Dutch Antilles

The islands of Curaçao and Bonaire lie just off the Venezuelan coast whilst St Eustatius, Saba and St Maarten lie north of the Virgin Islands. The islands are all examples of Caribbean island perfection, with white sands, clear waters and lush vegetation inland.

Visitors will enjoy a typical Caribbean climate year round, and St Maarten was actually one of the first Caribbean islands to attract tourists, back in the 1970s. MSC's cruise liners travel to St Maarten and call at Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. St Maarten has a dual Dutch/French identity (it is known as St Martin in French) as both countries signed a treaty in 1648 to divide the island between them. Note that euros are used on the French side, florin on the Dutch side.

Marigot, the capital of the French side is like a small French village, but cruise passengers will be able to experience both sides. For a small island there is a lot to do here and our excursons ensure that every taste is catered for. We have the best deals on water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, snorkelling or diving) whilst those that enjoy sightseeing will appreciate the colonial architecture of Philipsburg as well as sampling the fusion of French and Caribbean cuisine. Or, if you fancy leaving your luxury cruise ship to laze on the beach, St Maarten is a great place to do it.