st maarten yacht race excursion

12 METRE RACING

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

EXPERIENCE THE CARIBBEAN'S ULTIMATE SAILING ADVENTURE

Become part of the crew as you actively take part in manning an authentic sailing yacht that once competed in the prestigious America’s Cup.

VOTED THE #1 SHORE EXCURSION IN THE CARIBBEAN FOR 15 YEARS AND #3  TOP 10 CARIBBEAN ATTRACTION BY USA TODAY  

THE EXPERIENCE

Choose to actively participate – grinding winches, trimming sails, punching a stopwatch – or you can sit back and enjoy the invigorating ride! The choice is yours.

Join our crew and participate in a competitive, head-to-head race between authentic America’s Cup race boats. The most unique and immersive experience in the Carribbean, guaranteed to leave you breathless, exhilarated and feeling like a sailing pro!

Our  legendary 12 Metre Class race boats  are the thoroughbreds of the racing world. Past America’s Cup winners and contenders, each vessel is the culmination of multi-million dollar efforts and years of testing to achieve maximum speed and agility.

ST. MAARTEN 12 METRE RACING

St. Maarten Twelve Metre Racing is a physically and culturally immersive, historic sailing experience that allows our guests to compete against one another as integral working members of the crew.

Except for some guest safety enhancements, all boats in the 12 Metre fleet have been exquisitely maintained in original form. They boast the same caliber of performance and racing experience that they delivered in the 1987 America’s Cup.

Fantastic experience. The crew was friendly and informative, and the competition quite exhilarating.

Boris Pelakh

If you sail it is an experience not to be missed. All of the crew and staff are amazing - I can't praise or recommend them enough!

Eric Bailey

I had a blast racing on Stars and Stripes when I visited St. Martin in 2005. I still have my now 17 year old 12 Metre T shirt!

Craig Ewing

Travel Collecting

America’s Cup Sailing Experience, St Maarten: RACING A 12-METER YACHT

I lean back, tightly gripping a rope, hanging over the edge of the boat.  The sail swings directly above my head.  I get drenched by ocean spray gusting in over me.  The boat tilts up at a dangerous angle, threatening to tip over; by hanging over the edge.

I lean back, tightly gripping a rope, hanging over the edge of the boat.  The sail swings directly above my head.  I get drenched by ocean spray gusting in over me. 

The boat tilts up at a dangerous angle, threatening to tip over; by hanging over the edge, I am helping it stay upright.  We lurch back down on even keel, and, following shouted instructions, I run to the winch and start rapidly “grinding”, adjusting the sail so it catches the wind.  We speed forward. 

Nearby, our rival inches slightly ahead and we put more effort into it, determined to win our race.  Our boat has competed in the America’s Cup, so we know it’s possible!

No time right now to read about the America’s Cup Sailing Experience in St Maarten? Pin it and save it for later:

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America’s Cup Sailing Experience

I was working as a purser on a cruise ship in the Caribbean and one of the perks was the occasional free shore excursion, so we knew how to describe it accurately to guests.  One of our ports of call was Philipsburg which was the St Maarten cruise ship port. 

I love to be on  the water and row, sail and paddl e, so for me the most exciting of St Maarten’s excursions was the possibility to be a temporary crew member on a 12-meter yacht in a head to head race.  This is a common St Maarten shore excursion, but if you are staying on the island for your vacation, it is also easy to arrange.

There are three possible sail boats, and all of them are past America’s Cup winners or contenders.  They are longer than 12 meters – the length refers to some complicated formula I don’t understand (and don’t need to).  The three currently being used in St Maarten are:

• Stars & Stripes 87 (US-55) won the America’s Cup in 1987 against Australia’s Kookaburra III.
• True North I (KC-87) competed for Canada in the 1986 World Cup, having been designed especially for strong Australian winds.
• Canada II was designed for the 1987 America’s Cup (though it didn’t actually race in it).

