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St. Barts: Media Profile, Our Experience, Pix's!!


TLCOhio
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From the Tribune news service in the U.S. late this month, they have this appealing headline: "On St. Barts, azure water, white sand" with this part of their subhead: "It’s hard to get there, and that gives the island a refined quiet". Today, this story with many pictures was running as the lead in our local newspaper in Central Ohio.

 

Here are some of the story highlights: "Exclusivity is bred by inaccessibility, and the very difficulty in getting to St. Barts makes it a destination for the sort of people who want quiet, sophisticated relaxation. The bulging cruise ships moored in Philipsburg are too large to dock in St. Barts. There are no big hotels, and those on the island offer only 500 or so rooms in total. Add to that about 450 villas for rent and the fact that none of it comes cheap, and you have a luxury travel fantasy: an implausibly refined Caribbean island."

 

In February 2015, our smaller cruise ship with just 259 passenger came over in late afternoon from crowded and congested St. Maartens, allowing us that evening there, plus being able to be there all of the next day. Lots of surprises and fun since things were not crowded on St. Barts and they were having the wrap-up to their Carnival that evening. You can see some of my pictures below, plus more from here and other locations in the Caribbean on my live/blog connected below. If any added comments and/or questions, just post on my live/blog and I will be happy to respond.

 

One picture has this heading: "St. Barts (St.-Barths in French) feels like Paris with a beach".

 

For flying in, the Tribune writer noted: "Riding in an airplane about the size of a banquet table, you make the landing approach by skimming over a hilltop, then diving down to an undulating runway. If all goes according to the flight plan, you come to a halt before tipping into St. Jean Bay."

 

We super loved seeing St. Barts in the day-time. We hired a cab driver for an hour plus tour. It's not a big island and his family came from France to settle here. That was a long time ago as he is the seventh generation of his family to be on this island. He knew the island well. Below are the start for some of my photo highlights. Had to work very hard just to narrow down these selections down to only a few pictures. So much wonderful to see and do on St. Barts. Loved it!!

 

Full stories at:

http://www.startribune.com/on-st-barts-azure-water-white-sand-and-a-hungry-turtle/322432831/

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/travel/2015/08/30/1-st-barts-art-gvt1318b2-1.html

Travel information at st-barths.com

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 27,726 views for these postings.

 

 

Our private taxi tour started with a close view of this religious icon and the historic lighthouse that overlook the main part of town. Next are two views from this high location of their harbor and the nearby areas where boats are anchored. Great sky and waters during our day visit!:

 

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The St. Barts airport is unique! Why? The runway is super short and then it is very sloped, too. Plus, the challenges of coming in over the hill and then the runway ending right at the water's edge. The first visual shows the look of this airport from the opposite side. The second and third pictures reflect one of the small 22-passenger planes getting ready to take off and then lifting off as it nears the end of the runway. Look exciting to fly in and out of here? Glad that we came by a larger ship and its more stable tenders.:

 

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Appreciate your interest and patience as I share more details and visuals on St. Barts, our experiences there, etc.

 

There is so much wonderful beauty in St. Barts. So glad that our final cruise schedule got "flipped" to finish here after doing St. Maartens the day prior. It was like "frosting" on the cake for a perfect treat of an overall trip, including ten different islands in the Caribbean.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 117,699 views for this posting.

 

 

Here are some more and varied island sights during our taxi tour, including cactus on this very dry island that has little or no natural, fresh water sources. Plus, more and varied beaches, resort settings, etc., views and sampling. And, even a pirate shop, too!! Our grandsons liked us getting some items related to pirates.:

 

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Some of the luxury homes on this island have great locations and views. But, they are NOT "priceless". Some in this area might be rented for $60K. That's a week, not per month or per year.:

 

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This famed location is known for its chic French ambience and cuisine and white-sand beaches. St. Barts has gain attention as a favorite getaway spot among celebrity jet-setters. Then in February 2015, we got to be the ones here!! Hope this fact does not ruin its image.

