TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Mary’s Boon yesterday

Wow, we have never seen Mary’s Boon that busy yesterday. The service was slow. It was packed with people, I think the cruise ships are sending people there. We had to reverse all the way out of the parking lot. That was a first, cars were stuck, some damaging their vehicles. What a sh..t show. The water was extremely rough.

For that reason I have been hesitant to go to the Boon. Six ships in today and six again tomorrow.

I haven't heard of MB having cruise ship people there. I wonder if the people were actually at Karakter or that new beach bar there, whatever the name is.

Nobody at Karacter since it’s not open yet. We saw some big vans dropping off people. I tried to order a drink and the server said sorry, I’ve got 13 pina coladas ahead of you.

Vans would likely indicate cruise ship passengers. When Maho has little or no sand they usually beach of choice is Mullet Bay but perhaps Mary's Boon has worked out a deal as well. I know at Kim Sha Beach, BBB has a deal with cruise lines. If nothing else, maybe Mary's Boon will upgrade their beach furniture as it has been in dire need of it. They have a very small kitchen and bar so being overwhelmed would really slow things down.

I just looked and Maho is jampacked right now.

Maho looks like exactly the wrong place to be!

What do you mean, Karakter isn't open yet? I didn't know they ever closed. Are you talking about that other new restaurant?

No it’s closed, no one there, a new please has been built but not opened yet.

Huh, that's weird about Karakter. I hadn't heard that.

We stay there often and For sure Marys Boon does not encourage cruise ship passengers as they just don't need the extra business....I have seen busses dropping them down the beach however. They do have a nice private beach area for Hotel guests. Normally service is very good but I know with the rough seas and no sand Mary's Boon has been extra busy but worth the wait. Karakter I think is closed on Monday and the new place is NOT open yet trying to get a legal business permit. I heard if it opens it will be upscale and very pricey , few chairs and close early around 7pm so not a night bar at all to upset the neighborhood with noise. They will have their own big parking lot down the road with a shuttle which sounds crazy so not a parking issue for anyone.

There's a new place being built just after K(araker) that is not open yet. Maybe K was on a normal close for the week?

We walked by K yesterday and it was closed. Thought it was a Monday thing but the sgn on their deck says "Open every day from 10am"

I certainly hope to hear confirmation that buses of people AREN’T being encouraged at Marys Boon…..they get enough naturally arriving guests in my view. Change the vibe of the Boon.

I know the manger and owner for sure are very careful not to allow to many outside day visitors and def not cruise ship. Of course weekends are extra busy but Mary's Boon does have a very special vibe to it.

It's a public beach and open to anyone. They don't have to rent chairs but can't keep people off.

Unfortunately the public access point has been removed by the new beach club built between MB and K. It shall be interesting how this plays out. MB had someone outside helping with their parking situation. We saw many people with their own chairs and umbrellas coming in between D’s and BSV. So there must be a public access point there as well. Which is a good thing. I like D’s. But their umbrellas are awful!!

Nice thing about D's is if you need extra umbrellas they keep adding them for extra shade. Very attentive.

I know but I like it better when the buses drop em off at your part of the public beach because it is nicer.

Everyday I have the camera on, I watch the cruisers stand around with not enough or no chairs all day!!! I think, the ships are hearing far to many complaints about this. Maybe they are taking it upon themselves to drop there passengers off at "MB"!!! I talked with Heather, the manager of D's sailor beach bar. She said she was in no hurry for that business. Her regulars are more important, better service, better food and drinks. Patrick Cuicci of the Honhonhon bar boardwalk told me, that the cruisers don't spend not even half of what you'd expect!!! Before Irma Waikiki beach on Orient would have a separate section for the cruisers, they did well with that!! Free rum punch got them started!!! LOL!!! SSBG to cheap for that!

Really enjoyed D’s last trip. Just they have the cheap (not so cheap $$ wise) Tommy Bahama umbrellas and If there is any type of wind they are useless. They had Maybe 3-4 of the big Carib umbrellas. They work great. I know it’s costly but If they are charging for umbrellas - get the good ones!!!!

Just a heads up that D’S is now charging $10 for an umbrella. Chairs are still free.

Still a good deal

Maybe that's what the beer guys are giving away??? The others, she was able to buy. https://ping.liveincam.com/test.php?id=5F4KLBX6

Yes. The Tommy Bahama are fine if no wind. We had slight wind/breeze and they all just collapsed. Tied two together and beach attendant just gave up and took down. The ones I have personally ally are stronger. Gave up on those years ago. Great place though. Love the fritters!

Looks like they need to clean the camera!

Do they still have the Cool Cabanas at D's?

They had a few. But when windy those were collapsing as well. They look great if no wind!!