It has taken awhile since the hurricanes did so much damage a few years ago, but the down town area is really nice. More stores - easy to walk from one store to another - 99% of the traffic is kept out of the area. There is even some shops at the pier - which has been done over completely since the original pier was wiped out.
We love going over to Orient Beach.
Beware of the Belgium Chocolate place. I am a chocolateholic. When we were there 2 years ago the prices were terrific and the place was packed. I got a 15 ounce box of dark chocolates for $15. This spring when I went back to get another box, it was reduced to 12 ounces and the price was $28.
For you parrotheads out there, Phillipsburg has an excellent Jimmy Buffet store called "Last mango in Paradise" - lots of good stuff (nice shirts) for sale .
Last time, we were there, my lovely wife made me go to a place called "the Butterfly Farm" Oh joy, oh joy!
As a former Dutchman, I hate to admit it, but the French side does have nicer beaches. Also seem to remember that some of the French stores in Marigot do close down for about two hours around lunch time. The "two capitols" tour gives you a nice overview if you've never been there before
Sint Maarten/Sainte Martin is a nice island to visit!
Is there a specific type of booze that is a must buy for the island or the area?
It would depend on what you like. Lots of good rums there, I know.. I don't usually drink Booze, so I couldn't help you much there.. I just take orders for friends. They have a lot of hard to find stuff though.. I picked up several bottles of 9yr 'Havana Club' Rum in Havana a few years ago for my best friend.. He flipped out over it.. St Maartin is the only place I've ever been able to find it since, except for in Costa Rica, which I hope to go for 2 months next spring instead of a spring cruise... One other thing.. The further down the main street you walk, the cheaper everything gets.. 'So walk a little, save a lot'..
Can anyone tell me how far is it from the cruise pier to Maho Bay? We're stopping in St. Maarten next February and I hear that the planes come right over the beach at Maho Bay and fancy myself lying on the beach, with a raspberry martini , soaking in the sun, watching 747s come screaming overhead!!
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
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Centrum Deck
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Cruise Places
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St. Martin
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Phillipsburg, St.Maarten
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Is it still the same?
made me go to a place called "the Butterfly Farm" Oh joy, oh joy! 
The best prices in the world.
, soaking in the sun, watching 747s come screaming overhead!!
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