PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN

Wednesday, October 6, 1999

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10 Hours - The Ship Will Tender

DINING OPTIONS

Dress suggestion for this evening:  CASUAL - Dresses or pant suits for women; Jackets for men - Caribbean attire, costumes, and togas are welcome.

Caribbean is the dinner theme

ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

Average Temperature in April:  87

Language:  Dutch & English

            The story of St. Maarten begins far to the south, in a region of the Amazon jungle known as the Orinoco river basin.  It was from here that the island's first inhabitants--the Arawaks--migrated about a thousand years ago.  They island-hopped north through the Caribbean, living peacefully off the bounty of the surrounding sea.  The Arawaks who came to St. Maarten called their new home "Sualouiga," or "Land of Salt," naming it after the island's abundant salt pans.

            The tranquility of the Arawaks would not last for long.  They were followed by another Amazonian group, the Caribs.  A warrior people, the Caribs steadily pushed the Arawaks off St. Maarten and took the island for themselves--only to lose it in turn to the Europeans.  Christopher Columbus sighted the island on November 11, 1493, the holy day of St. Martin of Tours.  He claimed it for Spain the same day, and it is from this day that the island bears its name.

            Obsessed with the greater conquests of Mexico and South America, the Spanish ignored St. Maarten.  It was virtually forgotten by Europeans until the 1620s, when Dutch settlers began extracting salt from St. Maarten's ponds and exporting it back to the Netherlands.  The island's commercial possibilities soon caught the attention of the Spanish, who drove off the Dutch in 1633 and erected a fort to assert their authority.  Known as the Old Spanish Fort, this bastion still stands at Point Blanche.  In 1644, a Dutch fleet under the command of Peter Stuyvesant attempted unsuccessfully to retake the island.  Stuyvesant, who later became governor of New Amsterdam (present-day New York), lost a leg to a Spanish cannonball during the fighting.  Although Stuyvesant was buried in New York, his leg rests in a cemetery in Curaçao.

            Events in Europe soon affected the island's destiny.  With the end of the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Netherlands, the Spanish no longer needed a base in the Caribbean.  They left St. Maarten, and the island was soon claimed by both the French (who sailed over from St. Kitts) and the Dutch (from St. Eustatius).  After some skirmishes, the two powers signed a treaty in 1648 which divided the island between them.  Although its historical truth is somewhat less than ironclad, local legend claims that a Dutchman and Frenchman stood back to back and walked in opposite directions around the shoreline, drawing the boundary from the spot where they met.  As for why the French ended up with more land, the story notes the Dutchman's progress was slowed by the large quantity of Geneve that he required for the walk.

            The neighbors did not coexist peacefully at first, and the territory changed hands sixteen times between 1648 and 1816.  Nonetheless, the Dutch side of the island soon became an important trading center for salt, cotton, and tobacco.  Wealth also arrived with the establishment of sugar plantations, worked by slave labor.  When slavery was abolished in the mid-19th century, the plantations closed down and St. Maarten's prosperity ended.  For the next one hundred years, the island sank into an economic depression.

            The situation began to change in 1939, when all import and export taxes were rescinded and the island became a free port.  Princess Juliana International Airport opened in 1943, and four years later the island's first hotel, the Sea View, welcomed its first guests.  In the next few decades, St. Maarten boomed as an international trading and tourism center. Today, Dutch St. Maarten has nearly 3,000 hotel rooms and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

            With an area of only 37 square miles, the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest land mass in the world to be divided between two governments.  Its dual owners are the Dutch and the French, who have shared the tiny and paradisiacal island more or less peacefully for almost 350 years. This understated absence of conflict testifies to one of the island's most precious and attractive characteristics--its unusual serenity.

            Situated about 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, Dutch St. Maarten (the French spell it St. Martin) covers 16 square miles of the southern part of the island, an area marked by verdant, rolling hills that languidly rest above mile after mile of beach, salt pond, and lagoon.  Although the region falls under the government of Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, its diversity and the strong influence of West-Indian traditions make its culture anything but exclusively Dutch.  St. Maarten's atmosphere is a winning blend of Caribbean hospitality and European sophistication.

Philipsburg, the Dutch capital since 1768, is widely known for its colonial architecture.  The town began as a Dutch trading center, and the forts around Philipsburg are haunting reminders of its one-time strategic importance.  Traders from throughout the empire once sailed through the protective arms of its Great Bay, establishing the town as a lively center of international commerce.  Although most of the vessels that arrive in the harbor today are cruise ships, international trade still thrives in St. Maarten thanks to its status as a leading duty free port.  To put it simply, St. Maarten is a shopper's dream.

            St. Maarten is also known throughout the Caribbean for its eclectic nightlife.  The evening ritually begins at sunset, when cafes and night clubs open their doors and the music of steel drum bands floats along the beaches.  The island's festive spirit peaks during carnival a vibrant, two-week festival of feasting, street dancing, parties, and parades.

