OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11158 times:
Welcome to my next part of my series of reports. To me this was a highlight of my trip along with a Family reuinion.
My cruise was to take in the Islands of Barbados/St Lucia/Antigua/St Maarten and St Thomas. I knew where I wanted to go in St Maarten of course
First my report starts with a very special time for me as we anchored into Antigua's cruise port.
I had not seen my Aunt for 10 years and my Cousin who is currently in Canada has got married and had three kids since I last saw her so it was going to be my first time I met them and her husband.
I had brought lots of gifts for the Kids and disembarking the ship I was stopped by security. They were asking what was inside and talking amongst themselves about if it was a customs problem. I assured them the amount of the gifts were not exceeding any allowances and after a few minutes they waived me through.
I made my way to the arrivals area and awaited my Aunt and my Cousins husband. Soon they arrived and I
spotted them right away . Lots of hugs and she introduced me to my Cousins husband. They said they wanted
to show me the family business which is a guesthouse called Wind Chimes Inn. So we drove there .
Yes Anetters this is the runway at ANU
After a tour and being very impressed it was time to move on . My Aunt told me that it was a shame
I was not going to be there for the BA and VS arrivals as the view of the aircraft turning right outside the
balcony is amazing. I can certainly believe that . My Aunt impressed me with knowing all the schedules for
the flights
My Aunt wanted to show me the lovely beach where they go on the weekends by the Sandals resort.
After they had a quick chat with some locals they know we took a drive around :
After that we made our way to the house where my Aunt had promised me a nice Guyanese curry
I had been waiting for this and was hungry also . The gardens of the house were lovely and I wouldnt
mind this kind of life .
My Aunt had also made me a cake which was equally as nice. After a while my Cousins husband went
to collect the kids from school . They came running in calling me Uncle Philip ! lol... Something I have to
get used to . I gave them their gifts and they were all excited . The time passed quickly and soon it was time
to go back to the ship. All of us went and the kids wanted to see the cruise ship .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 2, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11213 times:
Nice to be here :
I went to the taxi stand and a far was around $18-20 . The taxi driver at first didnt want to go to the famous beach as a the moment there is alot of road construction and the traffic is terrible. After much grunting he
finally agreed . There was nothing going to stop me from fulfilling my dream !
After a while we arrived and I couldnt believe I was here. It was quiet and the crowds had not decended yet.
I rented a lounger and then proceeded to take some photos.
I think the photos speak for themselves and it really is an experience every aviation enthusiast should do once in their lifetime.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 4, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11191 times:
After a lovely day watching the flights land and swimming in the sea and sunbathing it was time to catch
a taxi back to the port. It really had been a lovely day and I met some really nice people from Russia,USA,
Canada,Spain and UK . Everyone there was like a mini community and alot of them had ATC on their radios so
they could warn people of what was on approach so as not to miss a shot .
The bar had free wifi so I had a Facetime call with my Cousin in Athens . he was not so much interested in the
aircraft but was so envious of the beach
So back onboard it was time for afternoon snacks :
A game show onboard :
The next stop was St Thomas and I had booked a beach tour with a stop for photos at a viewing point.
Captain signing the documents for arrival :
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11160 times:
I had a lovely day at the Magens Bay beach and got chatting to some nice people. Soon it was time to head
back to the ship .
That night time to check in for the flight the next day at the onboard internet cafe :
I had an early night and the next morning woke up had breakfast and then disembarked. The customs lines
on arrival into San Juan port were crazy . It took 45 minutes to clear. I then had a transfer booked to the Airport and soon enough I was at SJU .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 6, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11206 times:
DATE: 03/DEC/2011
AIRLINE: AIR CANADA
ROUTE: SAN JUAN - TORONTO ( SJU-YYZ )
FLIGHT: AC 957
CLASS: EXECUTIVE
SEAT: 4A
AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS A321
REG: C - GJVX
New parts of SJU , anyone know when its due to open ? It looks very nice .
There were lots of people trying to check in to the Air Canada flight. There didnt seem to be a Business Class or Star Gold check in so I went to the United one as they check in AC. I was then invited to the front of the Y class line and she told the agent I was to be checked in next. Very nice touch by the agent. This is when the Star Gold card come in handy .
