St. Maarten: Afternoon Beach Bash Tour

[jimsubry]

Would love to hear from anyone who's been on this!

Take in the captivating coastal sights as you embark on a 30-minute, air-conditioned motor coach drive to one of the Caribbean's best beaches, Orient Bay. Once there, bask in the warm sun, swim in the shimmering ocean or explore the scenic shoreline for two unforgettable hours. Savor the flavor of a splash of rum or fruit punch in a cozy beach chair or, for an additional cost, immerse yourself in the largest selection of water sports on the island...Complimentary beverages are included for the duration at the beach.

How did you like it? What time does it leave in the afternoon, and where do you go to catch the motor coach? Are the "cozy beach chair" rentals included in the price? Are the alcoholic drinks included in the "Complimentary beverages"? Are there snacks available for purchase nearby? Is there anything else to see in Orient Bay besides the beach?

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

From the DCL site
"Nudity or topless bathing may be observed."
(Sorry, couldn't resist. )
That being said, we have been to Orient Bay (not with DCL, but are going there with them this summer) and there are a number of locations where you can purchase food. When I booked the excursion, it mentioned leaving from the boat at 1:30 and the afternoon lasts 3 - 3 1/2 hours

 

[wendyoconnor]

We mostly enjoyed the excursion, Orient Bay is nice, not as pretty as the beaches in St. Thomas/St. John. The area of the beach we were on included restrooms, a snack bar and changing areas.

Tickets for you excursion will be in your stateroom and will list the assigned meeting place and time. The meeting place will be in one of the public areas on the ship. You will check in with a CM and be given a colored Disney character sticker. When it's time to leave, a CM will escort your group to your transportation. Disney will provide towels for water excursions, they will have a large stack of them in the meeting area.

Yes the complimentary beverages included alcoholic ones, I really enjoyed the rum punches. Non-alcholic beverages were provided also. We were given wristbands and there was no limit on the number of beverages you could enjoy.

Beach chairs were included, umbrellas were not. For $3 you could use the beach umbrella. The only part I didn't like were all the locals selling stuff, it got annoying after a while telling every person that I wasn't interested.

Beach pictures

 

[jimsubry]

Thanks! That was very helpful!

I was indeed wondering about the "people coming by trying to sell stuff" situation. I was hoping there'd be less of that if we were to avoid the beach nearest to where the ship docks.

 

[MeggyK]

Any other feedback on this excursion, positive or negative? Considering doing it in March.
Thanks!

 

[ChristyBrown]

We absolutely hated St Maarten! If we went back, we wouldn't bother getting off the ship. Save your time and money for St Thomas/St John. They are much more tourist friendly and much prettier!

 

[MeggyK]

Why did you hate it? Did you try this excursion?

 

[ChristyBrown]

We did not do this particular excursion. We did a different one, and then tried some shopping. We found the island to be very run down and slummy (if that's a word). The locals were very pushy and extremely rude. My husband and I had looked most forward to this stop, but we were miserable! We are considering another cruise that stops here, but we will definitely remain on the ship and enjoy it being empty. You couldn't pay me to go back to St Maarten!

 

[Mason3]

We did Bernard's Tour. I read many positive reviews here, and I went to his site and booked it. We did the island/beach tour, but there are many options. We enjoyed the tour and the stops at Maho and Orient beaches. A previous person talked about the locals. They did stop us on the beach and tried to sell their things, and yes, some were quite pushy. We did prefer St.Thomas, but I'm glad we had the chance to see St.Martin.

 

[Mason3]

Also, about a month ago, a person posted something about Pinel Island. Apparently you can do excursions there, too. The ppl on disboards raved about it, and it has excellent reviews on on Trip Advisor.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We did Bernard's Tour. I read many positive reviews here, and I went to his site and booked it. We did the island/beach tour, but there are many options. We enjoyed the tour and the stops at Maho and Orient beaches. A previous person talked about the locals. They did stop us on the beach and tried to sell their things, and yes, some were quite pushy. We did prefer St.Thomas, but I'm glad we had the chance to see St.Martin.

We also went there on Bernard's tours it was very good.

 

[noahsketomom]

We just got back from st. Martin. 4 kids, 4 adults. Took a taxi to loterie Farm where we zip lined!

We then went over to le gallion beach and spent two hours swimming, sunning, and eating. Reasonable, yummy good and NOBODY trying to sell us anything.... Though you could rent water equipment if you wanted to.

Was also told that grand cas is a good place, but we were happy at le gallion.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Jessica Sloan]

Also, about a month ago, a person posted something about Pinel Island. Apparently you can do excursions there, too. The ppl on disboards raved about it, and it has excellent reviews on on Trip Advisor.

That's where we plan to go on our own.

 

[Pooh for Presid]

We love St Matrin. We have done an excursion on Disney that took us to Orient Beach and it was nice. Not sure if named same thing or not. The Beach is nice,the 70 year old naked Europeans are a good ways away. Right after arrival a number of the locals are pushy about selling stuff but they calm down after an hour or so.

The Island itself is gorgeous. There are little cafes on both sides of the island that have an ambience(s.p.?) that we have found nowhere in the States.

Last year we did a land and sea tour from Royal Carib that showed more of the French side and it was gorgeous. We always finish with a round or two of Amstel Brights at Pirates in Paradise.