Queen Mary 2 - March 15, 2025 (14 Nights)

Philipsburg is the biggest town located on the Saint Maarten island. Saint Maarten island is divided into two parts - Dutch and French. Philipsburg is located in the Dutch part of the island. You can also visit the French side of the island, the main city of which is Marigot. Philipsburg and Saint Maarten island have amazing beaches, very large and vibrant duty free shopping opportunities (it's one of the largest shopping centers in Caribbean) as well as many types of entertainment and fun activities.

The majority of cruise ships will dock in Great Bay on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The pier, which is one mile from the Philipsburg city center, is called the A.C. Wathey Pier. Taxis are available directly at the pier to transport travelers into town for a small fare. In addition, one can walk from the pier to downtown Philipsburg in approximately 15 minutes. Some ships may choose to dock at Little Pier and then transport their passengers into the center of Philipsburg.

There is much to see and do in Philipsburg and in St. Maarten. In Philipsburg you can enjoy some of the trendiest restaurants and you can shop in the multitude of duty-free shops available. The most famous shopping streets are Front and Old Streets, although you can enjoy great shopping in many other places. On another note, you can explore Orient Beach (part of which is clothing optional) to enjoy the beautiful white sand that stretches for over 1 1/2 miles along the coast. If you are a big fan of nature, you can take a trip to the Butterfly Farm to admire hundreds of butterflies of various colors and species. For the more adventurous travelers, kayaking activities and snorkeling are available for you to experience the exotic wildlife and coral reefs of St. Maarten. You can also take a historical tour of St. Maarten via bicycle. Finally, St. Maarten is also a great place to sail. In fact, you can even compete in a shortened version of the America's Cup race if you so choose.

There are plenty of nice restaurants to enjoy on both Dutch and French side of the St. Maarten island. On the Dutch side, you can, for example, go to Chesterfield's for a casual lunch or to St. Antoine, which is a more upscale place. On the French side, in Marigot (the main town on the French side) you can go to l'Oiseau Rare - a French bistro that has a great view of Marigot harbor. Or you can visit Le Mini Club, which is famous for its Creole and French cuisine. These are just some suggestions, there are many other places where you can have wonderful dining experience.

Once you arrive at the port, you can either hail a taxi to travel into the center of Philipsburg, or you can choose to take the 15 minute walk. Cab fares are extremely reasonable. Another option is to take a water taxi from the cruise pier to the center of Philipsburg. That will cost you $3 one-way and $5 roundtrip. It is possible to rent a car in St. Maarten, but if you are only staying for a day as part of a cruise, this may not be your best option. In that case, you can just walk or use a taxi to explore the area.

The island of St. Maarten is owned by two different countries. One side of the island has French as the official language, while the other side has Dutch as its official language. However, English is the language most frequently spoken on both sides of St. Maarten. The official currencies of St. Maarten are the Euro on the French side and the guilder on the Dutch side, but the US dollar will be accepted everywhere. Most stores will post prices both in the local currency and in US dollars. If you want to stay in touch with folks back home, you can use the Internet Paradise cafe located at the intersection of Yrausquin Boulevard and Front Street.

Located in the southeastern part of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is a small island country that is part of the Lesser Antilles. A favorite stop for cruise ships, the island offers visitors innumerable opportunities for adventure and exploration, from tropical rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls to ancient ruins and extraordinary botanical gardens. For those wanting to make a stop at a smaller, less populated region during a Caribbean cruise, Saint Lucia is the perfect choice.

Cruise ships arrive in the main harbor of Castries, the largest community and capital city of Saint Lucia. The vessels dock at Place Carenage or nearby Pointe Seraphine, both of which are part of the main waterfront area of the city. The docks are within easy walking distance to the central business district and there are both taxis and public transportation available at either location. Duty-free shops for souvenirs can be found near both of the anchorage points and there are a number of visitor-friendly trinket stores in and around the waterfront area and on the main streets of town.

