Dutch or French Side for a Cruise Passenger?

[Sun and Fun]

We have been to St. Maarten a couple of times and enjoyed the shopping on the Dutch side and also took a taxi to Le Gallion Beach. We are debating for our next cruise what would be the best use of time. We have a teenager son and a "tween" daughter (who hates shopping...who would have thought??).

 

Is is worth going over to the French side? I have read on several forums about the horrible traffic on the way back from the French side. I don't want to stress about missing the ship.

[cruise_control]

We really enjoyed the French side of the island. We did a bit of shopping, but the highlight was the pastries at Sarafina's. That's a must do.