 

Our ship arrived here around 6:30 pm and we enjoyed a small, preview sampling of this stony, volcanic, eight-square-mile island. As background, St. Barts has no fresh water and little workable land. It is named for Christopher Columbus' brother, Bartolomeo, St. Barthelemy. It is located near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles group in the West Indies, 12 miles east of St. Maarten.

 

Many St. Bartians are descendants of 17th-century settlers from Brittany and Normandy. In the 18th century, France leased the island to Sweden in exchange for trading rights to the Baltic. Almost a century later, locals voted to restore rule to the French. Today, St. Barts, with its population of about 9,000, is a dependency of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe.

 

The island's beaches lend themselves to water sports, from windsurfing, scuba-diving and snorkeling to jet-skiing, sailing and deep-sea fishing. Whales pass by during migration periods, and dolphins are frequently spotted -- and might even frolic near the bows of ships.

 

We got a little sample for why the claims are correct that this is a place where conspicuous consumption is on display in the form of mega-yachts, elegant designer boutiques and fine dining. But, lunch or dinner at one of the island's top restaurants can be a major hit to your credit card. Did we need to pay that price for more Frequent Flyer points???

 

It is easy here to imagine you've been transported to the south of France (Antibes or St. Tropez). YES, it is "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" here. This is also where Jimmy Buffet wrote his famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise” song. See one of my pictures below. That event was on the cantina patio of 'Le Select. St. Barts is supposed to be Jimmy Buffet’s favorite Caribbean Island. He wrote this song while drinkin' a cold one there.

 

Below are a few of my photo samples from that night on St. Barts. More to come!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 184,816 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here are two samples of the night views at Shell Beach on St. Barts that is just a few blocks from the main harbor/downtown. This is where they had the beach burning conclusion for their Carnival activities. We returned back to this famed beach the next day. More pictures from here later.:

 

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In the main part of this town, we were able to catch up with where the final parade/activities of their Carnival period were starting. Lots of super loud drums and seeing the straw-made statute being readied that would be carried to the beach to be an "ending" final ceremony for this pre-religious holiday.:

 

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Here are some added St. Barts night activities and a sampling from their final night of the Carnival action.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 203,557 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Here are a few more items of photo proof for the loud, loud drum action as the parade/procession was starting with the "straw statute" to go to the beach. It was great fun and a super experience to capture samples from these different Carnival examples at three different Caribbean islands. Each location was varied and very special in their own ways.:

 

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Here is my picture/memory from standing on the outdoor patio at this location celebrated as the place where Jimmy Buffet came up with his famed "Cheeseburger in Paradise" ballad. Cool signage?:

 

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And luxury ships? We lots lots of them during our night there, seen both tendering in from our ship and in the port. Lots of mega sail boats for the rich were anchored off-shore in this high-end port. This one yacht shown below has a unique name. If you want to be "Incognito", then why have the name lighted up in bold, loud lettering with dramatic lighting?:

 

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Here is another part from our wonderful visit to St. Barts with more of a sampling from its main harbor/city. Lots of shops, banks, dining places, etc., are here. BUT, no need to buy much "stuff" here for our personal needs. Just "looking" was good enough for our interests and wallets.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 27,726 views for these postings.

 

 

Here is another view from a high location showing water action, etc. Plus some sights in and around its main capital town shopping areas.:

 

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This building street signage reflects how things are marked here in BOTH French and Swedish wording to reflect its history here.:

 

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Here is the exterior and interior for this historic church in the main downtown/port area.:

 

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These Mini Cooper convertibles are the official "party car" that is seen all over this island. Fun!!:

 

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After seeing St. Barts' Shell Beach the night before, we had this opportunity to sample its style and beauty under the perfect conditions of nice sun, refreshing breezes, soft waves, etc. Great, wonderful location and setting. Do my pictures below prove and verify these claims/statements?

