We LOVED spending time in the Adults Only Solarium Area on deck 16. The area is located on the very bow of the ship. Ordinarily, the wind coming off the Bow would be too strong to be able to sunbathe or dip in a pool or Whirlpool. Royal has designed deflectors across the Bow that made so it is very comfortable and warm laying out in the sunshine. Here is where we proved one of my biggest theories, and advice, about seasickness on today’s ships. We were sailing at 19 knots into the wind. On days 2 and 6, we were sailing into 30 to 40-knot headwinds. The wind force across the ship added up to 49 to 59 knots per hour. NO ONE in our entire group got seasick to the point it caused any discomfort. There were several comments about wave motion and some people were wearing anti-nausea equipment like wrist bands or Scopalimine Patches. All of us ate, drank, and carried on like the seas were calm and the wind was not there.

Our first Port of Call was the island of St Martin / Ste Martiin. This island has 2 nationalities, with a seamless border between. Part is French, and part is Dutch. About 4 years ago, this island suffered major damage from a direct hit of a category 4 hurricane, which all but swamped the entire island. Our tour guide showed us some of the damage inflicted on homes, trees, and infrastructure that was still “ a work in progress”. Both sides of the island have mostly recovered, but there are many new resorts and hotels still under construction. A favorite pastime here is to park at the head of the Island’s main airport and walk up to the chain-link fence on the public beach. From there you can almost touch the belly of the International Aircraft as they touch down just a few feet from the fence. Our group made a stop at the French Bakery and enjoyed freshly baked goodies, and took a few minutes off to shop at the “Flea MarketShops” next to where our tour bus stopped.

We will be back next week with Where in the world is Phil- Part 6