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First cruise ship back on November 11 #144793
09/26/2017 11:35 PM
09/26/2017 11:35 PM
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Lithuania
Julius Offline OP
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Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Julius] #144794
09/27/2017 05:44 AM
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They don't mention a ship name, so maybe this is a be ready date and a boat has agreed if ready.

All they need is a working pier berth in my view. All the little shops, fences are all nice to have.

I figure our first return, if in the next year, will be via boat for a day.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144795
09/27/2017 08:07 AM
09/27/2017 08:07 AM
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Yes, I'm not sure any cruise lines have agreed to come back yet, but they think that some will agree.

I disagree on fences, those are absolutely REQUIRED for security purposes.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Julius] #144796
09/27/2017 08:43 AM
09/27/2017 08:43 AM
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Maryland/DC Metro
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Interesting...this is the first I've seen the causeway mentioned:

"The Simpson Bay Causeway sustained technical damages. This prohibits the bridge swing from opening. Technicians have assessed damage and repairs will be executed as soon as their advice is received. Light poles and traffic lights on the Causeway were also damaged."


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: BeachKitten] #144797
09/27/2017 09:11 AM
09/27/2017 09:11 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline
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Yes, there was a lot of information in that story, aside from the date for ships to come back.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Carol_Hill] #144798
09/27/2017 09:51 AM
09/27/2017 09:51 AM
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PelicanPirate Offline
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Guards can replace fences in the mean time.

Many ports around the world have nothing but bike racks lined up for access to the pier. And a dude to check cruise cards.

And in the old days at st thomas and nassau you used to be able to walk up to the gangplank and get a tour of the boat.

Used to be no big deal to walk the piers but times have changed.

I guess thers always somone to be afraid of.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144799
09/27/2017 09:56 AM
09/27/2017 09:56 AM
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I disagree with you on that one. Security is a MAJOR issue these days. Ships will not come back without proper fencing. In the old days, you could just walk onboard. Not now.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Carol_Hill] #144800
09/27/2017 09:58 AM
09/27/2017 09:58 AM
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Quote
Carol_Hill said:
I disagree with you on that one. Security is a MAJOR issue these days. Ships will not come back without proper fencing. In the old days, you could just walk onboard. Not now.


Agreed. Just because the port states it's ready, doesn't mean the cruise lines will agree to resume docking there.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: GaKaye] #144801
09/27/2017 10:44 AM
09/27/2017 10:44 AM
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There is also probably a lot of debris in the water. A typical cruise ship would not be inclined to want to hit that stuff. The pier is just one aspect of the situation.


Eric Hill
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Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Eric_Hill] #144802
09/27/2017 11:04 AM
09/27/2017 11:04 AM
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Good point, Eric.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Eric_Hill] #144803
09/27/2017 11:09 AM
09/27/2017 11:09 AM
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Seems the government and most likely the businesses is pushing for bringing people back (and their tourism dollars) ASAP. While at the same time many on this board (who have no skin in the game) are pushing for people to not go back for the foreseeable future because you will just be in the way of the rebuilding and you will do more harm that good (I've read a bunch of posts echoing that sentiment and by multiple posters).

Last edited by Mantas; 09/27/2017 11:09 AM.
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Mantas] #144804
09/27/2017 12:07 PM
09/27/2017 12:07 PM
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The government (or the port, not sure which or if they're the same) gets a fee for every cruise passenger. I think they get that whether or not the passenger disembarks in port. That alone would increase revenue, not to mention whatever provisioning the ship does while there. Neither of those activities would tax the island's infrastructure to the extent that overnight guests do. Just my opinion. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: GaKaye] #144805
09/27/2017 02:36 PM
09/27/2017 02:36 PM
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What has the government done in pre-Irma with those passenger fees??? Who is to say how they will use the fees post Irma? A lot of them have big pockets.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: LBI2SXM] #144806
09/27/2017 02:50 PM
09/27/2017 02:50 PM
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Actually I THINK those cruise pax fees go to the PORT of St. Maarten, not to the government.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Carol_Hill] #144807
09/27/2017 03:06 PM
09/27/2017 03:06 PM
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pat Offline
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So if all those cruise passenger fees go to the Port Authority and NOT the government, where do all the airport fees go, and are these 'authorities' not connected to the government? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: pat] #144808
09/27/2017 03:51 PM
09/27/2017 03:51 PM
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Although I am not certain, I believe that the airport fees again to go the airport authority. Both of them are technically owned by the government, but they are separate companies.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: LBI2SXM] #144809
09/27/2017 04:48 PM
09/27/2017 04:48 PM
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Amongst other things, I think part of those fees built the causeway.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144810
09/27/2017 10:24 PM
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Ok, they'll anchor and tender in. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144811
09/28/2017 08:21 AM
09/28/2017 08:21 AM
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Have you been on one of those 5,000 pax ships?? If they can't dock, they won't come.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Carol_Hill] #144812
09/28/2017 09:59 AM
09/28/2017 09:59 AM
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They are gonna need a smaller boat.......from Jaws.

