RiveraCruise

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

Thank you all for your replies... this RC blog community is pretty awesome.
Here is my update from my original post this morning:
Well, it's amazing to me that after 4 calls TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN to ask them if SotS was going to be the only ship at Coco Cay on the 4/22, the truthful answers were given to me by THIS blog community.  Thank you. 
ALL 4 calls to RC, I was given the answer that YES, SotS was the only ship on Coco Cay on the 22nd of April.  This also led them to tell me that I could wait to purchase my Thrill Waterpark tickets during the cruise or the day-of disembarking at Coco Cay.  This morning, the website showed they were SOLD OUT.  Which led to another call to RC.  After a lengthy call (1hr, 40min) a truthful answer, that Odyssey was also going to be there was given to us.  Nevertheless, a solution may have been reached.
Like many of you, we have been waiting for this cruise for 2 years.  It is a shame (but pretty amazing at the same time) that in order to get the TRUE answers to our RC questions, we had to rely on this blog community because RC themselves did not have a clue.  Thank you all for your support and your comments.  A big shout-out also goes out to the amazing two ladies that helped us out on this 5th and hopefully final call to RC.

There is a scam in St. Maarten that I want everyone to know about... first a short background story.
We are a family of 4... with a teenage girl and a teenage boy.
We have been to St. Maarten in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2022.  Each year we have hired a local named Leo Brown to be our driver / tour guide. In the five years we have known Leo Brown he has become more of a family member than just a friend.
Every year, we end up at Maho beach to watch the planes land at the airport (if you don't know what I'm talking about, you haven't been to Maho beach).  Likewise, every year we end up having lunch at SUNSET BAR & RESTAURANT at the end of the beach.  This year (April 2022) my son was interested in getting his hair (about 7 inches long) braided by beach vendors.  These vendors are NOT associated with the restaurant and there is a sign stating this.  I followed my son towards the beach where a Jamaican lady asks us if we would like his hair braided.  My son says "yes", and we proceed to a chair where he sits down and, once he is looked at by the lady, I ask her "How much will it cost?"  Her answer is "Seventy ($70) dollars for the top and additional for the bottom".  I reply with "OK, let's start with the top and I will let you know about the bottom when the top is done."  She starts braiding.  Two... yes, you read that correctly... TWO hours later she finishes the top and asked me if she should continue to do the bottom.  Because of time, I said, "No.  We are good."  I follow it with, "How much to I owe you?"  She says, "Fifty-nine braids at five dollars a braid is THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS."  Again, you read that correctly... THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS.
I reply with "you said it would be $70!!!"  She repeats her $300 statement.  I stand up and walk to the restaurant to get my two nuclear bombs... my wife and Leo Brown.  I get to the table and tell them that the lady wants to charge me $300 for something she said would cost $70 (which is still too much but something I had agreed to).  Before I am done telling them, Leo Brown, followed by my wife, are heading to the beach.  As Leo Brown is asking the lady how she is capable of scamming us, my wife is telling her to take ALL the braids out.  The lady replies with, "OK, I will just taker the $70."  My wife replies with, "You either take them all out or I will... but you're not getting a penny from us."  Mama Bear and Leo Brown were phenomenal.  Other than our time spent sitting on the beach getting my son's hair braided, we lost nothing.  After another 30 minutes, the lady finally finished removing all the braids and walked away saying, "Have a nice day. Enjoy my 70 dollars."   My reply was, "We will.  And I will give an extra $70 to Leo Brown."
In the five years we have known Leo Brown, we have never seen him this upset.  He was upset because he is a proud local from Sint Maarten and does not want any tourist (the number ONE revenue source for the island) to get scammed by anyone... locals or non-locals.
I am sure the lady said it would be $300 because this scam has worked before. 
Tourists beware. My advice is not to get your hair braided at Maho beach.  However, if you want to, please make sure you have the INITAL conversation when the lady tells you the price ON VIDEO.  This way, when she changes the price at the end (and she will), you can show them the video of your agreement.
Best of luck with your future trip.
 

