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The 25 minute ferry ride from Marigot will allow you to discover a tranquil paradise. A few years ago, St. Maarten was very badly affected by Hurricane Irma. While they have done an amazing job rebuilding much of the infrastructure of the island, the reconstruction is still a work in progress on the island. While in downtown Philipsburg, be sure to walk through the Secret Garden.
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Before you go, pick up some famous guavaberry liqueur at the Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company. At any rate, St. Maarten staff are accustomed to the same tipping formula as American service industry staff, and that’s about 15-20% of the bill. Tipping taxi or bus drivers, hotel staff, or charter boat staff follow the same customs as they would in the US. There’s also sports betting and tiered memberships for those looking for more perks.
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St. Maarten/St. Martin Island Tour
This beach is famous for its close proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes fly low overhead during takeoffs and landings. It is also possible to rent a car in St. Maarten if you’re comfortable driving. Keep in mind that the roads on the Island will be quite busy when several cruise ships are in port. Transportation options into the town of Philipsburg, local beaches and popular sights are conveniently located at the cruise terminal. Shopping in St. Maarten includes a lot of handmade jewelry, small shopping stands, and local vendors hawking their wares to tourists. The crystal-clear waters surrounding St. Maarten and the coral reefs make it perfect for snorkeling.
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Although St. Martin is the larger hunk of the island, it draws far fewer visitors. 2 million people visit this Caribbean island every year by cruise and as many as seven ships might be in port at any given time especially during high season. Any drink made with guavaberry is a must-try when in St. Maarten for the day on a cruise.
However, some restaurants in St. Maarten include a service charge on restaurant bills, and that 15% fee doesn’t always go to the waitstaff. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path beach, a charter boat might be the best way to find it. Several bus routes line the island on both the Dutch and French sides. You can wait at the bus stop, or you can even flag down a bus that seems like it’s headed in the direction you’re traveling.
You’ll find large swaths of Dutch heritage and culture, in addition to French and British notes. The journey to Grand Case Beach from the cruise port in St. Maarten takes around 30 minutes. The dry, mild season from December to April is the best time to visit St. Maarten. The island enjoys pleasant weather with minimal chance of rainfall and hurricanes.
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You can get up close to colorful marine life and beautiful coral reefs. There are several great spots for snorkeling in St. Maarten, each offering a unique experience. The boardwalk promenade in Philipsburg runs parallel to the beach and is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. You can also rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks. It’s one of the best beaches on the island if you don’t want to travel far from the cruise ship.
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As the largest casino in St. Maarten, the Casino Royale offers 400 slot machines, Bingo, 22 gaming tables, and 21,000 spare feet of gaming fun. The excursion takes you 20 feet underwater, and safety divers accompany you. The dive takes 25 to 30 minutes, during which you can see a sunken submarine, helicopter, plane, canons, and more. You can also marvel at the colorful coral reef fish swimming around you. The beach runs parallel to Princess Juliana Airport and is only a 20-minute drive from the cruise pier in Philipsburg. The French side of St. Martin has some of the best beaches on the island.
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Take a ferry in Simpson Bay and in 45 minutes, you’ll find yourself on the upmarket French island of St-Barthélemy. The Dutch side of the unique two-nation island is also known for its world-famous landing approach which brings in planes over crowds at the hugely popular Maho Beach. Some smaller ships call on Marigot, St. Martin's capital, but the majority of lines dock on the busier side of the island in Philipsburg. It's simple and economical to make a cab trip from the Dutch side to St. Martin, especially for those who wish only to spend some time in Marigot.
Also, many shops in downtown Philipsburg have wheelchair-accessible entrances. However, it’s best to check beforehand for access to beaches or other attractions. You don’t need a passport when crossing the border from the Dutch to the French side of the island. Before your cruise, you should check entry requirements if you require a visa for St. Maarten.
Loterie Farm is a stunning reserve located in the heart of Saint Martin. The 30-minute drive from the cruise port takes you to the French side. Described as an oasis of tranquility, the park includes opportunities for relaxation, excitement, and adventure in 135 acres of lush tropical rainforest. Fort Louis is a historic fort located on the French side of the island of St. Maarten. It is situated on a hill overlooking the picturesque town of Marigot and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding area.
The Port of St. Maarten is one of the few ports in the world that can accommodate Genesis-class cruise ships. Additionally, the port has several booths for passenger screening, making disembarking exceedingly efficient. The Port of Marigot is right in the heart of Marigot, so the terminal contains few services. This is also where ferries to Anguilla depart, so there is a place to stash your luggage, if you are on one of the few cruises that embark/debark in Marigot.
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