Before Cruising to St. Maarten WATCH THIS!! Best Cruise Port Tips & Excursion

[@LifeWellCruised]

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[@leatherman6328]

Visited St. Maarten a few months ago on our very first cruise. Hired a taxi to give us a complete tour of the island. There were some beautiful sights, as well as some remaining damage from the hurricane. Stopped at Maho beach, visited Toppers Distillery ( island rum ) and dined on fresh snapper at a local food market suggested by our guide, Winston. Had a great day.

[@LifeWellCruised]

A tour by taxi is a great idea!

[@erika9182]

1

[@califieldcrown3387]

How much did you pay for taxi driver?

[@leatherman6328]

@@califieldcrown3387 $250. US currency. But that was a our taxi for just my wife and I, for the entire day. You can share a cab with others, that won’t cost you as much.

[@danakleinfall6668]

@@leatherman6328did you just find a taxi guy when you got off the ship that morning?

[@jjasper911]

Been on 31 cruises and almost every place in carribean. This is by far my favorite place of them all.

[@monicareynolds8053]

I'm taking my adult daughter on her first cruise for her birthday in Feb 2024, we are going to St Maarten and have been looking at all the excursions but none seemed to speak to us...always nervous about new places and where to go, what to do...etc. this video is perfect! Just what we needed! Thank you!

[@darbutts]

we are going on the 17th is that the same one as you?

[@tquist61]

We visited St. Maarten in 2020 just before everything shut down due to Covid. I'm an early riser, and left the ship alone to do a little exploring. I walked over the Great Bay Beach and scouted the area out for my wife while she had a relaxing morning on our balcony. It is such a beautiful beach! I walked back to the ship, had an early lunch on board with my wife, then took the water taxi back to the beach. We easily found chairs and an umbrella to rent, and spent about 2-3 hours on the beach. We did get a little rain, but it didn't dampen our spirits. Loved our time on this beautiful island, and would go gladly go back! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s great! Thanks for sharing

[@nothingpersonal878]

We were on NCL Sky and stopped in St. Maarten last week. L❤VED IT! Spent the morning shopping the back street, boardwalk and flea market. Headed to Maho for the afternoon to watch the planes. Watch the time because it passes quickly. 20 minutes by taxi from the port to Maho and 1:20 to get back! Traffic in the late afternoon was nuts on this one lane road.

[@JulieWallis1963]

Fab! I’m going here again this year, on NCL Sky,taking my adult daughter so we booked the Golden Eagle catamaran trip so as she can see Maho beach too.

[@sergeantmetalhead417]

My wife and I went to St. Martin in 1995 and 98 it was our favorite island. We did some shopping and went to Orient Bay both time, great beach.

[@daisysmom75]

Our favourite port! Been there three times and haven't made it past Phillipsburg yet! We love walking around Phillipsburg, the shops, historical church and buildings, having a drink or lunch on the Boardwalk, and overlooking the beach and cruise ships. We may eventually make it past that area and explore with an island tour.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol, there’s just so much to see & do

[@MariaReyes-vy6ue]

I spent all day at the beach this last July, love the water

[@alethaterrell8821]

I absolutely love this video. Very informative. I just booked my 15 year cancer survivor celebration with family and friends. It'll be May 2024 but we needed some info and you did a fabulous job with this video. Especially explaining the prices. Many videos do not talk prices. Thank you much.

[@jackredmond6023]

Thank you Ilana! Your timing for this was absolutely perfect. We leave Tuesday from Ft. Lauderdale for a 10-day cruise with a stop in St. Maarten on Tuesday the 14th - our wedding Anniversary. The last time we were in St. Maarten was on our honeymoon cruise in 2004. We went on a shore excursion to a “clothing optional” beach. It was “interesting” and we were typical American tourists.😁 The water taxi to Phillipsburg looks like a better choice for this time.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol, since you’ve gone to the other popular beach already 😂. We did a few years ago too, it is beautiful. Happy anniversary 🥂

[@jackredmond6023]

@@LifeWellCruised Thank you!

[@lorih.1031]

We were on St Maarten last week and spent the day at Mullet Bay beach. Absolutely beautiful, with stunning clear waters, and not crowded at all.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jimwisnieski6355]

We love ❤St. Maarten and have been 5 times. We always go to Great Bay Beach, grab lunch, and stop by one of the fun bars. Also went to the French side and enjoyed the food. Orient beach was also very nice. Also went to Maho beach just for the experience but haven’t been there after the first time.

