Our awesome light technician had been trying to organize a catamaran tour for the casts and techs since we finished install in June. There were a lot of complications and scheduling issues, but last St. Maarten, he finally succeeded! Almost all of the production cast and ice cast, as well as a handful of cruise staff, stage techs, and musicians came along.

View from the pier

We met on the gangway at 12:45 and walked to a nearby dock. A few minutes later, our catamaran arrived. We removed our shoes and piled on. Our captain gave a quick safety talk, demonstrating how to wear the life jackets on board, and then, as reggae music started playing, our outing began.

About 15 minutes later, we stopped in a cove and were given life jackets, flippers, and goggles for snorkeling. We slid into the water one by one, and after taking a minute to get used to the equipment, we followed our guide away from the boat. We saw a large, graceful stingray swimming beneath us as we swam around.

Our first stop

Our first stop was at an old boat wreck. The sunken boat was taken over by fish and other sea creatures. We moved on to see a helicopter that crashed during a hurricane. Seeing a vehicle designed for flying parked underwater was rather bizarre. Near the wreckage, our guide found a sea anemone. I was able to hold it for a minute, and in that time, it suctioned itself onto my hand. Removing it sent tingles over my hand and shivers up my spine!

Upon returning to the catamaran, I was handed a cup of rum punch. Although our tickets advertised “one free drink”, the punch kept flowing! As we sailed towards our next destination, Airport Beach, I quickly began to feel the effects of the waves and the punch. I sat on the trampoline at the front of the catamaran for a while, hoping the fresh air would make me feel better, then moved to the shade.

My fantastic cast

I’ve wanted to go to Airport Beach so being able to see it from the water was really neat. There is a small airport right next to the strip of sand, so people on the beach had planes flying over their heads. We spent a few minutes sailing around the cove by the beach, and then went back to the pier. Anxious for solid ground, I was the first off the boat. I stopped for water and a bite to eat before getting back on the ship.

The whole group

Even though I felt ill at the end of the day, I had a lot of fun. Our captain and tour guides were very energetic and amusing, and it was really nice to have time with the casts and techs outside of work! I was worn out by the time we started Mystery Theater that evening, but all involved were in a great mood, and we delivered an entertaining show!

Even though I felt ill at the end of the day, I had a lot of fun. Our captain and tour guides were very energetic and amusing, and it was really nice to have time with the casts and techs outside of work! I was worn out by the time we started Mystery Theater that evening, but all involved were in a great mood, and we delivered an entertaining show!