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However, some restaurants in St. Maarten include a service charge on restaurant bills, and that 15% fee doesn’t always go to the waitstaff. 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. A museum tour takes about an hour, and from all accounts, Maley himself is usually present and always welcoming. He now operates the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, a museum devoted to all things Star Wars and many other hit films.
St Maarten/St Martin Beaches
In addition to guided tours, Parotte Ville offers interactive experiences where you can feed and interact with the birds up close. The sanctuary is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the cruise port. It’s a fantastic spot to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of these majestic birds. Take a guided shore excursion of St. Maarten to experience the unique Franco-Dutch culture. Depending on the tour operator, you can spend time in Marigot and visit Fort Amsterdam, Baie Rouge, and Sunset Beach. Some island tours include the Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, Loterie Farm, time at a beach, and lunch.
Arriving at St. Maarten, Philipsburg
This pretty beach is minutes away from the cruise port, which makes this one of the most popular and best beach for cruise passengers. Many visitors like to see the spectacular airplane landings on Maho Beach, also known informally as “Airport Beach”. You can do so by island tour (make sure this stop is included in the itinerary), by taxi or bus.
Public Transportation
Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to prevent theft or other crimes. St. Maarten Cruise Port offers several practical amenities and services for visitors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential things to know before embarking on your cruise journey.
Look for the wooden pineapple—a symbol of Caribbean hospitality—on top of the building. To get to Great Bay Beach from the terminal, walk along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard to Emma Plein Street and turn left to Front Street. All major Caribbean cruise lines visit St. Maarten Cruise Port, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney. From the culinary explorer and wellness enthusiast to families and couples seeking relaxation or adventure, St. Maarten promises unforgettable moments for all its visitors.
Transportation in Philipsburg
The following subsections will cover some of the most notable cultural and historical sites on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. Overall, St. Maarten Cruise Port provides visitors with a variety of shopping and dining options. Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques or locally-made souvenirs, there is something for everyone.
Large cruise ships usually dock at Philipsburg in St. Maarten, whereas smaller ships sometimes visit Marigot, the capital of the St. Martin. The island is well known for its shopping, gambling and beautiful beaches, so those who choose not to do a shore excursion should be able to find lots to do. St. Maarten, a Caribbean destination known for its Dutch and French influences, offers cruisers and tourists a rich cultural experience with easy transportation and diverse attractions. The bustling Philipsburg provides a fusion of shopping, dining, and historical sites, all within a short distance from the cruise port. Located on the northeast coast of the island, Orient Bay Beach is around 12 km from the cruise port, roughly a 25-minute drive.
Orient Bay Beach
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. The local currency in St. Martin, on the French side of the island is the Euro (€). This unique Caribbean island is home to two distinct cultures and countries, often referred to as the Dutch and French sides.
Guide to St. Maarten’s Cruise Port
There is another stop farther west right at the pier in front of the Walter Plantz Square. A Golden Eagle Sailaway (Royal Caribbean) is an optional catamaran (sailing boat) tour to St Maarten Beach (snorkelling-swimming-sunbathing). The return is to Philipsburg, where are included sandwiches and cold drinks served on the boat. "4x4 St Maarten and Beach Escape" (Royal Caribbean) is an optional Jeep driving tour across the island.
Sint Maarten: Wonder of the Seas cancels port call due to Hurricane Loop Caribbean News - Loop News Caribbean
Sint Maarten: Wonder of the Seas cancels port call due to Hurricane Loop Caribbean News.
Posted: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Taxis are generally not metered, but drivers must follow official rates for travel on the island. However, confirming the fare with the driver before starting your journey is always a good idea. This prevents some taxi drivers from taking advantage of cruise ship passengers. Taxis are the most common mode of transportation for cruise passengers in St. Maarten. Over 100 cabs await cruise arrivals to whisk passengers to Philipsburg or further afield. Taxis are readily available at the cruise port and throughout the island, making it easy to get around.
Located in the heart of the town, only a 5-minute walk from the boardwalk, the old street is a great place to browse around and admire the picturesque facades of old buildings. The Great Bay beach is sandy, long, and beautiful, boasting crystal clear, warm water. There is an option to rent beach beds and umbrellas from the locals, but if you prefer you can relax in the shade of one of the countless seafront cocktail bars.
You’ll drive on the French and Dutch sides of the island, stop off at a beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and snorkel around shallow reefs. When arriving at the St. Maarten Cruise Port, you’ll get stunning views of Philipsburg, white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and lush hills in the background. You’ll find duty-free shops, bars, restaurants, market stalls, and clothing stores. The port is conveniently located in the heart of Philipsburg, making it easy to explore the town after disembarking from the cruise ship. However, because St. Maarten is only 13 square miles, getting to other attractions by taxi, bus, or renting a car is straightforward on a cruise day. Located 16 km/10 miles (a 30-minute drive) north of the St Maarten cruise ship terminal, Happy Bay Beach is a tranquil secluded beach with no facilities.
Along the beach goes Philipsburg’s boardwalk, making the beach easily walkable. Cruise ships coming in already have a breathtaking view over Philipsburg’s Great Bay Beach. A popular way to spend the day on St Maarten when coming by cruise, is to spend a day at Great Bay Beach. Wi-Fi is available at the cruise terminal and throughout the island, but it’s best to check with your service provider for international roaming rates. Visitors can also purchase SIM cards and prepaid phone plans from local providers for more affordable communication options. St. Maarten is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and those who love to explore nature.
The rich cultural past of the Barbados and Bridgetown's cruise port is preserved in an exotic mix of quaint tropical ambiance. St. Kitts Island and its port - Port Zante (as it is officially named) - has become in the last years one of the most loved cruise port destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. The Port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto Rico, has a good number of highlights appealing to cruise passengers with the most diverse interests. Because the Beach in Philipsburg is not as wide as once was (before Irma), it can get a bit crowded. The taxi stop by Walter Plantz Square is now recommended as you will have more options to enjoy a day on the beach.
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