St. Maarten- the stolen island

I know I did these destinations ass-backwards, but whatever- our first port of call on my upcoming cruise is Phillipsberg, St. Maarten. This is the island I keep forgetting that we're stopping at (and, at one time, I was telling people I was going to "Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Haiti and Guam." Oops.), primarily because it doesn't sound familiar. Kind of like St. Kitts. I had no idea this place existed.

The reason I'm calling this island the "stolen island" is because I've learned that, as the Spanish closed its fort on the island in the 1600's, the French and Dutch settlers hid and, when the Spanish finally left, decided to split the land. Kind of. There were 16 different changes in who owned the island. Later, in the 1800's, there was a formal agreement signed between the Netherlands and France to share the island, and that's how it stands today. Half Dutch, half French.  The Dutch portion (south) of the island is apparently more "active" with big nightlife, casinos, and beaches where the French portion (north) has a laisse faire, sophisticated, "bathing suits optional" type of atmosphere.

View of Front Street

Phillipsberg is the Dutch-portion's capital city. In the city itself, there is Front Street- a HUGE shopping area with duty-free items being about 50-80% off the regular USA prices.According to Royal Caribbean's port guide, the only stuff to do in Phillipsberg proper is shop, visit the St. Maarten museum, Fort Amsterdam (the Spanish fort that was left behind when the Spanish decided that they didn't want the island any more), St. Maarten Park- home of many birds, and Little Bay- a snorkeling site. Meaning that most of the excursions probably take place away from Phillipsberg and maybe there WILL be a "clothing optional" beach in my near future (not me- this girl will be fully suited up, thank you very much).

It's never the cute guys who embrace the nudity...

Some of the interesting and possible excursions for St. Maarten include:

• Afternoon Beach Break at Orient Bay: 3 hours of a reserved beach chair and drink, white sandy beaches, and "nudity may be observed" - $44
• Butterfly Farm and Beach- drive across the island to the Butterfly Farm, a 1000 sq. feet exhibit of rare butterflies. "Observe mating and life cycles." After the farm, you head to (I kid you not) Boo-Boo-Jam on Orient Beach.$49
• Captain Morgan Sail and Snorkel- Not a rum-infused booze cruise, but you sail out with 24 other passengers, snorkel, swim, then sail back. 3 hour trip for $78
• Phillipsberg by Bike: "Tour the historic sites of Philipsburg by bike, including the Passangrahan Hotel, Captain Hodge's Wharf, Philipsburg courthouse, traditional West Indian cottages and Fort Amsterdam. Stop for a cold drink and rest at the popular Taloula Mango Restaurant." $52 for me doing all of the work?!
• Made in Paradise Excursion: "The tour around St. Martin includes a visit to a flavored rum factory and tasting, a visit to an authentic island perfumery, a French Caribbean cooking demonstration, and free time at the open-air Creole market or the beach." $56
• Mountain Top Downward Trek: "Starting from the highest point on the island, this tour takes hikers down through the beautiful countryside." $59
• Scenic Hike and Yoga: Just like it sounds... $54
• Sea and See Tour: "Board a semi-submarine for a 45 minute narrated tour of the underwater world. (you descend into the hull of the boat and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water, exploring sea life through the clear glass windows.) Explore and/or shop in the lovely French capital of Marigot where you will have time to explore the sidewalk cafes, open-air market and duty free shops." $49
• St. Maarten Island Tour: A guided tour with time to explore in both the French capital of Marigot and  Philipsburg. 2 1/2 hour tour for $29
• St. Maarten Beach Rendevous: Enjoy approx 3 ½ hrs at Orient Beach. Relax on your reserved chair and cushion. Complimentary rum or fruit cocktail included. Lunch (choice of 3 entrees) and beverage (beer, wine, soda, or mixed drink) included.It's adjacent to Club Orient Naturalist Resort so, again, nudity may be observed. $59
• Ultimate Island Tour: "Head to Marigot to explore and shop on a double-decker boat with great music and complimentary drinks" 4 hour tour and shopping for $56
• Tiki Hut Snorkel Park:  "Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea with shipwrecks and cannons or in a protected 5 feet deep pool for beginners. Snorkel equipment and instruction is provided." $69

So, again, I have to pay for a beach or just shop. Weird... but ok. Plus, who wants to swim in the French Rivera? I DO! And, of course, I plan on giggling at the clothing-optional beaches.

And, I like that some of these packages offer you at least a drink- some even offer lunch. In St. Maarten, there is a guavaberry rum that they are famous for- I've already been told to bring some of that back to the States with me.If I don't drink it all on the drive back to the Jacksonville Airport...