There is a scam in St. Maarten that I want everyone to know about... first a short background story.
We are a family of 4... with a teenage girl and a teenage boy.
We have been to St. Maarten in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2022.  Each year we have hired a local named Leo Brown to be our driver / tour guide. In the five years we have known Leo Brown he has become more of a family member than just a friend.
Every year, we end up at Maho beach to watch the planes land at the airport (if you don't know what I'm talking about, you haven't been to Maho beach).  Likewise, every year we end up having lunch at SUNSET BAR & RESTAURANT at the end of the beach.  This year (April 2022) my son was interested in getting his hair (about 7 inches long) braided by beach vendors.  These vendors are NOT associated with the restaurant and there is a sign stating this.  I followed my son towards the beach where a Jamaican lady asks us if we would like his hair braided.  My son says "yes", and we proceed to a chair where he sits down and, once he is looked at by the lady, I ask her "How much will it cost?"  Her answer is "Seventy ($70) dollars for the top and additional for the bottom".  I reply with "OK, let's start with the top and I will let you know about the bottom when the top is done."  She starts braiding.  Two... yes, you read that correctly... TWO hours later she finishes the top and asked me if she should continue to do the bottom.  Because of time, I said, "No.  We are good."  I follow it with, "How much to I owe you?"  She says, "Fifty-nine braids at five dollars a braid is THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS."  Again, you read that correctly... THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS.
I reply with "you said it would be $70!!!"  She repeats her $300 statement.  I stand up and walk to the restaurant to get my two nuclear bombs... my wife and Leo Brown.  I get to the table and tell them that the lady wants to charge me $300 for something she said would cost $70 (which is still too much but something I had agreed to).  Before I am done telling them, Leo Brown, followed by my wife, are heading to the beach.  As Leo Brown is asking the lady how she is capable of scamming us, my wife is telling her to take ALL the braids out.  The lady replies with, "OK, I will just taker the $70."  My wife replies with, "You either take them all out or I will... but you're not getting a penny from us."  Mama Bear and Leo Brown were phenomenal.  Other than our time spent sitting on the beach getting my son's hair braided, we lost nothing.  After another 30 minutes, the lady finally finished removing all the braids and walked away saying, "Have a nice day. Enjoy my 70 dollars."   My reply was, "We will.  And I will give an extra $70 to Leo Brown."
In the five years we have known Leo Brown, we have never seen him this upset.  He was upset because he is a proud local from Sint Maarten and does not want any tourist (the number ONE revenue source for the island) to get scammed by anyone... locals or non-locals.
I am sure the lady said it would be $300 because this scam has worked before. 
Tourists beware. My advice is not to get your hair braided at Maho beach.  However, if you want to, please make sure you have the INITAL conversation when the lady tells you the price ON VIDEO.  This way, when she changes the price at the end (and she will), you can show them the video of your agreement.
Best of luck with your future trip.
 

There is a scam in St. Maarten that I want everyone to know about... first a short background story.
We are a family of 4... with a teenage girl and a teenage boy.
We have been to St. Maarten in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2022.  Each year we have hired a local named Leo Brown to be our driver / tour guide. In the five years we have known Leo Brown he has become more of a family member than just a friend.
Every year, we end up at Maho beach to watch the planes land at the airport (if you don't know what I'm talking about, you haven't been to Maho beach).  Likewise, every year we end up having lunch at SUNSET BAR & RESTAURANT at the end of the beach.  This year (April 2022) my son was interested in getting his hair (about 7 inches long) braided by beach vendors.  These vendors are NOT associated with the restaurant and there is a sign stating this.  I followed my son towards the beach where a Jamaican lady asks us if we would like his hair braided.  My son says "yes", and we proceed to a chair where he sits down and, once he is looked at by the lady, I ask her "How much will it cost?"  Her answer is "Seventy ($70) dollars for the top and additional for the bottom".  I reply with "OK, let's start with the top and I will let you know about the bottom when the top is done."  She starts braiding.  Two... yes, you read that correctly... TWO hours later she finishes the top and asked me if she should continue to do the bottom.  Because of time, I said, "No.  We are good."  I follow it with, "How much to I owe you?"  She says, "Fifty-nine braids at five dollars a braid is THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS."  Again, you read that correctly... THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS.
I reply with "you said it would be $70!!!"  She repeats her $300 statement.  I stand up and walk to the restaurant to get my two nuclear bombs... my wife and Leo Brown.  I get to the table and tell them that the lady wants to charge me $300 for something she said would cost $70 (which is still too much but something I had agreed to).  Before I am done telling them, Leo Brown, followed by my wife, are heading to the beach.  As Leo Brown is asking the lady how she is capable of scamming us, my wife is telling her to take ALL the braids out.  The lady replies with, "OK, I will just taker the $70."  My wife replies with, "You either take them all out or I will... but you're not getting a penny from us."  Mama Bear and Leo Brown were phenomenal.  Other than our time spent sitting on the beach getting my son's hair braided, we lost nothing.  After another 30 minutes, the lady finally finished removing all the braids and walked away saying, "Have a nice day. Enjoy my 70 dollars."   My reply was, "We will.  And I will give an extra $70 to Leo Brown."
In the five years we have known Leo Brown, we have never seen him this upset.  He was upset because he is a proud local from Sint Maarten and does not want any tourist (the number ONE revenue source for the island) to get scammed by anyone... locals or non-locals.
I am sure the lady said it would be $300 because this scam has worked before. 
Tourists beware. My advice is not to get your hair braided at Maho beach.  However, if you want to, please make sure you have the INITAL conversation when the lady tells you the price ON VIDEO.  This way, when she changes the price at the end (and she will), you can show them the video of your agreement.
Best of luck with your future trip.
 

