Things are crazy down here in SXM. As of this afternoon, Royal Islander has informed us that ALL VISITORS TO THE ISLAND HAVE TO BE EVACUATED BY SUNDAY. Even though we have two more weeks after Saturday at our resort....they say that there really at this point anything they can do, since the government is ordering the shutdown...and we will not be able to stay at the place we paid for for over thirty years...and are paid up till April 4. Problem is....we came in on JetBlue like thousands of us have and did in the past...and JetBlue is saying that they will NOT be flying planes into SXM to take us out. So at this point...we are totally in limbo. JetBlue did say that they will credit our accounts....but that surely ain't going to help the hundreds or thousands of JB people stuck here on the island. Called American...and they are saying they will only book and change people with later flights on AMERICAN ONLY. Our resort is taking a list of people's scheduled flights......with hopes that the governement may bre able to ''pressure'' airlines like JB and Spirit to fly in the planes empty and take people back home... How are other people on the island currently handling this??? We are at a total loss on what to do next. HELP.......

I have friends that are flying from SXM to St. Kitts and then flying home from there. Perhaps you could look into flying to another island by Winnair and see what you could arrange. Sorry to hear about everyone stranded on the island looking for flights home.

Oh my

I got nothing! man that sucks, I am very sorry for you guys, and I wish you well. I think the government will help, oh crap I can't believe I just said that.

I just checked with American they show a flight for Thursday that has seats available. I also checked the flights for Friday and Sunday they show no availability. My wife is on the Sunday flight that I just booked last night.

Nothing on the government website about any hotel closings or anyone being forced off the island. According to them, hotels are open.

We came down on Jet Blue Feb.23 and were supposed to leave March 24, called Jet Blue and they want to give me a refund as they don’t know when they will be able to fly into SXM. I think we will have to stay until this all calms down, as I don’t want to be stuck in an airport with big crowds as my husband is high risk with his health issues.
All restaurants are closed on the French side, and Club O beach was closed yesterday.

Staying in a villa at orient, were suposed to stay until April second didn't like the tone of things, I was hearing about getting back to the US at some point so got our tickets changed on Delta and now leave on Saturday. We are from Iowa and everything is closed the same as here but at least we will be home. Hate to miss our time here but have our place reserved for next year and hope this is over so we can return.

Try getting to St Thomas or San Juan

Delta supposedly has flights out a few more days this week, that is how I got out yesterday and friends getting out today. United did have seats for today but likely a very unfavorable touting for you. I also found continually checking online was the BEST option and availability comes and goes.

From the Daily Herald article, it appears they are now going to ban even SXM residents from returning. It also mentions non-resident entry ended at 11:59pm Tuesday. Immigration in SXM viewed it differently or the article is wrong as 3 US passengers (Delta inbound) attempted to enter SXM yesterday and were put back on the plane, delaying our departure by an hour.

DO NOT WAIT!. I was told this by SXMWendell (who went through a hurricane many years ago on the island) and did not heed his advice. I listened to the airlines and their personnel and it was a mistake. This is the call of the SXM government and likely communication with the US Airlines was not the best and the reaction by the US airlines could be better.

Good luck.

As Elaine stated, the island government (at least not to my knowledge or yet) is NOT kicking people off the island or out of the resorts. That may be a resort call but the bigger problem is WHEN can you leave.

DAILY HERALD LINK

residents with proper documentation can return up until 22nd. http://www.sintmaartengov.org/Press...yINWG338ZEz5_tP9WKQLzos1rscINI5oDvU-6woE

Looks like the Daily Herald is wrong. Very confusing for sure.

~ Residents have until March 22 to return ~

PHILIPSBURG--As of 11:59pm Tuesday, persons who are not residents of St. Maarten are not allowed to enter the country. After Sunday, March 22, no one, not even residents, will be allowed entry to the country.

The more stringent restrictions come as the country tightens its measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, on the heels of the first COVIID-19 case in St. Maarten on Tuesday.

Our flight home on Unites on April 1sr has been cancelled. We are now on United's Friday flight, their last on from the island. There are still seats available on it.

Previous Statement from the PM.

Thanks for the updated link Elaine.

So hard when they send info piecemeal. Very confusing and frustrating.

We changed out flights on AA to MIA from April 1 to March 22. There are seats available on it as of yesterday.

