On a cruise to Saint Maarten you will disembark in the Dutch capital of Philipsburg, just a few kilometers from the airport. From the beautiful Maho Beach, at one end of the runway you can see low flying airliners passing over the beach: a real sight!

Just to the east, is the great Simpson Bay which offers two choices: breakfast at the Yacht Club bar on the Isle de Sol, where some of the most interesting mega-yachts cruising the Caribbean are moored; or the beach of Kim Sha, with palm trees, white sands and turquoise water (if you are looking for other typical Caribbean beaches then head for Bay Rouge, Plum Bay, Long Bay and Mullet Bay, which have tourist facilities). 

In the French part of the island  Orient Beach, in Orient Bay, facing the island of Tintamarre is the nudist beach which is perhaps the best known and most appreciated naturalist beach in the Caribbean. 

Saint Maarten also means shopping; in the capital, Marigot, you can find a daily French market as well as more than 100 stalls on the sea shore full of spices, fruit and vegetables, rum and local handicrafts.

GAMING NEAR THE PORT: Atlantis World, Great Bay Beach Hotel & Golden Casino, Rouge et Noir Casino, Diamond Casino and Casino Royale at Maho Village to name a few.

San Juan is one of the world’s top cruise ship destinations, with most of the pleasure boats docking at the port by the old town.

As recently as the 1970s, Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan) was a reminder of better times, a run-down collection of Spanish colonial relics, in little better shape than the collapsed empire that constructed them. Now, however, after extensive and careful restoration, this seven-block-square area is considered one of the best-kept troves of Spanish colonial architecture and has become a World Heritage Site.

Nassau occupies the eastern portion of the island of New Providence and is linked by a charming bridge with  Paradise Island, where the  Atlantis Waterscape is located, the largest open-air aquarium in the world, it has over 100 different species of colourful tropical fish.

To get a taste of the local style of living, take a trip to Cable Beach. Located just 3 miles west of the city, on it you will be able to admire the Bahamian Riviera and its fantastic colors.

At the Straw Market, where the typical Bahamian souvenirs are sold, be prepared to bargain: here, bartering is a tradition that is almost a duty. A ride in a surrey, a horse-drawn carriage, is an excellent way to discover the old city while listening to stories told by the driver on the ride between monuments, numerous island fortifications and the intriguing Queens Staircase, a large, hand-made stone staircase from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of Nassau, Paradise Island and a good portion of the Bahamas.

GAMING NEAR THE PORT: Atlantis Resort Casino at Paradise Island, and Baha Mar Casino and Hotel to name a few.