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Sint Maarteen can be pricey compared to neighboring islands, but there are deals to be found. There is also an abundance of supermarkets for those wanting to self-cater on a budget. Anguilla, a British territory, is just a 25-minute boat ride away, and for a full day-trip, consider dreamy Saba, a 1.5-hour ferry journey (each way). The Casino Royal is the biggest on the island showcasing 21,000 sq ft of gaming. Stroll down the street for live music at The Hole in the Wall, late night dancing at the Moonbar Rooftop, or disappear into the clubby White Rabbit Piano Lounge.
Or Immerse Yourself in St. Maarten/St. Martin's Nature in Other Ways
The largest casino on the island is Casino Royale, located in Maho village. A casino that is closer to the cruise ships is Rouge et Noir Casino SXM, located on Back Street in Philipsburg. Cruise passengers can join a fun, guided ATV tour of Dutch and French St. Maarten. This tour will bring you to several popular spots on the island, and have you viewing pastel colored houses, tuquoise waters and lush landscapes. Whether you prefer to explore lush hiking trails, relax at the sanctuary pool or enjoy thrilling zip line tours with breathtaking views, Loterie Farm is a must-visit. A water taxi is a nice minute ride that will bring you to Great Bay Beach or Front Street, where you can spend the day exploring the town.
Best Things to Do in St. Maarten Cruise Port During Your Cruise
You’ll also be within walking distance of local restaurants, bars and shops along Front Street and the downtown core. On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, you’ll quickly be charmed by all sides of the island. Of course, this Caribbean island is best known for its beaches, like Maho Beach or Great Bay Beach, one of the area’s best snorkeling spots. Sample local seafood or rum during your time in port, which have become symbols of St. Maarten life. There’s just enough to fill the day here, especially if you hop between the French and Dutch beaches. One of the easiest ways to spend the day while visiting St. Maarten on a cruise is to take the water taxi into town.
Local Cuisine
It’s a great option for cruisers who prefer a beach that’s off the beaten path or those who have been to St. Maarten cruise port before. Cruise ships dock in the capital city of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten on the South side of the island. However, the island is a relatively small at only 34 square miles. Cruisers can also experience the French culture of St. Martin, on the South side of the island. On both the Dutch and the French sides of the island, numerous marinas welcome yachts, sailboats, and catamarans, for day cruises as a family or with friends.
You can check the cruise line excursions as well as excursions with Viator, Shore Excursions Group and other local tour providers. Take a guided excursion to explore both the Dutch and French sides, visiting scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks. This tour is a popular cruise excursion for cruise passengers who want to see highlights of St. Maarten during a half day or full day tour. While Maho Beach can get crowded, especially when several cruise ships are in port, seeing planes flying almost overhead is a thrilling and memorable experience for beachgoers.
Orient Bay Beach (French Side)
One of the most popular cruise excursions is a visit to St. Maarten’s Maho Beach, sometimes referred to as “airplane beach”. This beach is famous for its close proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes fly low overhead during takeoffs and landings. Luxury cruise companies such as Le Ponant are particularly fond of Galisbay Port. Every day, ships arrive in St. Martin from all over the Caribbean, and mainly from Guadeloupe, St. Barthelemy, the USA, and Puerto Rico. The port is a gateway to the outside world and is a hub for the local economy. St. Maarten is busier than ever, as cruise lines call on Philipsburg with their biggest ships.
By day, check out the newly opened carnival museum We Culture celebrating the history of the high-octane spring festival—and likely inspiring a future visit. Located in the Lesser Antilles among the northernmost Leeward Islands, Sint Maarten enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 74℉ (23 ℃) to 90℉ (32℃). Any drink made with guavaberry is a must-try when in St. Maarten for the day on a cruise. You’ll find several popular bars along Great Bay Beach as well as near the cruise terminal. If you’ve always wanted to go horseback riding, there are a few good options in St. Maarten. Lucky Stables at Seaside Nature Park offers a 1 hour trail and beach ride, riding lessons and a private or semi-private ride through the trails.
CRUISES TO SPAIN
THE 25 BEST Cruises to St. Maarten 2024 (with Prices) - St. Maarten Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises to St. Maarten 2024 (with Prices) - St. Maarten Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:37:33 GMT [source]
Join a guided expedition to trek up to the incredible 27 waterfalls of Damajagua where you can explore intricate rock formations, caves, and foaming cascades. Take the Puerto Plata Cable Car to the top of Isabel de Torres Mountain to witness incredible panoramic views from the landmark Christ the Redeemer statue and lookout point at its peak. The island of St. Thomas is considered to be one of the prettiest and most interesting destinations in the Caribbean, and its capital, Charlotte Amalie, is at the center of it all.
Night Southern CaribbeanDetails
What's particularly fun is that you can easily swing back and forth from the Dutch to the French sides and enjoy the best of both. This gourmet capital of the Caribbean serves a mix of French, East Indian and island flavours. Cruise to St Maarten and stop by a roadside barbecue stand (called a lolo) and enjoy lobster grilled on split-metal drums. Be sure to try some guavaberry liqueur, made exclusively on the island. Loterie Farm is a nature sanctuary with 135 acres of hiking trails, a zip line adventure course, and a spring fed multi-level pool with cascading waterfalls.
On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel. Cruises to St. Thomas and St. Maarten bring you to some of the best beaches, cultural charm, and historic experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. Follow the old rum runner and sugar trade routes into these fabulous islands, flush with lush tropical rainforests, mountains, and buzzing port towns.
The Loterie Farm and Nature Sanctuary in St. Martin has a mission to protect its beautiful countryside land and trees. This incredible sanctuary combines nature, adventure, and relaxation. Something to note is that there is a clothing-optional section known as “Club Orient.” This area is designated for those who prefer a clothing-optional experience, and it’s clearly marked. However, the main part of the beach is generally family-friendly. It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site.
With its large international airport, Sint Maarten serves as a gateway to surrounding smaller islands. Take a ferry in Simpson Bay and in 45 minutes, you’ll find yourself on the upmarket French island of St-Barthélemy. Nonstop international flights from major U.S. cities, Amsterdam and Paris bring a flurry of international travelers.
Every year, around 2 million cruise passengers come through the two ports of St. Martin. St. Martin is a top destination for an exotic cruise in the Caribbean. The biggest cruise lines include our destination in their Caribbean cruises. Loterie Farm is a nature sanctuary in the middle of the island where visitors can unwind at its well-maintained 135 acres.
Boutiques there fit the bill, reminding many of a more down-to-earth version of St. Barts. While there aren’t panoramic views of the island, Loterie Farm is the perfect place to unwind while soaking in the beauty of the jungle, like at its Jungle Pool. Create your itinerary just right with our list of the top 11 things to do in St. Maarten and get the most action-packed, fun-filled port of call. You’ll know when you arrive at L’Escargot thanks to its colorfully painted exterior.
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