Philipsburg, St Maarten
If St Thomas isn't the most popular cruise call in the Caribbean, St Maarten probably is. Sint Maarten is Dutch the other half of the island, St. Martin, is French. Race an America's Cup yacht, sunbath on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, dine in an elegant restaurant or, with a reputation for some of the best jewelry prices, shop till you drop. It's all available on this lovely island. Orient beach is well worth a visit with over 1 km of beautiful white sand sloping ever so gently into the turquoise Caribbean waters. Philipsburg, in the Dutch part of the island, offers wonderful shopping on picturesque streets and a downtown beach. Pretty Marigot, on the French side, is overlooked by the ruins of a fort proudly flying the blue, white, and red of France. Side walk cafes, little shops, an artisan market and a marina populated by luxury yachts provides you with a lot to see and do.
Click here to explore an interactive map of St Maarten.
Research & Planning Links: Royal Caribbean Excursions, Royal Caribbean Port Notes, Official St Maarten web site, Official St Martin web site, Sint Maarten Nature Foundation, Port of St Maarten, 12 Metre Challenge.
