C
cattyfan
Guest
sorry...gotta get some sleep. If you're still working on it, don't peek.
here are the answers:
***answers***
Fill in the lyrics and/or answer the questions, then pm your answers to me. In 24 hours I’ll post the answers and the scores for all to see.
1.) I got to get to movin’ baby I ain't lyin’
My heart is beatin’ rhythm and it's right on time
So be my guest, you got nothin’ to lose
Won't ya let me take you on a sea cruise?
2.) How many versions of “Sea of Love” have made it into Billboard’s Top 40? (bonus points if you can name the artists/bands who recorded those versions.) 3 (Phil Phillips with the Twilights, Del Shannon, and Honeydrippers)
3.) What song is subtitled “No More Love On the Run”? (bonus points if you can name the artist who recorded it.) “Caribbean Queen” by Billy Ocean
4.) Sailing takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
5.) The Hues Corporation had only one song to reach the top chart position. What is the title of the song? (bonus point is you can name the year it was released.) “Rock the Boat” 1974
6.) Who recorded the 1979 hit “Sail On”? The Commodores
7.) I’m sailing away, set an open course for the virgin sea
I’ve got to be free, free to face the life that’s ahead of me
On board, I’m the captain, so climb aboard
We’ll search for tomorrow on every shore
8.) “Ship of Fools” was released in 1987. Name the artist who recorded it and the album on which it was included. World Party - Private Revolution (Robert Plant “Now and Zen” was 1988)
9.) I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus’s garden in the shade
10.) Name the band that cracked the Billboard top ten with “Love Will Find a Way”. Pablo Cruise
here are the answers:
Somewhere Beyond The Sea...
Cruise Game
Cruise Game
***answers***
Fill in the lyrics and/or answer the questions, then pm your answers to me. In 24 hours I’ll post the answers and the scores for all to see.
1.) I got to get to movin’ baby I ain't lyin’
My heart is beatin’ rhythm and it's right on time
So be my guest, you got nothin’ to lose
Won't ya let me take you on a sea cruise?
2.) How many versions of “Sea of Love” have made it into Billboard’s Top 40? (bonus points if you can name the artists/bands who recorded those versions.) 3 (Phil Phillips with the Twilights, Del Shannon, and Honeydrippers)
3.) What song is subtitled “No More Love On the Run”? (bonus points if you can name the artist who recorded it.) “Caribbean Queen” by Billy Ocean
4.) Sailing takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
5.) The Hues Corporation had only one song to reach the top chart position. What is the title of the song? (bonus point is you can name the year it was released.) “Rock the Boat” 1974
6.) Who recorded the 1979 hit “Sail On”? The Commodores
7.) I’m sailing away, set an open course for the virgin sea
I’ve got to be free, free to face the life that’s ahead of me
On board, I’m the captain, so climb aboard
We’ll search for tomorrow on every shore
8.) “Ship of Fools” was released in 1987. Name the artist who recorded it and the album on which it was included. World Party - Private Revolution (Robert Plant “Now and Zen” was 1988)
9.) I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus’s garden in the shade
10.) Name the band that cracked the Billboard top ten with “Love Will Find a Way”. Pablo Cruise
C
cattyfan
Guest
tomorrow we're at sea...and tomorrow night is our formal dinner with the Captain.
Saturday we'll have a virtual scavenger hunt.
Enjoy your evening...
Saturday we'll have a virtual scavenger hunt.
Enjoy your evening...
Army of One
New member
:doh:BillyBob said:
C
cattyfan
Guest
St. Martin is our last stop...here's a little background on this tiny bit of paradise:
The Island
The smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations, St. Martin/St. Maarten has been shared by the French and the Dutch in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years.
The border is almost imperceptible. and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. There are four boundries, Belle Vue / Cole Bay, French Quarter / Dutch Quarter, Low Lands / Copecoy and Oyster Pond, testifying to centuries of peaceful cohabitation and the treaty that made the arrangement possible.
