St Martin is a popular port of call for Caribbean cruise liners. The island has a Dutch half and French half with most cruise ships docking on the pier on the Dutch side – which is around one mile from Philipsburg, the Dutch capital.
There are plenty of shopping facilities on both sides of St Martin, with Front Street the main shopping street in Philipsburg and Marigot, the capital of the French side of St Martin benefiting from elegant boutiques plus a bustling market, full of local goods.
Cruise passengers can also enjoy the island’s sandy white beaches including Mullet Bay as well as Oyster Pond Beach, Dawn Beach, and the Baie Longue – Dawn Beach being the best place for snorkelling. Cruisers who wish to try something different during a shore excursion can participate in the exciting St Martin ‘America’s Cup’ boat trip –sailing on yachts which have featured in this famous race.
