Departing the cruise terminal, a short stop will be made at the Rima shop where you will find a cornucopia of resort and island fashions. From peasant skirts to pareos, bonnets to bags, Caftans, tunic pants, beach accessories and much, much more, all in luscious tropical colors.

Now that you are in the true tropic frame of mind, depart Philipsburg driving towards Cole Bay and Belle Vue making a photo stop at the Harold Jack lookout point, located high on a hill overlooking the sea where, (clouds permitting) you will have fantastic views of the neighboring islands of Saba (the home of Kong in the original King Kong movie) and St Eustatious to the south, and British Anguilla to the north. You will also begin to see Simpson Bay and its lagoon as you crest the hill.

Here your island drive takes the path less traveled by most cruise ship tours and heads through the always busy Simpson Bay area, home to much of the island’s nightlife and several of its casinos, Pass the International airport and Maho Beach where tourists sunbathe under landing planes. The Maho area also boasts resorts and casinos. You will then pass through the resort area of Mullet Bay which is home to more resorts and the islands only golf course. Towards the end of this Dutch side of the island you find Cupecoy, once a sleepy little area known for its beautiful secluded beaches, it is now home to some of the newest and nicest resorts and condos on the island.

Crossing over to the French side, you will drive through Terres Basses, once a somewhat unsanitary area, it is now a popular residential area for the rich and famous. Walls landscaped with colorful bougainvillea, hibiscus, and cactus hide sumptuous private villas. Nearby at Long Bay is one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, La Sammana, located on an island and not readily accessible to the general public.

Continue on into Marigot, the French Capital which is a quaint French village with a Caribbean twist. Sidewalk cafes serving cappuccino overlook mega yachts, framed by palm trees. Gourmet restaurants sit in the shadow of a 200 year old fort, and bold tropical prints in the open air markets mix with the latest fashions from the French boutiques. You will have some free time to experience this wonderful blend.

Then its on to Orient Bay. This sweeping 2 mile long, white powdered sand beach is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef, and the bottom has a very gradual slope. It is the island’s most developed, most popular and busiest beach. You will have approximately 1 ½ hours to swim, beach walk or relax on the white sand.

Water activities including snorkeling and parasailing are available at an extra charge. The beach is also lined with numerous restaurants for those who would like to purchase lunch in paradise or a tropical drink.

Returning to Philipsburg through the center of the island, you will have the option of being dropped off downtown for shopping or being taken back to the pier.

Guests departing downtown will need to arrange their own transportation back to the cruise pier at their own expense via taxi, water taxi or walking.

Please note: The clothing optional beach at Club Orient, the naturist resort is located at the southern end of the beach, approximately 10 - 15 minutes walk from Bikini / Kakao Beach, where you will be visiting. Although most guests in the Bikini / Kakao Beach area will be wearing swim attire, be warned that you may encounter topless and possibly nude sunbathers anywhere. This excursion may operate in a different order due to traffic conditions or crowds at the venues. On Sundays, most shops and restaurants on the French side are closed.