A Day in Saint Martin

Cruising is one way to find the relaxed pleasures of island life Saint Martin is the favorite port of call to many seasoned cruisers, and we concur. Where else, in a day stop, can one have the opportunity to encounter an island that is Dutch on one side (Sint Maarten) and French on the other (St. Martin)? With such a diverse range of dining, drinking, beaching, gambling and shopping options, one returns to the ship with the experiential equivalent of what the French call an aperitif. Your ship docks on the Dutch side at the modern A. C. Wathey Cruise Facility. With recent updates, the port even accommodates the world's largest cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas, with ease, which our group and we witnessed first hand this past January. Immediately off the pier is a shopping village with stores selling sundry items, Cuban cigars, duty-free shopping, and of course, you can try and most likely buy the liquor of the island: Guavaberry Liquor. The cruise lines offer many daytrip options for the active vacationer, ranging from participation in a former America's Cup Yacht and racing against another; touring on an ATV; zip-lining; mountain biking; and even Harley-Davidson motorcycle tours. A more laid back option is a visit to the butterfly farm. Finding a taxi at the port is easy. Want to "beach it"? There are clearly marked signs with plenty of cabs waiting to take you there for a flat fee. The most popular beach on the island and arguably in the Caribbean is Orient Beach, which is located on the French side, Baie Orientale. This two-mile powder sand beach, with multi hued azure colored water, features what are affectionately called "nude and prude" sides. The "prude" side's most popular areas are "Bikini Beach" and "Kontiki" sections. Kontiki is a personal favorite. There are many small restaurants/bars in this area. For a fee you can have use of padded chaise lounger and / or umbrella. Since most places desire United States tourist money, the dollar is on par with the Euro. How about six 12-ounce Carib Beers in an ice bucket delivered to your beachfront chair for just $15 dollars? Ya Mon! Some say the best Mai Tai and "Dirty Banana" drink are from a bar on Orient Beach. One word of caution if you are easily offended or bring young children, "prude" on a French beach means that topless is still allowed. Lovers of fine food should pay a visit to Marigot, the capital on the French side. With quaint bistros, cafes, and pastry shops, one can understand why some French chefs go on holiday there to hone their skills and perhaps introduce a Caribbean touch to their fare upon returning home. While there, explore Fort St. Louis where one can climb the steep hill and be rewarded with panoramic views of the island and Caribbean Sea. A water taxi or short cab ride will take you to Phillipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, where the best duty-free shopping can be found. Great values in jewelry, watches and electronics can be had. Take a chance at one of the local casinos, have some amazing chocolate at the Sint Marteen Candy Store, or savor a final guavaberry colada before you head back to the ship. Fond memories of "The Friendly Island" will have to hold us until our group returns again next January. Text courtesy of Donald J. Anderson and The Cruise Store