Traveltalkonline.com Forums

Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,428
Posts310,026
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 114
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
Southshore
Southshore
Mississauga, ON, Canada
Posts: 865
Joined: January 2004
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
29 registered members (Kennys, Fran, cabokid, SteveH, ChiTownHarry, lcote, eightzerobits, Leagle49, fabila, MKGrey, timnboston, jenniboston, deputydog1157, Jaybird, KC2SXM, steve74, Zanshin, Tom, boucharda, Jc1925, tradewinds, Beansbbq, road3682, 6 invisible), 943 guests, and 80 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
When was Your First Time? #62360
07/18/2015 08:08 PM
07/18/2015 08:08 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 352
Pittsburgh, PA
gotaluvit Offline OP
Traveler
gotaluvit  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 352
Pittsburgh, PA
I mean in SXM... Our was 1997, 2 years after Luis. Why did you come?

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62361
07/18/2015 08:14 PM
07/18/2015 08:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
1999. We fell in love with it after 5 cruise stops.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: SXMScubaman] #62362
07/18/2015 08:39 PM
07/18/2015 08:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
Cathyg Offline
Traveler
Cathyg  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
october 1999...we arrived and hurricane jose came ....22 inches of rain in 2 days...2 people died in mud slides.
We came back the following April.


[Linked Image]
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62363
07/18/2015 08:40 PM
07/18/2015 08:40 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Our 'first' time was November, 1973 and it's been an annual event ever since. There really are some habits you don't want to break and this would be one of them..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: pat] #62364
07/18/2015 09:16 PM
07/18/2015 09:16 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
Traveler
kim  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
1983, dragged by my parents, my sister and I wanted to go to Disney or Wildwood for spring break!!! wink

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: kim] #62365
07/18/2015 09:17 PM
07/18/2015 09:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
Traveler
EdB  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
1991 or 1992. cant remember which one it is.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: EdB] #62366
07/18/2015 10:31 PM
07/18/2015 10:31 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 802
North Carolina
OhDrinkBoy Offline
Traveler
OhDrinkBoy  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 802
North Carolina
1996, bareboated. was looking for a change from the bvi.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62367
07/18/2015 10:32 PM
07/18/2015 10:32 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 76
Long Island, New York
J
Joanne1224 Offline
Traveler
Joanne1224  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 76
Long Island, New York
In 1980 we spent 8 days in St. Maarten and one day on Saba on our honeymoon. We returned in 2007 and purchased a time share and come every year since. This year we will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary and we will be coming down the end of August!!! We love St. Maarten!

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62368
07/18/2015 11:17 PM
07/18/2015 11:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
1985, having chosen the island at random for our honeymoon. We haven't been back every year - I think our upcoming trip will be our 21st.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: Biturbo] #62369
07/18/2015 11:41 PM
07/18/2015 11:41 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Albany, New York
W
WWII Online content
Traveler
WWII  Online Content
Traveler
W
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Albany, New York
1985. Stayed at the Summit. Returned in 1995, bought into The Towers.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62370
07/19/2015 12:05 AM
07/19/2015 12:05 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
1991 on a cruise. Went back in 1994 and stayed at Divi. Many return trips since and more planned.


J.D.
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62371
07/19/2015 12:20 AM
07/19/2015 12:20 AM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
T
thesimpsons Offline
Traveler
thesimpsons  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
1981 on a cruise, stayed on island for the first time in 1991.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62372
07/19/2015 12:57 AM
07/19/2015 12:57 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 779
RI
she314 Offline
Traveler
she314  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 779
RI
Pretty sure my first trip was in March '94, and I haven't missed a March trip since.

My Dad was the guest of friends who owned at Royal Islander La Plage, and he ended up buying three weeks there (8-10). My sister and I bunked in his unit for few years, we rented a unit for several more, and we grabbed our own two weeks at RILP in 2012.

We have no desire to go to another island. SXM has everything we need to decompress after a lonnnng Winter, and we're good to go once we unpack. Easy peasy. So nice getting caught up with the "March Gang" year after year - definitely a big draw for us <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62373
07/19/2015 05:57 AM
07/19/2015 05:57 AM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
SANFILIP Offline
Traveler
SANFILIP  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
1983, stayed at Little Bay, just had met my wife, our first trip together.


