Any experience with PO SM57 "Two Nations Vacation" on St. Maarten?

[zurgmouse]

Hi all, thank you for all of the wonderful information already posted - it has been invaluable to myself and my family while planning our cruise!

We are curious about this PA but don't see much information about it. I was curious if anyone had any first hand knowledge of the experience. This would be for myself and two daughters (15, 12). Looking for a good mix of a memorable experience (Airport Beach), Snorkeling, and Beaches - this sounds like a nice mix but would love to know more.

 

[cvjw]

I have done it twice - in 2018 and 2022. Feel free to ask any questions. It is a nice excursion.

 

[zurgmouse]

Hi cvjw! Thank you, off the top of my head:

1. Any general feedback re: what ages would have the most fun on this? My girls are 12 & 15. Wasn't sure if this PA was more of low-key scenic cruise vs active adventure (or a bit of both)?

2. What is the airport beach experience? Do you stay on the boat v go up to the beach? They make it sound like planes don't land too often. If there isn't any air traffic, is there much to do?

3. How is the 'snorkel park'? Does it feel overused and 'touristy' or do you get a good glimpse into some natural beauty and fish? (We're from the West Coast, so to make a comparison.... in Hawaii, sometimes the packaged snorkeling is some of the worst and they don't pick good locations or the locations are very stale. Going off on your own gets you a lot better)

4. Wonderful to hear you did it twice, curious what brought you back the second time?

5. Any major differences pre/post pandemic?

6. Would you do it again and/or recommend it?

Thank you again!

 

[cvjw]

Hi cvjw! Thank you, off the top of my head:

1. Any general feedback re: what ages would have the most fun on this? My girls are 12 & 15. Wasn't sure if this PA was more of low-key scenic cruise vs active adventure (or a bit of both)?

2. What is the airport beach experience? Do you stay on the boat v go up to the beach? They make it sound like planes don't land too often. If there isn't any air traffic, is there much to do?

3. How is the 'snorkel park'? Does it feel overused and 'touristy' or do you get a good glimpse into some natural beauty and fish? (We're from the West Coast, so to make a comparison.... in Hawaii, sometimes the packaged snorkeling is some of the worst and they don't pick good locations or the locations are very stale. Going off on your own gets you a lot better)

4. Wonderful to hear you did it twice, curious what brought you back the second time?

5. Any major differences pre/post pandemic?

6. Would you do it again and/or recommend it?

Thank you again!

1) there were all ages on this excursion. Both times. It is scenic or active - some people snorkeled, jumped off the boat, swam in the ocean and some people did nothing!
2) the boat is parked in the water a little off the beach by the airport. The planes fly right over the boat. The last time, we had plane after plane flying over. You DO NOT get to go to the beach.
3) the snorkel park is kinda touristy and very close to where the ship parks. There were multiple boats there in October, but we did see some fish. You can also snorkel on other stops - I think there were 3 stops in October.
4)we did it again because we enjoyed it the first time and there wasn’t really any other excursions that we were interested in last time in St Maarten
5)same both times. With the exception that the first time there was only 1 large boat for our group from the fantasy. In October, there were at least 4 other small boats. Lots of people
6) I don’t think I would do it again simply because of the length of the excursion. It was 6 hours and seemed too long last time. I got really sunburned in October. We were on a very small boat and there was only a tiny amount of shade. Some people grabbed the shade and did not share, so the ones of us in the sun just roasted.

 

[zurgmouse]

Thank you! This extremally helpful.

Are there any other PA or private excursions you have tried on SM? OR, what would you do next time you go to the island instead of that PA?