Soon it was time to go through security. They were using the body scanners and a few days before I had read
reports about EU safety concerns and until I knew more I decided to opt out. I was politely requested to stand aside and then a young Puerto Rican guy came to me and introduced himself. I was told that he would need to touch areas that some people object to but I said to him Im aware and that he could go ahead with the search.
During this process he was quite chatty and asked if I had enjoyed my cruise. I have to say whilst I can understand why some people wouldnt like the thorough search these things dont bother me , he is after all only doing his job. He wished me a good flight and then I proceeded on.
No Star Alliance lounge in SJU so I decided to use the AA Admirals Club :
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 7, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11177 times:
I was impressed by the lounge. Very bright and clean and lovely views . They had Free wifi too.
Soon it was time to leave the lounge and I said goodbye to the lovely lounge agent.
I arrived at the gate and took my place in the priority lane.
Soon boarding was announced and I was invited to board first. I was welcomed at the door by a friendly FA
and shown to my seat.
Pre take off drinks :
Menus here handed out :
Soon time to take off and bid farewell to Puerto Rico :
After take off hot towels were handed out :
Ok so I admit it I watched the Smurf movie
Pre dinner drinks and snack:
Soon the meal arrived and I was impressed. Plenty of drinks were offered and the meal tasted really good.
More drinks :
And nice coffee :
Later I was handed a landing card for Canada :
Later on in the flight nearing YYZ a snack basket and drinks came round. I really didnt expect anything else
so this was a surprise. They were decent snacks also .
After a while it was time to land into YYZ and the cabin was prepared.
We landed and the crew announced the ground temperature. The locals all thought it was mild for the time of
year but it still was cold me for
I disembarked the aircraft and thanked the crew for a lovely flight. Then made my way to baggage reclaim via
immigration.
My bags with priority tags came off with the last batch of Y class bags . Not very impressive but not that rare
these days with Star Alliance. They really need to get their act together with this or dont advertise it.
I made my way to arrivals and then to the bus stop to catch my shuttle into downtown Toronto :
The journey was comfortable and not too long and the bus had free wifi also so I checked my emails. On arrival
at the bus stop I was greeted with a nice sight Greek food in Canada .Gotta love the disapora !
So thats the end of my report. I hope you all enjoyed it . I know as usual lots of photos so thanks for your patience.
Air Canada provided a great service. Comfortable seats and nice meal. Spotting in SXM was amazing I intend to go back one day .
I appreciate all your comments as usual and appreciate them all.
Kinds Regards
OA260 / Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1136 posts, RR: 19 Reply 9, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 10834 times:
Hola Philip!
Impressed by your TR.... as usual
Having the opportunity to be at SXM is the dream of any a.netter.... maybe we should arrange a meeting there in the coming years.
Great to have some relatives at Antigua with the proper housing in front of the runaways, did you help them to choose location? Great for a.netters as well... excellent!
I like the SXM pictures where the arrivals is posted on the surf board, better than the giant flip-board at FRA.
AC deliver a great service and, as you know, I am a big fan of them when flying around North America. They provide good service, good food (most of the times), nice seats and a great IFE that can be turn on form the moment you take the seat. Taking off listening to some great music is always a great experience.
Great to see you had a great time in your holidays, and thanks for sharing!
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 10, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 10815 times:
Hi Philip!
Thanks for a great report with great pictures !
It seems you had a very nice cruise and very nice to get a day a the famous beach in SXM! I really should make an effort of going there sometime. Your pictures from there are really great!
Food on AC looks very good and the seat looks very comfortable too.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): Having the opportunity to be at SXM is the dream of any a.netter.... maybe we should arrange a meeting there in the coming years.
Indeed I always used to watch the Youtube videos , little did I know one day I would be making my own
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): Great to have some relatives at Antigua with the proper housing in front of the runaways, did you help them to choose location? Great for a.netters as well... excellent!
Very nice to have relatives in these lovely places. You know the crazy thing is I didnt know the location of the Inn. All I knew is that they ran one in Antigua . You can imagine my surprise when we pulled up outside opposite the runway lol...
