Day 5, St Kitts

Awoke to find we were docked in Basseterre, St Kitts. Another glorious morning, with a view of the bay.

As it was Catherine's birthday, we had our breakfast in our room, so we were able to lie in a bit too. Catherine opened her cards and already had them displayed by the time brekkie arrived, minus butter and plates. A quick call and that was rectified. 

Whilst Catherine was getting ready, I popped up top to see what was what. To my surprise, as I burst into the sunlight, I was confronted with the side of a massive ship. Closer inspection showed it to be, the only other cruise ship we have been on, namely P&O's Britannia. Our top deck didn't even reach to where the balcony cabins started on this massive beast. It doesn't seem so big when you are on it.

David & Goliath, a.k.a. Marella Celebration & P&O Brittania

Our Scenic Railway tour began at 11:30. We were bused to the train station (loose description), where we boarded the top deck of one of five very colourful carriages. The railway is 30" narrow gauge and pulled by a Romanian diesel engine. The train pulls you around two thirds of the island, up the east coast and through some lovely villages, countryside and along the Atlantic coast. The trip takes about 1h45m, during which a carriage attendant plies you with drinks, in my case three rum pina coladas!

Our scenic train carriage

Once the train ride was over , the bus that took us to the station, picked us up and took us back to the ship.

Catherine and I had a map of things to see in Basseterre, so we took to the streets. Luckily, they had a KFC, so not only was Catherine able to go to the loo but I was able to WiFi properly for the first time.

The place was heaving. It is the first KFC I have been to where a security guard stands guard at the door. Go figure.

We found the main attractions, which included St George's Church. A lovely looking church, I swear if it hadn't been for the palm trees, you would have thought it was in England. We went in and I climbed the clock tower.

From the clock tower, the cricket ground. 

Gradually we made our way back to the ship.

Before dinner, we watched Britannia depart, with people on both ships singing along to her loud pool disco. I recall how loud that was from our short time on her. Shortly after, we too left port, bound for Guadeloupe.

At dinner we sat with a couple from Petts Wood, about 40 minutes from us. They were a nice couple. On exiting the restaurant, there was the now regular chat with Slav, one of the catering top bods, this time about Buttergate! Once again he was apologetic but must secretly be getting fed up with us.

More tomorrow.