All the same, each side has managed to retain much of the distinctiveness of its own national culture. The French tend to emphasize comfort and elegance. The beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts provide lavish accommodations, and the restaurants offer the finest dining experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. The latest French fashions can be found in many of the shops, and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Small cafés and charming bistros add a decidedly Gaelic and cosmopolitan flair to the place. On the whole the atmosphere remains very relaxed.
On the other hand, St. Maarten with its busy cruise port and bustling commercial district, has long been an active center for trade and tourism. More developed and at the same time more informal, it is very Dutch in flavor and still has strong ties with fellow compatriots in the other Netherlands Antilles. Between the two different cultures in St. Martin and St. Maarten, vacationers will be able to find just about every kind of activity they might want for a perfect holiday in the sun.
Located midway through the chain of islands in the Caribbean, just as the Antilles begin to curve to the south, St. Martin is sunny and warm year-round, averaging 82 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and just 2 degrees cooler in winter. The island is buffeted by cooling trade winds that keep things temperate all year long. Average annual rainfall comes to about 45 inches, most of which occurs around late summer and early fall.
Between the two sides of the island there are 37 different beaches to choose from, each with its own distinctive attractions. Those on the French side tend to be more secluded and more conducive to quiet contemplation and privacy.
Many of the hotels have their own stretch of beach, but the ones that are more difficult to get to are especially worth exploring. Some are hugged by rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes, while others are gently shaded by palm trees.
The beach at Grand Case is alive with local culture and like the Anse Marcel tends to be a favorite with families. Orient Bay is particularly enticing for its wide expanse of velvety white sand, its underwater marine reserve with a coral reef that is great for snorkeling, and the variety of water sports that are offered here. At one end there is a naturist resort, and the beach there is purely clothing-optional. In general, the attitudes toward topless bathing are fairly relaxed and sophisticated in St. Martin. There is one part of Orient Beach which is reserved for naturists.
Fort St. Louis
Overlooking Marigot Bay on the leeward side of the island sits the imposing figure of Fort St. Louis, the largest historical monument in St.Martin. Named for the famous crusading king of France, it was originally built in 1767 to protect the settlement at Marigot from foreign invaders. The plans were sent over directly from Versailles at the order of the ill-fated French king, Louis XVI. Following the events of 1789, the fort was temporarily occupied by the Dutch to prevent the further spread of revolutionary democracy which had reached the island from Guadeloupe. Now, it no longer serves its former purpose, but the steep climb up to the summit provides a panoramic view of the island and the sea surrounding it, and the effort is well rewarded. The area is open 24/7 and there are signs explaining historical events.
The Marigot Market
On Wednesdays and Saturdays mornings, an open-air market is set up along the wharves on the Blvd. de France, offering a colorful array of homegrown produce, tropical fruits and spices, and freshly caught fish. It is a perfect opportunity for mingling, people watching, and just sampling the food. Across from the market are the "Lolo's", featuring arts, crafts and local restaurants.
St.-Martin Museum, "On The Trail Of The Arawaks"
At the southern end of Marigot, next to the Marina Port la Royale, is a museum dedicated to preserving St.Martin's history and culture. A new building houses a variety of pre-Colombian treasures unearthed by the Hope Estate Archaeological Society. Among these are a reproduction of the 1,500 year old burial mound that was only discovered in 1994, artifacts dating back as far as 1800 BC, and some beautifully adorned ceramics from around 550 BC. A colonial exhibit details the history of the plantation and slavery period, and early 20th Century photographs provide glimpses into the island's modern development. It is open daily free of charge. Open from 9 am to 4 pm entrance fee is € 5.00 (Tel: 0590 29-48-36)
Marigot
The capital city of Marigot is perhaps the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. Colonial houses stand beside smart cafés and bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques, and in many ways it looks just like any of the French market towns you might expect to find on the Continent. A shopping center newly built at the foot of Fort St. Louis, with luxurious boutiques such as Chanel, Lacoste. At the southern end of town down by the harbor is the Marina Port la Royale, elegant stores with the latest in European designer fashions and fine jewelry, all free of tax. The entire city is only four streets wide, so it is very easy to get around.
