St. Maarten is one of the most rewarding stops for a cruise ship passenger - where else can you experience the food, style and hospitality of two separate countries in an exotic West Indian setting? The island is divided between French St. Martin in the north and Dutch St. Maarten in the south. Both sides of this 37-square mile island offer beautiful ocean vistas, gourmet cuisines, first-rate water sports and beaches, and some of the best duty-free shopping in the world. 

Ships dock in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. Its two main bustling thoroughfares are lined with shops and restaurants. A half-hour's journey north will bring you to Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin. The atmosphere of this side of the island contrasts sharply with the Dutch side. You will find haute cuisine, chic bistros, specialty boutiques and perfume shops rather than the duty-free luxury good outlets that typify Phillipsburg.

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