Important Notice: Twin City Shopping Tour Schedule

Please be advised that the Twin City Shopping Tour does not operate on Sundays or public holidays. We encourage you to plan your shopping excursions accordingly to ensure you don't miss out on this unique experience. For your convenience, please see beneath the tour’s description, for holiday dates to help you plan your visit.

Tour Overview

Embark on a deluxe shopping experience. Depart the cruise port in our air-conditioned vehicle for a 20 to 30 traverse where the chic and cosmopolitan capital Marigot awaits. Picture Caribbean-style straw market vendors nestled amidst high-end European shops and cafes. Duration at this stop is 1.5 to 2 hours.

Next, traverse via scenic vistas back to the Dutch side to explore Philipsburg, the shopping paradise of the Caribbean. Front Street boasts a dazzling array of shops, with the highest concentration of jewelry stores globally. Souvenir shops, bars with Caribbean rums, swimwear boutiques, and more await your discovery.

Itinerary

Marigot is the capital of French Saint Martin, located on the island’s western coast. It’s a picturesque town that blends colonial charm, Caribbean flair, and a touch of Parisian sophistication. Originally a fishing village, Marigot grew in the 18th century thanks to sugarcane production.

The name “Marigot” comes from the marshes (marigots) that once surrounded the area. Fort Louis, built in 1789, overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the bay.

Admire 19th-century Creole houses with gingerbread trim and colorful facades on Rue de la République. A strong French identity lingers, with bakeries, boutiques, and cafés lining its streets. Marina Port La Royale offers upscale shopping with European designer brands. The Marigot Market is a lively hub for local produce, spices, crafts, and infused rums.

Home to traditional lolos—local eateries serving Creole dishes like grilled fish, plantains, and Johnny cakes. French-Caribbean fusion cuisine is a highlight, with fresh pastries and seafood on offer. Marigot is a perfect blend of French sophistication and Caribbean flair.

Free time in Marigot: 1.5 to 2 hours

Departing Marigot we’ll take another scenic route via Grand Case with its Authentic Atmosphere: Once a fishing village, Grand Case has preserved its colonial architecture.

Called "gourmet capital of the Caribbean," it's famous for its gourmet French/Italian restaurants and local beachside eateries known as lolos, serving Creole barbecue and seafood.

Grand Case Beach offers calm water, white sands, and excellent snorkeling.

It’s home to Grand Case L’Espérance Airport, connecting to nearby islands like Guadeloupe and Martinique.

It’s a perfect blend of French elegance, Caribbean warmth, and natural beauty. No Stopping, drive by only.

Next, Orient Bay is one of the most iconic and vibrant destinations on the French side of Saint Martin. Stunning Beach Stretching nearly 2 kilometers, Orient Bay Beach boasts powdery white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Often called the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean,” it blends European sophistication with laid-back island charm. A hotspot for kitesurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing—perfect for thrill-seekers. Lined with chic beach bars and upscale restaurants offering French and Creole cuisine, plus live entertainment.

Clothing-Optional Culture: The southern end near former Club Orient is known for its “naturist”-friendly atmosphere, though most of the beach is family-friendly. The surrounding Orient Bay village features boutique hotels, shops, and a central square buzzing with activity evening time. Whether you're looking to relax, indulge, or explore, Orient Bay delivers a full Caribbean experience with a French twist.

No Stopping, drive by only.

Next, Philipsburg – A Shopper’s Paradise by the Sea Philipsburg is the lively capital of the Dutch side of Saint Martin.

Urban Charm, Rich History and a Shopping Mecca Founded in 1763 by John Philips, it was designed as a trade hub.

Front Street is famous for duty-free shopping, offering luxury goods, jewelry, electronics, and perfumes at unbeatable prices. Boutiques range from high-end brands to quirky souvenir shops. Great Bay Beach runs the length of the town, making Philipsburg one of the few capitals with a beach at its doorstep. The Boardwalk is lined with beach bars, restaurants, and casinos—perfect for strolling, sipping cocktails, or people-watching.

Free time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Final stop: Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor Store is a beloved spot for cheese lovers, spirit enthusiasts, and souvenir seekers. Offers a wide selection of authentic Dutch cheeses including Edam, Gouda, and the award-winning Old Amsterdam. Flavored varieties include pesto, garlic, cumin, herbs, pepper, truffle, and smoked cheese. Cream cheeses and specialty pairings.

Liquors & Wines: Carries a curated range of fine spirits: Cognacs (including Hennessy Pure White), bourbons, whiskeys, gins, tequilas, and vodkas. Global wine selection from France, Italy, South America, and South Africa.

Souvenirs & Local Treats: Dutch-themed gifts: clogs, wooden tulips, Delft Blue items, magnets, and keychains. Local specialties: Guavaberry rum, homemade Ti-Punch, hot sauces, and jams.

Free Time: 15 minutes

Note: Philipsburg is a 5-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute walk to the cruise port. Guests wishing to indulge more can leisurely make their own way back to port.

This tour requires a combined total of 4 participants to operate.