            St. Maarten's dependable trade winds free the island from oppressive heat or prolonged leaden skies, and its temperate climate is consistently graced by the sun.

            The island's sugary-white beaches are spiritually restive and abundant, and walkers who encounter them are often struck by their splendid seclusion.  Off-shore, St. Maarten's life-rich waters provide superb boating and fishing, as well as excellent diving areas.  The inland region, with its gentle valleys and hills, is ideal for biking, horseback riding, and exploration. All these offerings have made St. Maarten a famous tropical destination, and the island is dotted with world-class resorts.  Private guest houses are also an increasingly popular form of lodging, catering to visitors seeking traditional Caribbean hospitality.

            St. Maarten is blessed with 37 beaches--one for each of the island's 37 square miles. Busy bays are venues for watersports, swimming, and snorkeling, while secluded coves offer private retreats. The dress code ranges from modest (on the Dutch side of the island) to nudist (on the French side). Half-day or full-day sailing excursions to undeveloped beaches nearby are also available.

            Some of the more famous beaches include mile-long Mullet Bay Beach, perfect for swimming; Dawn Beach, known for its incredible sunrises; and Little Bay Beach, a favorite of snorkelers, with calm, clear waters that offer excellent visibility.

            Maho Beach is one of the island's most dramatic swimming spots. Swimmers splashing in the water can experience the unusual thrill of airplanes passing right over their heads as they head for the nearby runway. The craggy rocks lining the white sand beach add another dramatic touch. There are also wet bikes available for rent.

            One of St. Maarten's more private beaches is Simpson Bay Beach, a long half-moon of white sand set between a picturesque fishing village and the murmuring sea. There are no watersports, no resorts, just the sound of water gently lapping at your feet. You can stroll, swim, or simply relax, all the while seeing barely another soul.

            Cupecoy Beach is another unspoiled landscape with pure white sand, sandstone cliffs, and shoreline caves as a setting. The surf can be strong, but the wind is blocked by the rocks. Lying near the border with St. Martin, its dress code is influenced by that of the French beaches: clothing is optional.

St. Maarten Island Tour

3 hours, $20.00 Adult / $10.00 Child 

Time:  8:30 AM

Experience a visit to two countries, Holland and France, on one tour. Departing from the Dutch capitol, Philipsburg, you'll have a drive through town including a look at the Great Salt Pond. The bus then passes through to the French side with a stop at Hope Hill Lookout for a spectacular view of Orient Beach, Pinel Island and St. Barts. You'll continue on to Marigot, with time to browse among the shops and cafés or just sit back and take in the French atmosphere. On your return drive, a stop will be made at a scenic lookout.

Pinel Island Snorkel Tour

3 hours, $29.00

Time:  8:00 AM

From Dutch St. Maarten enjoy a scenic bus ride to French Cul-de-Sac. Then embark on a small tender for a short transfer to beautiful Pinel Island for your snorkeling adventure. Wade in off the beach with an instructor to guide you through the coral reefs inhabited by tropical fish. Snorkeling instruction, mask, fins and life vest are provided. Explore the island, swim or sunbathe on the sandy beaches, or browse the boutiques. Restrooms and safe storage are provided.

NOTE: There is a possibility that some nudity may be observed on the beach at Pinel Island. Availability of snorkeling is subject to local weather conditions.

Explorer Cruise And Island Drive

3 1/2 Hours, $37.00 Adult / $19.00 Child

Time:  1:00 PM

By air-conditioned bus enjoy a narrated drive through Philipsburg, capital of Dutch St. Maarten, en route to the party boat, Explorer.

The Explorer has sun decks, changing rooms, restrooms, a boutique and barrels of free rum punch. Cruise through the lagoon over to the Riviera-style marina in Marigot, French St. Maarten. You'll have approximately one hour to stroll through the shops and cafés.

Then you'll stop at a private island in a lagoon for swimming and sunbathing. On your return to Philipsburg, you'll stop at Cole Bay Hill for a panoramic view of the southwest portion of the island.

"America's Cup" Sailing Regatta

2 1/2 - 3 hours, $68.00 Minimum Age: 12 years old

Time:  8:00 AM & 1:30 PM

Experience the most exciting water sports event in the Caribbean. Thrill to the exhilaration of America's Cup racing aboard Stars & Stripes, Canada II, True North and others. You will compete in an actual race around an America's Cup shortened course. Under guidance of your experienced crew, participate in sailing the boat. Grind a winch, trim a sail, or just sit back and enjoy. Sailing experience is not necessary. Just bring soft-soled shoes and a spirit for adventure.