[@kimkearney7639]

I just visited St. Maarten the end of December. I took an excursion that visited both sides of the island. It was very informative and gave lots of information about the French and Dutch sides. We visited the market in Marigot and stopped at Orient Beach. On the way back to the ship we got off in Phillipsburg and enjoyed a little shopping before walking back to the ship. It was a great day! Thanks for the video with info for the next time we visit!

[@donmoors8992]

When Linda and I go to St. Maarten, we spend several hours doing exactly what you and Frank did. Really good video😎

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks!! Glad to know you enjoy this too :)

[@wandahuff9902]

You always answer my questions while recording your videos. Thank you.

[@heidistainer9806]

Thank you so much. We will be visiting in February and this is so helpful.

[@philanderson3496]

We were there last week on our cruise and did a,tour into the French side of the island and we loved it. The island is so beautiful and compact.

[@laurenschenck5355]

SO EXCITED!!!! 🤍❤️❤️❤️❤️💓💓❤️❤️❤️🤍🤍❤️❤️💓💓💓❤️❤️🤍🤍❤️❤️❤️💓💓💓💓💓🤍❤️❤️🤍💓💓💓💓💓🤍❤️🤍❤️💓💓🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️

[@atxhello1]

We love Saint Martin ❤ We have been there twice by cruise ship and 4 times by plane for a week stay. Our last cruise ship visit we rented a car for a day and spent the day on the French side. Fun fact- The island only has 1 traffic light. We stubbled across it on our last visit in October 2022. Toppers rum is amazing and you can purchase in the states at Total Wine & More! They do have tours as well, we did it in the old location (before the hurricane). If you're flying in for a week ….or more!! The Dutch Side is the party/night life side. While the French side is more laid back/calm. Love all of your tips/tricks and all things travel related!!

[@littlejoe4107]

I loved the jeep 8:13 tour, it was so nice to see all the different beaches

[@laurenschenck5355]

OMG! St.Martin such a beautiful island! 💓❤️🤍💓🛳️🛳️💓❤️🤍🤍❤️🛳️🛳️🛳️❤️🤍❤️💓💓🛳️🛳️🛳️❤️🤍💓🛳️🛳️🛳️💓❤️❤️🛳️🛳️🛳️💓🤍❤️💓🛳️🛳️💓🤍🤍💓🛳️💓💓🛳️🤍🤍🛳️🤍❤️❤️❤️🛳️💓🤍

[@LifeWellCruised]

It’s definitely a pretty one!

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised 😀😀😀

[@cindireitz]

I completely agree with you. We went to Maho Beach the first time we went there and since then, we just walk to the boardwalk and spend the day 9on the beach. It's beautiful way to spend the day. We'll be there soon for the 4th time. I really do miss the Hard Rock Cafe, though.

[@davidhoffman8122]

we have been to Maho beach twice. We have been to St Marten 3 times and headed there in July 2023 on the Mardi Gras. Thanks for the great information!

[@willgaukler8979]

... lucky guy ... BON VOYAGE ... hope you have a chance to party like a rockstar ...

[@deniseyoung3738]

We always loved our port days at St Maarten. So much so, that we spent 4 land vacations there. I can't wait to get back!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Love it there too!

[@w.bedrosian6275]

I have been to St-Martin a few times. For the first time, we took an island tour with Bernard. He was the best. He showed us both sides of the island. Took us to Orient Beach then to Maho Beach to see the planes. Drinks were free. We also visited Marigot. I loved this town. It's a must-see. We had a very nice time there. On another trip, i got engaged with my now-husband. We've been to St-Martin 4 or 5 times so far and we are now enjoy the shops at Phillipsburg and the beach where you were. I can't wait to go back since we haven't been to St-Martin since the pandemic.

[@chloe5susan]

We went on a tour with Bernard years ago. He was great way back then too! Glad to know he’s still doing tours!!

[@darbutts]

where is bernard and how much did he charge?

[@w.bedrosian6275]

@@darbutts I don't know if i am allowed to put any prices here, but i can suggest you to make a search for Bernard tours St-Martin.

[@HamiltonHellhound]

Hey, we have done Maho Beach, it is a must, but like you said, once was enough. It's wild as you drift in the water and you suddenly see headlights in the sky. The one bar there has a schedule of planes that are landing. I believe the bigger planes start to come in at 10:30 a.m

[@boatlover1875]

One of my favorite ports! Looks like the town continues to recover from the last hurricane.

[@lizkotchek928]

I was just there on January 13th on my 1st cruise. Family reunion for mom and her sisters and brother all in their 90's. The beach was so beautiful that words couldn't describe it. We were in front of the Blue Bitch Bar and had great music and we're in the water all day. This was my favorite port of call and I hope to one day be able to afford to go again.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Such a fun and vibrant area!

