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Philipsburg

One of the highpoints of traveling with MSC Cruises aboard our luxury ships to a Caribbean vacation destination is having the time to take in pretty destinations such as Philipsburg.

White sandy beaches and vibrant boardwalk cafes

Both the French and the Dutch claim the island of St. Maarten as, in 1648, the authorities signed a treaty that divided the island between them.

One of the highpoints of travelling with MSC Cruises aboard our beautiful ships in the Caribbean is having the time to take in pretty destinations such as Philipsburg.  On an MSC Cruises excursion to this capital city, everyone, from sun-worshippers to those looking to bag a bargain, will find something to suit.

As the ship docks, you’ll see that between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, the Dutch capital Philipsburg fills a small stretch of land, and two main roads Front Street and Back Street cut across the city.

Front Street is the main thoroughfare featuring traditional West Indian architecture and duty-free shopping of imported goods and native crafts: it is also home to the Guavaberry Emporium where they sell the local tipple, Guavaberry Rum.

Beaches are clean, white and sandy and you can refresh yourself at one of the vibrant boardwalk cafes! For the more active, choose from water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing, snorkelling or diving, or the ultimate sense of freedom, a horseback beach ride.

Browse the superb array of activities laid on for this destination and you’ll see why we are known for offering some of the best deals on cruise vacation packages!

So go on – will you try the America’s Cup or embark on a thrilling Harley Davidson adventure?

 		Cruise to Philipsburg - Netherlands - Caribbean - MSC Cruises

Practical info


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 SMT04 - Panoramic Tour of St. Maarten and Shopping  (2.5 hrs) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour 
The smallest island shared by two nations has some of the best vistas in all the Caribbean.  Set out and discover how the French and Dutch have blended together their distinct characters in this complete orientation tour.  From your bus, witness the tremendous amount of development which has made the 37-square-mile island so popular and busy.  First head through the Dutch side and capital of Philipsburg, founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch Navy. Then it’s the hilly drive to the other side of the island to experience the capital of French St. Martin. Originally a fishing village on a swamp for which it was named; Marigot is filled with gingerbread houses and sidewalk bistros.  You’ll have time on your own to explore the many boutiques lining picturesque narrow streets.  Next the tour travels past Grand Case, a seaside town known as “gourmet capital” of the Caribbean, due to the abundance of restaurants. On return to Philipsburg the bus will drop you downtown and you will be given a water taxi bracelet to return to the pier at your leisure.
Note: The shops in Marigot are closed on public holidays. The order of the tour may be reversed/changed depending upon tour time and traffic conditions.  In case of holidays, delay, changes in the water taxi schedule after the shopping the return to the ship will be by bus.

Price per person $49.00 Adults $44.00 Children

   


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 SMT09 - Golden Eagle Catamaran (4 hrs) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Snack  Drink  Go First Class, enjoy great snacks and an open bar while sailing in the sparkling waters. Sail aboard the Golden Eagle to a real deserted island, a French marine nature park. An unforgettable experience while our crew pampers you, as you laze in the shade of Golden Eagle’s hand painted sails, lie in the nets or sit back in the captains’ cockpit watching action as we troll for kingfish. Maybe spot a dolphin, flying fish or the enormous whales in season. Golden Eagle will anchor off the fabulous golden sand beach, explore the island, look for shells or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Our friendly crew will provide you with free flotation and snorkel equipment, together with any help you may need. Enjoy fresh sandwiches and champagne, with onboard music, sailing back in the azure waters of St. Maarten.
Notes: An alternate venue may be visited depending on sea conditions at the time.

Price per person $84.00 Adults $76.00 Children

   


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 SMT10 - Explorer Cruise & Grand Island tour (4 hrs) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Drink  This is the only tour offering a great party cruise on the lagoon with open bar, Calypso entertainer as well as shopping time in Marigot. The tour leaves from the cruise ship pier past the Great Salt Pond on a narrated tour with the guide pointing out places of historic interest explaining some of the colourful history of the island. Join the Explorer double decked party boat which waits while you spend time browsing in Marigot, or just relax sipping an ice cold drink enjoying the views of Marina Royale. From the Marina, you cruise the Simpson Bay Lagoon passing the luxury villa’s and mega yachts which visit the many marina’s situated in the calm waters of the lagoon. With music and great drinks we cruise past Port de Plaissance to Simpson Bay Marina docking at the Explorer private dock where the coaches wait for the short return drive with views of the cruise ships and Philipsburg.

Price per person $60.00 Adults $54.00 Children

   


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 SMT12 - Panoramic Tour of St. Maarten and Beach Tour  (2.5  hrs) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  During this tour, you’ll drive from today’s modern Dutch capital of Philipsburg past the Great Salt Pond, which served to make the island “worth its salt” attracting the French.  On the way to the French side, you’ll pass the Border Monument.  Between 1948 and 1816, this border changed 16 times.  The tour continues through the island, passing through Marigot, bustling small capital of French St. Martin.  Then the TRUE meaning of the term “Best Of” comes through with approximately one   and half hours at one of the island’s best beaches.  Your troubles will blow away like ashes in the breeze. All too soon its time for the drive back to be dropped off at the pier.
Note:  Bring a towel, sunscreen and sun glasses. The order of the tour may be reversed depending upon local conditions. Traffic can be heavy at times. All beaches are public so please do not leave your personal belongings unattended. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. Chairs, umbrellas etc are not included but may be available for rent from local vendors. The beaches have bars, restaurants, local vendors and activities and things to do. These all have a charge Remember where the bus drops you off as this is where you will pick up the return. Check your watches as the buses will only wait a few minutes if you are late . Otherwise the return will be at your expenses.

