Hi from St. Barts!
It’s a glorious day here, warm temps and beautiful blue skies. We don’t have anything planned….just some strolling and shopping. We’ll be getting off the ship as soon as Tom is done with his exercise class (you notice where I am while he’s working up a sweat in the gym!)

Last night there was a 7 Seas Society cocktail party then we ate at Signatures with 3 other couples. We had so much fun. Somehow it got started that we were all sharing some very funny, personal experiences in our lives….kind of a true confessions. They got a bit “R” rated (but all in good fun) and we laughed until our sides ached. The food and service were excellent! We then went to see the Peter Grey show with recent Broadway music from Hairspray, Chicago, and Fiddler on the Roof, Mama Mia etc. They did an excellent job and got a standing ovation. Then it was on to the casino which was really hoppin. It is really a special cruise when you know at least 50-60 people the moment you set foot onboard. John (cruise director) said he’s going to have a special private party for just the 2005 World Cruisers onboard.

We are learning the lay of the land here on the Mariner and becoming familiar with what is where. We’re also getting to know the staff members so it’s not feeling so much like they’re strangers. Someone asked who the hotel director is…? It’s Martin Van der Laan (not sure of the spelling). Seems like a real nice guy as we’re spending more time and getting to know him. He adores you Ngaire! (who wouldn’t!!) He knows about my Sambuca reputation…..Steph squealed on me! LOL!

Jean, yes Bruce Meadows was on your Seabourn pirate ship episode. He’s a nice guy….we had many a dinner with him on the WC so it will be nice to see him again. Also Jan and Harry Hufford are on board and Jan and I are on the same trivia team (just like on the WC). Joanna, you know our entire trivia team……me, Hans, Paul, Arnold, Linda and Jan. Also, Miriam and many others are all asking “Where’s Joanna and Tony?” and they’re all thrilled that you’ll soon be on board. Judy and Bruce also mentioned you at dinner last night saying how happy they were you were going to be joining us soon! I’ll have to start keeping my eyes open to meet others that you all have mentioned! I haven’t met Circleboy yet either.
Marc, Cruise Director John invited me to become a Turtle so I was inducted yesterday. What a riot this was!!

BTW, if anyone wants to do the 2007 WC I'd suggest signing up ASAP. I can't get over how many people on this SA trip are already signed up.

Terry Breen is onboard. Great speaker and so full of information!

Well, that’s the latest. Stay tuned for more “As the Mariner Turns”.

Looking forward to the next installment of ATMT.
While strolling around St. Bart's, please report back the Must - See's and the "Must-Avoids" since we'll probably juse be doing some strolling around in that port.

ENJOY!

Marcie, glad you are having a great time! Say hello to John and Lynsey for Arlene and me.

Sure will Marc....such a nice couple! Lynsey is dancing with the PG team again...put on a great show last night!

Gil, I'll report back for you too!

Have a great day in beautiful St Barts - have a cold beer and cheeseburger at Le Select - and enjoy window shopping - that's all I could afford to do! They have brought in some pricey stores - nice little walkable downtown - keep having fun and keep reporting on people you are meeting - tell Judy and Bruce we look forward to seeing them again - Joanna

thanks for the update and glad things continue to get even better. Can't wait until the next installment!

Nancy

St. Barts .... Nice island, interesting to fly into, but not for shopping.. Tee-shirt Bill would NOT spring for $45 for a tee-shirt..... Most Mariners where going back to the tender with postcards.. LOL...

Marcie
St Barts isn't the place to purchase the upcoming grandchild anything - unless you think Hermes scraves would make beautiful diapers. :)

Oh Marcie, I forgot that St. Barts is where we had our cheeseburger! I am glad you are having good weather, it's such a pretty island!

Thanks for keeping us posted. I love St. Barts. I hope you got to sample some of their beaches.

We loved it, too, Maria till our little Mom and Pop place on St Jean beach went "lifestyles of the rich and famous" - glad we got to visit in the 80's and some 90's - no more I'd rather cruise - unless I win lottery then I'd go back to SB in a heartbeat - Joanna