SHORE EXCURSIONS

Hop on an Open-Air Double-Decker bus and enjoy unique views and fresh air on a tour filled with photo opportunities and local tastings. Starting at the Port in Philipsburg, the Dutch-side capital of St. Maarten, and passing by the Great Salt Pond, we’ll take you through the countryside to Marigot, the French-side capital, where you’ll enjoy a photo stop on a truly European atmosphere, with the waterfront, open-air markets, quaint shops, boutiques, and sidewalk cafés as your backdrop. After your brief stay in Marigot, you’ll reboard the Double-Decker and we’ll take you across the Causeway Swing Bridge, where, depending on the time of year, you may spot lovely sailboats and magnificent mega-yachts on the lagoon. Upon arriving at Maho Beach, you may watch thrilling airplanes flying overhead as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport. The journey continues along the southern side of the island with views of Simpson Bay Lagoon, where we’ll stop at a local rum distillery for a complimentary tasting of various rum flavors. Continuing your sightseeing journey, we’ll travel over Cole Bay Hill, where you may enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the nearby islands of Saba and St. Kitts, weather permitting. Your experience concludes in Philipsburg, where you’ll enjoy a delightful Dutch cheese tasting. From this convenient location, you are just a five-minute drive from the cruise terminal and within walking distance of a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, the boardwalk, and the beach. You may choose to enjoy some free time at your leisure or return directly to the port with us.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Treat yourself to the ultimate cruise on a classic wooden schooner where everything is first class, including the service. You will travel on the luxurious Spirit of St. Maarten, a one-of-a-kind, 114-foot vessel designed for comfort. Features include a second-level sun deck, shaded and open areas below and bowsprit netting where you can ride above the waves. You will cruise through Great Bay, past 17th-century Fort Amsterdam and on to Little Bay, where the ship will anchor in sheltered waters that are ideal for snorkeling. If you prefer, you might just take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear bay or remain on board and luxuriate in whatever way you find most pleasurable. Feel free to take advantage of the open bar and indulge in a tropical-inspired lunch that the chefs will prepare from scratch. If conditions permit, you will pass Maho Beach, the perfect spot to watch airplanes land and take off just over your head. Spirit of St Maarten is owned by a charitable foundation, with some of its proceeds going toward a range of educational and empowerment programs for the island’s vulnerable youths.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise along the island’s southern shore on a luxurious wooden schooner.
• Luxuriate onboard as the crew sees to your every need.
• Snorkel, swim, kayak and paddle board in Little Bay if you like (snorkel, mask & fins provided).
• Enjoy a freshly grilled lunch onboard and an open bar.
• Your excursion provides a sustainable future for local youths while you enjoy the beauty of the island!

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This is the ultimate way to spend your day in St. Maarten. This tour visits both the French and Dutch side of the island and you’ll get to experience St. Maarten both by land and sea. Depart on your air conditioned motor coach with your professional guide narrating the rich history of the island and pointing out sites of interest. Cross the border and visit the French side where you’ll pass Orient Beach and Grand Cas - the cuisine capital of the Caribbean. Stop in Marigot, the French capital for 1 hour of free time to explore the open air market, visit the fantastic shops, or dine at one of many cafe's or restaurants in Marina Port Royal. Next you’ll board a 65 foot double decker boat the Explorer where you’ll listen to great music, relax, and have a complimentary open bar on a 1 hour lagoon cruise while taking in the sights of the multimillion dollar villa's and yachts of the rich and famous. Your cruise will drop you back off at Simpson Bay on the Dutch side where you will re-board your motor coach and conclude the rest of your island tour while you return to your ship. If time permits, you will have the option of being dropped off at Philipsburg, the Dutch capital to continue shopping and exploring. This truly is the ultimate island tour!

Sail aboard the original Golden Eagle Catamaran known for its 5 star service and professional crew that will attend to your every need. Sail gently down the scenic coast of St. Maarten viewing Fort William, Pelican Point, Simpson Bay and the famous St. Maarten "airport beach", with planes landing just feet over the mast. After a brief orientation you’ll be ready to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Little Bay. Next, you’ll stop at a beautiful white sand beach, where you can swim in a quiet cove or relax on the beach for 45 minutes up to 1 hour, time permitting.

On the return, the crew sets the sails, as you listen to great music, enjoying an open bar with free champagne, rum punch, sodas, and gourmet ham and cheese sandwiches served on fresh baked French baguettes. Snorkel equipment and pool noodles are included. The vessel is fast, stable, and has plenty of shade with custom built stairs for easy access to the water.

