best st maarten excursions royal caribbean

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St. Maarten excursions- which should we do?

By zeppgirl , November 8, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International

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Most of these excursions look so similar- which would you recommend?

Kim Sha Beach

Orient Beach

Caribbean Beach Escape (El Zafiro Hotel)

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BuckeyeMark

We went to the beach by the airport and got run over by large aircraft landing.  It was wonderful. Do it!

Not sure what excursion to do in St. Maarten but if you go to Cozumel be sure to book this one.

https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/cozumel/thriller-jet-boat.html

20 minutes ago, Coralc said: That would be Maho beach and the Sunset Beach bar. Great fun! 

Which one is Maho beach?(: 

11 minutes ago, zeppgirl said: Which one is Maho beach?(: 

Just get a cab to Maho Beach and they will drop you off at that bar. Use the facilities there and food and drink from the bar.  Stay how ever long you want and then call a cab for a return to the ship. Just ask driver to take you to the beach where the big Airplanes fly over, they will know where you want to go. It's the beach right next to   Princess Juliana International Airport

1 hour ago, zeppgirl said: Most of these excursions look so similar- which would you recommend?   Kim Sha Beach Orient Beach Caribbean Beach Escape (El Zafiro Hotel)

Go to the ports of call board for St. Maarten.  Do your research.  Don't depend on the cruise line excursions which are expensive and crowded.

Orient Beach is iconic. For a first visit to St Martin it's an excellent choice. A long, curved, gently sloping white sand beach. Prior to the pandemic it had a number of restaurants/bars overlooking the beach. It is well known for a clothing optional section at one end. Easily avoided and out of site for those that prefer more titillating bikinis and speedos.

3 hours ago, Jimbo said: Just get a cab to Maho Beach and they will drop you off at that bar. Use the facilities there and food and drink from the bar.  Stay how ever long you want and then call a cab for a return to the ship. Just ask driver to take you to the beach where the big Airplanes fly over, they will know where you want to go. It's the beach right next to   Princess Juliana International Airport

We usually buy the round trip taxi option (which holds about 8 people) at the taxi stand (very organized). Then the taxi's are sitting in the parking lot waiting...no need to call.

4 hours ago, zeppgirl said: Most of these excursions look so similar- which would you recommend?   Kim Sha Beach Orient Beach Caribbean Beach Escape (El Zafiro Hotel)

No need to book with the cruise ship. If you want a private tour check out Bernards Tours...one of the best in St Maarten...Orient Beach, Marigot & Maho.

Havin'fun

The St Maarten yacht race  is a lot of fun.  You can just sit back and enjoy or be a part of the crew. 

6 hours ago, Ashland said: We usually buy the round trip taxi option (which holds about 8 people) at the taxi stand (very organized). Then the taxi's are sitting in the parking lot waiting...no need to call.

What does that taxi usually cost? I'd be in a party of 7

MichiganMan4

We are headed back to St Maarten this spring and have been really looking forward to going back to Maho Beach again.  Last time we booked through a Royal Caribbean excursion and the transportation was nice but you’re beholden to their departure and return timing.  This time we’re planning just to taxi it as others have indicated.    

As an aside, I’m curious as to how Maho Beach looks these days.  Recent webcam footage appears to show a significant reduction in the beach space.  Curious to hear the experience from others have since the resumption of cruising.  

11 hours ago, Jimbo said: Not sure what excursion to do in St. Maarten but if you go to Cozumel be sure to book this one.   https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/cozumel/thriller-jet-boat.html            

That was so helpful for a question about St. Maarten............

We normally just take a taxi to orient beach 

I would add this - it's a hike over to the airplane beach.  Lots of traffic, narrow little road, and you thread through town.  The point is - don't cut it too close to all aboard because getting back just takes a while.  If you wait for one more plane and think the taxi guy can just shoot over to the ship right quick you might end up spending more time in StM then you planned...

Sunshine3601

Another easy option is take water taxi that is at port pier over to great bay beach and you go to holland house for a nice lunch or rent one of their chairs and get some cocktails.

Or taxi to orient beach. They are all nice.

Love2travel4

Looking to grab a taxi over to Orient (the clothing side lol!).  Is there a specific location/beach bar I should ask the driver to drop us at?  We would like to have access to renting chairs/umbrellas, bathrooms/changing rooms and maybe some food drinks.  Also just curious on estimated price of taxi for 2 to/from Orient Beach.  Thank you!

5 hours ago, Miloomar said:   What does that taxi usually cost? I'd be in a party of 7

It's been about 2 years that we did it but I believe it was $12.00pp. roundtrip

At the taxi stand they'll be a board up that will have prices/destinations.