 

Have others on these Cruise Critic boards previously visited and enjoyed this St. Barts location? Or, is it upcoming on your future travel schedule?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 53,832 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

Here are my samples from our visit that day to Shell Beach. Its location is so close and handy from the main port area of St. Barts. Yes, they have real shells there on this beach!! Plus, a scenic option/location to have lunch, dinner and/or drinks there overlooking this beach, the beautiful waters, etc.:

 

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Have lots more fun visuals from in and around St. Barts, but hopefully these samples reflect our love for this very upscale island. Sorry, we did not see any celebrities. At least that we recognized. Maybe we saw some "rich folks", but these types are harder to spot with certainty as everyone walks around fairly casual and relaxed.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Shopping? Yes, it's here in St. Barts. Not just in the main town of Gustavia, but in various villages around on this compact island. Second is the interior of a nice book/art story in their main downtown. Third, my wife stands in the shopping area with two of the big names here in back of her. But I got her out of their before needing to make any purchases!:

 

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Lots of interesting and varied architecture here in St. Barts. Much is French in style. Many of the building have balconies. Lots for the eye and brain to absorb and remember.:

 

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Here is another view of the St. Barts lighthouse and religious icon.:

 

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Finally, there are many fancy yachts here. Just to spark your creativity about what boat to purchase next, this is one example, including its space to store small boat/crafts on board for your long sailings.:

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...
Thanks this is awesome!

 

Appreciate your interest and kind comments. As a reward/bonus, below are a few more visuals of my many shots and views from being in and around St. Barts during a love evening and day visiting period. Hope you enjoy!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 28,750 views for these postings.

 

 

Here are a variety of views from in and around St. Barts. This includes looking out to the water to see many wonderful boats, folks dining outside where Jimmy Buffet's famed cheeseburger song was composed, the historic fort that overlooks the port area, a cemetery location, salt production areas on the island and fancy yachts at night in the harbor.:

 

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  • 1 month later...

From CNN this morning, they have this headline: "Caribbean's most dramatic landing strips" with a range of information on Caribbean's most dramatic landing strips.

 

Regarding St. Barts, here are some of the highlights: "St. Barths, a retreat of the rich and the famous, is known for its dizzying airport approach. Planes descend down a steep slope, over green hilltops with the turquoise sea beyond, onto a 650-meter-long runway."

 

This story details: "Thrill-seeking aviation buffs with deep pockets might soon get a chance to embark on a trip of their dreams. PrivateFly, a global booking service for private jet charter, has launched a travel itinerary that takes passengers on a tour of the Caribbean's most dramatic landing strips."

 

Also from the New York Post earlier this year in late January, here is their headline: "Where to eat, stay and play on divinely chic St. Barts" with these story highlights: "Every New Year’s Eve, St. Barts becomes the Babylon of the Caribbean — with celebrities like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Rihanna and Leo DiCaprio (along with his model entourage) partying in lavish hillside villas and on gargantuan yachts. Now that the VIPs have (mostly) cleared out, this French territory has returned to its naturally chic state — and anyone can indulge (provided you have the funds)."

 

This profile offers a number of tips and ideas for where to stay, eat and "secrets" for adjusting when visiting this unique and special resort island. Good news? Not too crowded! Bad news? Not cheap!

 

Full stories at:

http://www.wptz.com/the-caribbeans-most-dramatic-landing-strips/36473434

http://nypost.com/2015/01/26/where-to-eat-stay-and-play-on-divinely-chic-st-barts/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 126,206 views for this posting.

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  • 1 month later...

From this news source two days ago, they have this headline: "Seeing stars as celebrities fly in for a Caribbean Christmas" featuring details from a story looking at the holiday habits/likes for those visiting these various islands.