[@willgaukler8979]

... quick put it on your bucket list to go back one day ...

[@rickk6700]

Great video Illana. We have been there several times. When we were there we visited the Butterfly Farm. It was an amazing place which unfortunately was destroyed in a hurricane and I think was never rebuilt. Also the French side was beautiful. Shopping and just hanging by the harbor was very relaxing. It is a place we want to visit again on a future cruise.

[@heathersmalley989]

Thank you for this video! I'll be there in a few weeks and unfortunately our planned excursion got cancelled, so this makes me feel much better about planning our own itinerary for the day. Also using my cruise planner again and makes planning so much easier!

[@dianawiggins3791]

Just booked a 12 night cruise from NYC to Southern Carribean for March 2024. So excited to finally get to St. Maarten! 🎉

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very exciting!

[@christine7196]

Thank you so much this is so helpful. We usually stay on the ship for this port but maybe we will rethink it next time

[@tamiholliday4206]

I have been once and it was right as cruising was starting back up in 2021...we did a catamaran sail and snorkel...then we ate in a little restaurant/bar on the water...soooo want to go back and explore the historical sites which is my preference...the catamaran was my cruise mates choice...

[@katehnburnor23]

Thank you so much for these tips! We'll be stopping in St. Maarten on a May cruise and decided to cancel our beach excursion in favor of the water taxi to spend more time and less money along the boardwalk and Great Bay Beach!

[@patcezniak9993]

Just booked a cruise on the Celebrity Beyond for next year with a stop in St. Maarten. This video is perfect!

[@sungal42003]

My favorite thing was the guavaberry coladas - yum!

[@sueeichinger8020]

In 2014, I was there with group from Royal Caribbean cruise. We went to French side we learned how to make our perfume at Tijon perfume boutique. After that we went down the road to resort had lunch. Then we head over to Maho beach in time for couple airplane fly over us. Then back to ship. Great place to get off ship.

[@clintwhite8542]

My fav video yet on this channel. Prob because my next cruise is going here and I loved the insight. Love the tips about specific ports and excursions. Thank you ❤️

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@shelleyeastman606]

I agree - very helpful. Hope there are more popular ports featured.

[@andrewleeadkins93]

I loved St. Martin/Sint Maarten. I try and book itineraries that include it

[@natasharichardson7340]

Glad to see some much positive reviews for my island..I am glad you 😉

[@retiredinnameonly8429]

I spent a week at the Mullet Bay resort in 1995, before the hurricane. Mullet bay was a resort community of its own. I took a bus tour around the island, stopping at Orient Beach and Marigot Learned lots of the island's history. Walked outside the resort to the beach, right at the airport . I think I still may have old photos somewhere of the planes coming in. Took a rental car tour of the island another day, stopped at so many small beaches. Second trip was a cruise in 2019 and what a difference. I still want to go back again.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Nice! It suffered a lot of damage, but is in better condition now than in early 2020 imo

[@laurenschenck5355]

Everything sounds so amazing and fun! 💓❤️❤️💓🛳️💓❤️❤️❤️💓🛳️🤍🤍🤍💓❤️❤️❤️🛳️❤️❤️🛳️🤍🛳️💓❤️❤️💓🛳️🤍🤍🤍💓❤️❤️🛳️🤍🤍🤍🤍🛳️💓❤️💓🛳️🤍🤍🛳️💓

[@laurayoung1639]

Exactly the kind of video I was hoping you would make. I’m hoping to go on my first cruise in 2023 and want to scope out the different islands and suggestions first. Thank you Ilana!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@shamajack1]

This is also our favorite port. We've been there 10+ times. One time we rented a car with another couple and explored the entire island. Loads of fun! Great shopping... found a ring half the price than the ship.

[@silverfox5732]

Thank you we r so looking forward to our trip in may of 2024 these r great tips.

[@pagrant]

I love this island, not been to the French side of the island , been 4 times , we just go into town by walking, usually we have a drink or two in one of the bars

[@LifeWellCruised]

We love it too!

[@pagrant]

@@LifeWellCruised Also we love St. Kitts and been the same number of times , it is always more fun when there are a few ships in port from other countries as well as from our own,

[@pcrusier3715]

We enjoyed a day excursion with Captain Bob on a speed boat exploring areas around the island.

[@jeanate7912]

We'll be leaving for a 10 day cruise in less than two weeks and St Marteen is one of our ports! So excited!!