Maho Beach has become the number one place in the world to experience the up close sensation of watching planes, including wide-bodied, taking off and landing. You’ll be greeted by a friendly guide and escorted to awaiting transportation to take a 35 minute air-conditioned bus ride to Maho Beach, famous for its close proximity to Princess Juliana Airport. Sit back, enjoy the scenery and listen to the informative narration as you pass through the Dutch capital of Philipsburg en route to Maho Beach.

For those who love the thrill, or are aviation enthusiasts, watch the incoming jets gliding in just a few feet above your head. There is no other place in the world where you can watch planes pass so close to you and experience the excitement of the jet-blast as the planes take off. Sunset Beach Bar offers music, refreshments and food for purchase. Relax on the beach or stroll over to the village for shopping or a casino visit. Your guide will be in attendance throughout the day to offer assistance. Your return journey to the ship, will pass through the village of Simpson Bay. A stop will be made at a fabulous view point where you can take photographs of the airport and Simpson Bay Lagoon, winter home to some of the world’s largest mega yachts. You’ll be given an option to be dropped off in Philipsburg and return to the ship on your own.

This tour starts from the cruise terminal while driving through some of the local villages and crossing the French-Dutch Border to the French side. We will then make a photo stop overlooking the Rotary L. point, one of our main scenic points. We will also head towards Iguana Park. Perfect place for a spectacular photo shoot! The next stop is the capital of the French side of the island, Marigot. Visit its beautiful Market for shopping or to enjoy some tasty pastries and a natural drink. Take amazing selfies in Fort St Louis or Fort Amsterdam, St Martin's most impressive historic monument; this military hill offers great views over the Bay of Marigot. Our journey continues crossing again by the southwest French - Dutch Border, we will stop at a place that honors the treaty between France and Netherlands for taking the island control. Right after, we will arrive to Maho Beach, a world-famous beach adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport. Here, you'll witness airplanes on their final approach to the airport, passing only a short distance above your head. Here you'll definitely capture amazing photos! On this tour, we also make our way towards Bells L. Point, an excellent viewpoint where you can catch a glimpse of this majestic island. We will be able to get a beautiful view of the capital of the Dutch side - Phillipsburg when we get back to the port, so we would have made a complete round trip around this beautiful paradise island.

Selfie Spots:
• Marigot Market
• Fort St Louis or Fort Amsterdam
• French- Dutch Border
• Maho Beach
• Bell L. Point
• Rotary L. Point

Orient Beach is back! Spend the day relaxing on the perfectly located, world renowned, stunning Orient Beach. This exceptional beach boasts approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres) of beautiful, white-sand beach, fringed by newly planted coconut palms, it is critically acclaimed as the 'French Riviera of the Caribbean'. En route to the beach, learn about the history of the island from your knowledgeable guide and take in spectacular panoramic views of your surroundings. Upon arrival at the beach, be greeted with a refreshing welcome rum or fruit punch beverage while being escorted to your beach lounge chair which has been reserved in an area just for you. Umbrellas are available for a nominal fee. ($6.00) Large enough to cover 2 persons. You will feel like a true Caribbean islander as you sit back, disengage from reality (or don’t because Wi-Fi is readily available for all restaurant guests), take a stroll on the pristine beach, check out the water sports options available (at your own expense) and/or swim in the inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea. A delicious lunch, with a choice of three entrees and a refreshing beverage (beer, wine, soda or mixed drink), is served at shaded tables on the beach. After lunch you will still have more than enough time to relax on the beach.

Dennis Conner's America's Cup winning Stars & Stripes or one of her contenders, Canada II and True North IV are yours for this once in a lifetime adventure. The expert crew will show you exactly what to do in your role as “crew member”. Then it's off to the racecourse to grind a winch, trim a sail, punch a stopwatch or just relax and enjoy the refreshments. For this unique adventure, a highlight of your holiday, previous sailing experience is not necessary!

After the race enjoy the complimentary victory rum punch party, while you browse through the museum souvenir boutique. Guests will be able to take a leisurely walk back to the cruise ship terminal (5 mins.) or downtown/boardwalk (10 mins.).

Experience St. Maarten’s newest attraction, the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlifts. Take a tranquil ride up two lifts spanning a total of 2,997 ft. as the landscape unfolds below. A spectacular panoramic view on top of one of St. Maarten’s highest mountains await you.

Board your air-conditioned transportation at the dock for a 30-minute ride to Rockland Estate.

