When the cruise ship pulls into this Caribbean port, passengers will get to visit two countries - Dutch St Maarten and French St Martin. Both offer a little European culture and a lot of laid-back Caribbean ambience.

With soft trade winds cooling the subtropical climate, it is easy to while away the day on one of 37 beaches or shop in Philipsburg's Front Street and the rues of the very French Marigot. Luck is a commodity at St Maarten's 13 casinos but chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the many world-class eateries. The isle's biggest asset is its friendly natives.

Cruise passengers don't need to wander far from port to stroll the boardwalk and shops of Philipsburg. Also nearby is the 12-Metre Challenge. Experience is not necessary to have a good time sailing crafts that once competed in the America's Cup Race.

Or, relax on the beach. There is one to suit every taste but one of the most beautiful and happening shorelines is Orient Beach. Explore the island - it has so much to offer. Sample the gourmet cuisine in the charming village of Grand Case. Hire a taxi or car and discover the island. Be forewarned that the roads aren't the greatest and traffic can be a nightmare.

Highlights
• Casinos
• Le Fort St Louis
• Pic du Paradis
• Plantation Mont Vernon
• Loterie Farm
• Butterfly Farm

St Maarten Office of Tourism
Vineyard Office Park Building, WG Buncamper Road 33, St Maarten
Website: www.st-maarten.com

A major port of call, Philipsburg's cobblestone streets are full of jewellery, electronics, liquor, cigar and designer clothing shops. Besides Front Street and the Maho Shopping Plaza, there are shops, a market and some fine art galleries in Marigot, located on the island's French side. For crafts and souvenirs, browse the Philipsburg Market Place on Back Street.

Foodies delight - St Maarten dishes up some of the Caribbean's best vittles. Though the French claim cuisine kudos, the Dutch side has several award-winning restaurants. For cheap eats, try a lolo, one of the seafood/barbeque shacks in Grand Case.

Temperature averages about 28°C (82°F) year round with cooling tradewinds. Rainy season is August through October, but the hurricane season is late May until early November.

St Maarten

GMT - 4.

Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG; symbol ƒ) = 100 cents. US dollars are readily accepted. The currency on the French side is Euros.

Dutch, English, French, French Patois, Spanish, Papiamento.

Caribbean Island 300km (186 miles) southeast of Puerto Rico.

41,000.

Part of the Netherlands Antilles with limited self-government and under the umbrella of The Netherlands.

Predominantly Christian.

This is strictly a vacation destination so things are quite casual. The south end of Orient Beach on the French side is clothing optional.

Tipping: Before tipping, ask if a service charge has been added. Otherwise 10 to 15% is acceptable for waiting staff and cabbies. Customary gratuities for bellman are US$1 per bag and about US$2 per night for maids.