This is very organized...you purchase your tickets from a cashier and then there are

signs directing you to the correct bus. They fill up quickly and are on their way.

19 minutes ago, Ashland said: It's been about 2 years that we did it but I believe it was $12.00pp. roundtrip At the taxi stand they'll be a board up that will have prices/destinations. This is very organized...you purchase your tickets from a cashier and then there are signs directing you to the correct bus. They fill up quickly and are on their way.

We were in St Marten in September, a taxi to Orient Beach was $25 each way for the 2 of us.   There was no longer a sign listing prices, the man organizing the taxis told our driver what the price would  be.   

It's been a couple of years, but when we went to St. Marten, we went to the taxi stand and one of the drivers offered to be our personal driver for the day.  He took us all over the island, we stopped somewhere and fed iguanas, went to Orient Beach, went to Grand Case (picture below) and had lunch there.  Then we went to Marigot, and then to Maho Beach.  He then took us to some other little community and we picked up some souvenirs.   We just lucked into it, but it was one of the best excursions we've been on. 

4 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said: Another easy option is take water taxi that is at port pier over to great bay beach and you go to holland house for a nice lunch or rent one of their chairs and get some cocktails. Or taxi to orient beach. They are all nice.

Or, you can walk to Great Bay Beach (the one you can see from the ship) in 15 minutes or so.

3 hours ago, sjb317 said: We were in St Marten in September, a taxi to Orient Beach was $25 each way for the 2 of us.   There was no longer a sign listing prices, the man organizing the taxis told our driver what the price would  be.    Sherri 🙂

Orient Beach is further .. I was quoting my experience to Maho and back from a few years ago to give the poster an example. With the return of ships to St Maarten i'm assuming things with the taxi's will return to normal also very surprised the destination sign with prices wasn't up. I'll be there in March and will check it out. 

19 hours ago, broberts said: Orient Beach is iconic. For a first visit to St Martin it's an excellent choice. A long, curved, gently sloping white sand beach. Prior to the pandemic it had a number of restaurants/bars overlooking the beach. It is well known for a clothing optional section at one end. Easily avoided and out of site for those that prefer more titillating bikinis and speedos.

I wasn't the pandemic that effected the restaurants/bars (or Lolos), it was hurricane Irma that wiped them out.   They've slowly rebuilt a few of them and they look quite inviting from the videos and pictures I've viewed.

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Top 10 St. Maarten Excursions

• Best of Sightseeing, Shopping, & Beach ($64.99)
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• Round-trip transportation from your St. Maarten cruise ship terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• English-speaking certified St. Maarten shore excursion guides!
• Enjoy and shop on both sides of the island - French and Dutch!
• Complimentary refreshments - water, beers, Rum punch, and soft drinks! 
• Stop at Maho Beach and Orient Beach!
• Visit the best places to try local foods,  sample free Rhum and cheese, get great photo options, and much more! 

• V.I.P. treatment to make you feel like a celebrity (flower necklaces and red carpet)!
• Private round-trip transportation from your St. Maarten cruise ship terminal! 
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured private excursion transportation!
• English-speaking and certified private shore excursion guide!
• Complimentary refreshments - water, beers, Rum punch, and soft drinks!
• See the best highlights of the island and spend time at the most cultural stops!
• Try local foods,  sample free Rhum and cheese, get great photo options, and much more!

• English-speaking certified driver and guide!
• Complimentary refreshments are included!
• See the famous plane spotting at Maho Beach!
• Guests will have a combo day at both Orient Beach and Maho Beach!

• English-speaking certified guides!
• Enjoy both sides of the island - French and Dutch!
• Complimentary refreshments - water and soft drinks!
• Stop at Maho Beach for plane spotting!
• Option to a drop-off in downtown for shopping afterward!

• Round-trip transportation from outside your St. Maarten cruise ship terminal!
• Open-air, double-decker bus with panoramic 360 degrees view!
• English-speaking St. Maarten sightseeing shore excursion guides!
• Complimentary samples during the excursion!

• This Sonesta Maho Beach Day Pass is valid from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM!
• Access to the famous Maho Beach!
• Unlimited meals, snacks, and drinks at the following venues: Main buffet restaurant Ocean Terrace; The Palms Grill Restaurant and Bar; Napoli Pizzeria + Paninoteca; Maho Cafe and four bars (Oasis Pool Bar, Palm Grill Bar, Latitudes Lobby Bar during hours of operation).
• Use the large Oasis swimming pool with a swim-up pool bar, waterslides, and cascading waterfalls for adults!
• Use of the baby pool and kid's AQUA PARK with additional children's pool!
• Lounge chairs and umbrella service by the pool and beach (first come, first serve basis)!
• Access to restroom facilities!
• Scheduled daytime activities!
• Poolside showers to rinse off!
• Free Access to Casino Royal, the largest on the island!
• Wheelchair-accessible property!
• A towel per person is provided at check-in!
• Storage with the bellman at the Front Desk
• Free Wi-Fi in common areas (one device per person)!