[Linked Image]
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: SANFILIP] #62374
07/19/2015 06:02 AM
07/19/2015 06:02 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
Traveler
RonDon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
1979 Honeymoon Great Bay Hotel. Skipped a year went to Aruba and decided SXM was "our" place and have come back almost every year (missed last one.)

Can't wait for this March one week Divi Little Bay, one Grand Case Beach Club.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62375
07/19/2015 07:07 AM
07/19/2015 07:07 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Online content
Traveler
Tom  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Won a trip from Xerox in mid 80's. Stayed at Dawn Beach. Have gone every year since. Bought TS at Belair a few years later (I wanted to buy @ Dawn Beach, wife liked Belair). Belair survived Luis/ Dawn Beach didn't. SXM has been annual family vacation for us.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: Tom] #62376
07/19/2015 07:26 AM
07/19/2015 07:26 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,004
sebastian florida
silverfox82 Offline
Traveler
silverfox82  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,004
sebastian florida
Feb, 1978. Eastern airlines had a deal for $300 where you could fly anywhere in their system for a month. I did SXM for a week, Antigua for a week, and the keys via MIA for a 3rd week than back home to JFK. I've been to around 30 island in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda in my time but SXM is still my fav!

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: silverfox82] #62377
07/19/2015 07:46 AM
07/19/2015 07:46 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 464
Tellico Village, TN
jrr1148 Offline
Traveler
jrr1148  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 464
Tellico Village, TN
February of 1984 - a Winter vacation on an AA 4 day, 3 nite package. Our ground accomodations were at Cupacoy in the units across the road. We were given a studio lockout unit, but found that the lockout wasn't locked - so had use of the entire unit. Bought a timeshare at Pelican (Simpson Bay) and have returned almost every year since and still love it.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62378
07/19/2015 08:31 AM
07/19/2015 08:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 406
Near Chicago
LovesSXM Offline
Traveler
LovesSXM  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 406
Near Chicago
We visited off a cruise ship in 1999 after hurricane Lenny. After a visit to Grand Lido Braco in 2000, we returned to SXM in 2001. We love the combination of beach and food and have returned yearly since. We've gotten to know some awesome people over the years. This year will be our 15th visit and hope to continue our habit.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: jrr1148] #62379
07/19/2015 08:32 AM
07/19/2015 08:32 AM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 79
South Carolina
beachbum1313 Offline
Traveler
beachbum1313  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 79
South Carolina
1999 on a cruise stop was our first time there. I had researched what I wanted to do, so we grabbed a taxi and spent a beach day in front of one of the beach bars that was in the recent demolition. We did 8 more cruise stops here before finally coming for a weeks stay in 2008. We have been coming every year since. This year we will be staying 15 nights celebrating 40 years of marriage.


Wayne & Lynne

Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: beachbum1313] #62380
07/19/2015 08:46 AM
07/19/2015 08:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 389
East Haven, CT
Wingman Offline
Traveler
Wingman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 389
East Haven, CT
1973 and have been every year since. Started at Mullet Bay until it was destroyed. Stay at BSV since. Twice a year now.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: Wingman] #62381
07/19/2015 08:49 AM
07/19/2015 08:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 973
Jersey City, NJ, North of SXM
mscottc Offline
Traveler
mscottc  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 973
Jersey City, NJ, North of SXM
1985 with my first wife. Returned in 2005 with my second wife, and been there every year since.


[Linked Image]
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62382
07/19/2015 09:04 AM
07/19/2015 09:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Our first time to the island was on the Carnival Celebration. I think it was 87. We shopped all day and never left Front Street! My how things have changed for us--I never go downtown now! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

After many more cruise stops in SXM and other places, our first time staying on the island was February 95, stayed at Green Cay Villas. Seven months later, Luis came along. We visited next in February 96, stayed at L'Hoste. Club O was still in tatters...