No i draw the line at the just over 3k limit. Emerald princess size. Actually no line drawn just havent been on one bigger. But i have been on much smaller, like 500.

I did tender into phillipsburg on the celebrity constellation a few years ago .......aboutt 2000 pax........ Wasnt that bad. Just like an out island or grand cayman. Just get all the boats going in a merry go round.

Grand cayman didnt have any real security on the landside dock. Just a dude looking at cruise cards before you boarded the life boat in lines we all established ourselves on the return.

The dock the princess tender hooked up to in grand cayman wasnt all that big. Plus i remember twoo other ships at anchor that day including one of mickey mouses.

Just saying all the modern trappings might not be fully in place and a little improvisation might need to be in order to get things going.

Same with the airport. You dont need a jetway. In fact i have never used a jetway in st martin. Always air stairs. Ive gotten wet luggage all arounf the U.S.

Maui used to have open air baggage claims under a roof.....polynesian island feeling.

Again, im talking interim measures until all can be repaired to what we are accustomed to.

Good thing im not making any real decisions <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by PelicanPirate; 09/28/2017 10:14 AM.
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144813
09/28/2017 10:22 AM
09/28/2017 10:22 AM
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I'm seeing some interesting and insightful comments from island residents, who don't want cruise ships conducting "island devastation tours". Think about it. I fully understand the need to get tourism up and contributing to the island economy as soon as practical. Practical, not possible, is the operative word. Again, just my opinion. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: GaKaye] #144814
09/28/2017 11:23 AM
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I certainly wont interfere, but i will come asap when i know it will be enjoyable, safe, and helpful.

I think it will take time but I think we may be surprised how quick they can bounce back. The island is 20 years more sophisticated and better off than the were. More to get working for. Probably better insured. Better laborers, better/chaeper supply chains.After all folks have to just keep living. I certainly wont be on a devestation tour but heading to whatever accomodation, beach, restaurant the is open. Im sure i will see things along the way. But, we see that every time we go, grand places that havent been rebuilt and i ask did that fancy place start crumbling in 1935, 55,75, or 1995.

I went to Haiti in 1979 on the Skyward. Took a 14 mile roundtrip donkey ride up the mountain on a donkey crap covered path to see Citadel Laferierre. AWESOME. The roads from Cap Hatien to the base of mountain were like bombed out craters. Saw unstaged christian voodoo taking place alongside the trai. All part of the cultural adventure. Folks lived in grass huts.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadelle_Laferrière


SXM will never be that bad.

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144815
09/28/2017 12:10 PM
09/28/2017 12:10 PM
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Auburn, WA
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Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144816
09/28/2017 12:35 PM
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I draw the line at ~12. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


[Linked Image]
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: BarleyMan] #144817
09/28/2017 08:04 PM
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Auburn, WA
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Update on Cruise port. Now it will have room for 2 ships this November.
http://www.soualiganewsday.com/local/sou...lls-on-shore-ex,-retailers-and-restauranteurs-to-be-ready-for-november-11-first-commercial-cruise-call.html

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: SXMScubaman] #144818
09/28/2017 08:30 PM
09/28/2017 08:30 PM
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The title of this thread is misleading.

Until they actually announce the name of the ship and when it is actually going to arrive, this is all pure speculation and/or wishful thinking, or well intentioned propaganda.

<sub>and yes, I did read all the links posted</sub>


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Rasputin] #144819
09/28/2017 08:49 PM
09/28/2017 08:49 PM
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Has anyone figured out what ship it is???

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: kim] #144820
09/28/2017 08:52 PM
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NO. Because such a scheduled stop does not exist yet!

" Discussions are currently underway with a number of cruise lines with respect to itinerary planning for November."

There are no official announcements of any cruise ship actually arriving and when.

Last edited by Rasputin; 09/28/2017 08:58 PM.

Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Rasputin] #144821
09/28/2017 09:04 PM
09/28/2017 09:04 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline
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My feeling is that the SXM port authority will make it happen--like waive the port fees, if necessary. They need ships to come back..


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Carol_Hill] #144822
09/28/2017 09:45 PM
09/28/2017 09:45 PM
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We shall see what they can accomplish by what date, I wish them well.

However, the claim of Nov. 11th is completely fictitious at this point. It may be a target date they are trying for, and a motivational date for business owners, vendors, etc. There is no announced date for an actual cruise ship arriving.

Maybe the first ship will be Nov. 21st?, or sometime in December? It is still speculation at this point, and as I said, the title of this thread is misleading.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Rasputin] #144823
09/28/2017 09:56 PM
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https://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-philipsburg-st-maarten.html

This is a pretty good site. It shows planned cruises and also shows "cancelled" next to some.

I'm sure this data is legging reality but it is better than many sites including the cruise lines which appear to be selling their old itineraries and will substitute the stops (some announced) when the time comes.

