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On a cruise to Saint Martin, travellers get to taste two perfectly-packed cultures in just one stop. This Caribbean island oozes two completely different vibes, with Dutch and French influences nicely split on the northern and southern sections of the island. The Dutch side is called Sint Maarten and is home to Philipsburg — the island’s capital, which is steeped with Old-World charm and laid back atmosphere, where cobblestone streets are lined with colonial-style buildings. Stroll the scenic boardwalk set against the stunning blue-toned sea, plane-spot on Maho Beach and indulge in a spot of light-hearted haggling on its down-to-earth Front Street shopping precinct. Adrenaline junkies can zip down the steepest zipline in the world and rum enthusiasts must try the legendary guava-berry liqueur that the island is famous for! Whether it’s lounging and unwinding on the beach or trying out exhilarating activities — the Dutch Sint Maarten is definitely an unmissable stop on a Caribbean cruise!
Dubbed the ‘Jet Blast Beach’ and the world’s most extreme beach, Maho Beach offers not just beach basking and water adventures but also spectacular views of jets landing and departing from the island's Princess Juliana International Airport, set near the beachfront. Watch the aircraft swoop down just a few feet above the head from a distance at the busy beach bar or get a close-up view of the planes flying low to land while lounging on the shores for a truly unique and breathtaking experience!
Birdwatchers will have a blast at Parotte Ville Bird Park, home to over 25 tropical bird species and about 170 birds. The bird sanctuary was founded by George Parotte in 2015, comprising a museum and aviary that reflects his enthusiasm for birds, plants and their respective histories. Spot exotic sun conure hybrids, exclusively found at Parotte Ville, as well as rose-ringed parakeets and black-headed parrots. Be sure to drop by the heritage museum, showcasing antique items, and find inner peace in the on-site medicinal garden.
Casino Royale is the largest casino in Maho Beach, encompassing an impressive 21,000 square feet of gaming space. Featuring 300 slot machines, 21 gaming tables and the island’s finest electronic roulette, this expansive casino is sure to keep you entertained all night. There’s also a sportsbook where you can watch sports games and place bets on your favourite team, as well as a poker room for high stakes. Sip a glass of cocktail before tying your luck on the tables!
Stroll around the charming capital of Philipsburg, where you’ll find a host of attractions, including shopping stores, beachfront bars, delightful museums and a historic fort. One of the most tourist-famous spots for shopping is Front Street, filled with duty-free shops selling the best bargains you could find. You can also test your luck in the slot machines in Coliseum Princess Casino and get the chance to bag big prizes. For history buffs, the ruins of 17th-century Fort Amsterdam are definitely worth the visit.
Sint Maarten packs a punch of heart-thumping adventures and the Flying Dutchman is a must-try! Race with other zipliners as you ride on a 2539-feet-long zipline that plunges at a whopping height of 1,050 feet — let your hand loose and delight in the dramatic scenery at every turn. Besides this award-winning zipline, Rainforest Adventures also offers other fun-filled activities, such as the Schooner Ride, where you’ll slide down the mountain in an inner tube, and the Sky Explorer, which lifts passengers up to the Sentry Hill and grants beautiful 360-degree views!
Don’t miss out on sampling the national drink — Guava-berry! This legendary drink is made from fine oak aged rum, cane sugar and handpicked ripe guava berries naturally found in the island. The Guavaberry Rum Emporium is an excellent place to get a taste of this local rum and learn about its history. The boutique store is housed in a historic building dating to the late 1700s, which was once the home of a former governor.
Since St. Martin is a Caribbean island, it enjoys warm and sunny weather all year-round. The dry season runs from December through April, which is considered the peak tourism season.
On the Dutch side, the official currency used is the Antillean Guilder or Florin but US Dollars are also widely accepted in most establishments.
Major cruise ships call in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side Sint Maarten, located on the southern coast of the island. Here, cruise passengers are welcomed by duty-free shops, brightly-coloured houses, vibrant bars and restaurants.
The official language spoken in St. Maarten is Dutch but locals can also speak in English.
St Maarten is nicknamed the “France of Tropics” because of its rich French heritage and sophistication. It’s also home to plenty of world-famous attractions, including the world’s steepest zipline, the legendary guava-berry rum and the Maho Beach which is an excellent place for plane-spotting.
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