Philipsburg, Sint Maarten - San Juan

Ports

• Philipsburg
  

  Philipsburg is the main town on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The town is situated on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Philipsburg was founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy. The settlement soon became a center for international trade. The main shopping district is located on Front Street and is in the heart of the city. Many consider Philipsburg to be the best shopping opportunity in the Caribbean. Depending on the traffic, SeaDream has the option to anchor or dock alongside. One of the highlight activities may be to participate in the America’s Cup 12 Metre Regatta.

• Îles des Saintes
  

  The SeaDream anchorage off the island of Terre-de-Haut (part of the Iles des Saintes group of Islands) is one of the most picturesque in the entire Caribbean. Your SeaDream yacht will anchor in the bay off Bourg des Saintes, the main village on the island. Just beyond the sister island of Ilet a Cabrit to the north, you can see the main island of Guadeloupe and volcanic La Soufriere mountain with a height of about 1,466 meters/4,810 feet. A short ride onboard your SeaDream tender will take you right into the center of this charming village with its shops, restaurants and cafes. We highly recommend a stroll along the picturesque streets and colorfully painted houses, soaking in the relaxed blend of the island's French, Mediterranean & Caribbean atmosphere. If you feel energetic, we suggest that you hike up to Fort Napoleon, which has been converted into a museum, for some stunning hilltop views. You can't miss it; just turn left as you come off the pier and proceed about one mile, uphill. The museum is generally open from 0900-1230 hours and charges a small entrance fee so bring your Euros. And watch your step- the grounds around the fort are also home to a unique cactus garden and iguanas. Feeling even more energetic? Take out one of our SeaDream mountain bikes! Are you looking for some sun, sand, beach and palm trees? Our onboard Club Director knows a great beach just a short 20-25 minute, mostly flat, stroll from town. Along the walk, keep your eyes on the trees as we often spot some of the islands iguanas. Grab your sunscreen, a bottle of water and a towel from the yacht, underdress in your bathing suit and "hit the road" for some sunny hours at the beach. Casual, fun and free! During your visit to the island, we will also open up the SeaDream marina for swimming and water sports activities from the yacht. Check your daily program for the hours.

• Charlestown, Nevis
  

  Nevis is one of our favorite islands, and we encourage you to explore Nevis beyond the small town to make the most of your visit! We offer several excellent and varied options for you to do so and still leave you with plenty of time on your own for the beach. Less commercial and laidback than its large neighbor St. Kitts, Nevis, at first glimpse, offers a stunning approach with dramatic views of the potentially active volcanic Nevis Peak (3,232 feet/985 meters). Your SeaDream tender will bring you within a few steps of the small town center. Charlestown does not offer too many sightseeing or shopping opportunities though the house where American statesman Alexander Hamilton was born is only a short walk away along the waterfront (now the Museum of Nevis History). To enjoy Nevis to its full potential, we recommend that you divide your day into Morning, Lunch/Afternoon and Evening activities. Morning - Start your day by exploring the island, above or under water, on one of our fun optional Land Adventures. They are all enjoyable & exciting, and you will also support the local community. The Four Seasons Resort still offers incredible golf options as well as beautiful beach and dining facilities. Another option for lunch could be at Coconut Grove (less than ten minutes from Charlestown by taxi). Make sure to ask Gary, the owner, to show you his extensive wine & champagne cellar! Evening - For a romantic sunset with cocktails and a snack or dinner, we like to take the short drive to see Gillian, the owner of the charming Bananas Restaurant, which offers lovely views surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Of course, there is also Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill, home of the famous "Killer Bee" Caribbean rum drink. We hope that the above recommendations allow you to plan your special day on Nevis. Now, all you have to do is to decide which of the optional morning activities to join.

• Saba
  

  This Caribbean paradise is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Due to this fact, Saba is actually the location of the tallest, or highest point/elevation of the Netherlands, even though it is a few thousand miles away from its European homeland. With an estimated local population of just over 2,000 people, Saba is now primarily supported by tourism, and is known for a concentration on “eco-tourism”. This includes diving, hiking, and climbing its mountainous terrain. The island is so small that there is only 1 main road, and its airport is well-known for having one of the shortest commercial runways in the world. The island’s intimate size, picturesque Red rooftops and lush vegetation make it a perfect port to call on during your special Caribbean yachting vacation.

• Gustavia
  

  Perhaps our most treasured destination in the Caribbean! This small island belonging to the French West Indies has so much to offer our SeaDream guests. Incredible shopping only steps away from the pier. Incredible beaches, resorts, restaurants and activities both day and night. SeaDream has created various land adventures for you to discover the island from sea or land. Ask one of the officers to take you on a hike or bike ride around the island. Another great activity here is to simply relax and watch all of the incredible yachts arriving and departing just off your SeaDream yacht.

• North Sound, Virgin Gorda
  

  Nearly every publication written about Virgin Gorda lists “The Baths” –as a must see! SeaDream generally arrives early and anchor’s off Spanish Town to give guests an early start to view the Baths before all of the tourists arrive from the neighboring Islands. You may also consider excellent Scuba Diving options or an opportunity to swim with dolphins. After our short “technical stop” to dispatch land adventures and clearance with the officials, SeaDream navigates scenically up the coast and arrives at North Sound to anchor just off the Bitter End Yacht Club. Here we offer water sports, land adventures, hiking options with the officers and tenders to the Bitter End!

• White Bay, Jost van Dyke
  

  The BVI’s barefoot island and home of the "Painkiller" drink. Population depends on the month – typically 250-300. This is another SeaDream destination where you may be served Champagne and Caviar in the surf followed by a beach barbecue lunch. A hike is always offered to guests to visit the famous Foxy’s Bar at Great Harbour (hopefully, the boutique is open) or you can stroll a few meters down the beach to the Soggy Dollar Bar. Snorkeling equipment is provided as well as some of our water toys!

• San Juan
  

  San Juan, founded in the 1520’s by Spanish settlers, is both the largest city and the capital city of Puerto Rico. A territory of the Unites States, Puerto Rico is comprised of the large main island as well as five smaller islands, including the popular islands of Vieques and Culebra (both ports of call on select SeaDream voyages). SeaDream docks in Old San Juan, the oldest part of the city. Parts of this historic port city are still surrounded by stone walls dating back to the 1500’s. Narrow cobblestone streets, small shops, and points of interest like Cathedral of San Juan Bautista make this charming city a great place to stroll. Guests sailing into or departing from San Juan will enjoy views of Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, a mid- 1700’s Spanish fortress. San Juan Luiz Munoz Marin Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive to the port in Old San Juan. Currency in Puerto Rico is USD.