Carnival Vista is not currently cancelled for 12 October. Not sure what, if anything, to read into that as other Carnival boats before/after are cancelled. Maybe whole cruise cancelled out of San Juan.

Last edited by PelicanPirate; 09/28/2017 09:58 PM.
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: PelicanPirate] #144824
09/28/2017 10:27 PM
09/28/2017 10:27 PM
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I'll believe it when the Port of SXM announces in a Press Release the name of the Cruise Line, the name of the ship, and the actual date it is going to arrive.

This is like the airlines selling tickets for flights that won't be allowed to land (and therefore will never take off).


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Rasputin] #144825
09/29/2017 06:57 PM
09/29/2017 06:57 PM
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Lithuania
Julius Offline OP
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Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Julius] #144826
09/29/2017 07:04 PM
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Your link is not new information, actually it is old information ....
That is how this whole thing started....
does not mean anything is confirmed or actually going to happen on that date...... as I've already stated in my previous opinions, if you read this whole thread from the beginning.

BUT, I just noticed on your link, that they are now claiming that they will have 2 Cruise ship berths ready for Nov. 1st. However, until they actually announce the name of the ship and the actual date it is going to arrive, I feel this is all well intentioned motivational propaganda on their part.

Last edited by Rasputin; 09/29/2017 07:19 PM.

Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Rasputin] #144827
09/30/2017 08:13 AM
09/30/2017 08:13 AM
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Pittsburgh, PA
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Seems irresponsible on many levels to be talking about dropping cruise ships into SXM this early. Not good for the residents and not good for the passengers. Frankly, I don't think the governments should allow it. They need to counterbalance commercial "interests".

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: gotaluvit] #144828
09/30/2017 08:40 AM
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It seems that people are forgetting one big fact. It is not just the Govt/Port Authority that is going to make this decision alone. You have the cruise lines that will make the final decision.

And they are not just going to accept an arbitrary date that says they can port. They will want an evaluation by their own people. That will include is it safe to port their ships, what are the security issues, what is the status of facilities that these ships need in port, what is the ability to move/transport their passengers in a safe manor and where. If they want to offer a beach excursion for example what are the facilities available to serve their passengers. If none exist then they are not going to let it happen.

That evaluation alone is not going to happen in a few days and until they are assured by their own evaluation they are not going to port in SXM.


Eric Hill
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Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: gotaluvit] #144829
09/30/2017 08:58 AM
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Cruise ship passengers do not have any negative effect on residents. In fact, it will be quite a POSITIVE effect when the first ships come. It means MONEY, you know, what they use to pay their bills?? They don't need to be housed, for the most part they don't need to be fed, but they will start putting some tourist money back into the economy. Now, just because the government says the ships CAN come, doesn't mean they WILL, because the cruise lines will make their own determinations as to whether SXM will be able to provide a good enough product for their passengers, but that's something that they are in a lot better position to make that determination than we are.


Carol Hill
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Carol_Hill] #144830
09/30/2017 09:27 AM
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To Eric's point, there is a major amount of consideration by the Cruise Company to insure the safety of the ship and the passengers. Also they have to consider their passengers. What is there to offer them while in Port. Where are they going? What are they going to do there? Are the roads passable? If they are, are the beaches inhabitable? Are they just going to offer a Visit Devastated St Martin/Sint Maarten excursion?

To Carol's point, the effects will be very positive. Getting tourist money flowing again will be very helpful without the burden of housing and feeding 3000 visitors. But there has to be something for them to do and see.

Like being between a rock and a hard place. Time will tell


Rick and Grace
Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: Julius] #144831
09/30/2017 10:21 AM
09/30/2017 10:21 AM
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Its easy to see both points of view between tourism starting ASAP or having time to rebuild. Interesting conversation on Laser 101 yesterday by a representative of the Windward island's bank. He stated the business owner's are pushing the government for a Nov 1 date to allow tourist. Basically the need tourist dollars to keep the open business operating and in turn bring back and pay there employees so that they can rebuild their own lives.
Personally I know its not ideal but I think that its the only way they can get started.
Whatever your views I know we all want our Island "families" to rebuild and prosper. If going to the island and spending a few dollars with those open and drinking a beer from a cooler on the beach helps put a roof on a house I am happy to do it!

Re: First cruise ship back on November 11 [Re: DPD1968] #144832
09/30/2017 12:11 PM
09/30/2017 12:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
And again, there is a BIG difference between cruise ship pax and stayover visitors, in terms of what services they need. Cruise ship pax don't need that much. IF they can go to a nice beach which is CLEAN (which is another issue), and rent a couple of chairs and an umbrella and get a couple of beers, they can be happy with that. You don't have to worry about the airport, you don't have to worry about housing them, for the most part they don't eat that much on island, don't go to grocery stores, use either busses or taxis for transportation, so they don't have that big of footprint. True, many of them don't spend that much, but baby steps to get SOME money back into the economy is what SXM needs.


Carol Hill
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