 

Here are some of the highlights focused on St. Barts: "Every Christmas, celebrities swap an uncomfortably cool Yule, for sun, sea and sand, and an icy rum punch or two, on the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean. You can almost set your watch by the annual arrival in Barbados of Simon Cowell. Neighboring locations, including St Barts, Turks and Caicos, and Jamaica, are also hotbeds of celebrity activity during the busy winter month. St Barts is the 'less flashy cousin of Barbados,' attracting a higher calibre of celebrity, according to the Daily Mail. Many of the A-List clientele prefer to rent private villas and they tend to keep themselves to themselves once there, avoiding the crowds. Russell Simmons owns a home there and has hosted an annual Christmas party on the island for the last 16 years, which has been attended by everyone from Leonard DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire to Rita Ora. On New Year’s Eve last year, Roman Abramovich, who owns a multi-million dollar villa on the island, and P Diddy both held enormous parties on their yachts that drew in guests from all over the world. The year before, Denzel Washington, Victoria Silvstedt and Bjorn Borg all visited during the festive season and Donatella Versace, Jon Bon Jovi, Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Naomi Watts have all made the trip in previous years. The draw for the big names is said to be the small size of the island – it has a population of just 35,000 – and how difficult it is to get to, which makes it less of a target for paparazzi and celebrity spotters than Barbados."

 

We were on St. Barts in February, but apparently the media folks did not mention us, nor consider us as "celebrities"!! Oh, well, we will survive just fine without the attention and having our pictures in the UK's Daily Mail!

 

Full story at:

http://www.caribbean360.com/travel/seeing-stars-as-celebrities-fly-in-for-a-caribbean-christmas

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 191,160 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

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From the USA Today newspaper earlier this month, they have this headline: "St. Barts serves up a taste of France closer to home" with these highlights: "You’re roughly 1,700 miles from the eastern United States, but you feel doubly far away: You could swear you’re in the south of France. Just like St. Tropez and Monaco, St. Barts is lovely and uninhibited. It’s also expensive — arguably the priciest island in the Caribbean. It’s hard to believe that a little more than 50 years ago, St. Barts was an isolated island with a struggling economy. Even though Christopher Columbus 'discovered' it in 1493 (naming it St. Barthélemy after his brother, Bartolomeo), it took centuries for it to find its footing. It passed between the Maltese, Swedish and French and endured wars and natural disasters. With hardly any rain on the island (save for the occasional hurricane), there was precious little to export."

 

Lots of other interesting details, many pictures, etc., are contained in this USA Today profile.

 

On the celebrity front for St. Barts, the Daily Mail and others are having more and more stories with lots of pictures on the celebrities being busy on this island. The latest documented folks include famed Star Wars producer George Lucas, Sir Paul McCarthy, Russian billionaire and play pals, etc.

 

From Forbes magazine two days ago, they have this headline: "Superyacht Showdown: Who's Who in St. Barts for New Year's Eve" with these highlights: "Every year the french-speaking Caribbean island hosts the best holiday parties on private yachts and in the exclusive beach clubs. I was fortunate to have visited this amazing party island for several years during New Years and can attest to the decadence and luxury that only the most wealthy travelers can experience. Famous faces like; Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna, Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Lindsay Lohan, Lana Del Rey, Salma Hayek, Channing Tatum, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Rachel Zoe have all celebrated the New Year from St. Bart’s famed beach. This year Ellen DeGeneres, Marc Jacobs, Paul McCartney, Kris Jenner, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Robin Thicke, DiCaprio and many others have landed."

 

Still awaiting FedEx to drop off my invitations and private jet details as to how we will be returning to St. Barts for these fun parties. Should I keep hoping to be included for Jan. 1, 2016 events?

 

Full stories at:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/12/19/st-barts-serves-up-taste-france-closer-home/77560038/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3378765/George-Lucas-goes-hand-hand-wife-Melody-Hobson-St-Barts.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3378342/Sir-Paul-McCartney-73-leggy-wife-Nancy-Shevell-56-set-sail-romantic-boatride-enjoy-getaway-St-Barts.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2015/12/28/superyacht-showdown-whos-who-in-st-barts-for-new-years-eve/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 55,833 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

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Thanks so much! We will be visiting there in March.

 

Appreciate your follow-up. Hope when you are in St. Barts in March that the weather and things work well. When you return, report back and post here some of your highlights, what you enjoyed most there, etc.

 

Enjoyed on your post seeing the two of you at amazing Ephesus along the Turkish coast. Lots of great history at that site. Below are two of my favorite pictures from doing an evening concert at this same location. Just slightly off topic, but part of sharing travel, adventure fun that is so important on these Cruise Critic boards!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 131,261 views for this posting.