Getting ready to race

The dockside offices of the company 12 meter Challenge are not far from the cruise ship jetty.  On arrival, we were divided into teams, given an introduction to the boats and the race and then shunted to the boats.

Two boats race head to head in a challenge.  I’d never sailed a boat before, but am a very competitive person, so I really wanted to win!  We were allowed to choose what we wanted to do and assigned a task of grinding (operating the winch), trimming sails, etc.  One of the options is to relax and not do too much, but the boat is tilting, the sail moving, the ocean spraying, the captain shouting, everyone’s moving around, so not participating isn’t that easy to do.  After getting further instructions on tactics, our roles, etc., we were off!

The “Challenge” Race Experience

It was a bright sunny day and with the sun shining and the blue water sparkling, and the beautiful Great Bay as the background, the setting was perfect.  We were on the water for almost three hours, but the time flew.

There were eighteen of us, plus three crew guiding us, and there was a real sense of camaraderie, as we worked together, grinding and trimming sails and leaning over the edge to keep the boat stable.  From the very beginning there was a real sense of the race and competition and there was never a calm moment, as we tacked, catching the wind and trying to get as much speed as possible.

It’s actually pretty exhausting and physical if you get into the whole grinding thing, but if you choose just to sit back and hang over the edge to keep the boat stable, it would be easier.

After the race

There is a winner – I won’t tell you if we won or not (OK, OK, we didn’t …), but it was still crazy fun.  Back at the dock, there is a rum punch party to celebrate the win (or commiserate the loss).

The verdict : Racing a 12-meter yacht

You do not have to be a sailor to enjoy this.  The adrenaline is pumping and it is a really exciting thing to do.  I highly recommend it as a St Maarten shore excursion if you visit on a cruise ship, or as an activity if you are vacationing on the island.

Book through your cruise line or directly with them .

Other things to do in Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin

There are 36 beaches on the island! Many of them have beautiful white sand. Highlights include Mullet Bay, Tintamarre Island and Grand Case Beach. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun! Check out the best beach umbrellas to take with you.

Need some captions for your beach photos? Check out these beach quotes and Insta captions .

There are a lot of other awesome experiences you can have in St. Maarten .  These will really make your vacation a unique travel experience.

How to get to Sint Maarten

The island is most commonly visited by cruise ships, but you can fly into Philipsburg/ Princess Juliana International Airport .

Check flights to St Maarten here .

How to get around St Maarten/ St Martin

The easiest way is to rent a car at the airport, which you can do here .

Book an airport transfer here .

Where to stay on St Maarten

There are plenty of hotel option on St Maarten/ St. Martin. Read my guide to Choosing the Best Hotel for tips on what to look for.

A cute place to stay is Mary’s Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa .

Check prices and availability here

Check out more hotels in Sint Maarten here.

Cruises that go to St. Maarten

Where is sint maarten and what is the currency.

This small island is half Dutch (Sint Maarten) and half French (Saint Martin). It is in the center of the Caribbean islands.

The official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or florin (ANG). In French St. Martin, it is the euro. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on both sides of the island.

Check the current exchange rate here .

Visa requirements for St Maarten

For visa requirements, check out your home country’s official government visa websites:

• U.S.A. citizens
• Canadian citizens
• U.K. citizens
• Australian citizens

For citizens of other countries, use this helpful website (though it’s best to always check with the embassy as well). 

When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?

The best time to visit the Caribbean is winter: December to April.  The Caribbean weather is super pleasant then (it can get very hot in summer) and many people want to escape the northern winter.   (This is also when more passengers on the cruise ship that I worked on had missed flights due to snow storms on the north.)  This is also the dry season.

The rainy season is May to November.  Hurricane season is roughly July to October.

If you are staying on St Maarten/ Saint Martin rather than doing a cruise, hotel rates can be cheaper May to June and late November to mid-December.

Planning and packing for the Caribbean

If you are staying on the island and looking for more adventure than just relaxing on the beach, there is a useful guidebook that includes St Martin, which you can buy here . I also recommend reading my North America Travel Guide and using my step-by-step Trip Planner to help you through each stage of planning and preparing for your vacation.

