hueyjudy

What a wonderful thread this is! Thanks to everyone for sharing ideas. I'm sailing a week from today, haven't been for several years, so I am enjoying brushing up on my knowledge of cruising.

I've never taken French lessons and have been to France 20 times ... learn the basics, don't forget to greet everyone every time and you'll be fine. Always say Goodbye as well. Don't expect big welcoming smiles, the French are not like Americans! I have never had a French person treat me rudely in all my trips, it's a myth supported by Americans who can't be bothered to behave properly in France.

I roll out my couple of sentences in fractured French and they love the fact that I try. Did I say remember to greet everyone every time? Very important! I'll be ivisiting Guadaloupe in two weeks and will report back.

You can't know how much you help people with reviews ... I am spending the morning at Sapphire Beach in two weeks. Haven't been there in 20 years ... the memory of Sapphire has never left me. Reading your excellent trip report made me so happy that things are still great there. Docking at St Thomas can't come soon enough! Thanks for taking the time to share this information.