I've read it & researched it and STILL don't know what to do in St. Martin!

[blue_water]

Just rent a car (all the major agencies arre right at the port) and enjoy the day. It's really an easy drive around the island and will only take a couple hours.

Marigot is beautiful.

Do not recommend wasting the day shopping in Phillipsburg.

 

I recommended shopping in Philipsburg only because cruisee will not be going to Charlotte Amalie while docked at STT. They're heading to STJ for the day and that's a great day.

Marigot is very nice, there are some beautiful beaches along the way, and driving SXM is easy, just beware of the potential for heavy traffic going both ways. And do obey the laws on the French side.

[Karysa]

Yes you are right, it sails from the Dock Maarten Marina near the cruise dock. We took their full day Friday Farewell sail while staying on SXM and they picked us up and dropped us at our hotel on Orient and I didn't pay attention to where we were. When we took their 1/2 day sail on a cruise stop we did walk there and it was a bit of a walk because we were docked behind other ships. But what a great outfit, their full day excursion is excellent. And now that I look back it was a little walk to downtown, not bad but some might taxi there.

 

We enjoyed our around the island sail with them as well. It was quite an adventure though as we got caught in a bad storm on the way back to port that came earlier than expected. It was supposed to be a tropical depression but reached tropical storm status in St. Mararten and was a hurricane for a very brief time just after leaving the island. It was crazy bad from Maho beach until around Little Bay.

 

From the cruise pier it would take about 7 minutes or so to walk to Dock Maarten and it is easy and on the way to town.

[blue_water]

It's funny, we had planned a Meet & Greet with other TTOL members staying on the island at the same time and I mentioned to them how we had enjoyed the GE on a previous trip and several decided to join us for the Friday sail. The weather was so bad as we boarded, cold windy rain, several in the group opted out. I was a little concerned as we motored out myself. But it turned out to be one of the most beautiful days we've had in the islands. Everyone who stuck it out got a t-shirt and we did have a blast.

[gtaylor]

I love Phillipsburg. Shopping on Front and Back St. plus a great leisurely lunch at the Ocean Lounge is a great way to spend a day. I have yet to make it to the St. Maarten Museum which is on my list of things to do while in town but that is another thing to do there. Personally I think it is one of the best ports to spend a day in town at.

Agree, and let's make sure they know that the Ocean Lounge is located at the Holland House Beach Hotel.

 

gary

 

Don't miss the 360 view.

[gtaylor]

Just rent a car (all the major agencies arre right at the port) and enjoy the day. It's really an easy drive around the island and will only take a couple hours.

Marigot is beautiful.

Do not recommend wasting the day shopping in Phillipsburg.

 

Opinions will vary, but we consider St. Maarten (Philipsburg) to have the very best shopping in the Caribbean.

 

Especially high-end jewelry, booze, table linens and perfume.

 

If you choose to do beach time or other, great, but if you're looking for shopping, here you are.

 

gary

[cruiseguys2009]

We were in Great Bay last year and it was one of the most Beautifully Re-Designed Beaches we have ever been to. No Pollution, Crystal Clear Waters and Soft Sandy Beaches overlooking the magnificent Cruise Ships.

 

We took the water taxi ($6.00 per person) from the ship's dock to the Phillipsburg Pier, which is smack in the middle of Great Bay. Then ventured to the right, past the Catholic Church and as we walked on the comfortable and brand new Boardwalk, complete with rows and rows and rows of chairs, chaise lounges with striped cushions and colorful umbrellas. As we walked the Boardwalk past designer shops, we were serenaded by Hawkers who sold their colorful beach spots, each professing two chaise lounges, with an umbrella, a bucket of beers and soda for a certain price. We settled on the "Solid Blue Cushions Guy" ($20 bucks, Two Chaise Lounges, Two Cushions, One Umbrella, 6 Beers Bucket, 5 Assorted Sodas Bucket, and Four Bathroom Tickets) Yes they charge you to pee.....:rolleyes: What a view of our ships.

 

Anyway, as we traveled along the Boardwalk, we heard the Chant's of the Hawkers..... "Beach Package, Snow Cain, Mary Jane, Anything you need to make you Insane...what can I get you Brother?".......is it any wonder that the United States DEA was at the Pier with their "Drug Sniffing Dogs" as we walked passed them to board our ship.

 

We enjoyed our experience on the new Grand Great Bay Beach so much, as the Beach was extensive, the Beers were cold, the water was crystal clear, and I ended up having a twenty dollar foot massage for 45 minutes, that was the best I have ever had from a woman toting an Aloe plant to use for her gel on my feet. Incredible!!!!!!!!! I fell asleep during my St Maarten Beach Foot Massage and tipped her 40 bucks for the great time!

 

In the Spa on the ship the exact same massage was $80 bucks and was only 20 minutes (after the required 20 percent tip it was $96.00).

 

After the Sunshine, we then went to the famous Blue Bitch Bar, a few steps from our Lounges and we had the best damn Ribs and Hamburger in months.....incredible. We also got BITCH SLAPPED, which is their highly potent, amazing concoction of a blueberry frozen cocktail (warning, after two, you will be dancing to the funtanstic Reggae Band that is performing on the Boardwalk!)

 

After our early day in the sun and our scrumptious lunch, we headed to Front Street, one block behind the Boardwalk for some amazing deals on liquor. Absolut Vodka $8.99, Crown Royal $9.99.......you can bring 5 home each....yes each, as long as in St Thomas you pick up a bottle each of Caribbean Rum, $6.99 - $9.99 at AH Reiss Stores.

