https://communications.diamondresor...HNFVzHLQaW51cHxavrOW07D9qTYnFryNONZh5PQY

Hey all-
Thinking ahead to next Xmas/NYE charter. Based on current dates, we are thinking of perhaps arriving ON Christmas Day. We would be chartering out of Sopers Hole. Wondering what our options might look like for restaurants that evening (not neccessarily in Sopers, willing to travel if need be). Not sure who would be open, etc...
Any insight appreciated.
Thanks!
-pk

So I hope this works, went to the test site here and appears to be ok. Took some great video of the entertainment on Friday night in Maho last December. When you open it, you can choose which player you want.
Hopefully it comes out. If so, let me know as got a few others.

https://tinyurl.com/yx3yoopw

Day 1B - Day 1A started in St Louis on Thursday and ended in San Juan thanks to weather, fuel, and Delta. Day 1B started in San Juan and ended in SXM. Rented a car as usual from angela@horizoncarrentals.com She did an "above the call" effort waiting to deliver our car. Frig was stocked also as usual by Jeannie at www.shopndropgrocerysxm.com This first week + we're staying at Villa Cleavage. An Air BnB, owned by Topper and his daughter. It's high up the hill above Simpson Bay Resort. First meal was at St Maarten Yacht Club. Our favorite, Grouper Fingers($12.). Served by friendly, first year server Desiree(sp) . Thankfully, Brian has changed back to his original receipe so the crust was wonderfully crisp. A short(losing) stop at Casino Royale in Maho. They have free valet parking which is handy as we were also stopping by Hole In The Wall to hear Bob Baron singing along with Ronnie Santana on Guitar. Had an interesting conservation with a "slightly toasted" Chief Engineer from one of the big sailing vessels anchored in the lagoon.
Pics are on Facebook at moment. Working on moving.

We are considering an extended cruise of 35 days in the South Pacific. Although it seems like a long cruise it has the advantage of visiting ports from Australia thru to Hawaii. Has anyone been on an extended cruise and have any thoughts about the length of voyage. Our specific itinerary has 14 sea days..

....Orient Village and beach look great. Came back very nicely. Lots of seaweed towards the former Club Orient area but very minimal from middle to the other end

....these two weeks have had more rain and wind I have experienced here over 20+ years...decent now

....road to Orient from Phillipsburg (towards and near Yvettes) has been closed for a while...detour isn't a big deal

,,,I just think the area from Maho village to Porto Cupecoy is depressing. I remember that shopping area (Maho) and it was a decent place. Now the brick sidewalks and walls are in disrepair and many businesses are toast. Past the golf course the casino area is a destroyed mess and many destroyed buildings as you approach Porto Cupecoy which is fine. Other parts of the ISland are in disrepair but they ALWAYS were in disrepair....Maho et al look decent before.....and this is 2+ years post

....I think the Carrefour in Cole Bay is superb (mentioned before)...here is a look at one of their fresh fish areas:

....and a friend we met on the walk to Happy Bay (and 50 of his relatives) :

Just got back from the island and look for the location of secrets but couldn’t find it. Can anybody let me know?

It has been 6 years since we have been back to the VI's. Lived in Australia the last 5 years. We have a couple of day sail/snorkel trips scheduled.
Tipping is not the norm in Australia, what is the acceptable rate on a charter these days in the VI's.

DAILY HERALD ARTICLE
Hope it remains clear.

HELP!!!! Due to time constraints will need to overnight in Road Town for an early flight on the way home. Any suggestions as to accommodations will be appreciated.