 

Here is the wider view as we enjoyed a night concert in front of the historic library at Ephesus with the sun getting ready to set. This Library of Celsus was built in honor of a Roman Senator and completed in 135 AD by his son, a Roman Consul and powerful official. The library was built to store 12,000 scrolls and to serve as a tomb for his father. The interior of the library and all its books were destroyed by fire in an earthquake in 262 AD. Only the facade survived, but was later destroyed by another earthquake. In a restoration during the 1960's and 1970's, the front was restored and serves as a key example of Roman public architecture.:

 

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After the sun has set, here is a closer angle of the the Ephesus library as its dramatic lighting adds to the significant visual impact at this location.:

 

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Edited by TLCOhio
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Beautiful photos of Ephesus library. Having visited there, twice, we did not get the opportunity to be there in the evening. :(

 

Thank you for posting these articles and photos of St. Barts. We will be there for the first time next month with Oceania.

 

Did you find a taxi near the dock, or hire someone ahead of your trip? We are trying to decide what to do there. DH wants to go to the beach. Is Shell Beach the closest and best? Anything else you can tell us about fees, etc.?

 

I would like to take a whole island tour and maybe stop by Shell Beach for a little walk and shell collecting before heading back to the ship.

 

We will probably come back out in the evening after dinner on the ship, as we will be in port until 11:00pm.

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Beautiful photos of Ephesus library. Having visited there, twice, we did not get the opportunity to be there in the evening. Thank you for posting these articles and photos of St. Barts. We will be there for the first time next month with Oceania. Did you find a taxi near the dock, or hire someone ahead of your trip? We are trying to decide what to do there. DH wants to go to the beach. Is Shell Beach the closest and best? Anything else you can tell us about fees, etc.? I would like to take a whole island tour and maybe stop by Shell Beach for a little walk and shell collecting before heading back to the ship. We will probably come back out in the evening after dinner on the ship, as we will be in port until 11:00pm.

 

Appreciate your nice comments and follow-up. Yes, we did find a taxi right near the dock. BUT, here is a suggestion/tip from doing this type of "taxi tour" in a number of different ports. FIRST, talk up the potential driver. Make sure that you can communicate and understand this individual. Also, if that driver has a little "personality" and/or love of their home area, that will make your "tour" work out so much better, etc.

 

Good luck on your upcoming visit to St. Barts. Glad you have time there in the evening.

 

On Shell Beach, yes, it is close and fairly handy. There are other nice, scenic beaches on this island, but then you logistics for getting there and back are more challenging. Any other questions and/or interests?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 30,560 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

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  • 2 months later...

To update for those interested in exciting visuals and different locations, we are back safely from four weeks in South Africa, Botswana, etc. Very different from St. Barts and the Caribbean!!

 

We enjoyed great sights, many safari/animal experiences and wonderful adventure times!! Lots of pictures on my live/blog and this trip detailing can be seen at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Now over 10,300 views for this reporting that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Delta area with lions, leopards, cape buffalo, elephants, giraffes, hippos, etc., etc.

 

Ohio was not too bad for the time while we traveled below the Equator this year, but the weather for these southern parts of Africa was much warmer and sunnier than what we would have experienced in the Midwest during these challenging winter periods.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at nearly 138,000 views for this posting.

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  • 2 weeks later...
St. Barth's is indeed a special place --- really lovely, kept uncrowded by rigid immigration controls - it is a remote slice of France - made even pricier than Paris by its remote location. I am still saving up for a hopefully-early HAL Canada/NE sailing -- which few itineraries seem to carry a far higher per diem charge than any other of HAL's itineraries: a clear demonstration of supply and demand pricing.

 

This above comment on another posting might be of interest. Yes, St. Barts is a special place that gets lots of media and celebrity interest, publicity and attention. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they have this headline: "Away We Go to St. Barthélemy" with a large number of fashion photos and views from around on this scenic location.

