St Thomas or St Maarten which is better?? Need quick answer please!!

[scomar]

Trying to book a cruise in the next couple of hours. Never been to St Thomas or St Maarten. Which would you want to visit first??

 

Thanks

 

Scomar

[Southbound]

It depends upon what activities you prefer. We've been to both islands many times, via cruise ships and air. Both have very nice beaches, great shopping, and friendly atmosphere. If you visit St. Thomas, you're allowed to bring home a larger quantity of duty-free purchases (including liquor, which is priced lower than St. Maarten). Personally, if we had to choose between the two, it would be St. Thomas. The economy being what it is, we'd opt to spend our money there and help an American tourist spot.:)

[TrentS]

They're both excellent ports, both are beautiful islands that have gorgeous beaches, but having said that I personally would go with St. Maarten over St. Thomas. St. Maarten is a bit more diverse, being that it's half Dutch and half French, and I have a thing for Maho Beach...

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v6O20sBDd4

 

 

However if shopping is your priority then go with St. Thomas.

[Ethel5]

Do you like Jelly Beans or Bananas? :)

 

Personally, I stay on board in St. Thomas. I find St. Maarten cheaper for jewelry and liquor. I also think the people are friendlier.

[Bonnie J.]

St. Thomas has gotten VERY commercial. Go to St. Maartin and take the local buses (actually big vans) to the French side or many beaches all for $1.25! This is the bus locals take. You just flag them down whe you see them. Once we missed getting off for the watertaxi back to the ship. So, the driver just tunred around and took us back! Another time two men got off so there were seats for the 4 of us and we didn't have to wait for another bus. This is the way to see St. Maartin!

[navybankerteacher]

St. Thomas has lower prices for shopping - but has dangerous areas, and little real character. St. Martin, being half French-half Dutch has great character -the French side is lower key and has the best beaches anywhere. The Dutch side is somewhat grimy, has casinos and shopping.

 

Overall, St. Martin strikes me as being far better.

[Grandpaul]

Trunk Bay beach is on St. Johns which is right next to St. Thomas. Shouldn't miss it. I know I'm a few hours late.

[ikelmay]

My vote goes to St. Maarten, I love their beaches and the more laid back atmosphere. I also like Philipsburg for wandering around and exploring.

 

St. Thomas does have the better shopping, but is certainly more commercial; away from the busy town, it is very picturesque.

[BroncosFan2010]

Both have good snorkeling, both are beautiful islands.

St. Maarten is known for better and cheaper shopping.

 

St. Thomas is my favorite, but only because of a great sailing and snorkeling experience I had there in March.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have been to both many times

JMO -- St Maarten.

[MamaDaley]

I personally think that St. Maarten is better then st. thomas... St. thomas is a big shopping meca, but also has some pretty beaches. I liked the diversity of St. Maarten with the two countries. Definately have to go over to the french side

[collegecruiser346]

I've been to both places twice. I like St. Maarten better because theres alot of diversity there. Like others have said, you can do the French or the Dutch side. Both sides have wonderful beaches and shopping. If you do go to St. Thomas, definitely take the skyride to Paradise Point. If you are not familiar with it, google it and look at the pictures. You'll be amazed. Theres also good snorkeling at St. Thomas. I've heard it's better than St. Maarten. If you go to St. Maarten, try to make it to Guana Bay Beach. It's a big remote beach, thats often deserted even on days when 4 cruise ships are in port. It's a bit out of the way, but there are several 1/2 day hikes that end up there. Also get lunch or atleast a drink at Islan Flava. It's a beach grill in Phillipsburg. It's right on the boardwalk and about a 15 minute walk from the ship. The water taxi also docks right nearby.

[McDebbie]

St Maarten. You must get over to Maho Beach and watch the planes come right over your head. I'm not really into planes but watching my DH and his "new best friend" get blown around was the highlight of my cruise. :D

[sail7seas]

We've visited both islands more times than I can count and say, flip a coin. We like both for all the reasons given above.

 

One advantage to St.Thomas (if you are a shopper) is you are allowed double duty free exemption.

[satxdiver]

I have visited both islands several times. St Thomas is in the USVI and a territory of the USA. It is just like visiting another state but they drive on the left side of the road. Your cellphone works, the US$ is the currency and your DL will let you drive a car. They have some nice beaches and St John has a great National Park.

 

St Marteen is divided between the Netherlands and France. You will dock on the Netherlands side. The island is a lot flatter than St Thomas with worse traffic problems and substandard roads. The shopping area in Phillipsburg (Dutch side) is really nice and has a great beach area. A lot of pax go to Orient beach on the French side which has both a clothed and a unclothed area. Both accept US$.

 

The two islands are about the same size but due to the higher peaks, St Thomas has less land space for building but better views. I am not sure what you want to do which could be the determining factor. Both are safe.

 

I rented a jeep and drove it around St Thomas seeing the sights. I got information from both the internet prior to the trip and from the tourist booth at the port. In St Marteen I took a guided tour that I found on the internet. My next trip to St Thomas I am going to St John and the NP.

[Whimsy]

St Martin still stand out as one of our best days on an island. DH and I did the America's Cup Regatta in the morning and then met up with a family we met on the cruise. He had rented a car and we all took a drive to Maho Beach. We had lunch at the bar there and watched the large jets come in right over our head. It was thrilling and we still talk about it to this day and would love to go back to Maho beach.

 

I have been to St Thomas twice and we liked it very much too. Maho just gave us a rush.

[VistaRio]

Thanks for this thread. We are actually visiting both, and this helps us decide what to do on each.

[Ga-Fl Peach]

I love them both! The Carnival Glory out of Port Canaveral has taken me to them twice and the Liberty to St Thomas again. Lovely Islands! I consider them the East Coasts' (friendly) Hawaii.