PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN

Thursday, May 3, 2002

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

10 Hours - The Ship Will Dock

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.

“Under Two Flags” Island Tour

3 hours, $24.00 Adult / $16.00 Child

Times:  8:45 AM & 9:15 AM

Enjoy the charm and scenery of this beautiful island, under “two flags” – Holland and France – since 1648.  You’ll drive from Philipsburg along the Great Salt Point up to Mount William’s Hill for a panoramic view of the Dutch capital and harbor.  Continue to the Dutch/French border, marked by a simple monument.  You’ll then pass the district of Orleans, once the French capital, on your way to Hop Hill lookout point for a spectacular view of Orient Beach, Pinel Island, St. Bart’s and other points of interest.  Drive through several French towns, as well as Grand Case, a small fishing village known for its lovely beaches and quaint restaurants.  You’ll visit Marigot, the French Capital offering a truly European feel with its marketplace and sidewalk cafes.  Here you’ll have a short time to browse through the quaint shops or simply stroll along the streets.  Then it’s back to the Dutch side through Cole Bay, stopping to take photos of magnificent Simpson Bay Lagoon and neighboring islands.  Your tour ends in Philipsburg, where you may chose to return to the ship or stay and shop.

Butterfly Farm and Marigot

3 ½ hours, $32.00 Adult / $26 Child

Times:  8:30 AM

Enjoy a visit to La Ferme Des Papillons – the Butterfly Farm – in the French Quarter of St. Martin, followed by shopping in quaint Marigot.  At the Butterfly Farm, you’ll stroll through the landscaped tropical gardens, enclosed by a meshed structure, as hundreds of the world’s most rare and exotic butterflies float freely by.  Conditions here are ideal for these creatures, so you’ll see every stage of their life cycle during your guided tour.  Afterward, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this tranquil atmosphere on your own before proceeding by air-conditioned bus to the French capital of Marigot.  Here, you can take in the sidewalk cafes, open-air market and duty-free shops before returning to Philipsburg and this ship.

St. Maarten See and Sea

3 ½ Hours, $49.00 Adult / $39.00 Child

Times:  8:00 AM

Leave Philipsburg on your way to Grand Case, a popular destination on the French side.  This quaint, unspoiled fishing village, situatedon tan idyllic bay, is where you will board the Seaworld Explorer, a semi-submarine, for your 45-minute narrated touro f the marine ecosystem of “Creole Rock.”  Relax while your guide provides commentary about the underwater world around you.  Returning to shore, enjoy a refreshing complimentary drink on deck as you take in the magnificent view of Grand Case Bay.  You’ll then continue to the French capital of Marigot, an attractive port city with a European flair, complete with sidewalk cafes, an open-air market and duty-free shops.  Your return to Philipsburg will include a stop for a souvenir photo at Cole Bay Lookout.  Here you can see Simpson Bay Lagoon and the neighboring islands of Anguilla, Saba, St. Austatius, St. Kitts and Nevis.

Note:  Sequence of stops may vary.

St. Maarten’s French Riviera Beach Rendezvous

4 ½ Hours, $49.00 Adult / $39.00 Child

Times:  10:00 AM

Rendezvous with us on beautiful Orient Bay Beach at one of its newest and trendiest restaurants.  You’ll take a short motorcoach ride to Orient Bay, located on the French side of the island.  En route, your guide will provide an interesting narrative and brief history of the island.  The Beach, called the “French Riviera of the Caribbean,” offers one-and-a-half miles of soft, white sand, fringed and coconut palms and sea grape trees.  You’ll be greeted with a welcome of rum or fruit cocktail, followed by lunch with a choice of entrees, along with beer, wine and soda, which will be served at tables on the beach.  An ample supply of lounge chairs will be provided, and water-sports equipment and umbrellas are available for a nominal charge.  After a freshwater shower, you’ll make your way back.