Grand Case
The sweeping curve of the beach at Grand Case near the northern tip of the island shelters a little fishing village that is famous not only for its fine foods but also for its distinctive style of architecture. Elaborate carvings and fretwork, in what is called a gingerbread style, adorn the fronts of the small wooden houses painted in pastel colors, and the effect is truly charming. Some of the island's best restaurants also happen to be located in this area, including local dishes at barbecue stands called Lolo's and souvenir shops. Do not miss the Tuesday night festivities during high season on the Blfd de Grand-Case.
Colombier
Halfway between Marigot and Grand Case lies the picturesque setting of Colombier, a sumptuous green valley lush with tropical vegetation and sinking gently between rolling green hills. It is one of the most beautiful and most peaceful spots in St. Martin, perfect for private walks and quiet relaxation. There is also a newly opened watermelon plantation, where the fruit is used to prepare liqueur, deserts and other treats.
Paradise Peak
Rising from the center of St. Martin at a height of 1,400 feet stands Pic Paradis, the highest point on the whole island. Climbing to the top, where there are two observation decks, provides a spectacular view of the scenery and the tropical forest below. You can also try the FLYZONE (Tel. 0590-87-86-16)
Mount Concordia
Atop this mountain, located right on the border between St. Martin and St. Maarten, the original treaty dividing the island in two was signed by the French and Dutch. There are also the ruins of the old sugar plantation "La Sucrerie".
Terres Basses
The French word for Lowlands, are located at the westernmost end of the island beyond the Simpson Bay Lagoon. They are home to some of the most exclusive villas on the island and feature two of St. Martin's prettiest beaches at Plum Bay, Baie Rouge and Baie Longue, the location of the 5-star La Samanna Hotel.
Butter Fly Farm
At the Butter Fly Farm you can walk amongst the rare and exotic butterflies, from around the world flying freely in the tropical paradise, with music, flowers and fresh waterfalls.
Visiting Hours: 9am to 3pm
Entrance fee: 10 US dollars or 10 Euro + return ticket, kids pay half price
Tel: 0590 87 31 21
e-mail: info@thebutterflyfarm.com
Orleans, The French Quarter
The quiet little fishing village of Orleans, also called the French Quarter, is located on the eastern side of the island just north of the border with St.Maarten. It was the original settlement of the French in St.Martin and some of the original seventeenth-century structures are still preserved here. This part of the island has not been developed extensively, so much of the old atmosphere has remained unspoiled. There are only a few residences here today, together with a few small shops.
more activities in the next post...
The Island
The smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations, St. Martin/St. Maarten has been shared by the French and the Dutch in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years.
The border is almost imperceptible. and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. There are four boundries, Belle Vue / Cole Bay, French Quarter / Dutch Quarter, Low Lands / Copecoy and Oyster Pond, testifying to centuries of peaceful cohabitation and the treaty that made the arrangement possible.
All the same, each side has managed to retain much of the distinctiveness of its own national culture. The French tend to emphasize comfort and elegance. The beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts provide lavish accommodations, and the restaurants offer the finest dining experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. The latest French fashions can be found in many of the shops, and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Small cafés and charming bistros add a decidedly Gaelic and cosmopolitan flair to the place. On the whole the atmosphere remains very relaxed.
On the other hand, St. Maarten with its busy cruise port and bustling commercial district, has long been an active center for trade and tourism. More developed and at the same time more informal, it is very Dutch in flavor and still has strong ties with fellow compatriots in the other Netherlands Antilles. Between the two different cultures in St. Martin and St. Maarten, vacationers will be able to find just about every kind of activity they might want for a perfect holiday in the sun.
Located midway through the chain of islands in the Caribbean, just as the Antilles begin to curve to the south, St. Martin is sunny and warm year-round, averaging 82 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and just 2 degrees cooler in winter. The island is buffeted by cooling trade winds that keep things temperate all year long. Average annual rainfall comes to about 45 inches, most of which occurs around late summer and early fall.
