I'm new here! Looking forward to May 4th! About This Page:

[Sholtis Family]

Well, now that we made the decision to go on the 7 night cruise...can you all brief me from your experiences? How was St. Martin & St Thomas? Should I take any time to visit St John on my first trip? What was your day like at the Castawy Cay? I would love to eat at a little stand on the beach...Maybe snorkle...buy a cigar or two and possibly a bottle of rum...Take my little girl to an aquarium or such. I mean I am really looking for the perfect week! Having never done anything like this before and going a few days after my 30th birthday sounds like a great way to start the stage in life that includes some fun time! My daughter is just over two, and although I know she probably won't remember this trip, I want her to just to have a blast [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] . I can't tell you all how much we (my wife an I) are looking forward to May 4th! Anyhow...If you all remember any particular shops you hit, or any secluded beaches, or some great memorabilia or souveniers you managed to bring back, please mention them! My wife is so exctited and I can't wait to share any dialogue with her. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Thanks!
Bob

[Beth L.]

Hi Bob & Ruth Ann,

I'm sorry I can't help you with your cruise questions but I do want to welcome you to the boards. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] Don't worry though, there are loads of people here who CAN answer your questions, be it a land or sea Disney adventure.

P.S. You're gonna love it here! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Belle*]

Welcome to the Boards! I have not been on the 7 night but my DH (who turns 30 today actually) and I did the 3 night in September. I have been to St. Thomas/St. John on another cruise though and I would definitely make the time to see St. John - it is beautiful!! The aquarium on St. Thomas is also a lot of fun but not really comparable to the aquariums here.

Castaway Cay is a blast. Tell your wife to schedule a massage or facial in the Cabanas on the beach for that day. Heaven!! My DH went snorkeling but brought his own equipment. It was $45 to rent it there.

While we did not have any children with us, I have heard that the children's clubs are wonderful. While your daughter is young for the activities, I would definitely recommend making an appointment for her at Flounder's Nursery so you and your wife can have dinner at Palos. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

Have a great time!!

[iloverags2]

Another great thing to do on Castaway Cay is take a bike ride. The bikes are inexpensive to rent and the path beyond the airstrip is peaceful and leads to an incredible view. I'd have to agree, if you are planning on doing any snorkeling, buy your own gear before you go. It's inexpensive at the discount and sports stores, and much more enjoyable to use something that hasn't already been in a stranger's mouth!

[LilMarcieMouse]

My sis and i just sat in the water and relaxed.I rented a float and she put a chair in the water and just rested.Wwe did take a walk to see what else was there it was one of the best times I had. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] We hope to do it agian.

[Dave Marx]

I hope I can help with the St. Martin experience. My family has owned a house there for over 20 years (my parents spend 4-6 weeks there annually).

I've never experienced the island from the perspective of a single-day cruiseship visit, and it's been about five years since I last visited, but here goes....

The boat docks in Phillipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island. We try to avoid Front Street in Phillipsburg when a ship is in port, due to the crowds. Front Street (for a few blocks on either side of the quay) is a typical, picturesque Caribbean shopping street. There's a calm, flat beach right there, but I've never found it to be particularly inviting for anything more than a brief stroll. Unless you live to shop (and you'll find the same perfumes, jewelry, colectibles and liquors you'll find elsewhere in the Caribbean), I suggest you get as far away from Phillipsburg as you can.

Sint Maarten (the Dutch half of the island) and St. Martin (the French side) have surprisingly different characters, due to each country's differing approach to economic development. The Dutch permitted relatively unfettered development, leading to a hodgepodge of attractive locations and not-so attractive urban clutter. The French held back for many years, restricting development and trying to keep everything picture-perfect. While the French did finally allow substantial growth, they've done a much better job of keeping things attractive. If you have the time, ditch the Dutch and head for the French side. For a day trip, that generally means either the French capital, Marigot, or clothing-optional Orient Beach (don't worry, there's a "safe," everyone-clothed side to that beach). Marigot has been developed into a far more attractive shopping and dining town than Phillipsburg. You can easily spend the day there (Epcot World Showcase-style) enjoying the sights and tastes. To my way of thinking, Orient is one of the least attractive beaches, as it's the most developed. There are plenty of beach-side dining establishments, and a variety of water sport offerings. I suggest a little bit of snorkeling, sailing, or a trip out to Ile d'Pinel, the little coral island right off shore.

Most of the joys of St. Martin have to do with dining and beaches (OK, it has casinos, too, but these are small and quaint compared to most gambling resorts). Half the island's beaches are on the calm Caribbean, half on the turbulent Atlantic. Each beach has its own character. Some are broad expanses of empty sand, others are thin strips of beach bordered by low, rocky bluffs. You can find coral barrier reefs in some places, go clothing-optional in others.... Do note that the island is "European." Toplessness is commonplace on many beaches, and while officially there's one clothing-optional beach on the island, there are several other secluded beaches where all bets (and some bottoms) are off. As with most places you go in the world, the best dining may be a bit too far off the beaten track for a day visitor. However, if you can get to Grand Case (on the French side), that town remains the dining capital of the island. On the Dutch side you'll find a variety of culinary offerings, including Dutch/Indonesian rijstaffel (rice table), a smorgasbord approach to dining.

Unfortunately, with so little time in port, shore excursions are often your best bet, unless you're adventuresome enough to rent a car (and maybe miss the boat). Fortunately, the Disney cruise offers a variety of attractive tours. As you'll note, many of them take you to Marigot, and there are many that are watersports-oriented. While I've never been to the butterfly farm myself, my parents have good things to say about it.

Altogether, I could go on for a lot longer than I have, but perhaps enough is enough. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Bert & Sully]

Caribbean Travel & Life had a big writeup on St. Martin in last July or August issue. - Not sure which one! Had loads of info, tho'

[Sholtis Family]

Hi All-
Thanks for the info! This is an awesome board, and the information will definitely come in handy. If anyone else has any scoop, please feel free to comment! Knowledge is power.

Bob