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9): AC deliver a great service and, as you know, I am a big fan of them when flying around North America. They provide good service, good food (most of the times), nice seats and a great IFE that can be turn on form the moment you take the seat. Taking off listening to some great music is always a great experience.
Yes I followed your reports with much interest as I was booking my AC flight.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 10): Thanks for a great report with great pictures !
Hi there many thanks for the reply.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 10): It seems you had a very nice cruise and very nice to get a day a the famous beach in SXM! I really should make an effort of going there sometime. Your pictures from there are really great!
Yes you should deffo go there you would love it. Where are you based in the USA? Not sure how easy it is for you to get there but probably easier than me
Quoting The777Man (Reply 10): Food on AC looks very good and the seat looks very comfortable too.
I was really satisfied with Air Canada , I would not hesitate to fly with them again .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 10651 times:
Hi Philip,
Thanks for this amazing report yet again! I'm so annoyed I couldn't come with you to go to SXM. I've always wanted to go there as well. Love the pictures of the Nieuw Amsterdam. She really is an elegant ship.
AC look excellent on a flight of that length. Certainly more impressive than US. Glad you enjoyed that flight.
Looking forward to reading about the conclusion of this amazing month-long trip.
Cheers,
Gareth
According to one of my colleagues, my problem is that I'm addicted to travel!
LimaFoxTango From Antigua and Barbuda, joined Jun 2004, 693 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 10294 times:
Excellent trip report OA260. Of course I especially loved the pics from Antigua. I see you had a great time here! My gf stayed at Wind Chimes once. Really nice place. Hope you return soon!
You are said to be a good pilot when your take-off's equal your landings.
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 12): Thanks for this amazing report yet again! I'm so annoyed I couldn't come with you to go to SXM. I've always wanted to go there as well. Love the pictures of the Nieuw Amsterdam. She really is an elegant ship.
Yeah we would have had a blast ! There is always next time . Get planning lol
Quoting LimaFoxTango (Reply 13): Excellent trip report OA260. Of course I especially loved the pics from Antigua. I see you had a great time here! My gf stayed at Wind Chimes once. Really nice place. Hope you return soon!
Hi and thanks for the reply . Nice to have a local reply Glad your GF liked Wind Chimes I will feed that back they take pride in their place and I know they will be thrilled . My Cousin did the interiors herself.
Love Antigua and will of course be back . I left it too long and I miss my Caribbean family
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
LX64A332 From Switzerland, joined Aug 2007, 272 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 10170 times:
Very nice TR!
Pleasure to see you enjoyed SXM, had my first trip there in Sept and I loved it!
So how did you fly home from YYZ? Will we be seeing a TR?
Also, just curious, how did you enter the AA SJU lounge, when you were flying AC (Star)? Isn't a oneworld boarding pass needed even if you use priority pass/AMEX platinum to gain entry?
LGWflyer From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2011, 2348 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 9966 times:
Hey Philip! Just amazing pics of SXM!!! The place which every aviation fan wants to go! I enjoyed the AC pics also, I would like to go on them one day.
Quoting LX64A332 (Reply 15): Also, just curious, how did you enter the AA SJU lounge, when you were flying AC (Star)? Isn't a oneworld boarding pass needed even if you use priority pass/AMEX platinum to gain entry?
The joys of Priority Pass. They have an agreement with AA SJU so it was very useful.
chepos From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5972 posts, RR: 12 Reply 18, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 9917 times:
Another excellent addition to your list of trip reports. Your pictures from the SJU AA admirals club reminded me of my days as a child when my parents would take me to the airport on Sunday to catch aircraft land and takeoff at aeroparque. Back tnen SJU was much busier with AA Airbuses, 727's and DC-10''s being the norm, as well as the TWA and DL l-1011's making a cameo here and there- you made me homesick. I fear the days of the Admirals club in SJU are numbered- it looked quite empty.Quic question, how were the loads on your AC flight? I'm assuming almost 100% of the pax on the flight were cruise ship pax.
Lovely pictures of the Caribbean, as an islander I don't really consider going to the caribbean on a a holiday but your pictures of Antigua and SXM made me recondsider. And finally that Guyanese curry looks absolutely delicious.