Between the two sides of the island there are 37 different beaches to choose from, each with its own distinctive attractions. Those on the French side tend to be more secluded and more conducive to quiet contemplation and privacy.
Many of the hotels have their own stretch of beach, but the ones that are more difficult to get to are especially worth exploring. Some are hugged by rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes, while others are gently shaded by palm trees.
The beach at Grand Case is alive with local culture and like the Anse Marcel tends to be a favorite with families. Orient Bay is particularly enticing for its wide expanse of velvety white sand, its underwater marine reserve with a coral reef that is great for snorkeling, and the variety of water sports that are offered here. At one end there is a naturist resort, and the beach there is purely clothing-optional. In general, the attitudes toward topless bathing are fairly relaxed and sophisticated in St. Martin. There is one part of Orient Beach which is reserved for naturists.
Fort St. Louis
Overlooking Marigot Bay on the leeward side of the island sits the imposing figure of Fort St. Louis, the largest historical monument in St.Martin. Named for the famous crusading king of France, it was originally built in 1767 to protect the settlement at Marigot from foreign invaders. The plans were sent over directly from Versailles at the order of the ill-fated French king, Louis XVI. Following the events of 1789, the fort was temporarily occupied by the Dutch to prevent the further spread of revolutionary democracy which had reached the island from Guadeloupe. Now, it no longer serves its former purpose, but the steep climb up to the summit provides a panoramic view of the island and the sea surrounding it, and the effort is well rewarded. The area is open 24/7 and there are signs explaining historical events.
The Marigot Market
On Wednesdays and Saturdays mornings, an open-air market is set up along the wharves on the Blvd. de France, offering a colorful array of homegrown produce, tropical fruits and spices, and freshly caught fish. It is a perfect opportunity for mingling, people watching, and just sampling the food. Across from the market are the "Lolo's", featuring arts, crafts and local restaurants.
St.-Martin Museum, "On The Trail Of The Arawaks"
At the southern end of Marigot, next to the Marina Port la Royale, is a museum dedicated to preserving St.Martin's history and culture. A new building houses a variety of pre-Colombian treasures unearthed by the Hope Estate Archaeological Society. Among these are a reproduction of the 1,500 year old burial mound that was only discovered in 1994, artifacts dating back as far as 1800 BC, and some beautifully adorned ceramics from around 550 BC. A colonial exhibit details the history of the plantation and slavery period, and early 20th Century photographs provide glimpses into the island's modern development. It is open daily free of charge. Open from 9 am to 4 pm entrance fee is € 5.00 (Tel: 0590 29-48-36)
Marigot
The capital city of Marigot is perhaps the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. Colonial houses stand beside smart cafés and bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques, and in many ways it looks just like any of the French market towns you might expect to find on the Continent. A shopping center newly built at the foot of Fort St. Louis, with luxurious boutiques such as Chanel, Lacoste. At the southern end of town down by the harbor is the Marina Port la Royale, elegant stores with the latest in European designer fashions and fine jewelry, all free of tax. The entire city is only four streets wide, so it is very easy to get around.
Grand Case
The sweeping curve of the beach at Grand Case near the northern tip of the island shelters a little fishing village that is famous not only for its fine foods but also for its distinctive style of architecture. Elaborate carvings and fretwork, in what is called a gingerbread style, adorn the fronts of the small wooden houses painted in pastel colors, and the effect is truly charming. Some of the island's best restaurants also happen to be located in this area, including local dishes at barbecue stands called Lolo's and souvenir shops. Do not miss the Tuesday night festivities during high season on the Blfd de Grand-Case.
Colombier
Halfway between Marigot and Grand Case lies the picturesque setting of Colombier, a sumptuous green valley lush with tropical vegetation and sinking gently between rolling green hills. It is one of the most beautiful and most peaceful spots in St. Martin, perfect for private walks and quiet relaxation. There is also a newly opened watermelon plantation, where the fruit is used to prepare liqueur, deserts and other treats.