Golden Eagle Out-Island Sail

4 ½ Hours, $64.00 Adult / $52.00 Child

Times:  8:15 AM

Sail in style o this exciting and unique Caribbean adventure aboard one of the Golden Eagle’s fleet of catamarans.  This state-of-the-art vessel travels at speeds up to 20 knots.  You’ll cruise to Tintamar, an island on the French side, with a fabulous beach, regarded as one of the finest in the area.  Get ready for the red-carpet treatment as you enjoy a variety of snacks along with an open bar, while you lie in the sun or just relax on the sandy beach.  On your return, you’ll listen to lively island music while enjoying cocktails and snacks.  Treat yourself to this special outing!

Note:  If sea conditions warrant, an alternate beach site will be substituted.

Explorer Cruise to Maritot

4 ½ Hours, $45.00 Adult / $35.00 Child

Times:  8:30 AM

Here’s a wonderful way to explore St. Maarten by land and by sea.  You’ll make your way in an air-conditioned motorcoach from Philipsburg along the south coast to meet your party boat, Explorer.  Specially built for the islands, the Explorer features vast sun decks and shaded areas, two bars and changing rooms, as well as a boutique and café.  With your captain narrating, you’ll cruise across Simpson Bay to the beautiful, Riviera-like Port Royale Marine, located on the island’s French side in Marigot.  Here you will have about an hour to browse through the shops, relax at a sidewalk café or simply enjoy the scenery.  Returning to the Explorer, you’ll cruise to a secluded island beach within the inland lagoon to play volleyball and other beach games, swim or simply relax with a complimentary rum punch or soft drink.  Water-sports equipment is available for a nominal fee.  Afterward, return via motorcoach to Philipsburg, stopping along the way at Cole Bay Hill for a panoramic photo.

Note:  Sequence of stops may vary.

’Round the Island Art Tour

3 ½ Hours, $39.00 Adult / $32.00 Child

Times:  8:15 AM

Enjoy a guided, scenic drive through St. Martin’s most charming French districts while at the same time visiting a selected group of the island’s talented artists.  You will visit Antoine Chapon’s studio overlooking the beach in French Cul de Sac; his restful watercolors of local seascapes capture the serene beauty of the island.  From there you’ll drive through the picture-postcard French village of Grand Case en route to O’Reilly Hill to visit the impressive Minguet gallery, featuring original oils, lithographs and watercolors, all bursting with color.  Following this you’ll visit Francis Eck’s studio in nearby Concordia to view his contemporary oil paintings.  Before returning to the ship, you’ll stop in Marigot at Roland Richardson’s 19^th-century home and gallery filled with oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, charcoals and fine copper etchings reflecting the charm of St. Martin.

Everyt’ing Cool Beach & Shopping Day

$25.00 Adult / $20.00 Child

Can’t decide whether to head for the beach or go duty-free shopping?  This tour lets you do it all – one great day of fun in the sun and shopping for one great price.  Everyt’ing Cool is one of the hottest beach bar/restaurants in the Caribbean:  it’s fun, colorful and bustling with activity!  It has a live band, tasty American food and 81 flavors of frozen drinks (with or without alcohol).  This collection of Caribbean-style cottages is a short walk from the tender pier and is located right on the beach and just a few steps from Philipsburg’s renowned duty-free shopping area.  Use Everyt’ing Cool as your base; you can come and go as you please.  Your tour includes lunch, one frozen drink of your choice, the use of a locker, floating beach mat and all the facilities for the day.

St. Martin Mountain Bike Adventure

3 Hours, $69.00 Adult / $69.00 Child

Your bike adventure begins with a short briefing about the ride along the charming waterfront in the French capital of Marigot.  After passing a planned marina development, you’ll begin your ride on a narrow trail that follows the coastline.  A few minutes later you’ll climb a hill, where at the top you will be able to see the island of Anguilla on the horizon and Marigot behind you.  The ride then progresses downhill through a sloping field, which leads to an old dairy road lined with coralita flowers and tamarind trees.  Finally, you’ll ride down a bumpy trail that passes through a valley lined with coarse pampas grass and old slavery walls.  The ride concludes at the beach in Friars Bay, where you can relax or enjoy a swim before returning to the ship.