• See famous jet landings and plane spotting!
• Free time to relax at Maho Beach!
• Complimentary refreshments during the ride - water, beers, Rum punch, and soft drinks! 
• Photo stop at Cole Bay Hill!

• This Sea View Beach Hotel Day Pass is valid from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM!
• Access to the beautiful beach in Saint. Maarten/Sint Martin!
• Access to changing room with showers!
• Meals, drinks, and snacks are available for purchase!
• Use of the outdoor pool!
• Lounge chairs (first come, first served) and poolside server for food and drinks (for purchase)!
• Towel service!
• Free Wi-Fi on the property!
• Complimentary self-parking service!

• Private cabana for up to 6 people!
• Smart TV, ceiling fan, sofa, and a private bathroom with shower!
• Complementary bottle of prosecco!
• Dedicated server!
• Access to the beautiful beach in St. Maarten/Sint Martin!

• Stand-up paddle boards, floating mats, and more!
• Snorkel set including varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and life jackets!
• English-speaking shore excursion guides!
• Light breakfast (coffee/tea/breakfast cakes/fruit)!
• Snacks (chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc.)!
• Open bar (soft drinks, beer, homemade rum, vodka & liquors)!
• Option to purchase other onboard services at extra charge (massages, Jet Ski, underwater scooter, Champagne, etc.)!
• WiFi on board the catamaran!
• Half- or Full-Day Charter excursion options are available!

• English-speaking, friendly crew!
• Sky Explorer chairlift rides up to the top of Sentry Hill!
• Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip line chair ride in the world!
• Schooner Ride specially designed dry inner tube ride down the mountain!
• Sentry Hill Zip Line!
• Panoramic views of St. Maarten and other islands like Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts, and Anguilla!
• Additional attractions: Rockland Estate Museum, Natural Trails, and scenic viewpoints!

• English-speaking certified ATV guides!
• ATVs with automatic transmission!
• Sightseeing of the Dutch and French side of the island: Great Bay, Cole Bay Hill, Simpson Lagoon, Maho Beach, Grand Case, Orient Bay, and many more!
• 1-hour beach break at Great Bay!
• One bottled water and soft drink per person!
• Photo stops along the route!
• Pre-arranged, low-cost, round-trip transportation shuttle onsite!

• 5 hrs on a comfortable 52ft catamaran sailboat!
• Caribbean lunch (chicken with rice, salad, french, and bread)!
• Open Bar (soft drinks, bottled water, beer, rum punch, juices, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, and mixers)!
• Infamous "Tarzan" swing, flotation noodles, and paddle board!
• Snorkel set including Varied sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and life jackets!

• Sky Explorer chairlift ride to the top of Sentry Hill!
• Amazing ride on the Flying Dutchman!
• Additional attractions: Rockland Estate Museum, Emilio's Restaurant, and nature trails and viewpoints!

• Schooner Ride specially designed dry land inner tube ride down the mountain!
• Panoramic views of St. Maarten and other islands such as Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts, and Anguilla!

• Round-trip transportation from your St. Maarten / Sint Martin cruise ship terminal!
• Maho Beach Break (approx 3 hours)!
• Guava berry rum punch shot in the car ride!

• 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!

• English-speaking certified Jeep guides!
• Jeeps with automatic transmission and A/C!
• Sightseeing of Dutch and French side of the island: Great Bay, Cole Bay Hill, Simpson Lagoon, Maho Beach, Grand Case, Orient Bay, and many more!

• Sentry Hill Zip Line Ride!
• Panoramic views of St. Maarten and other islands like Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts, and Anguilla!
• Additional attractions: Rockland Estate Museum, Emilio's Restaurant, and nature trails and viewpoints!

• 5 hrs on your private 54ft sailboat for the day!
• English-speaking crew and captain!
• Caribbean lunch (chicken with rice, salad, french bread, and fruit)!
• Open Bar (soft drinks, bottled water, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, and mixers)!
• Quality snorkel gear, flotation noodles, paddle board, rope swing, and life jackets!

