We walked back and forth from our ship - close to a mile each way - to the town of Philipsburg a couple of times while at dock. Once to look at the expensive duty-free shops, and once to swim. The touts here are quite friendly and don't hassle cruisers like you might expect. But that wouldn't be nearly enough reason to stay here. By early afternoon the karaoke bars start to compete with one another. And the participants here, are no better than the ones at home. To stay in one of the beach hotels would be hell. If we'd have by-passed Caycoco, San Juan and St. Maarten, on our way to Rome, both Elenka and I would have been much happier.
Notes only