Quokkas From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 9853 times:
Hi Philip,
As others have said, a great TR. You managed to catch a few interesting tails there at SXM.
Looks like the cruise was fantastic with some wonderful locations visited. I am not sure that I would like being on something as large as the Allure of the Seas, though your own ship was a bit smaller. The accommodation may be sumptuous but the sheer number of passengers is greater than the population of most towns here in WA!
@ "I was impressed by the lounge. Very bright and clean and lovely views . They had Free wifi too."
Excellent and all essential too. It is always a disappointment to find a lounge without decent views. The AC service seems reasonable too.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 9782 times:
Quoting chepos (Reply 18): Another excellent addition to your list of trip reports. Your pictures from the SJU AA admirals club reminded me of my days as a child when my parents would take me to the airport on Sunday to catch aircraft land and takeoff at aeroparque. Back tnen SJU was much busier with AA Airbuses, 727's and DC-10''s being the norm, as well as the TWA and DL l-1011's making a cameo here and there- you made me homesick.
Hi there and thanks for the comment . That must have been an amazing time at SJU . Such sights we could only dream of today . Still lovely memories to have and cherish for sure
Quoting chepos (Reply 18): I fear the days of the Admirals club in SJU are numbered- it looked quite empty.Quic question, how were the loads on your AC flight? I'm assuming almost 100% of the pax on the flight were cruise ship pax.
Oh really ? That would be such a shame as its a lovely area to watch the planes. Yes my AC flight was 100% full and indeed it was cruise passengers. I recognised some from my ship also .
Quoting chepos (Reply 18): Lovely pictures of the Caribbean, as an islander I don't really consider going to the caribbean on a a holiday but your pictures of Antigua and SXM made me recondsider.
You know there were a few families and couples from Puerto Rico on the ship taking the cruise. One guy I was chatting to a few times but cant remember what part he was from .
Quoting chepos (Reply 18): And finally that Guyanese curry looks absolutely delicious.
Oh yes it was so good . Wish I could make it like that . I love the ones the Indians and the Pakistanis make here but I really miss the Guyanese one
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 19): As others have said, a great TR. You managed to catch a few interesting tails there at SXM.
Many thanks for the reply. Yes it was nice to see some I had never seen in real life before and so close.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 19): I am not sure that I would like being on something as large as the Allure of the Seas, though your own ship was a bit smaller. The accommodation may be sumptuous but the sheer number of passengers is greater than the population of most towns here in WA!
Indeed I like them all and have to say Id love to try the Allure but I would probably only do it once as I prefer the size of ship I was on .
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 19): Excellent and all essential too. It is always a disappointment to find a lounge without decent views.
Oh I agree always nice to sit in a lounge and look out to the tarmac. Hate these no window dark lounges.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 473 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 9774 times:
Wow, what a joy it was to read this TR. I loved all the photos from the various islands, this cruise is something I need to try at some point too.
Speechless. What a.netter wouldn't want a room with that view? Holy hell.
The photo of the basketball court on the ship brought tears to my eyes (well, almost). As a basketball enthusiast it makes me happy to see that the sport is being appreciated in places you wouldn't expect.
Glad to see that AC did such a good job. I have still to fly with them (I had once booked with them but they cancelled on me! - snowstorm).
Thanks for posting this Philip and for all the photos. I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we literally cannot wait for your next TR.
Thanks again.
WBodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
airjamaica From Jamaica, joined Aug 2006, 2318 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 9647 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 6): So thats the end of my report. I hope you all enjoyed it . I know as usual lots of photos so thanks for your patience.
Air Canada provided a great service. Comfortable seats and nice meal. Spotting in SXM was amazing I intend to go back one day .
I appreciate all your comments as usual and appreciate them all.
Great TR. Never visited SXM ( or anywhere else in the Caribbean for that matter ; only the USA ) but it is one destination that is also on my '' to do '' list. SJU appears to be a large airport with renovations/expansion going on. Also I took note of the many B6 tails there as their operations are growing at that facility. AC service looks good as well. Again great read.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 23, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 9625 times:
Another good report, OA260!
