Free,” in the auditorium. It’s a film that details the travails of the director’s (Sian-Pierre Regis) 75-year-old mother, Rebecca, who faces life-changing challenges after losing her job. It’s an upliving journey of discovery for both son and mother, who were both in the audience. Watch for it on PBS — it airs Nov. 22 on Independent Lens.
Even though Pam missed out on the shopping, we have a very special evening planned. Our party of eight is tendering over to St. Barts to dine as one of its finest French restaurants, L’Esprit.
Located several miles from the dock on a winding road, we knew immediately we were in for a memorable evening. With tables spaced among lush, tropical foliage, lit by strings of overhead lights and a full moon overhead, we spent the next three hours in a mecca of food and drink.
On this night they offered a prix fixe menu — a three-course meal priced at 60 Euros. Every course was amazing (I had the pork loin, while Pam went with the Sole), and afterwards we asked the chef to come over so we could applaud his work. It was one of those nights that you don’t want to be over.
But we had to say goodbye so we could catch the last tender back to the ship. Still, we weren’t ready for the night to be over, so a group of us headed up to The Dome for late cocktails and piano music.
It’s going to be hard to top this, but that’s a challenge we’re ready to embrace.
Tomorow: St. Kitts.
PHOTOS: Credit Gerry & Pam Baker
World Navigator at twilight
A full moon shines above the restaurant entrance
Inside L’Esprit the tables are placed among tropical foliage
The pork loin entree
Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
CruiseCompete travel advisors can assist with details and sailings. CruiseCompete also offers shore excursions and cruisetours!
Check out All Things Cruise, our ultimate source for cruise lovers ~ Interested in a land-tour, possibly all-inclusive? Try our VacationCompete site, where trusted vacation specialists compete to offer the best deals! We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions. Thank you.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