Castries itself is certainly worth a detailed walking tour, but the main attraction in Saint Lucia is the natural beauty of the island itself. Getting out of town and seeing the magnificent rain forests is a popular excursion for most cruise tourists. Much of the island is protected as a natural preserve, with the Saint Lucia National Rain Forest covering a good deal of the total land area. Hiking trails are abundant and visitors will find no shortage of vantage points for taking memorable photos. Somewhat more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia's most famous natural landmark is the Twin Pitons, a double peak located in the southern part of the island, while the nearby Soufriere Drive-In Volcano attracts thousands annually to its active sulfur pools. The Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall is one of the loveliest collections of floral species in the West Indies and also contains mineral baths near the waterfall. Pigeon Island, located at the northwest end of Saint Lucia, is a great place for families to spend an afternoon. Here visitors find a complete interpretive center that details the island's history, excellent walking trails that offer views of the sea and mainland, and plenty of ruins to explore, most of them part of the forts originally erected as separate factions fought for control of the island in its colonial days. Horseback riding, snorkeling and even helicopter tours are also popular activities for those arriving on cruise ships to Saint Lucia.

Fresh seafood dominates the menu at most of the fine restaurants on Saint Lucia, especially in the capital city of Castries. A good choice for lunch would be The Charthouse, which overlooks Rodney Bay not far from the docks and offering up an excellent combination of steaks, seafood and salads. The Green Parrot, located on Morne Fortune directly above Castries Harbor is a great place for both lunch and dinner and has a widely diverse menu that includes Creole favorites, West Indian originals and many international delights. At the Ladera Resort in Soufriere one can enjoy the very best in Caribbean cuisine at the Dasheene Restaurant, where a delightful mix of authentic recipes awaits. This is considered by many the best seafood restaurant on the island and also has the best views of the town and waterfront. Visitors will also find a good selection of snacks at the many open air cafes near the cruise ship docks, where soups, salads and fresh fruits are always available.

The cruise docks are adjacent to the center of Castries, but visitors will need to take a taxi, public bus or rental car to access the island's natural treasures. Taxi service is plentiful and there are a good number of public bus routes. Taxi prices can be negotiated with the vehicle operator. The bus lines do not run on a set schedule but wait at major stops until full. Also visitors cannot rent a car in Saint Lucia unless they either have an international permit or purchase a temporary one while on the island.

English is the official language of the island. The monetary unit is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although U.S. Dollars are often accepted. The island has a good number of ATMs for currency exchange. If an international telephone call needs to be placed, most visitors will use the Internet cafe at the Caribbean Travel Agency on Micoud Street in Castries.

Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, was settled in 1628 by Charles Wolverstone, a British representative for a group of merchants in London. English sailors originally landed on the island of Barbados three years earlier, claiming the island for King James I as a possession of England. There were traces of earlier settlement, but the area was largely abandoned other than an aged, crude bridge that spanned the swamp situated in the center of town. This is where the town got its name. Today Bridgetown welcomes visitors from around the world with beautiful sights and plenty of duty free shopping.

Cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal located roughly one mile to the west of Bridgetown at Bridgetown Port or Deep Water Harbor, as it is known. You can begin your shopping before you even leave the port at the shopping mall located on site.

In Barbados there are many historical sites to visit and plenty of places to shop and have fun. One place you may want to visit is the Bayshore Complex, just outside of Bridgetown, that offers plenty of history and shopping with a lovely beach area just a short distance off the courtyard. Another place that you should try to see is the Parliament building in Bridgetown that dates back to the late nineteenth century and presents a lovely example of architecture from that period. The Parliament building also contains the Museum of Parliament depicting the history of the island as well as the National Heroes Gallery featuring the profiles of some of the most distinguished citizens of Barbados throughout its history. On another note, for those who are interested in going to beaches, Payne's Beach and Brighton Beach are the most famous and popular beaches in Barbados. Those who are nature buffs should visit Welchman Hall Gully national park which has many interesting animal species and is a great place to spend some time. Barbados is also famous for its 3 botanic gardens - Orchid World, Flower Forest and Andromeda Botanic Gardens - which are definitely worth a visit if you can find the time.

