Published on 06/18/09

If you like gourmet cuisine, duty-free shopping, vibrant beaches, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a Caribbean twist, St. Maarten is an island you won’t want to miss on your next cruise vacation! Part European and part Caribbean, the island of St. Maarten seduces America’s Vacation Center customers with its turquoise waters, lush emerald hills, pristine beaches, and historic character.

Both the Dutch and the French have left their mark on the Caribbean’s heavenly slice of tropical delight. After the Spanish closed their colonial fort in St. Maarten in the 1600’s, the Netherlands and France agreed to split the land in half and share the island. It remains the same today, and cruise guests enjoy an island rich in European influence.

Five Reasons to Cruise to St. Maarten:

1. Fantastic Shopping – A shopaholic’s dream, there are nearly 500 duty-free shops on the island that offer prices 25% to 50% below those in the United States. Friendly competition between merchants guarantees great deals on watches, jewelry, diamonds, and more!

2. Diverse Beaches – St. Maarten is blessed with more than 30 beautiful beaches, each one offering visitors its own character. There are busy and secluded beaches, coastlines with coves and dramatic cliffs, beaches with activities such as horseback riding and volleyball, beaches with high surf, and more!

3. Best Dining – With an infinite variety of cuisines influenced by the island’s many nationalities, St. Maarten is quite possibly the Caribbean’s most gourmet island. Guests can indulge at trendy restaurants and savor dishes that would rival those served at Parisian and New York restaurants.

4. Exciting Activities – Guests will never be at a loss for things to do in St. Maarten. Many cruise lines offer excursions such as snorkeling at Shipwreck Cove, invigorating sailing on one of the most famous America’s Cup boats, a trip to the Butterfly Farm to see the stunning colors of hundreds of butterflies, and more!

5. European / Caribbean Culture with American Comforts – English is the most common language and the US-Dollar is the usual currency, making it easy for guests to play, shop, dine, and converse with the locals while enjoying the Caribbean island's European character and charm.

One of the best ways to experience St. Maarten is on a Caribbean cruise. Some of the world’s top cruise lines offer America’s Vacation Center customers great savings on itineraries to the sultry island inlcuding:

• Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises is offering America’s Vacation Center customers exclusive prices, Shipboard Credit, and more on select itineraries. The cruise line’s exceptional personal service, renowned amenities, and luxurious accommodations are just a few reasons cruising with Celebrity Cruises is an unforgettable experience.

Soft and sandy beaches, sought-after dining, and the best duty-free shopping are just a few great reasons to take a tropical Caribbean cruise to St. Maarten. Call America’s Vacation Center today to book your dream cruise!

For more information, call 1-888-447-8459 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!