Lagoon Kayaking Adventure

3 ½ Hours, $69.00 Adult / $60.00 Child

Times:  8:00 AM

Your tour begins with a narrated bus transfer to the kayaking departure point, located in the largest saltwater lagoon in the Antilles, Simpson Bay Lagoon.  Upon arrival, you’ll be given a kayaking lesson and safety orientation prior to being assigned to a sit-on-top kayak.  You’ll start paddling and follow your guide out into the lagoon to explore this marvelous ecosystem.  Along the way, your guide will point out areas of interest, including the imaginary water border between the Dutch and French sides of the island.  Throughout the tour, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the variety of marine life and seabirds that make their home among the labyrinth of mangroves that line the shores of the lagoon.  After a brief rest stop, the paddling will continue into one of the most picturesque corners of the island, not often seen.  Here you’ll be able to see some fabulous villas nestled high up on the limestone bluffs.  Finally, the tour will end at a beautiful white-sand beach, where a complimentary beverage will be served prior to your return to the tender dock via bus.

"America's Cup" Regatta

3 Hours, $78.00 Adult / $78.00 Child

Times:  8:30 AM & 11:45 AM

Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup yacht racing aboard America’s Cup winner Dennis Connor’s Stars and Stripes or contenders Canada II or True North, among others.  Voted the No. 1 shore excursion in the Caribbean, the St. Maarten America’s Cup Regatta offers you the only opportunity in the Caribbean to race these exotic multimillion-dollar America’s Cup contenders.  You’ll compete in an actual race around a shortened America’s Cup race course, and you’ll be invited to participate in “working the boat.”  Your experienced crew will provide all the guidance you need to grind a winch, trim a sail, punch a stopwatch or take the helm and “drive” the race boat; or just sit back, relax and enjoy America’s Cup yacht racing, “the most exclusive sporting event in the world.”  No previous sailing experience is required.  All you need is a pair of soft-soled shoes and the desire to have the tie of your life.  Refreshments are provided, and a rum punch party rounds off ths spectacular event as you browse the America’s Cup museum and boutique.

Note:  We highly recommend you wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes.  Participants must be 12 years of age or older.

New Waves Snorkeling at Shipwrech Cove

3 Hours, $39.00 Adult / $32.00 Child

Times:  8:45 AM & 1:15 PM

Board the spacious motorized catamaran White Octopus for the short ride to Shipwreck Cove.  After a safety and orientation briefing you’ll enter the calm water with a snorkel guide and begin your discovery of the numerous shipwrecks scattered throughout this beautiful cove.  The wrecks have attracted a wide variety of colorful tropical fish, including sergeant majors, surgeonfish, Bermuda chubs, parrotfish and angelfish.  For your enjoyment, the White Octopus has plenty of shade and a sun deck.  Complimentary fruit punch or water is served any time, and rum punch is served after snorkeling.  Snorkeling equipment, a safety vest, professional instruction, supervision, complimentary beverages and transportation are all included.

New Waves Certified Scuba

4 hours, $88.00

Times:  8:00 AM

Discover the underwater world of St. Maarten with this two-tank boat dive.  There are numerous wrecks and reefs that your dive master may choose from, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.  One of the most popular dive sites is Proselyte Reef, named for a Dutch war frigate that sank on the reef in 1801.  Although most of the wreck has broken up over the years, there are still several brass cannons and large iron anchors to view.  The surrounding reef supports many types of hard and soft corals, which in turn attract a wide variety of tropical fish, including barracuda, yellowtail, snapper, parrotfish and several species of angelfish.  Your scuba equipment, professional supervision and transportation are all included.

Note:  Certified divers must have their certification cards with them to participate in this tour