• Round-trip powerboat ride, on board a comfortable boat with a capacity of 10 - 24 guests!
• English-speaking and certified local St. Maarten snorkel cruise excursion guides!
• Three snorkel adventure sites: Tintamarre Island, Pinel Island, and Creole Rock!
• Snorkel set including Varied sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and flotation device!
• Cruise along Simpson Bay!
• 1-hour beach break at Long Beach!
• Stop at Maho beach to see the plane landing or taking off!
• Full lunch in Grand Case!
• Open bar on the boat!

• Guided Harley Davidson motorcycle excursion around the island!
• Experienced and English-speaking St. Maarten Harley Motorcycle Excursion guides and staff!
• Double riders same price as single riders, the price is per motorcycle for more flexibility!
• Optional stops for lunch, famous Iguana Farm, beach, and more!
• Several Harley Davidson models to choose from!

• PADI-certified beginner SCUBA dive master and instructors!
• English, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, and French-speaking PADI-certified divemasters and instructors!
• All necessary diving equipment is included!
• No SCUBA diving experience is necessary!

• English, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and French-speaking PADI-certified divemasters and instructors!
• For certified scuba divers only!
• Beach club facilities are included after your dive!
• Small diving groups!

• Guided Buggy Excursion around St. Maarten and Saint Martin Island!
• Automatic transmission Polaris Buggies, 4-seater available!
• Sightseeing and stops at the best island highlights!
• Optional stops at famous Iguana Farm!
• Optional beach break at Mullet Bay!
• Child buggy seats available, for whole family fun!

• Convenient parasailing location at Orient Bay Beach!
• Jet ski ride from the beach out to the parasailing boat and back to the beach!
• English-speaking and certified parasailing shore excursion staff!
• All safety instructions and necessary gear are provided!
• Access to Orient beach facilities including restrooms, lounge chairs, and others!
• Single or Double parasail flights are available!

• Round trip transportation from your Philipsburg St. Maarten cruise ship terminal!
• English speaking excursion guide for the entire excursion!
• Comfortable high-speed ferry boat ride to Anguilla!
• Round trip transfer on Anguilla from Blow Point ferry pier to Shoal Bay Beach!
• Free time at Shoal Bay Beach!
• Use of beach chair and umbrella, access to restrooms and changing rooms!
• Delicious BBQ Lunch and one drink per person (soft drink, rum punch or water)!

• Bilingual, English and Spanish, speaking excursion guide for the walk!
• Learn about the history of St. Maarten!
• Slow-paced, sightseeing and highlights walk off the beaten path of Philipsburg Boardwalk!
• Rum tasting at the smallest bar in the world, Juggie's Place!
• Sample guava berry rum at Guavaberry Emporium!
• Visit the Dutch cheese shop for samples!
• Educational stop at the museum!
• Browsing and shopping along the way!

• Air-conditioned, fully licensed and insured transportation!
• Facilities available at Grand Case Beach!
• Enjoy a perfect beach day excursion in paradise!
• Local eateries and gourmet restaurants (at your own expense)!

• Jet ski at one of the best beaches in St. Maarten - Orient Bay!
• Fully insured reserved Yamaha VX110 jet ski!
• All instructions and safety equipment are provided!
• Access to Orient beach facilities including restrooms, lounge chairs, and more!

• Round-trip boat transportation from the boat dock in St. Maarten!
• Comfortable powerboats with a capacity for 10-22 guests!
• Guided snorkeling at Creole Rock French National Marine Park!
• Cruise along Simpson Bay, Happy Bay, Marigot, Baie Rouge, and Plum Bay!
• Stop off at Maho beach to see planes landing or taking off!
• Snorkel set including Varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and vest!
• Open bar including juice and rum punch!
• Light snacks such as crackers, chips, fruit, etc. Varies daily!

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Discover St. Maarten

• Don't miss out on the beauty of St. Maarten with unmissable sites like Paradise View, Maho Beach, and Coralita Bay
• Enjoy comfortable travel with air-conditioned transportation, complimentary beverages, and onboard WiFi
• Explore bustling Marigot's open-air bazaars, and dine in the Grand Case, the Caribbean's cuisine capital
• Feel the thrill of jets flying just a few feet overhead at Maho Beach, a unique experience that makes this tour a can't-miss opportunity.
• Stop in downtown Philipsburg in Simpson Bay

Escape the bustling tourist routes and embark on an exclusive adventure through the enchanting landscapes of Saint Martin/St. Maarten with our intimate small tour van. Begin your exploration with a serene early morning drive along the tranquil shores of the Great Salt Pond, setting the tone for an immersive journey ahead.

As the day unfolds, discover the hidden gems of the island at Coralita Bay, where sweeping vistas of a pristine natural reserve and the neighboring French island of St. Barth's await your admiration. Continue your odyssey to Iguana Haven, where you'll encounter these remarkable creatures in their native habitats, and perhaps even have the chance to feed one alongside our knowledgeable guides.