I hear you.
 
Question to Forum:
If tickets are purchased for Coco Cay and then, 2-3 days prior to arriving at the island, we decide we don't want or can't have these tickets anymore. can we go to the on-board service desk and ask for a refund or credit for other on-board purchases... like CHOPS or WONDERLAND, or INTERNET or SPA... ?

Same here.  It's like dangling a carrot in front on them when they see the slides but then, the wait is a total turn-off.  

sweet.  Thanks.

Yes. You can cancel a booked shore excursion as long as it is 24 hours prior to the port stop. It will be refunded as refundable OBC that will be used to offset any charges to your onboard account. If you don't use it all then it will be refunded back to the card that you put on your account at check-in.

Thank you for your speedy reply.  After a little more research, I saw this on the RC website.  Thanks again.
 

We (family of 4) are getting ready for our cruise the week of 4/16.  Day 7 is a stop at Coco Cay.  Went to RC website to purchase Thrill Waterpark tickets.  It  says they are  SOLD OUT.   I (husband and father), am in deep doo-doo.  Has anyone ever experienced this BUT have been able to purchase either later online or onboard?   As of two weeks ago, RC said that we are the only ship at Coco Cay that day and ship is 75% at capacity.  Not sure I believe they are sold out.  Please HELP!

Thank you all for your replies... this RC blog community is pretty awesome.
Here is my update from my original post this morning:
Well, it's amazing to me that after 4 calls TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN to ask them if SotS was going to be the only ship at Coco Cay on the 4/22, the truthful answers were given to me by THIS blog community.  Thank you. 
ALL 4 calls to RC, I was given the answer that YES, SotS was the only ship on Coco Cay on the 22nd of April.  This also led them to tell me that I could wait to purchase my Thrill Waterpark tickets during the cruise or the day-of disembarking at Coco Cay.  This morning, the website showed they were SOLD OUT.  Which led to another call to RC.  After a lengthy call (1hr, 40min) a truthful answer, that Odyssey was also going to be there was given to us.  Nevertheless, a solution may have been reached.
Like many of you, we have been waiting for this cruise for 2 years.  It is a shame (but pretty amazing at the same time) that in order to get the TRUE answers to our RC questions, we had to rely on this blog community because RC themselves did not have a clue.  Thank you all for your support and your comments.  A big shout-out also goes out to the amazing two ladies that helped us out on this 5th and hopefully final call to RC.

Thank you all for your replies... this RC blog community is pretty awesome.
Here is my update from my original post this morning:
Well, it's amazing to me that after 4 calls TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN to ask them if SotS was going to be the only ship at Coco Cay on the 4/22, the truthful answers were given to me by THIS blog community.  Thank you. 
ALL 4 calls to RC, I was given the answer that YES, SotS was the only ship on Coco Cay on the 22nd of April.  This also led them to tell me that I could wait to purchase my Thrill Waterpark tickets during the cruise or the day-of disembarking at Coco Cay.  This morning, the website showed they were SOLD OUT.  Which led to another call to RC.  After a lengthy call (1hr, 40min) a truthful answer, that Odyssey was also going to be there was given to us.  Nevertheless, a solution may have been reached.
Like many of you, we have been waiting for this cruise for 2 years.  It is a shame (but pretty amazing at the same time) that in order to get the TRUE answers to our RC questions, we had to rely on this blog community because RC themselves did not have a clue.  Thank you all for your support and your comments.  A big shout-out also goes out to the amazing two ladies that helped us out on this 5th and hopefully final call to RC.