When you are ready for your trip, check out my Essential Packing List . This is a general packing list. You should add beachwear, of course.

Additional consideration: Travel Insurance

You should never travel without travel insurance. For all the reasons – and what to think about when choosing coverage – read my guide to buying travel insurance .

A great insurance option is Travelex.  You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Have a fantastic time!

Do you have any stories of the Caribbean? I’d love to hear them. Comment below.  

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin it to your Caribbean board!

Read other boating/ rowing adventures:

• riding the river rapids through the Grand Canyon in a wooden boat, USA
• sea kayaking in Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands), Canada
• white water rafting in the Black Canyon, Peru

About the author

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture.  He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters. 

Travel Collecting is a participant in the Amazon Services.com LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

12 Metre Regatta

Experience the thrill of sailing the iconic America's Cup yachts! 

Our skilled crew will guide and instruct guests every step of the way, regardless of previous sailing experience. Following the exhilarating race, indulge in a complimentary celebration with our delightful victory rum punch party.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate sailing adventure found no where else in the Caribbean. Become part of the crew as you actively take part in manning an authentic sailing yacht that once competed in the prestigious America’s Cup. Feel the thrill of the wind in your hair and ocean spray in your face, as you compete in a true head-to-head race against another yacht crewed by guests just like you. No prior sailing experience is needed to join one of the highest rated excursions in the Caribbean, just a need for adventure and the desire for victory.

Arrival Instructions / What to Bring: Please arrive to 30 minutes prior to trip time. Please bring sunscreen, towel, hat, and soft soled shoes and. Consider gratuities.

Additional Notes: Please note that the 12 Metre fleet are pure race boats and they have no washroom facilities. Total time on the water is 2 hours.

Child Restriction 9 years and above

Booking Policy Full payment is required at reservation.

Cancellation Policy 20% is non refundable at time of booking. 100% forfeited if cancelled within 7 days prior to activity starts.

Note: Payments accepted in US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Euros, British Pound, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars. Major credit cards accepted in US Dollars.

Please check this page to get more information about our Loyalty Program.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING

12 Metre Racing

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12 Metre Racing - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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12 Metre Challenge

• Experience the thrill of a real sailing regatta on the Sunset Catamaran Cocktail Cruise in the stunning St. Maarten.
• Take on a crew member's role under expert guidance or simply enjoy the race while sipping your choice of water, soda, or beer.
• Celebrate your triumphant return with a refreshing beer or rum punch at the exclusive Yacht Club and explore its museum.
• Rest assured with our industry-leading return-to-ship and satisfaction guarantees, offering you top-notch excursion quality at unbeatable prices.
• Act fast to secure your spot on this popular tour - spaces are limited and sell out quickly for this unique, exhilarating sailing adventure.

Have you ever watched sailing regattas and wondered what it would be like to be in one during a race? Here's your chance to find out by booking this St. Maarten excursion !

During this two and a half hour tour you will board one of three yachts and be assigned a crew member's position. Your expert guide crew will show you exactly what to do and will be on hand every step of the way to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Head out to the race course and help move your yacht to victory as you trim a sail, grind a winch or punch a stopwatch. Alternatively you can choose to sit back and relax with water, canned soda or beer and breathe in the salty air as your yacht races along the course. Once back on land celebrate your victory with a refreshing beer or rum punch drink in the 12 Metre Yacht Club, visit the museum and pick up a souvenir or two in the shop.

Please Note: Guests must be able to board the yacht and not be prone to seasickness. The minimum age to participate is 9 years of age and guests must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcohol. Guests with limited mobility and children must be accompanied by a companion/adult and life jackets are available on the boat (not mandatory). This tour is not wheelchair/scooter/walker accessible. Price includes bottled beverages onboard the yachts and at the party; crew gratuity not included. Meals can be purchased near the club facility.