 

One of their WSJ sub-heads had this summary highlight: "Pack a bag and escape to St. Barthélemy, where commutes happen on the back of a Moke, the only deadline is the sunset and there’s nothing more to worry about than which carefree look to choose." Fun summary and pictures!! Below is one example from their WSJ visual sampling.

 

In the past few weeks, there have been a decent number of various celebrities pictured in the media such as David Letterman (in a beard and balding), football/TV star Michael Strahan, Rupert Murdoch's ex Wendi Deng, Sting, Caroline Kennedy, etc.. They were all super enjoying St. Bart's as we did last year.

 

Also, the London/UK Daily Mail Telegraph in early March, they had this headline: "St Barts: the sexiest island in the Caribbean". Here are some of that story's highlights: "St Barts has always been sexy, but I found myself on the island in the middle of the Victoria’s Secret swimwear shoot. As I lay on St Jean beach I looked up to see men with lighting umbrellas and cameras. I didn’t even have time to find out whether the model was wearing a Flirt Bandeau or a Hottie Halter. It was a fitting scene. St Barts is unquestionably the sexiest island in the Caribbean and has inimitable French style. Pretty young things – men and women – zip by on quad bikes and loiter on the beaches. The streets of the main town are lined with Hermès, Chopard and Bulgari. And the restaurants outstrip those on any other island. St Barts is expensive and feels more metropolitan French than French West Indian Clearly the island is doing something right."

 

Here is a little more from this profile on St. Barts: "It’s this level of sophistication that sets St Barts apart. Importers actually bring wine in young to minimise the damage from sea travel. The prize for the introduction of the most exotic new ingredient for this year must go to L’Isola, still one of the island’s most popular restaurants, which has added Mediterranean blue lobster to its menu."

 

Full stories at:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/away-we-go-to-st-barthelemy-1459350070

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/caribbean/st-barts/articles/st-barts-new-openings-in-the-sexiest-island-in-the-caribbean/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 28,282 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

With this island's famously short and challenged airport runway in the background, here is one of the fashion examples from this Wall Street Journal photo profile this morning.:

 

Africa2016PixsC7_zps14hcnvwj.jpg

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From the London/UK Daily Mail on Friday, they have this headline: "Shocking moment plane GRAZED tourist as he tried to capture the perfect shot at one of the world's most dangerous airports" with these highlights: "In the shocking 360-degree video, the tourist stands in the path of the small plane and ducks just in time – narrowly avoiding certain death – as the plane buzzes overhead. The wild scene was captured by a fellow plane spotter as photographers gathered near the Gustaf III Airport runway on the picturesque Caribbean island of St Barts. Local resident and videographer Sebastien Politano, who captured footage of the astonishing moment, said one of the plane's wheels made contact with the man."

 

Interesting story and pictures!! It is nice to know that we had been there. We saw a plane take off, but we did not experience the thrill and/or scare of an airplane landing so tight to the roadway spot where I stood and took pictures down to the main runway area. Below are a couple of pictures from the Daily Mail visual story. This story also noted: "And the takeoff is just as exhilarating as the landing. Departing planes lift off over a beach at the end of the runway, where signs are posted warning beachgoers not to stand in the flight path."

 

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3529933/St-Barts-airport-landing-caught-camera-shocking-footage.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 211,227 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Here are just two of the many pictures that the Daily Mail had in their story showing some of the unique aspects for landings at the St. Barts airport.:

 

April2016Pis3%201_zpslhwg90zm.jpg

 

 

April2016Pis2%201_zpseb3ks566.jpg

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  • 2 months later...

From Vogue magazine two days ago, they have this headline: "A Beginner’s Guide to St. Barth’s" with these highlights: "There’s a reason why celebrities, models, socialites, and It girls consistently retreat to the tropical paradise of St. Barth’s. The island blends the sophistication of St.-Tropez with the laissez-fare Caribbean lifestyle—which means it’s exclusive yet totally unpretentious. Walk into any beachfront restaurant, for instance, and you’ll see well-dressed women with Birkins eating lunch beside sandy, barefoot beachgoers. It’s a specific brand of laid-back luxury that breeds instant converts. Make one trip, and you’ll find yourself immediately hooked. Still, St. Barth’s can be an intimidating place to navigate if you’ve never been."