Paradise Peak
Rising from the center of St. Martin at a height of 1,400 feet stands Pic Paradis, the highest point on the whole island. Climbing to the top, where there are two observation decks, provides a spectacular view of the scenery and the tropical forest below. You can also try the FLYZONE (Tel. 0590-87-86-16)
Mount Concordia
Atop this mountain, located right on the border between St. Martin and St. Maarten, the original treaty dividing the island in two was signed by the French and Dutch. There are also the ruins of the old sugar plantation "La Sucrerie".
Terres Basses
The French word for Lowlands, are located at the westernmost end of the island beyond the Simpson Bay Lagoon. They are home to some of the most exclusive villas on the island and feature two of St. Martin's prettiest beaches at Plum Bay, Baie Rouge and Baie Longue, the location of the 5-star La Samanna Hotel.
Butter Fly Farm
At the Butter Fly Farm you can walk amongst the rare and exotic butterflies, from around the world flying freely in the tropical paradise, with music, flowers and fresh waterfalls.
Visiting Hours: 9am to 3pm
Entrance fee: 10 US dollars or 10 Euro + return ticket, kids pay half price
Tel: 0590 87 31 21
e-mail: info@thebutterflyfarm.com
Orleans, The French Quarter
The quiet little fishing village of Orleans, also called the French Quarter, is located on the eastern side of the island just north of the border with St.Maarten. It was the original settlement of the French in St.Martin and some of the original seventeenth-century structures are still preserved here. This part of the island has not been developed extensively, so much of the old atmosphere has remained unspoiled. There are only a few residences here today, together with a few small shops.
more activities in the next post...
C
cattyfan
Guest
Fly Zone
Treetop Adventure Park
An exhilarating traverse course and variety of zip-lines suspended high above a private forest reserve soaring between 200 year old mango and mahagony trees. You will also find a special area with suspended bridges, swinging ropes and more for children. Miles of well groomed hiking trails and the "Hidden Forest Cafe" make the experience complete. For more information please call (0590) 87 86 16 or (0590) 57 28 55
Carib Isle Plantation
A working watermelon plantation where you can learn about the history and beauty aspects of the fruit along with many delicious recipes.
For more information, email caribisleplantation@wanadoo.fr or call (0590) 52 93 92
Deep-Sea Fishing
The offshore waters offer a wide and challenging variety of gamefish including marlin, tuna, dolphinfish, barracuda, and kingfish. The Marlin Cup occurs in the month of May and the Saint-Martin Billfish Tournament takes place here every year in the month of June. Boats can be chartered at reasonable rates all year long, although some of the fish are only in season in these waters from December through March. Charters typically include bait, tackle, and some form of refreshment.
Diving & Snorkeling
Visibility in the waters around the island typically extends for about 100 feet and sometimes can even reach up to 200 feet. The coral reefs offer a wide variety of sea life, and just off the coast of St. Maarten in the Great Bay lies the wreck of an English battleship dating back to 1801. Dive operators may be found at many of the major resorts and hotels as well as at a number of independent shops around the island. Instruction from beginning to advanced is readily available, and certified divers should remember to bring their licenses as well as their diving logs. Equipment may be rented easily, and snorkeling is especially inexpensive.
The Dolphin Club is opened for children (5-12) during July & August as well as for the Christmas & Easter vacations. Your children can take any snorkeling equipment for free.
Scuba Diving
Sailing
Small boats, like Sunfish and Sailfish, may be rented out at many of the hotels, and larger craft can also be chartered from a number of different operators around the island for longer trips to more isolated spots like the Ilet Pinel. Sailing instruction is also included if desired. For racing enthusiasts, a number of regattas are held here every year usually at the end of March.
Water Sports
Windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and jet-skiing are activities that are regularly offered at the more popular beaches and in the inland lagoons. Rental and instruction tend to be fairly inexpensive.
