St. Maarten - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

nealberk · 04-21-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabelgirls

I agree with the above posters. After spending a fortune on my first two cruises, I did a little research and did local excursions last year which were more affordable. However, you can have just as much fun just roaming around the shops, straw markets and the like on the islands.

The markets on the island and walking through the Dutch oldtown area are unlike anything else in the Caribbean. Different flair from the more traditional ports.

Mystery Gal · 04-22-2008, 11:48 AM

I'll probable try what Neal suggested. Sounds good to me.

rabelgirls · 05-25-2008, 10:24 PM

Anyone else find something different here?

I like Neal's idea posted above. I also like the idea of renting a car and doing my own thing.

Does anyone know where to get a map of the island? I would like to try to get some idea about the distances from the port to the different sites?

Char · 05-25-2008, 11:48 PM

Have you checked out our St. Martin forum here on CLF? --> St. Martin

Mystery Gal · 05-26-2008, 07:10 PM

Thanks Char.

jp20 · 05-27-2008, 11:04 AM

Would love to give you a heads up! We went on the Caribbean Princess to this island on April 07 with 50pp. We all did different stuff, Many of the guys did the American Cup and loved it!!! They said you could help sail and race or choose to be a spectator. A few of the Kids (18-26) went on shore and rented ATV (four wheels and they had plenty to choose from and way cheaper than the ship) They shopped and went all over the island stopped for lunch , wonderful experience for them. My sister-in-law went shopping (You have to try a GuavaBerry Colada!!!!!) You can only get it on this island, buy the liquor to make it, or to give it a a gift as you can ONLY get it there, and they will transport it to the ship for you, if you buy it early in the day. Then we rented a taxi for $10 to go to the other side of the island after shopping, we thought the beaches were fantastic and if you don't want to see naked sunbathers there is a family side. The taxi driver thought we were kidding when we said family side and kept trying to show us the sites. (lol) We had a nice lunch but found out later that the boys ate lobster on the other side of the island for cheaper than our salad. The water was beautiful and for $5 dollars we could rent a lounge chair. My sis watched our stuff and I went for a swim. Wonderful day we would do it again on our own, we felt very safe. One niece went horseback riding by herself with the ship tour and loved it. From the ship its a short walk to a ferry for $5 or a little more and you can go back and forth from town to the ship or you can walk its long if your loaded with packages but do-able. Hope I helped. We just ran out the the Guavaberry liquor and now No more until we return to St. Maarteen.

Mystery Gal · 05-27-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks. It is great to hear the insight of anyone who has been there. I can't wait myself to go. At least we have summer here now. (well kindof) and we can soon start kayaking. This weekend the beaches all opened. It makes the time until cruising more bearable.

nealberk · 05-27-2008, 08:54 PM

I am glas to see that someone agrees with on St. Martin. I can't wait to get back there. Did you get a chance to see the open air stalls on the French side?

rabelgirls · 07-26-2008, 01:19 PM

I have just recently read on another board that some people use Bernards Tours at St. Marrten. Has anyone here used them? If so, what were your feelings about them. I am still trying to find something for the girls to do that will be memorable.

rabelgirls · 07-26-2008, 01:20 PM

I have just recently read on another board that some people use Bernards Tours at St. Marrten. Has anyone here used them? If so, what were your feelings about them. I am still trying to find something for the girls to do that will be memorable.