Local Connections: America's Cup 12-Metre Yacht Race with Sailing Experts

Exceptional value.

Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

• EXCURSION DETAIL
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Description

Points of Interest

• America's Cup Regatta
• Outdoor Adventure

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate sailing adventure found nowhere else in the Caribbean. Become part of the crew as you actively take part in manning an authentic sailing yacht that once competed in the prestigious America's Cup. Feel the thrill of the wind in your hair and ocean spray in your face, as you compete in a true head-to-head race against another yacht crewed by guests just like you. No prior sailing experience is needed to join one of the highest rated excursions in the Caribbean, just a need for adventure and the desire for victory.

Special Notes:

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Introduction, team division, tender loading to yachts.

Once onboard the yacht, safety briefing and crew job training with practice, pre-start maneuvers, and then race, return to moorings, tender transport to shore and rum punch victory party, at your leisure, walk back to the cruise ship terminal (5 mins) on your own, or if you wish walk to downtown (10 mins).

America's Cup Regatta

Learn to Sail: Immerse yourself in the ultimate sailing adventure found nowhere else in the Caribbean. Become part of the crew as you actively take part in manning an authentic sailing yacht that once competed in the prestigious America’s Cup. Yacht Race: Feel the thrill of the wind in your hair and ocean spray in your face, as you compete in a true head-to-head race against another yacht crewed by guests just like you. No prior sailing experience is needed to join one of the highest rated excursions in the Caribbean, just a need for adventure and the desire for victory.

Requirements & Restrictions: For safety reasons, guests with walking difficulties, or heart, respiratory and orthopedic conditions may not participate on this excursion. Soft-soled footwear such as tennis shoes is required. Good to Know: There are no restroom facilities on board the racing yachts. It is recommended to use the restroom before the start of the tour. Pay restrooms are available in the marina after the regatta. Sunscreen is highly recommended and a plastic bag for a camera to avoid getting wet is advised. Souvenirs are available to purchase if desired (cash and credit cards are accepted). Cash gratuities for the crew are not included but highly appreciated.

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Twelve Metre Regatta (SM04)

Port of Call

Activity Level & Duration

Experience Type

Take to the high seas for an exhilarating America’s Cup-style boat race, with an opportunity to helm the vessel.

Yacht or Not

Choose to take on the duties of captain or crew, or simply soak up the action on board.

Know Before You Go

View important additional information to help you prepare for this exciting adventure.

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America's Cup Racing

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Meals Included

Meals not included

An outstanding Caribbean experience, the St Maarten America's Cup 12-Metre Racing offers you the only opportunity in the Caribbean to race an exotic multi-million-dollar America's Cup yacht.

Experience the exhilaration of America's Cup yacht racing aboard Dennis Conner's cup-winning Stars & Stripes or contenders Canada II or True North IV . You compete in an actual race around a shortened America's Cup course, and you're invited to work the boat. The experienced crew provides all the guidance you need to grind a winch, trim a sail, punch a stopwatch, or take the helm to drive the race boat. Or you can just sit back, relax and enjoy what is perhaps the most exclusive sporting event in the world. No previous sailing experience is required. All you need is a spirit of adventure and to be ready to have the time of your life.

Refreshments are provided, and a rum punch toast rounds off this spectacular event as you browse in the 12-Metre Regatta Boutique.

Wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. Bring cash/credit cards for the boutique. There are no restrooms on board the 12-meter yachts. Minimum age is 9 years.

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Excitement for the whole family

Fun for novices and experienced sailors

Everyone can participate - or just relax and enjoy the ride

Twelve Metre Regatta - YOU Could Be on This Boat

The fastest, most elegant racing yachts compete in the Americas Cup. Sleek high-tech machines, developed and maintained by budgets in the hundreds of millions of Dollars, are fighting for the highest honor in the sailing regatta world. These boats are called '12 Metres' after the technical formula for their design, with their actual 'length overall' being about 66 feet.