Looks like a great trip you had to St. Maarten! How awesome the views look! I'd love to visit Maho Beach and stay the day to watch the arriving/departing traffic!
Air Canada J from San Juan to Toronto looks pretty good as well - good looking food, and I love those stemless wine glasses!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 24, posted (1 year 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 9620 times:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 21): Wow, what a joy it was to read this TR. I loved all the photos from the various islands, this cruise is something I need to try at some point too.
Hi thanks so much for the comment much appreciated.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 21): Speechless. What a.netter wouldn't want a room with that view? Holy hell.
Indeed I would love to go there and spend a few days just to see the BA and VS so close up .
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 21): The photo of the basketball court on the ship brought tears to my eyes (well, almost). As a basketball enthusiast it makes me happy to see that the sport is being appreciated in places you wouldn't expect.
Yeah saw a few guys playing while I was onboard. Maybe I should do it next time I havnt played for years . Its popular in Greece as you probably know.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 21): Thanks for posting this Philip and for all the photos. I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we literally cannot wait for your next TR.
Thanks again and the next one will be interesting I promise if maybe not for the right reasons
Quoting airjamaica (Reply 22): Great TR. Never visited SXM ( or anywhere else in the Caribbean for that matter ; only the USA ) but it is one destination that is also on my '' to do '' list. SJU appears to be a large airport with renovations/expansion going on
Hi thanks for dropping by . If I lived so close I would be Island hopping all the time. I guess its a natural instinct to go to USA and Canada rather than intra Caribbean.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
25 longhauler: Thank you for taking the time to share your trip with us Philip. I am originally from Antigua, and loved the pictures of the island. I recognized quit
26 phatfarmlines: Thanks for the TR. I believe this is the first AC trip report out of SJU. Didn't know AC sent 321's to SJU. I'm assuming they're ETOPs certified? AA t
27 817Dreamliiner: Great trip report! Too bad you didnt get to see the VS and BA, you had a really good view there!
28 MH017: Hi Philip What a wonderful Caribbean/Cruise/Air TR !!! Having made a Transatlantic crossing myself last November on Royal Caribbean, both STT and SJU
29 PlaneHunter: Hi Philip, great report with lovely pictures! SXM is awesome, I need to go there one day. The presentation of the main course is horrible, though! PH
30 OA260: Hi thanks for the reply and glad you liked the photos of your home Island Arr ok thanks for that information I would never have known . This was my f
31 ba319-131: Great report Philip, as expected! - Looks lovely and great views of the runway too, what a find! SXM looks great, as expected! - It's the kind of plac
32 MSS658: Hi Phillip another great trip report you have got there for us. Makes 19F temperatures a bit more bearable. Glad you made it to SXM, just looks so won
33 OA260: Hi Mark , Thanks Im glad you enjoyed it . Indeed a lovely place to sit on the balcony in the sun and watch the arrivals and departures. What more cou
34 sultanils: Hello Philip, I'm glad to see you were able to live your dream ie spotting at SXM. One thing I miss is a photo of you enjoying your holiday in your ba
35 infodesk: Hi Philip, Another great installment of your series. Fantastic that you were able to visit St. Maarten and spend a day spotting, it really must have b
37 roberts87: Hello Philip, A very nice read, thank you very much for taking the time and posting. Antigua looks great, and your family picked a great spot for a gu
38 OA260: Hi Matthew many thanks and appreciate the comments Haha Nils I think not I dont want to ruin your dinner lol... Not sure although the flight was full
39 akhmad: My friend Philip, I have a dream, no, many dreams thanks to your delightfully written report and beautiful pictures. A dream of spotting and socializi
40 FlyingFinn76: Hi Phil, Excellent stuff again. Those pictures from the Caribbean make me warm as it is right now minus 20 outside... I'm glad that you managed to ful
41 deltamartin: Hi Philip! Nice report as usual. SXM looks awesome, glad you got to experience it, would love to go there some day. Those cruise ships seem great, to
42 OA260: Hy Suryo thanks alot for the kind comments Yes me too I love that pic of them waving . Thats what I love about my family they may be scattered around
43 stipica: Hi Philip ! your photo trip reports are like chocolate muffins from DUB and I am planning a OA260-weekend ... perfect place for next A.net meeting ...
