Would love to try to answer as many St.Maarten questions as possible...

[Donna Pearl]

Hi Leo Girl,

 

Thanks for answering all these questions! In a post from 2 year's ago you mentioned Cheri's Café as a "fun" place to eat. Are they still there? You also mentioned they were closed one weekday, do you know which one?

We will be on a cruise and arrive on a Wednesday. We think this would be a great place for our daughter to celebrate her 18th birthday.

 

If they are not open anymore or are closed on Wednesday's do you have a suggestion for a similar place to celebrate her birthday? There will be five of us including her sisters 15 and 14. Thanks again

 

Donna

[momm4544]

Will be arriving on the Mariner of the Seas on July 13. I have signed up for the America's Cup Sailing Regatta excursion through the ship. The excursion is from 10 to 1. Will I have time to get to Marigot and back before the ship sails at 6:00 p.m.? I've read the afternoon traffic can be difficult. Also, do you know approximately what a taxi would cost round trip for 3?

 

Thanks for the help.

[AngieBaby161]

I have a question for those of you who have been to St. Marteen before.... when you leave the pier, if you take the main drag to the left and walk towards the decorated cow statue - there is a beach bar (with pub grub) that makes killer frozen drinks. Does anyone know of this place and it's name??? For the life of me and all of those who cruised that with us, we can't remember the name - THAT'S how good those drinks were. We barely remembered to reboard the ship!!!

[geauxgirl]

Hi,

I know this is such a random question, and its one that you might have 100 different answers to and you might have already answered it for someone else, but .... We fell in love with St. Martin/Maarten when we were there 05/24/2006 on the Valor. One day didn't come close to satisfying us, so like many people do, I'm planning on returning next summer for a week long stay to celebrate my and my husbands 20 year wedding anniv. Ok here is the LOADED question... Where would you stay if you were us. Dutch side? French side? We fell in love with orient beach, and have thought about one of those resorts, but we also like a little night life, so maybe the casinos?? Any input on this I will take and if you know of any shortcuts or pricecuts that I should know about , I'd appreciate it. Thanks, I enjoyed reading ALL of your replies to these hundreds of questions (you need your own website!)

 

Monica Richard

[Jayme580]

Fire away. I have been living in St.Maarten for 21 years and know the place pretty well. I will try to help as much as possible, because even though I know a lot, I don't know everything. ;)

 

Can I take a Taxi from the pier to Maho beach? How far/long is to from the cruise pier? Do you know the cost?

Thank you for you help! :)

[SC GUY]

My husbnd and I are going to be sailing 6-2-06. I love to shop.The things I am looking for are crystal, leneox, linens and clothes. I don't want any typical tourist things. what I want is clothes to wear when I have to go back to work. I am 50 years old (but dress like 35 or 40) and a professional so skirts, suites, pants or dresses is what I would like to buy. Lace and linen table clothes with placemats and napkins to match. When we go on a cruise I always buy one lenox figurine to remember the cruise. Crystal I just want to add to some new crystal glasses that I have bought in the states and see if I can get it cheaper out side the Uunited States. Anything you can help me with I would be happy with. Mrs SC Guy:)

[deubank]

Hi! I am wondering if there is any offerings related to Pirate history on your island? We'd love to see and explore anthing pirate related. Thanks!

[dibri'e]

Hi........ do you know of any places to go fishing off of a dock or pier or beach (near where they provide poles and bait)?

thanks!

[jimiam]

I will be renting a car while visiting your island for a week. On my previous visits it appears that parking around front street area is very limited. Where can I find parking around this area.

[maurick]

Thank your for this wonderful thread. Its so helpful. Is there anything to do iwithin walking distance of the dock. We are on RCCL Exploreer of the Seas in Oct? Thanks again.

[maurick]

to the top

[mjea35]

Thank you, Leo Girl. You said we could find watersports on Divi Beach. Do you mean Kayaks, floats, and water trampolines? How spread out is Divi Beach and is there a certain section where we should go? We will be a group of 9 with three children. We'll need chairs, umbrellas, food concession bathroom and watersports. Yikes! Also, do you like Galion Beach for children? Mine are 8, 11, and 14. Thanks! Jamie in New Jersey

[mjea35]

Thank you, Leo Girl. You said we could find watersports on Divi Beach. Do you mean Kayaks, floats, and water trampolines? How spread out is Divi Beach and is there a certain section where we should go? We will be a group of 9 with three children. We'll need chairs, umbrellas, food concession bathroom and watersports. Yikes! Also, do you like Galion Beach for children? Mine are 8, 11, and 14. Thanks! Jamie in New Jersey

[snoopy_leogirl]

Thank you, Leo Girl. You said we could find watersports on Divi Beach. Do you mean Kayaks, floats, and water trampolines? How spread out is Divi Beach and is there a certain section where we should go? We will be a group of 9 with three children. We'll need chairs, umbrellas, food concession bathroom and watersports. Yikes! Also, do you like Galion Beach for children? Mine are 8, 11, and 14. Thanks! Jamie in New Jersey

 

You need to get to the area that is close to the main pool which is right where Gizmo's Cafe is. That area is right by watersports, food, restrooms, chairs and umbrellas. Water sports include jet-skiing, kayaking, banana boats etc. They don't have trampolines but you can probably rent the floating noodle, or mats from the rental place.

[snoopy_leogirl]

Thank your for this wonderful thread. Its so helpful. Is there anything to do iwithin walking distance of the dock. We are on RCCL Exploreer of the Seas in Oct? Thanks again.