What happens to these thoroughbreds once they completed their campaigns? The surprising answer: They go to Sint Maarten to start a second life as part of the region's most exhilarating public water excursion! Yes, you too are invited to sail on legendary boats such as the American's Cup winner Stars & Stripes in a close race against their original nemesis.

Cruise lines named the 12 Metre Regatta as a top Caribbean excursion, and it's easy to see why: This is an activity suitable for the novice sailor, even children as young as nine years are allowed to come along. At the same time, any true sailing aficionado and even experienced sailors with a circumnavigation under their belt will yearn to get a feel for the most efficient sailing machines ever conceived.

Guests have the choice just to relax and to enjoy the ride... or to become an active part of the crew, trimming the sails, grinding the winches and doing their best to beat the competition in this true race.

To partake in a 12 Metre Regatta should be on the bucket list of anyone with love for the sea. Individuals can book a place, but the activity is also available to larger groups as special events. The docks of the 12 Metre Regatta are close to the cruise ship port in Point Blanche and behind Chesterfields Restaurant in Philipsburg.

Click here to visit the official website of the 12 Metre Regatta >>>

12 Metre Clubhouse 26 Juancho Yrasquin Blvd., Dock Maarten Marina Philipsburg, St. Maarten (view map).

Local: +1 721.542.0045 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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RACE HARD, PLAY HARD, REPEAT AT THE 44TH ST MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA!

• October 31, 2023
• St. Maarten / St. Martin Events Blog , St. Maarten / St. Martin News Blog , St. Maarten / St. Martin Sailing Blog , St. Maarten / St. Martin Sports Blog , St. Maarten / St. Martin Things To Do Blog

October 26, 2023 – Simpson Bay , St Maarten – Every March, St. Maarten welcomes thousands of sailors from around the world to the island for the legendary St. Maarten Heineken Regatta . This year, a record number of race charters are available for serious teams to fly in for some “Serious Fun!” competition and entertainment for the 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta: February 29 – March 3, 2024.

Bareboat charters had historically been the only way for visiting international sailors to enjoy racing in the Caribbean without bringing your own boat. Now, more performance yacht owners and charter organizations are offering bespoke race charters for teams in search of different yachts that fit their team needs and race goals. From Melges to Volvo Ocean Race boats, teams can choose from a familiar fleet or charter their dream boat to race with, and against, the Pros.

Marcos Weinstein and crew chartered a familiar J120, J-Aguar, which was the perfect fit for his team. After 20 years racing on J120s, racing one in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was an easy transition. Marcos’ team came from all over the US to race in the 2023 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, and while they all left extremely happy, they also left with some unfinished business. Marcos Weinstein reflected on the experience and confirmed their return onboard J-Aguar: “Very fun and a really great venue for racing. Looking forward to 2024 for another shot at the Podium.”

Another American crew, which chartered Salona 45 Panacea X in the 2023 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and won in their class, raced with a whole lot of heart and are set to race again in 2024. At the 2023 Regatta, Gary Swain shared his incredible story of receiving a life-saving heart transplant in August 2021. Gary was delighted to be racing with his team, and his “Donate Life” cause flag flew proudly over the team’s stacking winners’ pennants through the week. The team have high spirits and aspirations for 2024, Gary shared, “We are aiming to take 1st overall in our class, but want to step it up and reach for the Heineken Cup next year! Given our performance last year, we feel that it’s definitely within reach!”

Many consider the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta to be a bucket list event, but that does not mean you should only do it once. In 1999, Alan Paris and his crew chartered a Henderson 30 for the 19th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. Twenty years later in 2019, the team celebrated their own “reunion regatta,” and joined the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta by chartering another performance racer, a Pogo 12.50 with Ocean Racers. Alan and his crew enjoyed themselves so much, they decided to not wait for another 20 years for their next reunion regatta – and will come back for the 2024 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, this time Alan will bring his own boat: Learning to Fly, a J90!

