Port Adventure: Golden Eagle Catamaran Sail
(62 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...
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 place that automatically brings thoughts of Cinderella’s Castle with fireworks exploding above.
I’ve spent a large amount of time learning about the many resort hotels, the restaurants, the recreation, and of course the parks themselves. Especially since they are all constantly changing! Disney is known for creating memories and making dreams come true. The memories those trips have created will be with me forever.
Minnesota is my home and I’ve enjoyed helping plan Disney vacations for families here in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul since I started in this business over 30 years ago. Over the years that has expanded to include families all over the United States.
A Walt Disney World vacation is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Are you traveling with a large multi-generational group with an age range of 5 to 75? Are you traveling with friends and looking for an “Adult Disney” experience? Are you a family of four, taking your children to Walt Disney World for the first time?
For first timers, it’s my job to help you to navigate through the overwhelming amount of information that can be found on the internet. Your friends and relatives have all sorts of advice for you based on their own vacations. But this isn’t their vacation, it’s yours! I can simplify the entire process by narrowing down the Walt Disney World vacation that’s best for your family based on your budget as well as the desires of your family to create magical memories.
For the beloved “Disneyphiles” like me who return to the various Disney Destinations again and again, I can help your next trip be unique from those of years past. Backstage tours, signature dining, a new resort experience, and recreation opportunities will make each trip extraordinary. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach await you in sunny Florida.
I would consider it an honor to help you build the path towards making the Disney dreams come true for you and your family.
Can Be Reached At
1-952-432-6272
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.