by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/14/2025
This was the third port of call on our family cruise aboard the "Oasis of the Seas" for our Christmas gift to our children (Click here to view that blog page). Saint Martin is part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is comprised of two separate countries, divided between its northern French side, called Saint-Martin, and its southern Dutch side, Sint Maarten.
Saint Maarten, a unique Caribbean island, is a captivating blend of Dutch and French cultures. This picturesque destination, known for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant atmosphere, offers a taste of paradise for travelers.
One of the island's most striking features is its stunning beaches, with clear turquoise waters and powdery white sands. Maho Beach, located adjacent to Princess Juliana International Airport, is particularly famous for its thrilling plane-spotting experience as aircraft land just meters above sunbathers.
Saint Maarten's dual nationality status is reflected in its diverse cuisine, where you can savor a blend of French and Dutch flavors. The island is also a duty-free shopping haven, with numerous boutiques and markets offering a range of products, from luxury goods to local crafts.
The charming capital of Philipsburg boasts colorful colonial-style architecture, while Marigot, on the French side, offers a more relaxed, European-inspired atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore lush tropical forests, go snorkeling, or embark on boat trips to nearby islands.
Orient Bay Beach Panoramic ViewA visit to Orient Bay Beach on Saint Maarten’s French side is a vibrant, tropical escape known for its wide stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. This lively, two-mile beach offers something for everyone, from sunbathing and swimming to thrilling water sports. The calm, warm waters make it ideal for activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing, with rentals available along the shore.
The beach is lined with charming beach clubs and restaurants, offering a mix of French cuisine and Caribbean flavors. Visitors can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas from these establishments, creating a perfect spot to relax while enjoying refreshing drinks or gourmet meals with an ocean view.
This is where some of our group went, while the rest of us visited the Flying Dutchman zipline at Rain Forest Adventures.
Rainforest Adventures Arrival
Riding up to the Zipline Area
Zipline Area Arrival Platform
View of Saint Maarten from Zipline Area
View of Saint Maarten from Zipline Area
Gearing up for the Zipline Ride
Zipline Area Stairs
Whose Cannon is that?
Rainforest Adventures Base Area
Riding up to the Zipline AreaThis is the "official" Flying Dutchman picture of us headed up to the top to ride the zipline. As you can see in the background, the views of the island are fantastic. Our expectations for the zipline ride are really starting to kick-in as the chair takes up to the top, but it was such a beautiful day with views that were amazing and your desire to take it all in is enormous!
NOTE: Click here to watch our video of the descent on the zipline. The video is located further below on this page.
Karakter Beach
Karakter Beach Bar/Restaurant
Karakter BeachAfter the zipline ride, we caught a taxi over to Karakter Beach, next to the island airport. We ate lunch at the Karakter Beach Bar/Restaurant, hung out for a while, and then caught another taxi back to the cruise docks to do some shopping.
Just for the record, the Princess Juliana International Airport is immediately adjacent to Karakter Beach. This is the famous airport where people line up on the beach to get blown into the water by airplane jet exhaust. Click here to see what that looks like (this video is the property of MT Aviation via YouTube.)
The cruise docks area was filled with small shops, with every kind of merchandise you can imagine. Rum, tee shirts, hats, jewelry, etc. There were even a number of bars where you could indulge in some adult beverages.
The Oasis of the Seas was waiting for us, so we headed back to get ready to set sail for Port Canaveral.
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Click the above video poster image to view our video of when the Oasis of the Seas stopped in St. Maarten & we headed directly to the zipline. Touted as the steepest zipline (1,050 feet high) in the world. Amazing views of the island and then a ride that we won't soon forget. Unfortunately, the music playing at the top was cut out since there was a copyright. But, you'll see what the zipline is like and the amazing views from the top.
A Christmas present to our immediate family !
Come and read about our experiences on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, we documented all of our onboard & ashore adventures.
Click here to read more on our Cruise Overview Page
Our goal was to visit the Atlantis Water Park - however, you might want to investigate going there on your own. If you take the ship's excursion, you will have to get up very early and then it will get you there before the water park opens and when you depart the ship you will have to wait in lines with everyone for a long time to get on a bus to get to Paradise Island.
Click here to read more on our Paradise Island Page
We did the Catamaran sail and snorkel to Buck’s island. The boat was nice and boat staff was great however there wasn’t much to see in the water and our trip was scheduled for 2 in the afternoon so we got back after dark. Other members of our group went to Sapphire beach prior to our excursion and enjoyed the beach and swimming.
Click here to read more on our Saint Thomas Page
Some of us went to the Flying Dutchman zipline and ate lunch after that at Karakter beach. We took a taxi and the driver gave us his card so we could call when we needed him. Other members of our party went to a beach and fell in love with St. Maarten. They want to go back one day.
Click here to read more on our Saint Maarten Page
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