For sure and thank you for your on the spot information in a very timely manner. Good to at least see you guys, even just if passing.

These are trying times for sure. One must endure and find the best way forward.

As always, this group will offer as good advise as anywhere, but one will be faced with the decision to weather it out on island or make the trek to home anyway you can.

Best of luck to all of you as we all do hope the best.

Get ready to hang out at home. I Cant complain, but probably will

I was told by folks staying there La Playa (formerly known as L'Hoste) closed yesterday.

I guess that's their choice. Government is not closing hotels, where would people go?

Ed--I don't get it, I have not read anywhere that the SXM government is FORCING anyone to leave. Regardless, don't wait for Jet Blue!!! Go online and book your own ticket home on whatever airline you can!

Ed, I'm pretty sure there are villas available at BSV, Beachside Villas, not too far from where you are. Contact Tracy Mascarin,
Sxmbsv@gmail.com

I saw her mention that she has villas available on another Facebook Site. Plus I know she has at least our villa that was coming up. We were supposed to go there March 25th thru April 7th.

Wow! I can't begin to imagine the stress this is causing. What I would do is check with every Caribbean-based airline that runs service to PJIA. That list would include Air Caribs (may be able to get to Barbados), LIAT (may be able to find service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or even Grenada), or as mentioned above Winair (but I'm not sure where those flights go). I would think the number one priority is finding flight that will get you off St. Martin first, then try to make other arrangements wherever and whenever you land. Maybe from those islands you can get to a U.S. territory, and I would think those territories would still have connecting flights to the states.

Wingman--Beachside would be the best place to self isolate that I could think of! You can prepare meals and the beach there is basically private.

LaVista has plenty of vacancies if you choose to stay. I know of 2 women who stayed. One plans to hunker down for the duration.

If you have to self isolate on SXM, I can think of no better...LOL.

DO NOT go to another Caribbean island. Get any flight to the US or a territory. That will open up options that you have a better chance of controlling and getting back home.

Wendell

Wendell--agreed, try to get to St Thomas, rather than another country. But first try to get something booked online to get to the US mainland.

Exactly!!!! Just get to the mainland US, then take it from there.

I know this may sound a bit crazy.... but a few years ago, when my husband and I were still visiting SXM, we spoke to a man who had come to the island with a large family group. They had found it more economical to hire a private plane rather than to all fly commercial. If there were enough people who could band together on this, would a private plane make any sense? Even if it only got you all to a point where other flights were available.

I'm in... TTOL first flight back to St. Maarten/ St. Martin 🌴

We were to leave on Westjet April 2nd.Have been advised by them nothing available on their flights which cease on March 22.They will suspend flights until April 23rd Suggested I contact Canadian government.

Kicked out? When and where did the government say that? I see no new entry after Sunday but not telling foreigners to leave as far as I can see. I’d rather be isolated on a sunny beach away from people down there than the USA craziness getting infected. Facts not fear please.

I think it's pretty clear that the SXM government did NOT say that. This is apparently an action on behalf of Royal Islander.

tbaybob, there were other flights to Canada on the list (subject to change) which PJIA put out yesterday. Perhaps one of those has seats.

Air Canada on 3/21, 1 flight to YYZ
Air Transat on 3/21, 1 flight to YYZ and 1 to YUL
Sun Wing on 3/19, 1 flight to YYZ and 1 to YUL

Thank you. So much miss or wrong information.
Please tell us your source if your gonna make a statement like that because some people will believe anything obviously. Facts not fear please.

We just stayed at Beachside. Last week (either Thursday or Friday) we were told they had 4 cancellations then, so yes, they do have room. The only problem is the view. All you see is water, little Yachts, planes landing and sand. 😄

OBBRbis asking all guests to be gone by Sunday the 22 nd, I do not rent there but was at the bar when the Gen Manager stated that. One American couple pointed out that the only flight out they could secure was on the 28 th and he told them they must try and get other arrangements to be gone by the 22 nd, even though they were booked at OBBR until April 2 nd.

I am wondering if EdB might have gotten out since he has not posted since earlier today.

At Simpson Bay Resort, Marcel, the manager, hosted a meeting yesterday morning. He said that the resort would NOT close. They will remain open and guests can stay as long as they want with special discounted rates (no indication of the price).