Pogo 12.50 Hermes and many other race charters are also returning for the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, and are available for team charter in 2024. Race teams and agencies such as Ocean Racers, LV Yachting, Global Yacht Racing, OnDeck and Barefoot Charters offer a variety of performance boats for all team sizes and skill levels. Most race charters come with a professional skipper and training days to provide performance coaching for visiting teams. Those interested in performance race charters can find out more about the boats available on the Regatta website: www.heinekenregatta.com

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta welcomes boats and teams of all sizes, and offers support for visiting sailors from around the world to find the best boat for their crew. Longtime Regatta sponsor Sunsail has provided turnkey bareboat charters to families, friends, and corporate teams from around the world to race in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta for decades. A Sunsail race charter is a perfect way to dial up the typical sailing holiday, by adding some friendly competition during the day and organized events for even more fun by night. 

For those interested in one-design racing, the Sunsail fleet offers well-matched non-spinnaker classes, while the race committee designs dedicated courses for the fleet. The bareboat class is always incredibly international, welcoming enthusiastic sailors from Greece, Canada, Australia, Poland and beyond. Sunsail charters for the 2024 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta are now 90% reserved, so do not delay in  booking your boat!  

The Notice of Race (NOR) for the 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is available online through race management system Yacht Scoring. Registration, NOR, and the growing scratch sheet featuring teams from around the world can be found   here . Now is prime time to start planning your stay and booking travel, and the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is here to help. More information on recommended hotels and preparing for your visit to the island can be found on the  Regatta website . 

Follow the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on Facebook and Instagram for more Regatta news and updates in the lead up to the 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta: February 29 – March 3, 2024! 

Watch the 2023 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Wrap Up Video below:

For more information, see   the 44th Heineken Regatta page  

More blogs on  news / events / sailing / sports / things to do

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• St. Maarten Fantastic Amazing Race Excursion S1723

St. Maarten Fantastic Amazing Race Excursion

St. maarten, lesser antilles (st. martin) (excursion id s1723).

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• Duration 3 hours
• Activity Level Moderate
• Minimum Age All Ages

Description

• Meeting Point
• Restrictions

Cancellation

• Part scavenger hunt, part clue solving, and a whole lot of fun!
• English-speaking certified guide and staff!
• Complimentary bottled water!
• Immerse yourself in the local culture of St. Maarten!
• Safe and fun for the whole family!

What is included?

• English-speaking Fantastic Amazing Race shore excursion guides and staff
• Written clues available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Dutch
• Bottle of cold purified water
• 2 complimentary "refreshment tickets" to exchange for local food samples during the cruise excursion
• Map and cell phone linked to staff headquarters to assist if teams require (must be returned after the race)

Excursion Notes

• We suggest you wear comfortable shoes, a swimsuit under your clothes (one of your team members should be ready to take a short swim), bring sun protection, a towel, and cash for food purchases, tips, shopping, etc.

Where we meet

The St. Maarten Fantastic Amazing Race Excursion staff meets you after a short 10-minute walk (or water taxi ride, approximately $7.00USD round trip from the ship's pier, not included) from your St. Maarten cruise terminal. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• Although there is no age limit for this shore excursion, there is some considerable walking/running through the beautiful streets of St. Maarten.
• Infants in strollers and those guests in a wheelchair may decide on their own if this excursion is suitable for them.

Excursion FAQ

• You want to cancel at any time, for any reason, before or after your arrival. Simply contact us via email [email protected] within 14 days of your missed excursion date for a deposit refund.
• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location.
• Your ship misses/skips the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator to run the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the tour operator or guest may send doctor's note).
• Cancellations that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund. Guests must notify us within 14 days after their excursion date via email for requesting a refund of booking payment made to Shore Excursioneer.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.

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St. Maarten Fantastic Amazing Race Excursion Experiences

This excursion is available to everybody and specially designed to accommodate passengers of the following cruise lines.

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Enjoy some of the beautiful sights of St. Maarten on fun and exciting amazing race that dares you to solve the clues and take some easy physical challenges to get to the finish line! Be the winner of this St. Maarten Excursion!

