Suggestions for how to spend a few hours prior to an excursion

[Teamv]

We will be in St Martin in March on the Carnival Dream and will be in port from 8 am to 6 pm. We are booked on a catamaran excursion leaving at 12:45 but were trying to plan an activity in the morning. Considering heading out in the morning to downtown Phillipsburg to wander around, perhaps browse around the shops. My husband and I will have our 2 teenage boys with us and they don't have a long shopping tolerance but are happy to spend an hour or so, especially in a new area. I have read that we could take a water taxi but there is not alot that I could find on-line about downtown Phillipsburg. Is this something worth doing? Or do you have any other suggestions for a low-key activity for the morning.

Thanks!

[jcool]

After you take the ferry there is a beach you could leave your boys at the beach is safe and you can go shopping. I feel safe in St. Martin I have been to St. Martin. Last time I was in St. Martin I told my husband to go zip line by him self and I stayed in Phillipsburg by my self and remember I am 5’1 and I am only 105 pounds and I had no problem. I would say look up stores in St. Martin because the cruise line is not going to tell you all the stores you can go to and have no problem but I would put the store name into the computer before you go to them. The cruise will not put them down if they do not get a cut of the money. That is something I heard.

[gtaylor]

You don't mention where your excursion leaves from, but I'll assume from the Cruise Facility?

 

Buy a day pass on the water taxi and ride into Philipsburg, a 7 minute ride. The shops will be opening between 9:00 and 10:00.

 

You shop and ...

 

Your kids might be interested in spending some time in the electronics shops. There is also the Yoda Guy spot.

 

If they're in their late teens, you could drop them in one of the many casinos along Front Street. They have Penny slots that could keep them busy for a long time for a few dollars.

 

There's also the St. Maarten Museum if they might be into that.

 

Then hop a ride back to the Cruise Facility to catch your excursion.

 

gary

[Teamv]

Thanks so much Gary. We will definitely visit the Yoda Guy spot. That looks very cool! I think between that, the museum and electronics shops the boys (including my husband) can find things to make them happy, which means happy shopping for me. I appreciate your info about time frames too. There are bits and pieces of info on these boards, but you put it all together for me and now I think we will have a great day!!