You will be guided to the plantation house, built in the 1700s, to learn the powerful story of Trace Wilson, born into slavery on the estate in 1818. The museum will also showcase the legacy of Emilio Wilson, her descendant who later purchased the property, and his generous contributions to the island that he loved; St. Maarten “The Friendly Island”.

After a brief orientation embark the Soualiga Sky Explorer for the approximately 25-minute ride to the top of Sentry Hill; one of St. Maarten’s highest elevations at 1,115 feet. The experience encompasses two chairlifts as well as a series of platforms encircle the mountaintop showcasing 360-degree views of the island including vistas of neighboring islands Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla.

When you are ready to descend simply board the Soualiga Sky Explorer for the scenic trip down the mountain. Enjoy exploring the Estate and sampling St. Maarten delicacies, snacks and beverages at Emilio’s restaurant. When you are ready to depart board air-conditioned transportation back to your ship.

OVERVIEW

All Aboard the Choo-Choo Train! Immerse yourself in Philipsburg's natural, cultural, and historic landmarks on this scenic ride through town in a custom Trolley Train. Step back in time on this interactive exploration of Philipsburg where the Dutch settlers first arrived on St. Maarten in 1631. Your trolley will take you down bustling Front Street to downtown. You will have 30min of free time to enjoy Old Town Philipsburg duty-free shopping for that perfect souvenir. Have your camera ready for spectacular photos of the Great Bay and cruise ships as your background. Your experience concludes at the Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor store for a free tasting of Old Gouda Cheeses and a sweet surprise to enjoy on your way back to ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about Philipsburg’s iconic landmarks on this narrated scenic Trolley Train journey.
• Enjoy a ride down Front Street and Back Street, admiring the “ginger bread houses” architecture
•
• Tasting-Stop: The Old Amsterdam cheese venue

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This is the ultimate package which will allow you to experience all attractions the park has to offer. Experience both zip lines; The Sentry Hill which takes you across the mountain ridge and the steepest Zipline line in the world. The Flying Dutchman! Consisting of two lifts the Sky Explorer brings you to the top of one of St. Maarten’s highest peaks while the scenery unfolds below you, and the Schooner Ride sends you surfing down the mountain in an inner tube. Board your air-conditioned transportation at the dock for a 30-minute ride to Rockland Estate. Each adventure begins in this restored plantation house originally built in the 1700s. The Museum tells the powerful story Trace Wilson who was born into slavery on the property in 1818 and her direct descendant Emilio Wilson. You will see depictions of what life was like on a plantation and learn about the customs, traditions, lifestyle and stories that earned Sint Maarten the nickname ‘The Friendly Island.’ Embark on the Aerial Sky Explorer for the approximately 25-minute ride to the top of Sentry Hill; one of St. Maarten’s highest elevations at 1,125 feet. The experience encompasses two chairlifts as well as a series of platforms encircle the mountaintop showcasing 360-degree views of the island including vistas of neighboring islands Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla. After your orientation at the transfer station, you will put your safety equipment and harness system for your Sentry Hill Zip Line flight over the mountain ridge. Board Lift 2 to the top of Sentry Hill and a brief orientation will prepare you to fly down the mountain on the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman. You’ll be attached to a flight line in a secure harnessed chair, launching you on the 1050-foot drop in elevation over 2800 feet to experience the ride of a lifetime. To complete your top-to-bottom thrill ride, the Aerial Sky Explorer will take you to the Schooner Ride Station where you’ll surf down the mountain in an inner tube through the curves and straightaways of a specially designed track. After your fun-filled adventure, souvenirs and attraction photos are available for purchase in the gift shop. Emilio’s Restaurant, nestled among authentic antique colonial walls offers a menu of classic favorites with a new twist. Food and beverages are available for purchase. When you are ready to depart, after exploring the estate, board your air-conditioned transportation back to your ship.

If you are the kind of person who likes to “shop ‘til you drop” in the morning or just do not want to rush and have lunch on the ship, then you may be wondering how to spend the afternoon? Why not take a trouble-free trip to the beach with us and take advantage of what St Maarten is famous for – it’s beaches. Unwind on one of the many Caribbean beaches at Kakao located on Orient Beach. You will be driven in air-conditioned transportation to the beach and be greeted by one of our guides who will show you with all the facilities. You will be supplied with a lounge chair in an area reserved just for you, and you will also enjoy a rum or fruit punch upon arrival! For approximately two hours you can just relax in the sun, swim or explore the beach.