NOTE: Should you choose to participate in the actual sailing of the yacht, please be advised that this can be strenuous and, as a participant, you must determine your limitations.

St. Martin Beach Rendezvous

4 1/2 hours, $43.00 Adult / $33.00 Child

Time:  9:00 AM

Rendezvous at one of the newest and trendiest restaurants in French St. Martin on one of the Caribbean's best beaches. En route to Orient Bay, your guide will provide interesting narrative and a brief history of the island. Orient Bay is acclaimed as being the French Riviera of the Caribbean with over 1 1/2 miles of white-sand beaches fringed by coconut palms and sea grapes. A barbecue lunch including a beverage is served at tables on the beach. Lounge chairs are provided.

NOTE: Being adjacent to Club Orient Naturist Resort there is a possibility that some nudity may be observed.

Land and Sea Island Tour

3 1/2 hours, $39.00

Time:  8:15 AM & 12:45 PM

This tour combines the best of St. Martin - on land and under the sea.  Leave Philipsburg and drive up the east side to Grand Case, a quaint fishing village surrounded by an idyllic bay.  Here you board the Seaworld Explorer, an air-conditioned semi-submersible, for a 45-minute narrated tour of the coral reefs around Creole Rock.  Your tour continues to Marigot, where you can explore sidewalk café's the open-air market and shops.  Return to Philipsburg on the west coast, via Cole Bay Lookout.

Butterfly Farm and Marigot

3 1/2 hours, $28.00

Time:  9:00 AM

Experience two highlights of St. Maarten on one tour. Leaving Philipsburg by bus you'll pass through the Dutch and French sides of the island before arriving at the Butterfly Farm. Knowledgeable guides will escort you through the "Butterfly Sphere," which is a magnificently landscaped garden where the butterflies live. You'll also see a waterfall, ponds, and Japanese fish. As you are guided through this tranquil environment, some of the most colorful butterflies from all over the world will be flying around. A beverage will be served during your visit.

A stop will also be made in the French capital city of Marigot for you to enjoy shopping and walking among the sidewalk cafes and open-air market. En route back to the ship, view the eastern coastline of St. Maarten and St. Barts at Orient Bay Lookout.

Golden Eagle Desert Island Sailaway

3 1/2 hours, $56.00 Adult / $35.00 Child

Time:  8:00 AM

Enjoy a "lifestyles of the rich and famous" tour aboard the 76-foot catamaran, Golden Eagle. Sailing in the sparkling waters, count the flying fish while lying in the nets of the catamaran or lazing in the shade of the 80-foot sail. Then arrive at Tintamar, a beautiful island where you can swim in the quiet cove, snorkel in the clear waters, or enjoy the sun on the pink-sand beach. First-class service includes either a continental breakfast with champagne, or in the afternoon, a West Indian snack. An open bar flows for the entire tour, so sit back, relax and enjoy the great music!

NOTE: There is a possibility that some nudity may be observed on the beach at Tintamar. In the event of poor water conditions, a different island may be visited.

St. Maarten Scuba Tour

4 hours, $89.00 with equipment / $79.00 without Minimum Age: 12 years old

Time:  7:45 AM

This tour is limited to certified divers only. You will be required to have proof of certification to participate. After a quick shuttle from the dockside to your dive boat, you will depart on your underwater adventure. The dive location will be dependent upon the weather in order to ensure maximum visibility. The growing abundance of tropical fish and the natural beauty of the reefs make diving in St. Maarten a memorable experience. Wherever the dive location, this double-tank dive will be a chance to interact with a variety of marine life and provide an excellent picture-taking opportunity. This is an experience certified divers won't want to miss.

NOTE: Tank and weight belt are included for all divers. Equipment package includes regulator, B.C., mask, fins and snorkel.

St. Maarten Shipwreck Snorkeling Adventure

3 hours, $37.00

Time:  1:15 PM

You will begin your adventure upon boarding a spacious motorized snorkeling vessel. You can relax during the scenic ride across Philipsburg harbor. Once at Shipwreck Cove, you will be given equipment and instruction by certified instructors. The snorkeling staff will guide you through an undersea world of coral reefs and wrecks inhabited by tropical fish. Complimentary rum punch will be served while returning to the harbor.

St. Maarten Sport Fishing

4 hours, $135.00

Not Available On My Cruise

If you enjoy "big game" fishing, you'll want to take this exciting excursion on board one of St. Maarten's premier sport fishing boats. Bring along your enthusiasm, because everything else is provided: a 40-foot charter boat, electronic fish-finding equipment, fishing gear, downriggers, bait, tackle and beverages.

Blue or White Marlin, Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda and Yellowtail abound in these blue Caribbean waters. You will troll with rods attached to downriggers and outriggers. The lines will be rotated throughout the tour. Certain game fish are on a tag-and-release basis. All catch remain with the captain of the boat.