Port Adventure: Golden Eagle Catamaran Sail

(59 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Laurie Zeller

Apple Valley, MN
Walt Disney World, Florida ~ A Dreamer's Paradise

I don't specialize in Disney Destinations because I took classes or studied books. It’s because I truly have a passion for Disney. I take my own personal vacations to Disney Destinations and have been to them 50+ times.

Walt Disney World. A...

St Maarten

My clients often ask me for recommendations on which port adventures they should take when sailing Disney Cruise Line. Now I wish I could say that I’ve done ALL of them…could you just imagine?? But alas, I cannot sail with Disney all year long in an effort to have personal knowledge of every amazing destination that they offer. But a girl can dream! And a girl can certainly take some time to document the excursions she has taken as well as other fun experiences she has had onboard. So please check out my Travel Experiences page for some of my personal adventures with Disney Cruise Line and see if they would be a good fit for your own cruise vacation!


Port of: St Maarten


Port Adventure: Golden Eagle Catamaran Sail SM03


Cruise Date: February 2018


Be Sure to Bring: Bottled water, swim suit, sunscreen, towel, camera (underwater camera if you have it!), gratuities for catamaran crew


Recommended? YES!


It was just a short walk from the St Maarten cruise ship dock to wear the Golden Eagle Catamaran was moored. We were asked to slip off our shoes and leave them in a bucket before boarding. It was a very short sail to our snorkeling location where we were given a short demonstration on safety and how to use our snorkel gear. All of the gear was provided, but some do choose to bring their own. We were given plenty of time to paddle through the water and glimpse the wonders of the deep. Being only about 50 feet offshore and very close to the boat, we felt very comfortable. On the bottom lay cannon and even a sunken sailboat!


Back onboard we took a longer sail to the French side of the island. The devastation of the previous autumn hurricanes was evident in the manmade structures. While the Princess Juliana Airport had been badly damaged by Hurricane Irma but today, the planes landed with regularity. In listening to the crew talk, it was clear that travelers coming in via the cruise ships were more important to the island economy than ever before. There are very few hotels that are open to house tourists and we could see the damaged buildings from the boat. But the cruise ships continue to bring travelers to visit and explore. And the people are so very grateful to the tourists whop choose to come, despite the damage.


We anchored off a St Maarten beach. Most people chose to jump into the water and swim to shore. Others decided to just relax on the boat. I did take the swim to shore, which was farther than it seemed! But I’m glad I did it. I sat on the warm sand and listened the waves crash along the shore. All too soon it was time to make the swim back to the boat where we were served rum punch (non-alcoholic for the kids of course!) and small sandwiches.


During our sail back to the Disney Fantasy, I just let the warm sun shine on my face. While it was difficult to see the damage on the island as we sailed along the shore, I found myself to be so very grateful for the blessings of genuine smiles from the crew as they danced with the children on the deck of the catamaran. They will continue to recover and rebuild.


Please note: You may encounter nudity or topless bathing on St Maarten beaches


While gratuities are never expected by the catamaran crew, I do highly encourage that you show your appreciation for these people who were a part of making your day so wonderful.

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