We head then onto the French capital Marigot, this quaint French village offers a unique Caribbean twist. Pavement cafes serving cappuccino overlook mega-yachts, framed by palm trees. Gourmet restaurants sit in the shadow of a 200-year-old fort, and bold tropical prints in the open-air markets mix with the latest fashions from French boutiques. You will have some free time to experience this wonderful blend.

hen it's on to Orient Bay. This sweeping two-mile long, white-powdered sand beach is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef, and the bottom has a very gradual slope. It is the island's most popular and busiest beach. You will have approximately an hour and a half to swim, beach walk, or relax on the white sand. You will also have the opportunity to purchase lunch or indulge in a tropical drink in paradise at a local restaurant located on the east end of the beach. Returning to Philipsburg through the centre of the island, you will have the option of being dropped off city centre for shopping or taken back to the pier. Guests departing city centre will need to arrange their own transport back to the cruise pier at their own expense via taxi, water taxi or walking.