[@beckyshinlever5142]

We have been to the beach by water taxi and to see the airplanes and we loved both.

[@Teadenise]

Thank you so much for this video. Iam sailing their in April

[@johnwheby8097]

We have been to St Maarten quite a bit in the past, with our last trip there back in 2014. I found that the further you walk down Front Street, the better the deals are on jewelry and souvenirs.

[@carverbros1759]

I was on this cruise it was very fun it was my 4th time on a cruise and I gotta say it is pretty insane driving up the mountains in their

[@laurenschenck5355]

Wow that is so cool seeing planes that close! 🛳️💓🤍💓🛳️🛳️🛳️🤍🤍💓🛳️❤️❤️🛳️💓🤍💓❤️❤️❤️🛳️🤍🤍💓🛳️❤️❤️❤️💓🤍🛳️❤️❤️❤️💓🤍💓🛳️❤️❤️🛳️💓🤍🛳️❤️

[@LifeWellCruised]

Isn’t it? Fun to see once ✈️

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised totally! 😀😀

[@vhaakmat]

Thanks for giving a positive review of my island.

[@robin54733]

Can you do a st Thomas video and a puerto plata video. The Saint Martin one was super helpful.

[@mjdevorick8404]

Very timely video! Our cruise in March stops at St. Maarten and we will definitely take the water taxi!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome! So glad this was helpful!

[@davva360]

Only been once and that was about 10 years ago. We went on racing yachts and it was great fun bit we did not get to go look at the island. Definitely want to go back, maybe in 2024.

[@LadyJ84]

Great video!!! My husband & I love St Maarten!!! We’ve been twice. The most recent trip was by Cruise last February. It really has changed!!! Maho Beach is a must for the experience!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@pamfromwashington]

I really appreciate your insights Ilana! I'm heading out on a third cruise in January and will be doing the water taxi like you did. The cruise also has a few other ports and I'll be asking you about those in the Facebook group. Thanks again for your insights!

[@Ccdurko]

Fabulous video! I haven't been to St. Maarten yet, but I think we definitely have to visit!

[@apocketfullofsunshine6060]

Wonderful work! As always! 😊 Thank you so much!

[@rodmills737]

Thanks for the video I went in July but we didn’t do anything we just walked around it was to hot but I’m going back in October on Harmony of the sea and I booked Mullet Bay Beach excursion this time around

[@AshleyTravis]

We are going back here next year on a Royal cruise and we are looking for some new things to try, thanks for your informative videos!

[@kims.2406]

Great video! Thanks for visiting my island.. I'm so happy you guys enjoyed your stay here.

[@tripperdan]

Wonderful, thank you for the video. We will be there in a few weeks as we leave for a cruise with Princess. It will be our first time at St Maarten. Because of that we decided on a "whole island" type excursion to get all the sites.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Nice!! Enjoy

[@banimaharaj8325]

Appreciate the tips. Will be stopping there on my very first cruise in July😮

[@pattygrady3084]

Perfect timing!! Heading there on Harmony in a month!!!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome!

[@sam60727]

I love your vids! Thank you - this was very helpful!

[@bobkrakovich1851]

Hi Ilana, Jill and I loved St Maarten when we were there on the Millennium in November 2021. Our excursion took us to Orient Beach where we had a wonderful lunch before heading to the clothing optional section 😉🤭. Great video bringing back good memories. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut

[@LifeWellCruised]

lol, glad it was a memorable day

[@willgaukler8979]

... gotta go back ...

[@Joanv314]

Hi Ilana. We leave this Sunday for st Maarten puerto plata n st Thomas. Can’t wait. Yr video came just in time. We have already been to the dutch side. This time we going to the French side on a shore excursion

[@LifeWellCruised]

Have fun! In Port Taino the cruise port has a nice resort style pool that you may enjoy, if you want to take it easy :)

[@janaclark]

Thanks for all the great tips! Looking forward to my cruise next January with a stop in Saint Maarten.

[@sandrakiel3091]

What great timing! We are visiting there later this year. Now we are so excited to take the water taxi per your recommendation!!! Thanks for your wonderful tips and advice!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danam3441]

Thanks for the water taxi info! I was thinking of walking into town or going to a resort for the day. The water taxi to the town and beach are perfect for me.

[@LifeWellCruised]

It’s a nice little ride over too, with a great view as you approach the town

[@alanjames7877]

We really enjoyed Dutch Blonde Brewery. They were out of their beer but it was a great place regardless.

[@mrporsy]

Really great hints, easy and friendly told, just like I myself know "America":).