When visiting Barbados, be sure to sample the rum punch! The birthplace of rum, Barbadians make a delicious rum punch that is the perfect complement to an afternoon at the beach. Also, be sure to sample the local cuisine while visiting. Seafood is a staple of the area and there are a number of wonderful beach front cafes and restaurants where you can sample the local delicacies. Prices vary from reasonable to high-end so there is something for everyone. Many restaurants offer intimate seating on the beach with beautiful views of the Caribbean.

Transportation in Bridgetown is readily available. Upon arrival, there are taxis posted at the port waiting to take you around the island. You can also rent a car or ride the bus, which is a very inexpensive mode of transportation. The downtown area of the city of Bridgetown is also pedestrian-friendly and only around a one mile walk from the port.

The currency in Barbados is the Barbadian dollar with an exchange rate of around $1.99 in local currency to $1.00 U.S. dollar. Most merchants, however, will accept U.S. dollars. Should you need to use the Internet to check your email or to call someone outside of Barbados, you can do it right at the port, at the Telephone Center.

St. Kitts, together with the neighboring Isle Nevis, is among the loveliest and unspoiled islands in the south Caribbean. It attracts many cruise visitors because of its scenic natural beauty as well as for its native culture and fine beaches. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the original name of the island was St. Christopher, shortened more recently to Saint Kitts. The eco-friendly preservation of the island's natural geography is one of the reasons so many come here to relax and explore. However, the tourist trade is alive and well, with a myriad of souvenir shops, gift stores and some extremely fine dining establishments. Above all, however, Saint Kitts is truly a getaway destination, perfect for couples, honeymooners and those who really enjoy nature.

Cruise lines make their port of call at Basseterre, the capital and largest community on the island. Just outside of the town a new, quite modern cruise dock has been constructed at Port Zante, and the terminal is complete with information desks, currency exchange booths and ATMs. Taxis can take visitors into the heart of the city in less than 15 minutes. However, some cruise travelers prefer to stroll along the waterfront to the central district of Basseterre. Port Zante itself has a number of newer shops and restaurants that have opened since the completion of this modern dock facility.

Some of the earliest Colonial style architecture remains around the island, and there are a number of fine old structures worth investigating in Basseterre. Romney Manor was once owned by the grandson of Thomas Jefferson and today visitors can delight in its magnificent grounds and visit the Caribelle Batik shop, one of many such establishments that offer genuine batik clothing. The Nature Reserve contains a stunning display of flora and fauna, including the brown pouchless pelican. One of the most intriguing destinations on the island is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Brimstone Hill Fortress. A 17th century British military barracks, this fortified complex was occupied by a huge number of troops during the period when fighting over control of Saint Kitts was at its height. Among the delightful beaches, the Great Salt Pond is one of the most enjoyable. Here visitors can stroll between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in just a few moments, as the beach is on a narrow peninsula. South Frigate Bay is a favorite for surfers and beachcombers, and waterskiing is popular along this entire stretch of coastline. For those wanting a bit of marine adventure, take a ferry ride to the neighboring Isle Nevis, which is more remote and ringed by coral reefs. The white sand beaches on this smaller island are exemplary.

Mr. X's Shiggedy Shack serves the famous rum cocktail made with cane juice. At the Glimbara Guest House on Cayon Street the locals can be found whetting their appetite at the Glimbara Diner, a well-known establishment specializing in Creole style cuisine. Outside of town and a short taxi ride from the center of Basseterre is the equally popular Rawlins Plantation. Here on the lower slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, diners experience the very finest in shrimp and lobster entrees. The excellent desserts are a mix of French and Caribbean cooking and the views are exceptional.

Taxis are the preferred method of transportation for cruise visitors. The fares are determined by agreement and there are no metered fares. Taxis are plentiful at hotels, restaurants and along the waterfront as well as at the cruise terminal. Rental cars are available. However, you would need to purchase a visitor's permit in order to drive. The rural streets are crowded with pedestrian traffic as well as livestock such as goats and sheep. Driving slowly around the island is highly recommended.

The local currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, although many of the gift shops and restaurants accept U.S. Dollar as well. The native language of the island is English, but the locals have created their own distinct accent, which can be a bit tricky to understand at first. Several of the cafes in downtown Basseterre have Internet access, especially those located in and around the central circus and at the TDL Mall on Fort Street.