would i regret not getting off the ship at st martens?

[imgoingtodisney]

DH wants to go gambling and since it's not allowed on the boat here is where we go separate ways.
DS10 wants to snorkel but I dont snorkel. He doesnt want island tours, shopping or beaches.
What should I do?

 

[CarolAnnC]

My mother checked a couple of the casinos, and I followed her in. I was not impressed at all. Very small, seedy type places with unsavory looking characters. Nothing at all like the beautiful Atlantis in Nassau with a very plush casino. I suggest introducing DH to Bingo on board the ship, LOL!

DS can snorkel at Castaway Cay. I recommend sending him to the Kid's Club that day and you take yourself jewelry shopping in St Maarten. I bought a Tanzanite ring there, at a fraction of the cost that I just priced one at in Nassau last week. Definitely bargains to be had there.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I agree with CarolAnnK... the casinos at downtown Philipsburg are not impressive. But there are nice casinos within a short taxi ride from the ship. Here's a link to the nicest one.

www.princessportdeplaisance.com

 

[BeanoC]

I also agree with CarolAnnK that the casinos in St Maarten are seedy...( If I may offer another adjective... filthy!) and I agree that the tanzanite prices are very attractive. Where I disagree is with the statement that "DS can snorkel on Castaway Cay"... yes, he can, but the snorkeling there is hardly a world class, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's ok, but it doesn't replace a snorkeling trip on either St. Maarten or St. Thomas. Actually, St. Thomas (St. John) is the true "world class" snorkeling trip. Get your DS to Trunk Bay on St. John. If it's snorkeling he wants... there can be little argument that there are maybe 2 or 3 better spots on the planet to snorkel. Trunk Bay is gorgeous.

As for your DH's wanting to gamble? Well, this IS a Disney cruise - a family cruise. I'm a big-time card player myself - don't get me wrong. I live close to Reno, NV and I go there alot. But that's not why you're on this cruise! If you simply MUST gamble your time away, get a group of guys together and play cards in your room. Sorry - I know that sounds sarcastic, but it's not intentional. The point is, this isn't a "party your butt off, gamble like hell and drink until english is optional" type of vacation. Forget the gambling for now.
From one guy to another - snag yourself a couple of hours one day and go to the ESPN lounge, drink beer, and watch football! Maybe you'll find some misguided bozo there who'll bet you 30 bucks that the Cowboys can beat the 49ers. There's you're can't miss gambling for the week!

On St. Maarten, go together as a family and shop a little. Buy your outfits for tropical night. Buy some sodas and beer to take onboard. Buy a $700 tanzanite ring for $269 bucks. There's a good day.

On St. Thomas, make your way to Trunk Bay on St. John and snorkel; have a a great family "day at the beach". Best snorkeling the eastern itinerary has to offer. Hands down.


Sorry - I don't know how this bee got into my bonnett - I just related to the question I guess, and as a fellow DH, I wanted to offer my approach to a great DCL vacation that makes everyone happy. A balanced approach makes the kids happy, DH happy, and most importantly - DW happy! (If she ain't happy pal, you ain't happy. Face it.)



'Beano'

 

[my3kids]

If you want to go to a beach and your son wants to snorkel, then the 2 of you go off and do that together. I'm sure someone here can recommend a location where he could snorkel from the beach and you watch. For a 10 year old, likely any fish are a great find. He probably doesn't need to leave the edge for that. Just have him wear his mask as he wades out.

 

[allshookup]

I am not by any means a sophisticated gambler, but I love to play the slot machines. Gambling is not legal here in Massachusetts, so I get excited when I get to go somewhere that it is legal. I would be sorely disappointed if I went to St. Maarten and never got a chance to hit a casino. Thank you very much for the information regarding the seediness of the Casinos in Philipsburg and I am thrilled for the link from Dave for a Casino worth checking out! I personally don't see anything wrong with fitting in a little adult time at a Casino if you have the chance. Regardless of whether this is a family cruise or not...isn't that what the kid's clubs are for, to give us adults a little time to do the things we want to do re: surial bath, gambling, night clubs?

 

[rae519]

After being in many third world countries, I really regretted getting off the boat at St. Maarten. The only reason I did was because DH and DS wanted to see the island, so we looked around, got a few pictures of DS in front of the large sign then went back on board for a WONDERFUL day!

Lots of folks were pleased with the "booze bargains" and shopping, so it's safe to say that there are things to do but it's always nice to come back home (to the Magic).

Rae

 

[prymsu]

I would recommend any shopping in St.Marten over St. Thomas. The prices on liquor and jewelry and other odds and ends was much higher in St. Thomas.

 

[Towncrier]

I will second the "booze bargains" comment made earlier. The prices on St. Maarten are the lowest you will see on the cruise. And a trip to St. Maarten would not be complete for me if I didn't get a guavaberry colada. And a couple of bottles of guavaberry rum.

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the Golden Eagle Catamaran excursion on St. Maarten. I wish I were there right now.

 

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

Best shopping deals can be found at St. Maartens on the Eastern cruise! I bought Lancome make-up and Ralph Lauren perfume for WAY cheaper than I pay here in the U.S.. Jewelry was also cheaper at St. Martens than in St. Thomas.

 

[RellingTwin]

Your DS wants to snorkel, but dosn't want to go to the beach? I would recommend Dawn Beach. Snorkeling is good most of the time (winds can sometimes cause waves) the beach is nice, clean with restrooms at the little rest/bar. Umbrellas and chairs (12.00) for the day.
We had a very nice time there.

 

[PiperG]

Originally posted by DisneyCruiseluvr
Best shopping deals can be found at St. Maartens on the Eastern cruise! I bought Lancome make-up and Ralph Lauren perfume for WAY cheaper than I pay here in the U.S.. Jewelry was also cheaper at St. Martens than in St. Thomas.

Do they sell Clinique in St. Martens as well?