TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Cruise Ship stop for family group of 18

Bringing whole family of 18 ranging in age from 6 to 74 on cruise in May with day on SXM.
(Mike & I frequently stay 1-2 weeks or do cruise stops but we go to Club O area.)
Looking for something to plan for group, consisting of 2 @ ages 6-8, 3 @ ages 16-18, 5 @ ages 22-25, 6 @ ages 40-55 & 2 of us age 74. 3 main ideas are: (1) Rhino Riders, (2) charter a catamaran or powerboat, (3) go to a beach place on Orient Beach (Palm Beach, Bikini, Kontiki, etc) (4) Karackters or Mullet?
Need some ideas or comments, & people to contact!!!

For this family excursion, I would definitely contact Neil, captain of the Celine Too and book a private cruise. He will supply the food and everything you need for a wonderful day on the water.It really sounds like a very special time with family!

I agree with Elizabeth, do a family day sail somewhere. Trying to move that many around for a day would be very difficult I would think. Another option would be go to Legalion for the day. You can eat there, have chairs, kayak, paddle board, and wind surf, the littles could go up the street and visit the butterfly farm (or you all could). But for a crowd that size I would contact Chez Pat (I think that's the name) and have it set up before you got there.

I agree with Elizabeth, probably your best bet would be to do a charter of a boat, regardless of what boat it is.. With that large of a group, you couldn't all be in one land transport, unless it is literally a bus. With a private charter boat, you could take a trip around the island and stop for lunch somewhere, etc. How about TTOL sponsor Passaat?

I would also recommend Neil and the Celine, with that bunch, he would probably make arrangements to pick you up. We've done several private charters with him with a similar age range food will be just as amazing as the cruise ship. We have done others, but enjoy Capt Neil far and above.

I would go to Sunset and watch planes for a bit, then have cabbies stop at Mullet and if water is calm I would stay and have cabbies pick you up. If not calm, I would go to Pedros area. Go left or right depending on group feelings/tolerance levels.

The Random Wind is also a great older charter boat. Plenty of shade...a trapeze type swing to jump into the water etc. Always a fun time for all.

I also recommend Celine Too. They often pick up cruise ship passengers for one of their sails. There are lots of opportunities for snorkeling and swimming which the kids would probably love. The food is amazing! You can contact Neil directly OR contact Dave who also sails with him. Dave and his wife have a booth just off the cruise ship pier and they specialize in day trips for tourists (incl. booking trips with Neil) We did a dune buggy tour of the island with our group of 11 and everyone had fun! Our group also loved the Celine Too and we ended up having the whole boat to ourselves which was very nice! http://www.happyhoursxm.com/