Price per person $40.00 Adults $36.00 Children

   


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 SMT14 - Power Rafting Adventure, Snorkel, Shop & Beach  (4hrs) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  This great combo tour offers a snorkel experience at a calm south coast location, followed by one hour of shopping and finished off with time at a great beach!!! The comfortable high speed vessel gives you the best snorkel of the day. No traffic, just cool breezes as you whisk across Simpson Bay Lagoon with great photo opportunities, and exploring/shopping time at Marina Royale in Marigot. Then, it is time to cool off, find a calm beach with crystal clear waters and crisp white sand for an hour of sunbathing and relaxing before returning to the ships pier. Do all, in this 4 hour combo tour.
Notes: All snorkel gear included – mask, snorkel, buoyancy vest and fins.

Price per person $79.00 Adults $71.00 Children

   


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 SMT42 - SAINT MARTIN SIGHTSEEING AND SHOPPING (approx. 2.5 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour  The tiny Caribbean island of Saint Martin is not only known for its great natural beauty, incredible beaches and a large variety of wildlife, it is also home to two nations: the French Saint Martin in the north and the Dutch Sint Maarten in the south. This all-round orientation tour will let you discover how French and Dutch influences have shaped the island, which has become an extremely popular holiday destination. To begin with, you will travel through the Dutch side and the capital of Philipsburg, which was founded by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch Navy, in 1763. You will then continue on up through the hilly interior of the island to Marigot, the capital of French Saint Martin. You will have some time to explore Marigot’s picturesque streets as well as enjoy the quaint houses and outdoor cafés on your own. Your return journey will take you past the seaside town of Grand Case, known as the Caribbean’s “gourmet capital” due to its many fine restaurants. A short stop will be made at Cole Bay Lookout for photos at the panoramic view of Simpson Bay.  On return to Philipsburg the bus will drop you just outside downtown where you can spend approx. one hour before taking the bus back to the pier.
Please note: shops are closed in Marigot on Sundays and public holidays. The order of the tour may be reversed/changed depending upon tour time and traffic conditions. This tour is foreseen only for MSC Musica.

Price per person $49.00 Adults $34.00 Children

   


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 SMT43 - GOLDEN EAGLE CATAMARAN (approx. 4 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Snack  A first-class sailing experience awaits you on the Golden Eagle catamaran as you slice through the Caribbean waters on your way to a real deserted island: a marine nature park on the French side. Order a drink from the open bar and enjoy a tasty snack while you relax in the shade of the Golden Eagle’s hand-painted sails or spend some time in the Captain’s cockpit and watch out for passing dolphins, flying fish and sometimes even whales. A stop at a wonderful golden beach is also on the itinerary, where you can explore the surroundings, swim or snorkel – with free gear and instruction provided by friendly guides. Your luxury excursion also includes fresh sandwiches, sparkling wine, on-board music and any amount of pampering from the crew.
Please note: an alternative destination may be visited depending on the sea conditions on the day of the tour. This tour is only available for guests on board the MSC Musica.

Price per person $93.00 Adults $65.00 Children

   


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 SMT44 - EXPLORER CRUISE & GRAND ISLAND TOUR (approx. 4 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Drink  Take some time off the ship and join this party cruise on a beautiful lagoon, with plenty of time to enjoy the open bar, the calypso entertainer and shopping in Marigot. The excursion begins with some sightseeing, during which your guide will point out places of interest and tell you a little about the island’s colourful history. You can then board your double-decker party boat and enjoy the view while sipping on an iced drink or spend some more time exploring Marigot before the pleasure boat sets sail. Leaving the beautiful Marina Royale, you will then cruise through the Simpson Bay lagoon, passing luxury villas, sleek yachts and Port de Plaisance on the way to the Simpson Bay Marina. Your party boat experience is rounded off by great music and drinks. The tour comes to a close with a short coach drive back to your ship, giving you a chance to enjoy further lovely views of Philipsburg.
Please note: this tour is only available for guests on board the MSC Musica.

Price per person $66.00 Adults $46.00 Children

   


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 SMT46 - SINT MAARTEN SIGHTSEEING & BEACH (approx. 3 hours) - 2013/2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Drink  Combining sightseeing and some time at the beach, this coach tour will take you from Philipsburg, the modern-day capital of the Dutch Sint Maarten, over to the French side of the island of Saint Martin. En route, you will pass the Great Salt Pond – an enclosed body of saltwater separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of land – on the banks of which Philipsburg is situated. In days gone by, the pond certainly made the island “worth its salt” and served to attract the French. On the way to the French side, you will also pass a monument that commemorates the modern border between the French and Dutch sides of the island, which was finally and lastingly established in 1816 after much strife. You will also pass through Marigot, the bustling small capital of French Saint Martin, before arriving at one of the island’s best beaches for 1.5 hours of pure relaxation time. Your tour ends with a scenic drive back to the port and your ship.
Please note: you are recommended to wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen and sunglasses. The tour itinerary may be reversed to suit local conditions. A beach chair will be provided free of charge at the beach. This tour is only available for guests on board the MSC Musica.

Price per person $49.00 Adults $34.00 Children

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.