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St. Mary’s College of Maryland Graduates 356 at 2024 Commencement

St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College, graduated 356 students with Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees on Saturday, May 11, outdoors on the campus’ Townhouse Green. 

Maryland’s longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD 5th) delivered the keynote address. In his message to the College's newest alumni, he spoke of the impact the pandemic had on this class of students and the significance of the class of 2024 being together amongst family, friends, faculty and staff for the commencement exercises. He said he brought up the pandemic not to focus on what was lost but to reflect on what was gained.

"For while your generation knows better than any other the pain of being apart, you also know better than any other the joy that comes with joining together," Hoyer said. "Because you felt the sorrow of separation, you understand the importance of inclusion.You saw the devastation of distance, and now you have special appreciation for the pleasure of proximity." 

Hoyer received an honorary degree from St. Mary’s College in 1993, at his first appearance as commencement speaker. Hoyer also spoke before the class of 2007.

President Tuajuanda C. Jordan, accompanied by Board of Trustees Chair Susan Dyer, presented an honorary degree to national higher education leader Lynn Pasquerella. 

Since 2016, Pasquerella has been president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). Prior to her position as president of AAC&U, she was president of Mount Holyoke College; provost at the University of Hartford; and vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the graduate school at the University of Rhode Island, where she taught for more than 20 years.

She earned her PhD in philosophy from Brown University; undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College; and associate of arts degree from Quinebaug Valley Community College. 

President Jordan had one request for the Class of 2024. “Recognize and understand the society into which you are now venturing. Give back. Remember the people who have not had the same opportunity, the same blessings, the same education you have. Live the St. Mary’s Way.”

The College’s newest alumni heard from one of the five class valedictorians. The valedictorians were: Sabrina Kuhn, Laura McCarty, Margaret Neuman, Angelie Roche and Ben Springer.

Kuhn was selected to address the class via lottery. She spoke of how she and many classmates grew into adulthood during a time of “great uncertainty,” speaking of experiencing that transition amidst a global pandemic. “The fact that we all made it to graduation here today is a testament to the resilience of our generation,” Kuhn said. Kuhn charged the class to “go forward courageously, armed with knowledge and compassion from your time here, to make the world a better place.”

President Jordan recognized six faculty who retired this year: Karen Crawford, professor of biology; David Ellsworth, associate professor of film and media studies; Rachel Myerowitz, professor of biology; Elizabeth Osborn, professor of sociology; Larry Vote, professor of music; and Christine Wooley, professor of English. Collectively, these retirees represent 161 years of teaching. 

The commencement was live-streamed on the College’s website. 

About the Valedictorians  

Sabrina Kuhn

is a math major and educational studies minor. Vice president of the Wrestling Club, assistant music director of InterChorus, and a choreographer for Dance Club, Kuhn will join the 2025 cohort of the MAT Program.

Laura McCarty

is an anthropology major with a concentration in archaeology and minors in museum studies and history. McCarty is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Lambda Alpha honors societies as well as the Anthropology Club and Climbing Club. Before pursing graduate studies, McCarty plans to work in archaeology. 

Margaret Neuman

is an English major. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies and a previous winner of the English Department Award, the Dean’s Award and the Calculus Prize, Neuman has served as a peer tutor for the Writing and Speaking Center and French. After graduation, Neuman will work in France as an English teaching assistant. Long-term, Neuman plans a career in editing and publishing.

Angelie Roche

is a psychology major with a minor in educational studies. Roche served as editor-in-chief of The Point News, a peer health educator, a writing tutor and a student representative on the JED Campus Steering Committee. A member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi honors societies, Roche will work as an assistant teacher at the Katherine Thomas School and intern at the University of Maryland's TOGETHER lab before pursuing a graduate degree in family therapy.

Ben Springer

is an environmental studies major with a minor in biology. A member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, the Music Club and the Southern Maryland Audubon Society. Springer plans a career in bird and habitat conservation.