44 tcm: Great report, thanks for the effort Well, your photos made me add SXM to my must visit list. I'll trick the family with your nice beach photos and pho
45 OA260: Hey thanks Haha OA260 weekend ! Anet Caribbean meet sounds ideal Seems a few are adding SXM to their list so maybe a future meet there Hi thanks alot
46 tcm: Your photographs are just as great as the narrative. Many of us here like your reports because of the many pics. Like the Chienese say "A picture spe
47 lukeyboy95: Wow, Philip . . . For me, this was the perfect cocktail of non-aviation and aviation in a trip0report. I found your report informative, and an incite
48 OA260: Oh thats really nice to know and Im glad that people like them. I try to make my TRs as full of info A-Z as possible and convey the experiences I had
49 roberts87: I think KLM nowadays deploys the 744 to SXM, and AF the A340. I was thinking inbound KL, and outbound AF, or the other way around, to experience and
50 alexeu: Hi! Great report, I especially liked the Caribbean charm of it! Just curious, did you pass thru customs/immigration when traveling between US Virgin I
51 OA260: Arr ok I thought they still used them to SXM . Is it just other parts of the Caribbean ? Or are they not flying them to the region at all now ? Nice
52 FlyingFinn76: Hey, forgot to say this in my original comment: I'm so happy you saw this amazing piece of Finnish craftsmanship and engineering. If I remember it ri
53 OA260: Yes some good ships built in Finland. I remember when I used to get invited to the launches and the ship was brand new. Some of the Finnish engineers
54 globalflyer: Hi Philip. That was a wonderful read! I loved the pictures of each port on the cruise. I too need to plan a spotters trip to SXM. Looks like you had a
55 gabrielchew: Very nice report Phil - I think if I ever went on a cruise I;d put on a lot of weight! Maybe she's a closet a.netter?Looks like a nice plane though, w
56 roberts87: Nope, SXM is all 747 now. Three times weekly, with a stop in Curacao on the way back. Curacoa also has a combined Bonaire flight, which is operated b
57 FLIEGER67: Hey, Phil, that´s for sure a great bunch of pictures. Really well done to show us SXM en detail. Sure a place to go also for me somedays. Also the cr
58 OA260: Hey William thanks alot glad you liked it. Thanks and yes you certainly can . They say you go on a passenger and come off as cargo . I have it modera
59 signol: Hi Phil, What can I say? SXM, every a.netter's dream holiday spot. Coupled with some nice J flights and some other, spectacular islands, and a luxurio
60 OA260: Hey there thanks for the reply. Never thought of looking there some really nice reviews there and good to know . No I think you had to pay . Thats th
61 The777Man: Yes, because they are from Finland Ask FlyingFinn..... The777Man
63 shamrock604: Great report Phil! It brought back many memories as I "did" SXM a few years back, flying the KL 744 from Amsterdam. Your trip has made me contemplate
64 OA260: Hi thanks for the reply. Indeed why not . You can never have enough visits to SXM Maybe coupled by a few Island hops would be a nice way to see it. I
65 FlyingFinn76: Now somehow this doesn't surprise me at all!
66 flightsimboy: Great report, and such great weather and sunshine to compliment your holiday....and then that return to awful and cold Toronto lol. Yes it's been unbe
67 OA260: Oh it wasnt so bad and didnt spoil any of the trip. Im quite warming to Toronto. The first time I was there I didnt really rate it that much but its
68 flightsimboy: Oops that should have read as "return to awfully cold Toronto".... ... Yes most other Canadian cities consider Toronto "awful" in terms of friendline
69 airbuseric: Hey Philip, Fantastic report, SXM spotting and the cruising! That's 'MS Nieuw Amsterdam' of HAL in your report. Do you my Facebook picture? Spotted th
70 shamrock604: I would not go quite so far as saying it's like a charter aircraft - it still had the 2-3-2 seating as opposed to the 2-4-2 favoured by some charter
71 OA260: Cool lol... I know the rivalry especially in the French speaking parts . Hey Eric Yes I remember it well . You must take a trip on it HAL is a lovely
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