 

This interesting profile has lots of tips and ideas for where to stay, getting there, dining, drinks, after-hours fun, etc. If planning to visit St. Barts, this would be an info resource that is worth checking.

 

Full story at:

http://www.vogue.com/13452381/st-barths-beginner-travel-guide/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 15,655 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

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  • 2 weeks later...
From Vogue magazine two days ago, they have this headline: "A Beginner’s Guide to St. Barth’s" with these highlights: "There’s a reason why celebrities, models, socialites, and It girls consistently retreat to the tropical paradise of St. Barth’s. The island blends the sophistication of St.-Tropez with the laissez-fare Caribbean lifestyle—which means it’s exclusive yet totally unpretentious. Walk into any beachfront restaurant, for instance, and you’ll see well-dressed women with Birkins eating lunch beside sandy, barefoot beachgoers. It’s a specific brand of laid-back luxury that breeds instant converts. Make one trip, and you’ll find yourself immediately hooked. Still, St. Barth’s can be an intimidating place to navigate if you’ve never been."

 

This interesting profile has lots of tips and ideas for where to stay, getting there, dining, drinks, after-hours fun, etc. If planning to visit St. Barts, this would be an info resource that is worth checking.

 

Full story at:

http://www.vogue.com/13452381/st-barths-beginner-travel-guide/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 15,655 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

 

 

Thanks Terry for the link. I also read this thread from beginning to end as I am unable to find much info about St Barts. My hubby & I are meeting the kids over there this Thursday flying to St Maarten then taking the short flight to St Barts. I am aware of the airport, I really wanted to do the ferry but of course everyone wants to get there ASAP.

 

My son rented a villa for a week. So we have a week to enjoy the island and maybe spot some celebrities? lol..But the exuberant prices on everything is scary. Oh well...

 

Thank you for posting your awesome pictures! Enjoyed them a lot.

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Thanks Terry for the link. I also read this thread from beginning to end as I am unable to find much info about St Barts. My hubby & I are meeting the kids over there this Thursday flying to St Maarten then taking the short flight to St Barts. I am aware of the airport, I really wanted to do the ferry but of course everyone wants to get there ASAP.

 

My son rented a villa for a week. So we have a week to enjoy the island and maybe spot some celebrities? lol..But the exuberant prices on everything is scary. Oh well...

 

Thank you for posting your awesome pictures! Enjoyed them a lot.

 

I meant exorbitant prices

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  • 3 weeks later...
I meant exorbitant prices

 

Appreciate your follow-up and good luck with your upcoming visit to St. Barts. When returning, check in here and give us an update for what you most enjoyed, liked, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 40,775 views for these postings.

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  • 2 months later...
I meant exorbitant prices

 

From Conde Nast Traveler magazine this past week, they have this headline: "Ultra-Luxe St. Bart's Villa Can Be Yours" with these highlights: "This year, a never-before-offered villa is available to rent—and it just so happens to be the largest and most expensive ever. Villa Camp David (not to be confused with the presidential getaway of nearly the same name) is a supremely private compound with 12 bedrooms, two swimming pools (the larger is heated), a tennis court, and a gym spread over two beachfront acres at the eastern end of St. Jean Bay. Included in the deal is housekeeping and turn down service every day, refrigerators stocked with water and soft drinks, in-room tea and coffee, and a welcome basket on arrival."

 

Price? $805,000 (not including a 15 percent tax and service charge—an additional $120,750). Plus, you might need some groceries, wine, and dining-out. Things could pass the one million mark??!! Need better pricing? Later, the weekly rates drop to a more affordable $172,500 during high season and $115,000 during low season.

 

Full story at:

http://www.cntraveler.com/story/this-ultra-luxe-st-barths-villa-can-be-yours-over-the-holidays

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 156,749 views for this posting.

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