Cruise Holidays To St Maarten

Overview

St Martin, or St Maarten, depending on which side you go to, is part-French and part-Dutch. Most cruises call at Philipsburg on the Dutch side, which has the advantage of being stretched out along a beautiful beach, lined with bars and restaurants. The cruise terminal is about a mile from the town, although some ships drop anchor and tender right into the centre.

The shopping in Philipsburg's two streets, Front Street and Back Street, is spectacular, and if you're in the market for electronics, camera gear or jewellery, this is the place. If not, the beach has a lively buzz all day long.

Cruise lines offer excursions across to Marigot on the French side, which is less commercialised and has a pretty harbour and some excellent restaurants.