 

Then after you purchase your liquor, you HAVE TO GO TO LIPSTICK. It's a fragrance store on Front Street and there you can buy your luxury perfumes and gentleman's colognes. If you buy more than three, and only as the sales person is checking you out, stop her, and tell her then, you WANT a discount. If she says no, then there is a fragrance store across the alleyway that will give you a better deal and tell the sales person that. Don't be timid!!!!

 

Then start walking out....you will not get out of the store with less than an additional 15 percent off...sadly most people just pay the regular price and are satisfied with that. However, Lipstick is the best and oldest Fragrance store in St Maarten. They will deal with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Okay if you have to pee and don't want to pay for the $1 to $3 charge, then right at the famous Blue Bitch Bar is anonther outdoor bar in the center of the atrium...with a Heineken Beer Logo all around the bar. (When you are there you will know what I mean) Go up to any bartender and nicely say, "Can you help me, I have to use the bathroom"....they usually will hand you a "Ticket" to the bathroom around the corner and will give you directions to it. But do tip the Bathroom Moderator a buck......and if you can, come back and get at least a beer from the gracious bartender.

 

There is so much I can go on about St Maarten, its our favorite island that we return to at least twice a year. We have done Maho Beach and Sunset Bar and Grill at the Airport and Loved it.

 

We have taken off our bathing suits and frolicked in the ocean waters of Orient Beach......that was fun:D.

 

We have lunched in a Fine French Restaurant in Marigot, and shopped till our hearts content on the French Side.

 

We have dined in the gorgeous Casino Hotels and enjoyed the island's hospitality!

 

For eight hours off your ship, and perhaps on a limited budget, enjoy the GRAND GREAT BAY BEACH. And don't let anyone tell you it's Polluted. It is simply IMHO NOT TRUE............ AND It's absolutely GORGEOUS.

 

You will find us there, on THE GRAND GREAT BAY BEACH, November 20th!

[Karysa]

Opinions will vary, but we consider St. Maarten (Philipsburg) to have the very best shopping in the Caribbean.

 

Especially high-end jewelry, booze, table linens and perfume.

 

If you choose to do beach time or other, great, but if you're looking for shopping, here you are.

 

gary

 

I agree and like Gary, we do our swimming at beaches that do not have the pollution issues that Great Bay has.

[OKBrenda]

I'll be on the Vision of the Seas in December visiting St. Maarten & found a tour company called "Amigo Tours" that offers a great tour, but I can't seem to find any reviews on this company. Does anyone have experience with them? If not, I'll go with Bernard's Tours, but I'm really hoping to skip Orient and go to another, less crowded beach. Thanks for any advice!

[katter24]

There will be 4 of us in port and neither one of us have been to this island before...is there good snorkling in St Marteen? we like shopping and sightseeing but just wondering about the beaches...thanks to anyone who can help with this...

[blue_water]

Not great as compared to other islands although the Golden Eagle is one of our favorite day sails and Creole Rock has decent snorkeling.

For beaches you'll want to look to the north west side, Orient is more a busy party beach, the nicer beaches are on the other side of SXM.

Philipsburg is similar to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas in so far as having alot of stores, and there are some neat spots on thebeach for lunch.

[rkaplan]

I so agree with the poster that said to tour with Bernard. We have toured with him several times and took our family (16 people) last year and set up a tour for them. You see the island and it is a great day for all. Our favorite place is Maho Beach to watch the planes come it.

 

Enjoy!!!

[gtaylor]

Not great as compared to other islands although the Golden Eagle is one of our favorite day sails and Creole Rock has decent snorkeling.

For beaches you'll want to look to the north west side, Orient is more a busy party beach, the nicer beaches are on the other side of SXM.

Philipsburg is similar to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas in so far as having alot of stores, and there are some neat spots on thebeach for lunch.

 

I don't believe that any of the cruiser oriented Golden Eagle trips go to Creole Rock now.

 

gary

[blue_water]

You'd have to check with them on that as it may just be the full day sail. As I remember CR is the best spot for someone wanting to snorkel but I don't have any experience elsewhere on SXM. We do love stopping at Tintamarre though.

[cruisee<3]

The main shopping is in the town not at the port. Taxi, water taxi or walking are the best ways to get there. Front street is the first street back from the sea and has jewelry, electronic, souvenir and liquor stores are found amongst others here. The next street behind front street is Back St and there are shoe stores and clothing stores and the Bus leaves from here as well.

 

Oh interesting .. I must have only shopped the port area last time then .. Thanks!! Can't wait .. i thought philipsburg was just the port shopping when everyone mentioned it .. hehe :p

[cruisee<3]

The port is very close to town, cruisee you will find SXM (St Marteen) very similar to STT (St Thomas) as far as shopping except that town is a bit closer to the dock in Philipsburg. So if you go to STJ (St John) for your St Thomas stop and miss Charlotte Amalie not a problem as you can shop in Philipsburg. You can also have a great lunch right on the beach there between shops, something you can't do on STT.

 

If you want a great day I would look at the Golden Eagle cat sail offered through the ship. You can shop first, then a very short walk back to the ship depending how many ships are in port, and the GE departs from the same dock. Excellent day sail and crew whether you snorkel or just enjoy the sail and cocktails and lunch.;)

 

Oh interesting, I will look it up on NCL's website. Thanks! You've been super helpful in both ports haha :D