St. Maarten – Wednesday - Ocean Medallion Update

When I wake we are docked.  Right in front of our window is Celebrity Eclipse and on the port side is Allure of the Seas.  It is going to be a busy day in port.

The tv is still out and we try and turn on the tv but that doesn’t even work.  So I unplug it and plug it back in and that starts it but all we get is snow.  We know that the technicians yesterday reset the system somehow so we go exploring in the back to see if we can somehow reset it ourselves.

There is a white box attached to the back of the tvs and on the side of it is a small hole that we pushed our pen into and it reset the tv.  It takes a minute for the system to reset but it works.

It is a bit of a pain but I know this is all because of the Ocean Medallion launch.

Most people are ashore right now and we decide to head off to check out what is nearby. It is very hot so make sure to bring water! 

With three ships here the dock is busy.  The area has been built back up and there are many stores that are brand new and a large shop to the left of the pier that is close to being reopened.

Tons of small shops with t-shirts, liquor, spices, trinkets etc. 

As soon as you exit the port gate but you are still on the pier is a kiosk that sells round trip transfers to downtown for $7 per person on the water taxi.  If you continue forward and to the right is the large taxi stand.

Although the taxis are price regulated I could not find a fixed price for costs to and from certain areas.  We did ask about going to Simpson Beach and we were told it was $7 per person but I don’t know if that is sharing a taxi or not.

To tell you the truth I really dislike places that don’t have their prices listed.  I never know if I am being taken or not.  I am sure they could list the prices here easily but they do not.

There is a clearly listed price list for tours.  Here is a picture of it.

After about an hour ashore we are just baking and we head back on. 

I know this is not exciting for most of you. Sorry – but both of us are really here to enjoy the ship and the relaxation.  Plus we are back here in two weeks.

Back on board we head up to the WorldFresh Marketplace for lunch.  Really like this buffet!  We fill our plate with salad then grab a seat in the aft area that is usually reserved for Planks.  Planks and Steamers is open for lunch but is a free option. Planks is serving Mexican fare – soft tacos, nachos, soup, and all the fixings.  Steamers is serving noodle bowls with all the fixings. 

I head up to the top deck to take some pictures and to relax in the sun a bit.  Bernie is back in the cabin to finish watching the movie Black Panther.

The Bean Bag toss is a huge hit with quite a few participating.

When I return to the cabin later he is asleep so I quietly read and watch all the passengers returning to the ship.

A group of dancers from the island has been brought on board and is performing in the Atrium.  The show is called Copa Cabana Showcase. Love that Princess brings on cultural events for us to enjoy.

Zumba is at 5 pm and that is a bit late for me as I rather work out in the morning.

There is a lot happening tonight: Jumanji is the movie at MUTS, Line Dance Class, High Seas Heist Interrogation, Tortuga Rum Cake Tasting, Liars Club Game Show, Stargazing with Discovery at Sea and so much more.

For us we start with a glass of wine in Vines and then make our way to Skywalkers for the Most Travelled Guest party. 

I always love it when it is hosted in Skywalkers.  It feels very special and the views are great.  I also prefer the cocktail party as the officers mix and mingle and we get to chat with many.  The drinks don’t stop and the food offerings are brought around for us to enjoy. 

After the event we head back to Vines to chat with Dominique and we also get to chat with some of the crew that are on board for the Ocean Medallion Launch. 

I find out that 45 “passengers” are on using Ocean Medallion.  It is working very well for those guest.  They are using their medallion for purchases with the readers as well.

All the door locks are up and running with Ocean Medallion by using your cruise card that has the chip currently imbedded in it.  It is cute to see the LCD screen at the door show “unlocked” and then there is an image of the door handle being turned.  Cute – I will try and get a video of it.

Today there were crew on board putting up Ocean Medallion banners throughout the Atrium.  Along with Welcome Aboard banners as well.  They are just testing them and checking placement and they should be in place for turnaround day.

Next sailing it will be rolled out even more.