Suggestions for Shore Day

[DRMizzou]

Any suggestions on how to spend the port day in St. Maarten if one does not want to do an excursion or spend time at the beach. Obviously, you can walk around, shop, etc. Just wondering if anyone had specific things to see, places to eat, have a drink, etc. Is it far to walk to main areas of Phillipsburg? Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[drdewrag]

It takes only 10-12 minutes to walk to the boardwalk at Philipsburg. Or you can take the water taxi for 7-8 bucks each. There you will find shopping and places to eat and drink. We always wind up eating at Taloula Mango's right on the boardwalk. They have great food and drinks as well as live music prior to the ship's departure. Another good place for food and drinks is the Bar and Grill at the Holland House Hotel - again, right on the boardwalk. Enjoy!

[DRMizzou]

It takes only 10-12 minutes to walk to the boardwalk at Philipsburg. Or you can take the water taxi for 7-8 bucks each. There you will find shopping and places to eat and drink. We always wind up eating at Taloula Mango's right on the boardwalk. They have great food and drinks as well as live music prior to the ship's departure. Another good place for food and drinks is the Bar and Grill at the Holland House Hotel - again, right on the boardwalk. Enjoy!

 

Thanks very much for the info!!

[Grego]

It takes only 10-12 minutes to walk to the boardwalk at Philipsburg. Or you can take the water taxi for 7-8 bucks each. There you will find shopping and places to eat and drink. We always wind up eating at Taloula Mango's right on the boardwalk. They have great food and drinks as well as live music prior to the ship's departure. Another good place for food and drinks is the Bar and Grill at the Holland House Hotel - again, right on the boardwalk. Enjoy!

 

Great suggestions.

[dohertm1]

Rent a car on your own and make the easy drive from the port to two wonderful places in St. Martin (the French side): Marigot and then Grand Case, which is just a few minutes north of Marigot. Both are very scenic. Marigot is a harbor with many shops, restaurants and a fort overlooking the town that offers incredible views of other islands. Grand Case is considered the dining capital of the Caribbean. One restaurant after another line the beautifully serene beach. We enjoyed an unforgettable lunch at Le Tastevin, a French restaurant with delicious seafood and other choices. Best meal of our 7-day cruise! The best day of our cruise for my 16 and 18-year kids as well. We preferred the French side to St. Maarten (the Dutch, where the port is). We wrapped up the day with a swim at Orient Beach - fantastic and still had time to explore Phillipsburg after we returned the car (which was about $60 U.S. for the day). Many, if not most, cruisers stay in the port or go on ship excursions. We lost the crowds this way and had a day we'll never forget.

Edited March 9, 2014 by dohertm1

[DRMizzou]

Rent a car on your own and make the easy drive from the port to two wonderful places in St. Martin (the French side): Marigot and then Grand Case, which is just a few minutes north of Marigot. Both are very scenic. Marigot is a harbor with many shops, restaurants and a fort overlooking the town that offers incredible views of other islands. Grand Case is considered the dining capital of the Caribbean. One restaurant after another line the beautifully serene beach. We enjoyed an unforgettable lunch at Le Tastevin, a French restaurant with delicious seafood and other choices. Best meal of our 7-day cruise! The best day of our cruise for my 16 and 18-year kids as well. We preferred the French side to St. Maarten (the Dutch, where the port is). We wrapped up the day with a swim at Orient Beach - fantastic and still had time to explore Phillipsburg after we returned the car (which was about $60 U.S. for the day). Many, if not most, cruisers stay in the port or go on ship excursions. We lost the crowds this way and had a day we'll never forget.

 

Really appreciate all the great suggestions!!