Thank you all for your replies... this RC blog community is pretty awesome.
Here is my update from my original post this morning:
Well, it's amazing to me that after 4 calls TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN to ask them if SotS was going to be the only ship at Coco Cay on the 4/22, the truthful answers were given to me by THIS blog community.  Thank you. 
ALL 4 calls to RC, I was given the answer that YES, SotS was the only ship on Coco Cay on the 22nd of April.  This also led them to tell me that I could wait to purchase my Thrill Waterpark tickets during the cruise or the day-of disembarking at Coco Cay.  This morning, the website showed they were SOLD OUT.  Which led to another call to RC.  After a lengthy call (1hr, 40min) a truthful answer, that Odyssey was also going to be there was given to us.  Nevertheless, a solution may have been reached.
Like many of you, we have been waiting for this cruise for 2 years.  It is a shame (but pretty amazing at the same time) that in order to get the TRUE answers to our RC questions, we had to rely on this blog community because RC themselves did not have a clue.  Thank you all for your support and your comments.  A big shout-out also goes out to the amazing two ladies that helped us out on this 5th and hopefully final call to RC.

Thank you all for your replies... this RC blog community is pretty awesome.
Here is my update from my original post this morning:
Well, it's amazing to me that after 4 calls TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN to ask them if SotS was going to be the only ship at Coco Cay on the 4/22, the truthful answers were given to me by THIS blog community.  Thank you. 
ALL 4 calls to RC, I was given the answer that YES, SotS was the only ship on Coco Cay on the 22nd of April.  This also led them to tell me that I could wait to purchase my Thrill Waterpark tickets during the cruise or the day-of disembarking at Coco Cay.  This morning, the website showed they were SOLD OUT.  Which led to another call to RC.  After a lengthy call (1hr, 40min) a truthful answer, that Odyssey was also going to be there was given to us.  Nevertheless, a solution may have been reached.
Like many of you, we have been waiting for this cruise for 2 years.  It is a shame (but pretty amazing at the same time) that in order to get the TRUE answers to our RC questions, we had to rely on this blog community because RC themselves did not have a clue.  Thank you all for your support and your comments.  A big shout-out also goes out to the amazing two ladies that helped us out on this 5th and hopefully final call to RC.

@RiveraCruise stay on top of it. As the sailing gets closer things tend to open up. I do not know if they hold things back but they allocate so many for sale. Hopefully someone here can offer if they open up additional slots upon arrival. Don't lose all hope yet, I have my fingers crossed for you! Are there any water park cabanas? A little pricey but they come with 6 water park tickets, good luck sending positive energy. 
FYI the towels, the cooler of water, the server for the cabana...just not playing the towel game alone, having a designated home base the cabana holds value for a large group.
 

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.

April  24, 2019
A week ago we (a family of four) were fortunate enough to visit Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) for a third straight year.  And for a third straight year, we hired Leo Brown to be our private driver.  Three years ago, we looked into booking a tour through the ship's excursion office.  Now, there's nothing wrong with booking an excursion through RC but we wanted more.  What we got was a lot more.
We decided to research a few months before on how to hire a private driver.  We found  Leo Brown on the internet.  He was recommended by previous travelers.  We called him up and hired him for the day.  The idea was that we would pay him the same amount that RC was going to charge us for their excursion. However, hiring Leo Brown has more benefits:
a)  You are helping the economy directly.  All money you spend is going into local's pockets. Booking an excursion means that RC gets a percentage.
b)  More time on the island.  The RC excursion will bring you back to the ship hours before it's set to sail.  With a private driver, you get more time on the island for the same amount of money.
c) You choose where you want to go.  If the kid's wanted to go snorkeling, Leo Brown would take us to a great beach... if the kid's wanted big waves, Leo Brown would take us to another beach... when we got hungry, Leo Brown took us to the French side for delicious food cooked in a local and authentic island restaurant... Want amazing views for the family picture?, Leo Brown will drive you to one of the highest parts on the island so you can take that picture. 
d) Leo Brown is proud.  The first time we met Leo Brown, he drove us around the entire island (Dutch and French side).  He is a proud lifelong resident of Sint Maarten and it shows.  Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about the island through Leo.
e) If you hire Leo Brown, you are it.  No mini-bus filled with other passengers going to the same place where you will then have to wait in line and keep your eyes on the time in order to get back in line to board the mini-bus and get shuttled back to the ship. With Leo Brown, you are on "YOUR TIME".  You tell Leo Brown what time the ship leaves, and he will have you back.
Like I said before, this is our third straight year visiting Sint Maarten and hiring Leo Brown.  Unfortunately, our plans for next year do not take us back to this wonderful island.  However, if you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) via cruise ship or flying in, we HIGHLY recommend hiring Leo Brown.
Leo Brown: (721) 553-4290
note:  if you arrive by cruise ship, you will need to walk out of the cruise pier area to meet Leo Brown.  There is a taxi area inside the pier terminal but Leo will be waiting just outside.  You will see many passengers exiting here because it is a short distance to the town area.
 
The attached picture is Leo Brown and his wonderful wife and daughter along with myself and my two kids.