Anything I should purchase in St. Maartin

[smurfm69]

On our last trip to St. Maarten, we went to the open air market in Marigot and bought some flavored rums in hand painted bottles. Can't remember the price but it was fairly cheap and they will let you sample them to help decide which ones you want to buy.

[thequeen54]

On our last trip to St. Maarten, we went to the open air market in Marigot and bought some flavored rums in hand painted bottles. Can't remember the price but it was fairly cheap and they will let you sample them to help decide which ones you want to buy.

 

that would be Ma DouDou

[gtaylor]

that would be Ma DouDou

There are many flavored rums available in hand painted bottles. Ma Dou Dou is just one of them.

 

Those on display here are not.

 

(click)

 

gary

[GeneD]

Also there was a Marigot (french side) shoppers fair one day. What would you suggest a person buy there?

[gtaylor]

Also there was a Marigot (french side) shoppers fair one day. What would you suggest a person buy there?

 

There's a fairly large Marigot Marketplace in operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

 

 

(click)

 

Arts and crafts, local and shipped in. Shirts, t-shirts and such (usually also available at Rima's for less). Spices and sauces, fresh lobster, fish and goat.

 

gary

[tinybabynurse]

The Belgian Chocolate Shop is the best. If you get there early enough, they will deliver your chocolate to the ship so you don't have to carry it around in the heat.

 

We agree that The Belgian Chocolate Box, on Old Street, close to the old car, makes some of the best chocolates you will ever taste, anywhere! In our case we never have to worry about getting it home because it is gone before the end of our cruise! We flew this time and brought back a lot for friends. We think a small box of these wonderful chocolates makes a much better souvenir than another tacky t-shirt or hat.:D

 

Here is the website again: http://www.sintmaartenchocolatefactory.com/home.htm and she also is on Facebook. I don't remember that one but I think it will come up if you search Belgium Chocolate Box.

 

Although the order form on her webpage says that she ships to the US , Beatrix -- the owner -- said she no longer ships to the US because Customs frequently held the shipments for several days in areas where the chocolate would be ruined/melted. She is really serious about only having first-class products so she quit shipping to the US for now.

 

She will, indeed, get your order to your stateroom on your ship if you buy early. Also, you can even place a order by email with your cruise details and she can arrange to have it delivered to your ship. Great option if you would rather go to, say, Orient Beach, rather than take the time to shop in Phillipsburg.

[navilady2001]

Hello, When you are in St.Martin I would recommend buying a bottle of Guavaberry alcohol. It makes a very tasty pina colada. You can also cook with it. It comes with a few recipes attached to the bottle. Each bottle is hand painted and a nice gift to bring back for yourself or your friend.

 

Also, I have bought some pretty gold jewelry there. You can bargain to bring the price down. Also, camera equipment is a good buy as long as you know what the prices are before you leave home. You can bargain there too and usually they will throw in a few free items like memory cards, cases and extra batteries.

 

We are going in September and can't wait to go shopping there. St. Thomas is still my favorite port for fine jewelry. There is so much to choose from there!:D Hubby knows he is in trouble when the boat pulls in port there.

 

Have a great time on your cruise!:D

Do you think the deals are better in St Thomas for jewelry then in St. Maarten?

[Host Star]

Of course you can wear the jewelry, but legally, you are supposed to declare what you purchased while out of the country. There is a set limit depending on how long you are out of the country for, etc. However, if you are the "chosen one" and they find a receipt for a $5,000 necklace on you and they see the nice shiny necklace around your neck fitting the description, you will "Have some "zplaining" to do!"

 

I know someone who mails all her receipts home.....not saying who of course:D

[satbeachbill]

Do you think the deals are better in St Thomas for jewelry then in St. Maarten?

 

We've have extensively shopped both islands for years and feel the best buys are in St Martin. Just do your homework on major jewelry purchases before you go, and don't believe all the hype by the cruise lines about what stores to shop.

Danny at Dazzling Gems has for years treated us very well.

[mg3251]

We've have extensively shopped both islands for years and feel the best buys are in St Martin. Just do your homework on major jewelry purchases before you go, and don't believe all the hype by the cruise lines about what stores to shop.

Danny at Dazzling Gems has for years treated us very well.

 

Agree with your comment on St.Martin having the better deals. My wife saw some really good deals in St.Martin but didn't buy anything because we were on our way to St.Thomas the following day and thought she may find something better. St.Thomas turned out to be disappointing and she regrets not buying in St.Martin. We both found St.Thomas had an over abundant supply of diamond stores and most sales people were kind of pushy.

 

Do your homework on what your looking for

[jeanette191]

To go to Marigot markets in St. Maarten - is there a tour there or transportation? Is the Marigot market open everyday?

[gtaylor]

To go to Marigot markets in St. Maarten - is there a tour there or transportation? Is the Marigot market open everyday?

The Marigot Marketplace is open most days, including Sunday if cruise ships are in, but is best on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

 

The easiest way to get to Marigot is by taxi from the Cruise Facility.

 

Rates are set and regulated.

 

It is possible to get there by local bus, but that would be more of an adventure.

 

gary