TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Couple questions for upcoming trip …

We will be on island 1/24-2/3 for our 14th trip. Couple questions for those of you that might be able to help! Thanks in advance!

#1. We usually do day sail on Celine. This year we may try #1 SXM. Are there any major differences (other than price!). We do not snorkel & not big foodies for lunch. Just want to get out on water on an uncrowded boat.

#2. Toppers Rum tour. Never done it… worth the time? We do enjoy trying the rum flavors.

#3. Kalatua on Mullet. I see you can make reservations for lunch but can you reserve front row chairs ahead of time and decide time for lunch (or eat on beach) later? I am aware of the cost. I didn’t see on website a place to reserve chairs at all.

Any help appreciated!

#3-visited a couple times in October. Yes, we reserved front row chairs each time and dined both at our chairs and in the restaurant. Found the food fantastic, service exceptional. Enjoy.

Not a fan of the first two especially at the cost now of the Celine, I think it is about $500 per couple now including tip.

#3 we did for a day, make sure you get reservations for both chairs and lunch and note that the chairs I think are $35 a set. Also if you don't want sun ask early for a second umbrella as the ones they have set out don't move and the chairs don't move much either. Lunch was good, and I think our total bill for 2 of us was a bit north of $200 for the day. I personally prefer going to Grand Case if I want a more luxury beach day although I do like Mullet. Captain Frenchy's, LTC and GCBC all are better in my opinion and less money. I would guess Kalatua is trying to compete with Anse Marcel and Coco's.

Re #1: They are very different experiences. No1SXM is strictly sailing; no motor, no music. Just the sound of the water and sails flapping. Limited to, I think, 12-16 people. Celine motors and holds more people and may play music. I guess if I can't remember, it wasn't offensive if they do. Food very different: Celine very upscale and extensive menu, No1 simple but good sandwiches with other treats throughout the day. Peter and Mirian on No1 are friendly and nice captain/first mate. Neil on Celine has now retired and hired a captain, Dean, if I recall. Neil spends his time mingling with the guests and working on social media.

While I think the Celine is pricing itself out of the market, I like both and sail on both each trip.