Traverse the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, the largest village on St. Martin, before indulging your senses in the culinary delights of Grand Case, renowned as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Ascend the historic Fort Louis in Marigot, a testament to the island's rich colonial heritage, and soak in panoramic views that stretch across the azure waters.

Experience the unique sensation of standing at the crossroads of two nations at the French & Dutch border, capturing a memorable photograph as you straddle the divide. Then, venture to Maho Beach, where the roar of jet engines and the sight of aircraft soaring overhead provide an exhilarating spectacle.

Conclude your day with a leisurely stop atop Cole Bay Hill, where refreshing Caribbean breezes invite you to savor the moment and reflect on the day's adventures. Remember to pack your essentials – sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and camera – as you prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey through the sweet sights of St. Maarten and beyond. Book your excursion today and discover the true essence of island life in Saint Martin/St. Maarten.

3 common mistakes first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers make

I f you’ve booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time, or you are considering taking your first cruise, it’s okay not to completely know what to expect. Just like when you take your first trip to Walt Disney World or fly to a foreign country for the first time, you’re not going to get everything right immediately.

For example, you might not know the best way to avoid crowds at lunch on embarkation day, or the best time to head to the gangway when you get to your first port. And that’s okay.

Related: After 42 Royal Caribbean cruises, I still make 1 huge mistake

Having said that, there are some mistakes that first-timers make that are not only fairly easy to avoid but can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your cruise. Here are three in particular that you should be aware of before sailing for the first time.

1. Not planning ahead

One of the worst mistakes I made the first time I took my family on a cruise was failing to plan ahead. And I don’t just mean booking the cruise itself well in advance, I mean staying on top of things in the months prior to your sailing date. Just to name a few examples:

Checking in online as soon as possible can make a big difference, and Royal Caribbean lets you do this up to 45 days prior to sailing. The biggest reason is that when you check in, you get to select your boarding time – and the earlier slots fill up fast. By checking in as soon as you can, you can select an early slot and add a few hours to your vacation.

Dining reservations at specialty restaurants during prime dinner hours tend to book far in advance, plus you can save money by purchasing before your cruise. The same goes for many shore excursions. Don’t count on your top choices still being available when you board the ship.

If you’re sailing on an Oasis-class or Icon-class ship, you can book show reservations in advance. Shows at the Aquatheater, the ice show, and the Broadway-style musicals tend to fill up quickly. And while there is a standby line before the show, there’s no guarantee you’ll get in without a reservation.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

2. Overpacking clothes and underpacking other essentials

The first cruise we took as a family was an 8-night Caribbean sailing over Christmas week. But judging by our luggage, you might have thought we were moving in for a cruise around the world.

One thing I learned very quickly is that you won’t need nearly as many clothes as you think. After that first cruise, literally three-fourths of the clothes we brought remained clean and folded when we brought them home.

Unless you’re cruising to Alaska or somewhere else cold, you’ll end up spending lots of time in bathing suits and flip-flops, and not nearly as much time as you think in clothes you might normally wear at home. Now, I pack one full outfit for each day of the cruise, a few bathing suits and sun shirts, and one “nice” outfit for formal night. My wife and kids do the same.

More Royal Caribbean

• Royal Caribbean rolls the dice on new late-night dining option
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• Royal Caribbean shares a bold statement on cruise pricing

On the other hand, it’s a common mistake to not over-prepare with things like over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, feminine products, and other items you might need. 

If you’ve only taken land-based vacations, you might be used to being able to simply run to the nearest Walgreens or CVS if you forget something, but you don’t have that luxury on a ship. Most Royal Caribbean ships have a modest selection of these items available but don’t count on being able to find everything.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

3. Not researching ports

As a final thought, it’s important to know where your cruise is going and what you’re going to do when you get there.

I don’t just mean knowing the names of the destinations. It’s important to know things like whether it’s safe to wander around outside of the port area (not the case in places like Jamaica), if there are public beaches, and more.

It’s also important to have a plan – especially if you’re traveling with kids. On our first cruise, we stopped at St. Maarten. It’s a beautiful island, so we figured we’d just find a beach and spend the day. 

ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise

Not only is that easier said than done, but we happened to arrive on a rainy morning. We scrambled to find something to do and ended up splitting the cost of a sightseeing van with another family. But it wasn’t ideal, and booking an excursion in advance would have resulted in a far more pleasant (and less stressful) day.

The bottom line is that all three of these things require a bit of effort on your part before you sail. But by taking these extra steps to prepare, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and more enjoyable vacation.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.

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• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

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