[@kleitebeckett]

Thanks for all your videos Ilana, we will be on Holanda America soon so I'm wondering if you have anytime and on what to avoid in the ships to not gain weight. Thanks for all your videos. They are very helpful.

[@amirpeters6109]

Welcome to my island glad you enjoyed your time 🤗

[@ginabg37]

Thank you, that was awesome 😊

[@piratedawn]

Going on November so Thanks for the tips

[@annamariarizzo2184]

Ilana, I love St. Marten. We go to this beach right next to Maho beach. The food is amazing. They make the best red snapper at that place. I can’t remember the name. The excursion is called Beach Rendezvous. Thanks for the great video.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ItsMeCoCo]

Right on time!

[@debisantikian6718]

Love St.Maarten, Dutch is my favorite side ❤️😊thank you llana 🌺

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@michaelthompson4058]

Everytime we visit St. Marteen we always visit "That Yoda Guy" He was one of the puppet makers that developed the Star Wars character Yoda. He has a small museum and gift shop on Front street . He is a fascinating gentleman and worth the time to visit.

[@WHATsYOUR914]

Thank you/ I’m visiting tomorrow

[@kathyp.8676]

I wish I had seen this video before visiting St. Maarten on Sky Princess the end of January. We did a zip line shore excursion which was fun, but were worn out when we got back and missed all the fun St. Maarten had to offer.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That sounds like fun. The good thing is you can always return on a future cruise

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

I went to St-Maarten in 2015 and we took a tour around the island, went to Maho beach and to the French side to the Kon Tiki beach. It was really nice to discover both sides. If I go back a second time, I'll just take a water taxi and do the same as you did.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds fun!

[@mariciawebster2572]

Thank you for such an informative video about my beautiful island St.maarten glad you had a great time here 😀 please come visit us again would have loved to meet you in person 😊 I've learned so much from watching your videos.

[@barbarashuster9029]

We were there years ago on Easter Monday so nothing open on French side was open on our tour/sub ride.

[@wandahuff9902]

Ilana. I had said earlier this was so helpful! Question. Do you have a videos on the ports of St Thomas, St Kitts, St Croix and San Juan with getting off the boats and things you recommend what and how to get there? I have been to Maho Beach before and your comment doing this once makes so much sense now!! We will do something different for sure. Thank u for this video.

[@whatever5922]

What a beautiful island

[@karenglaicar5486]

Nice video. Just came across your channel from watching other cruise videos. Great info. Just subscribed. Thanks and take care.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the videos :)

[@keyman6689]

We're going in October! Thanks for the tips. We're shoppers, not beach bums or bar hoppers, so thank you for that angle. Most videos I've seen don't cover that.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melvinjacobs2328]

I love St Maartin.

[@hollyfoxworth5946]

Great vlog!

[@chapieski11]

We are cruising on Freedom of the seas in Dec 2024 and porting in Philipsburg, St-Marteens, Castries, St-Lucia and Basseterre, St-Kitt's and Nevis. Love your video on St-Marteens and the suggestions for port day on the cheap. Do you have suggestions for Castries and Basseterre on the cheap near the port? We are travelling with a 2, 6 and 8 year olds. TIA Jason

[@gaynordyer7822]

I was there over 20 years ago and went to the Butterfly farm. They were terrific. Not sure ui on French side or Dutch or if it’s still there. It was owned by a gentleman from London U.K.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I have to check that out in the future

[@gizmosxm]

The butterfly farm on the french side is no longer there after hurricane Irma since Sept 2017. However there is a new place called Parrotville, which is located just before the border is also a new, interesting stop for adults and children. Check it out

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Very useful video. We will be on the NCL Getaway porting St. Maarten less than a month. I have been perusing the map looking for a good place to buy and possibly enjoy a cigar and cold beer in the shade. (I try to avoid direct sunlight.) How much were your drinks at Oualichi and do you have any similar videos on Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., San Juan, P.R. or Puerto Plata, DR?

[@cruisingforone]

My favorite port of all time. (Aside from Castaway Cay)

[@LifeWellCruised]

It’s a great one, I agree

[@amechellec90]

So you can go to Great Bay Beach without getting an excursion? Thats awesome! We we're looking at an Orient Beach Excursion but saw you can get there by Taxi, but its nudist and we have a 5 year old. We just want a relaxing day on the beach and Orient looked way less crowded. Any advice on which would be better for a 30s couple with a kiddo would be greatly appreciated! Really glad I don't absolutely have to get an excursion to get to these places. Thank you! 😊

[@rah2676]

My beautiful island 🏝