Kayaking
Hiking
For those who want to experience the natural beauty of the island on foot, there are 25 miles of clearly defined footpaths running through the mountains and along the shore, revealing some truly spectacular panoramas.
Horseback Riding
The Coralita Beach Resort operates a small stable and rents out horses for romantic rides along the beach.
..................................................................................
Bayside Riding Club
Ride along St. MArtin's most beautiful bay. One and a half miles of white sand beach and scenic trails wander through the Island's Nature Marine REserve. The highlight of the two hour ride is swimming with hour horse in the calm crystal waters of the bay. Stop for a complimentary drink at Tropical Wave, a restaurant set at the far end of this majestic beach.
Tennis & Squash
Tennis remains one of the favorite pastimes in St. Martin, and there are more than 70 courts over the whole island. Many of these are to be found in the hotels, and squash is available at a number of sports clubs and fitness centers. Tennis pros are on hand in several of these places to give instruction for a modest fee. It should be kept in mind that appropriate attire, although not necessarily tennis whites, is required on nearly all of the courts.
Golf
The one 18-hole golf course on the island is located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten nearby at Mullet Bay. The course is open to all visitors; call ahead to reserve a slot.
Dining & Dancing
St. Martin is perhaps most famous for its restaurants and the elegance of its cuisine. From the most sumptuous of French delicacies to the tangy blends of Creole cooking to more exotic tastes like Chinese and East Indian, the island provides a wide variety of restaurants, bistros, brassieres, and barbecue shacks called lolos that delight even the most sophisticated of gourmets. The St. Martinois take a deserved pride in their cooking, which approaches something of an art form here. For dinner at most of the more fashionable dining spots, reservations are definitely recommended, although usually they are not necessary at lunch time. Many places also provide music for dancing, as do the many nightclubs around the island. Bands play a variety of zouk, calypso, reggae, jazz, and pop.
Duty-Free Shopping
One of the great attractions of the island has been the duty-free shopping available on both sides of the island. Luxury items from all over the world, French and Italian clothing fashions, Dutch and Japanese electronics, Indonesian batiks and Chinese embroidery, jewelry, leather, crystal, liquors, and fine porcelain, free of all taxes and customs, are regularly offered at bargain prices. The French side also provides a more leisurely shopping experience since the crowds from the cruise ships tend to be attracted more to the Dutch side.
Casinos
French St. Martin does not have any casinos; however, just a short ride away, are eight casinos on the Dutch side. Most hotels provide round-trip transportation to the casinos.
Treetop Adventure Park
An exhilarating traverse course and variety of zip-lines suspended high above a private forest reserve soaring between 200 year old mango and mahagony trees. You will also find a special area with suspended bridges, swinging ropes and more for children. Miles of well groomed hiking trails and the "Hidden Forest Cafe" make the experience complete. For more information please call (0590) 87 86 16 or (0590) 57 28 55
Carib Isle Plantation
A working watermelon plantation where you can learn about the history and beauty aspects of the fruit along with many delicious recipes.
For more information, email caribisleplantation@wanadoo.fr or call (0590) 52 93 92
Deep-Sea Fishing
The offshore waters offer a wide and challenging variety of gamefish including marlin, tuna, dolphinfish, barracuda, and kingfish. The Marlin Cup occurs in the month of May and the Saint-Martin Billfish Tournament takes place here every year in the month of June. Boats can be chartered at reasonable rates all year long, although some of the fish are only in season in these waters from December through March. Charters typically include bait, tackle, and some form of refreshment.
Diving & Snorkeling
Visibility in the waters around the island typically extends for about 100 feet and sometimes can even reach up to 200 feet. The coral reefs offer a wide variety of sea life, and just off the coast of St. Maarten in the Great Bay lies the wreck of an English battleship dating back to 1801. Dive operators may be found at many of the major resorts and hotels as well as at a number of independent shops around the island. Instruction from beginning to advanced is readily available, and certified divers should remember to bring their licenses as well as their diving logs. Equipment may be rented easily, and snorkeling is especially inexpensive.
