| One very popular port of call on an eastern | | | | warm, calm waters. As many of the beaches are |
| Caribbean cruise itinerary is the culturally unique | | | | more secluded, they attract visitors in search of |
| island of St. Maarten/Saint Martin. Half Dutch and | | | | quiet relaxation. The most popular beach is Orient |
| half French, this small island of only 37 square | | | | Beach. Be warned...there are areas of Orient |
| miles is dominated by over 300 restaurants, 36 | | | | Beach that are clothing optional. However, no one |
| sugar-sand beaches, luxury hotels and resorts and | | | | really seems to care. |
| a blending of four languages: Dutch, French, English | | | | From the port, it's a 15 minute cab ride to Orient |
| and Papiamento. | | | | Beach. I have the driver drop me off at the Bikini |
| St. Maarten has a history dating back to 550 BC. | | | | Beach area at Orient Beach. It is more |
| Tool and pottery artifacts belonging to the | | | | family-friendly and there are water toys to rent. |
| Amerindians have been unearthed at an | | | | My favorite place is the French open-air, |
| archaeological dig on the Dutch side. Even though | | | | on-the-beach restaurant, Kakao. You can easily |
| Columbus landed in St. Maarten in 1493 and | | | | find Kakao as it is located in the area of blue |
| claimed the island for Spain, due to the fierce and | | | | beach umbrellas. My favorite dish is the steamed |
| cannibalistic Caribs, the Spanish never developed | | | | mussels in garlic and wine accompanied by a glass |
| the island. In the early 1600s, the Dutch raised | | | | of cold, crisp Chardonnay. This place is very |
| their flag, followed by the French. Legend has it | | | | popular with Europeans and French is commonly |
| that a Frenchman and a Dutchman finally settled | | | | spoken. The seating is on rustic wood benches |
| an argument over territorial rights by pacing off | | | | and the furnishings include artifacts from |
| their shares. The French got the bigger slice, but | | | | demolished or sunken yachts. If mussels aren't |
| the Dutch ended up with the more valuable real | | | | your thing, there are other French dishes plus |
| estate; the Salt Pond and the Harbor. | | | | steaks, burgers and pizza. Kakao is very |
| If you like to shop, Phillipsburg in Dutch St. | | | | family-friendly and not as boisterous as Kon Tiki |
| Maarten is fabulous for duty-free shopping. In | | | | next door. After lunch, you can cut across the |
| fact, the prices in St. Maarten are as good if not | | | | beach to a very small shopping area. Actually, the |
| better than in St. Thomas, long rumored to be | | | | shops there are for the benefit of guests who |
| the best place to shop for jewelry, cameras and | | | | are staying in one of the hundreds of vacation |
| electronics the Caribbean. Upon disembarking in St. | | | | rentals. The little French grocery store has |
| Maarten, you will be pleasantly surprised when you | | | | gorgeous French pastries and a variety of breads |
| see the new vibrantly colored buildings at the port. | | | | and croissants. A must-do for a really decadent |
| It's a mini-shopping destination. The prices at | | | | walk-away dessert. |
| these shops are just as good as in Phillipsburg, the | | | | If you're up for touring, take a taxi to Grand |
| largest city in St. Maarten. The bustling town of | | | | Case on the northwest corner of the island. |
| Phillipsburg is worth seeing and the water taxi to | | | | Known as the Gastronomic Capital, Grand Case is |
| get there is right at the pier. Last time I visited | | | | a small fishing village with small wooden |
| St. Maarten, the water taxi charged $6 per | | | | pastel-colored houses and over 30 sidewalk cafes, |
| person each way for the quick ride across the | | | | brasseries and bistros lining the main road. If |
| harbor. As it runs every 30 minutes, you can | | | | you've brought your beach gear, after lunch you |
| easily gauge your time in town to get you back | | | | can stretch out and relax on Grand Case Beach. |
| to your ship before the gangway is raised. Once | | | | Heading back to the ship means saying good-bye |
| in Phillipsburg, there are plenty of dining options all | | | | to a unique and special island. If you are taking a |
| along Front Street; from standard fare to | | | | taxi back to the ship, be sure to allow extra time |
| excellent curry and island cuisine. Of course, | | | | for traffic jams along the way. And don't forget |
| Heineken is the Dutch beer of choice and it is | | | | to buy a wheel of Gouda cheese. Yes, you can |
| locally brewed. | | | | buy the same cheese at Winn-Dixie and Publix, |
| To distinguish their half of the island, the French | | | | but the fun is trying to cram a ten-pound wheel |
| renamed their side St. Martin. Marigot is the capital | | | | of cheese into the mini-fridge in your stateroom! |
| and is the largest town on the island. Marigot is | | | | You'll be amazed at how different the cultures are |
| very charming and very French. Bistros and cafes | | | | within only a 30-minute taxi ride. As you cross |
| line the walkway along the harbor. Trendy French | | | | into the French side, you'll see "Bienvenue en |
| boutiques with designer clothes are a bit pricier | | | | Partie Française" and coming back the |
| than the island style of dress in St. Maarten. Less | | | | border sign greets you with "Welcome to Dutch |
| hectic than Phillipsburg, Marigot is a lovely little | | | | Sint Maarten, N.A." So, the next time you choose |
| town to walk around, stop in the art galleries to | | | | a cruise with an eastern Caribbean itinerary, find |
| browse and have a cappuccino along the pier. | | | | one that includes St. Maarten. It's an island worth |
| St. Martin is known for its beautiful beaches and | | | | visiting again and again. |