Dear Editor,
Wednesday and Thursday last week were – if I’m right – the first days with 5 and 6 cruise ships in the harbor this year. The expectations were high among the business people along the boardwalk. I know at least several hiring an extra DJ to facilitate the 30,000 tourists to come. To surprise of many almost half of the beach chairs on the Great Bay beach were finally not rented. The boardwalk was not that crowded as expected. Okay, the weather was pretty cloudy the Wednesday morning but still, it was dry with no threatening really dark clouds.
Last Sunday there were 2 ships in. Half of the shops on Back Street were closed. It was quiet on Back Street. There were not many people walking around, even with two ships in.
I met around 1:00pm one of the shop owners (clothing) who was open. I told him being surprised that it was so quiet in town. “Sir, I’m open all day. You are my first client today,” he answered. He told me being in St. Maarten for 20 years that this experience was new to him.
The only explanation he could think of was the fact that cruise people, after doing the tour/excursion they booked, are returning to the ships and stay there, not coming to town.
I also have the impression that more than in the past more people remain on board of the ships, not leaving the cruise ship at all.
One thing is for sure, before Hurricane Irma the situation was different.
I’m curious what other reasons are causing the reduction of cruise ship visitors to Philipsburg, in comparison to before the hurricane. Anyone, any additional suggestions?
Name withheld at author's request.