The Dolphin Club is opened for children (5-12) during July & August as well as for the Christmas & Easter vacations. Your children can take any snorkeling equipment for free.
Scuba Diving
Sailing
Small boats, like Sunfish and Sailfish, may be rented out at many of the hotels, and larger craft can also be chartered from a number of different operators around the island for longer trips to more isolated spots like the Ilet Pinel. Sailing instruction is also included if desired. For racing enthusiasts, a number of regattas are held here every year usually at the end of March.
Water Sports
Windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and jet-skiing are activities that are regularly offered at the more popular beaches and in the inland lagoons. Rental and instruction tend to be fairly inexpensive.
Kayaking
Hiking
For those who want to experience the natural beauty of the island on foot, there are 25 miles of clearly defined footpaths running through the mountains and along the shore, revealing some truly spectacular panoramas.
Horseback Riding
The Coralita Beach Resort operates a small stable and rents out horses for romantic rides along the beach.
..................................................................................
Bayside Riding Club
Ride along St. MArtin's most beautiful bay. One and a half miles of white sand beach and scenic trails wander through the Island's Nature Marine REserve. The highlight of the two hour ride is swimming with hour horse in the calm crystal waters of the bay. Stop for a complimentary drink at Tropical Wave, a restaurant set at the far end of this majestic beach.
Tennis & Squash
Tennis remains one of the favorite pastimes in St. Martin, and there are more than 70 courts over the whole island. Many of these are to be found in the hotels, and squash is available at a number of sports clubs and fitness centers. Tennis pros are on hand in several of these places to give instruction for a modest fee. It should be kept in mind that appropriate attire, although not necessarily tennis whites, is required on nearly all of the courts.
Golf
The one 18-hole golf course on the island is located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten nearby at Mullet Bay. The course is open to all visitors; call ahead to reserve a slot.
Dining & Dancing
St. Martin is perhaps most famous for its restaurants and the elegance of its cuisine. From the most sumptuous of French delicacies to the tangy blends of Creole cooking to more exotic tastes like Chinese and East Indian, the island provides a wide variety of restaurants, bistros, brassieres, and barbecue shacks called lolos that delight even the most sophisticated of gourmets. The St. Martinois take a deserved pride in their cooking, which approaches something of an art form here. For dinner at most of the more fashionable dining spots, reservations are definitely recommended, although usually they are not necessary at lunch time. Many places also provide music for dancing, as do the many nightclubs around the island. Bands play a variety of zouk, calypso, reggae, jazz, and pop.
Duty-Free Shopping
One of the great attractions of the island has been the duty-free shopping available on both sides of the island. Luxury items from all over the world, French and Italian clothing fashions, Dutch and Japanese electronics, Indonesian batiks and Chinese embroidery, jewelry, leather, crystal, liquors, and fine porcelain, free of all taxes and customs, are regularly offered at bargain prices. The French side also provides a more leisurely shopping experience since the crowds from the cruise ships tend to be attracted more to the Dutch side.
Casinos
French St. Martin does not have any casinos; however, just a short ride away, are eight casinos on the Dutch side. Most hotels provide round-trip transportation to the casinos.
C
cattyfan
Guest
all listed activities are available for shore trips. Just let the ship's desk know what you would like and we'll arrange transportation.
Did everyone enjoy dinner with the captain?
Did everyone enjoy dinner with the captain?
You had better enjoyed it! I picked up the tab on that puppy!cattyfan said:
C
cattyfan
Guest
Knight said:
thanks! I loved the smoked salmon and caviar appetizer :chew:
Army of One
New member
And the Fish Taco main course was delicious.:chuckle:
C
cattyfan
Guest
erinmarie said:
maybe you'll enjoy the virtual scavenger hunt...
JoyfulRook
New member
I guess all those Filet Mignons add up...Knight said:
C
cattyfan
Guest
The TOL Caribbean Cruise is now over...please disembark before 11:59 p.m. central time, remember to tip your cabin stewards, and thank you for traveling with TOL Vacations.