There sure is! Walk to Front Street -- all the great shopping is there. Everything from t-shirts, souvenirs, watches, jewelry, crafts, art, electronics, cosmetics, clothing etc. You name it, we've got it. Also, visit the Boardwalk which is right behind Front Street. Nice path, along the beach packed with restaurants, bars, activities, and lots of sun and sand.

[snoopy_leogirl]

I will be renting a car while visiting your island for a week. On my previous visits it appears that parking around front street area is very limited. Where can I find parking around this area.

 

Park on the pondfill which is the area along the salt pond. Its free, but you have to walk a bit.

[snoopy_leogirl]

Hi........ do you know of any places to go fishing off of a dock or pier or beach (near where they provide poles and bait)?

thanks!

 

No idea where you can get the grear, but if you have your own gear, you can fish about anywhere near the water.

[snoopy_leogirl]

Hi! I am wondering if there is any offerings related to Pirate history on your island? We'd love to see and explore anthing pirate related. Thanks!

 

Honestly I don't know but I really don't think so.

[snoopy_leogirl]

My husbnd and I are going to be sailing 6-2-06. I love to shop.The things I am looking for are crystal, leneox, linens and clothes. I don't want any typical tourist things. what I want is clothes to wear when I have to go back to work. I am 50 years old (but dress like 35 or 40) and a professional so skirts, suites, pants or dresses is what I would like to buy. Lace and linen table clothes with placemats and napkins to match. When we go on a cruise I always buy one lenox figurine to remember the cruise. Crystal I just want to add to some new crystal glasses that I have bought in the states and see if I can get it cheaper out side the Uunited States. Anything you can help me with I would be happy with. Mrs SC Guy:)

 

Hi,

I don't know anything about the clothing, in my opinion I would never buy work clothes from St.Maarten but try out the Liz Claiborne store on Front Street. They have some very nice stuff. Also, for the crystals, we have several retailers that sell Swarovski Austrian Crystal which you can find at Little Switzerland or Gold Coin, also on front street. As for the tableclothes and accessories, visit Linen Galore and good thing too, it is on Front Street as well. Good Luck with the shopping!

[snoopy_leogirl]

Can I take a Taxi from the pier to Maho beach? How far/long is to from the cruise pier? Do you know the cost?

Thank you for you help! :)

 

Yes you sure can. Its about a 25-30 minute drive. Cost...unsure. But maybe $10-$12 per person?!?

[snoopy_leogirl]

Hi,

I know this is such a random question, and its one that you might have 100 different answers to and you might have already answered it for someone else, but .... We fell in love with St. Martin/Maarten when we were there 05/24/2006 on the Valor. One day didn't come close to satisfying us, so like many people do, I'm planning on returning next summer for a week long stay to celebrate my and my husbands 20 year wedding anniv. Ok here is the LOADED question... Where would you stay if you were us. Dutch side? French side? We fell in love with orient beach, and have thought about one of those resorts, but we also like a little night life, so maybe the casinos?? Any input on this I will take and if you know of any shortcuts or pricecuts that I should know about , I'd appreciate it. Thanks, I enjoyed reading ALL of your replies to these hundreds of questions (you need your own website!)

 

Monica Richard

 

Well, I think that the best area for you to stay in would be Maho. There are, let's see, about 4-6 hotels in that area...Sonesta Maho, Royal Islander, Towers at Mullet Bay, and Wyndham Sapphire Beach Club. Also Pelican and Royal Islander are very very close to Maho, about 10 minutes away. The appeal of that area is that there are restaurants, casinos, shops, bars, clubs, movie theater, and golfing and beaches and pools all throughout that area. And, the rates at hotels.com or expedia.com are very reasonable. Check it out and see what you think. Any of these places would be great if you ask me.

[snoopy_leogirl]

I have a question for those of you who have been to St. Marteen before.... when you leave the pier, if you take the main drag to the left and walk towards the decorated cow statue - there is a beach bar (with pub grub) that makes killer frozen drinks. Does anyone know of this place and it's name??? For the life of me and all of those who cruised that with us, we can't remember the name - THAT'S how good those drinks were. We barely remembered to reboard the ship!!!

 

Maybe Reggae Cafe? I don't know exactly what you are talking about.

[snoopy_leogirl]

Just wondering, does this beach have any nudity? Would like to take my son but dont want to be exposed to nudity. And..as a cruise ship passenger, is there any problem getting to this beach as it seems to be part of a private resort. thank you

 

No no nudity allowed at DIVI, no worries. No problem getting in either. Just tell security at the checkpoint that you are going to the beach.

[snoopy_leogirl]

Snoopy Leogirl

I just found this post and do not have time to read all 25 or more pages. From what I have read you recommend Divi Little Bay. I have another post asking for the best beach. My choices were originally, Little Bay(same as Divi?), Mullet,Dawn. Some others mentioned Pinel and Galion. I want a beach that is has calm water. Maybe a place to rent snorkel equip. Food and drinks. I don't care if it is crowded . I like calm waters, not waves. The few times I have been to Orient, the water was rough so I wanted to try a different beach this time. Is Divi still what you would suggest for what I want?

 

Most definitely, DIVI little bay, still the choice.

[mjea35]

Thank you Leogirl!! What do you think of Galion Beach for children? How does it compare to Divi Beach? Thank you for the helpful info! Jamie in New Jersey