Carol Hill
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: mscottc] #62383
07/19/2015 09:07 AM
07/19/2015 09:07 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
I had to do a little math to figure it out, but I think it was in 2004. We went in February to celebrate our anniversary, and stayed at Le Meridien in Anse Marcel. We spent nearly every day on the beach there, only finding Orient the day before we left. The next February we stayed at Cap Caribes, and spent every day at Waikiki, until the last day, when we discovered Kakao. Every evening during both of those trips, we had dinner in Grand Case, and being the foodie that I am, I was hooked.

We then decided that we should look into timeshare because we were paying almost $3,000 for a one week stay on the French side. We saw an ad for La Vista, "Timesharing Done Right: No Gifts, No Gimmicks", and decided to go talk to them. After spending about an hour with Caribbean Al, we purchased two weeks at La Vista Beach. A couple of years later they had a half price sale, and we were fortunate enough to get a third week in our same unit, so now we spend three glorious weeks in our ocean front unit. We love knowing exactly where we'll be staying, and not having to move once we check in.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: GaKaye] #62384
07/19/2015 09:25 AM
07/19/2015 09:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Lucky you, Georgia. We had been visiting basically the same time of year for about fourteen years before we finally bought our time. Twenty-five years plus now and still no regrets. Best island purchase I ever read made!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62385
07/19/2015 09:30 AM
07/19/2015 09:30 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 841
Windermere, FL
Paul6363 Offline
Traveler
Paul6363  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 841
Windermere, FL
Oct 93 on the NCL Norway, many changes since 93. Pictures taken in 93 showing large sections of vacant beach compared to shops and rows of beach chairs. Pictures of Orient Beach taken by others in 83 reminds me of Happy Bay.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: Paul6363] #62386
07/19/2015 09:44 AM
07/19/2015 09:44 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
M
marybeth Offline
Traveler
marybeth  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Arizona
1978 on a cruise for me which I mostly spent shopping & drinking on Front St. Then in 1990 it was Don's 1st time on a cruise. Then in 1997, a friend couldn't afford her annual timeshare maintenance fee, so we paid it for her cuz she could trade into SXM. We lived in Utah at the time so it was a trek for us to get there for only 1 week, which we spent at the now Simpson Bay Resort. We were hooked, spent 2 weeks the next year & then purchased 2weeks at the Flamingo. We've tried other islands, nothing matches SXM for us, so we're back for 2-3 weeks every March.


MB
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: marybeth] #62387
07/19/2015 09:50 AM
07/19/2015 09:50 AM
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 35
D
dm25vac Offline
Traveler
dm25vac  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 35
October 1990 was our first. The last several years are almost annual, with many more to come. Traveltalk helps the months in between pass! Thanks all!

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62388
07/19/2015 10:25 AM
07/19/2015 10:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
Traveler
The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
It may have been 1984. We were at Nettle Bay when it opened. After that Treasure Island, Cupocoy Beach Club, a private condo, Mary's Boon, Caravanserai (1), The Summit and now BSV. Once or twice a year....... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62389
07/19/2015 10:38 AM
07/19/2015 10:38 AM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,143
Plaistow, New Hampshire
Paul_Marion Offline
Traveler
Paul_Marion  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,143
Plaistow, New Hampshire
1986 at Mullet Bay, as well as Cupecoy, Orient and Mullet Bay beaches.

Continued every year since for 2 to 8 weeks per year.

We love SXM...............

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: Paul_Marion] #62390
07/19/2015 10:51 AM
07/19/2015 10:51 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Seeing these stories just shows me what an SXM newbie I am!

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: GaKaye] #62391
07/19/2015 11:21 AM
07/19/2015 11:21 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
It is amazing the number of people here who have been coming to SXM for 30 or 40 or more years!


Carol Hill
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: GaKaye] #62392
07/19/2015 12:07 PM
07/19/2015 12:07 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 732
Austin, Texas
B
BerneandGary Offline
Traveler
BerneandGary  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 732
Austin, Texas
Georgia - we are "newbies" like you & David - our first trip to SXM was May, 2004 - stayed at La Plantation - have returned every year since, except for one (that year we did an obligatory family reunion trip to Myrtle Beach!). Just wish we have "discovered" SXM way before 2004.


Gotta Caribbean soul I can barely control and some Texas hidden here in my heart...(J.B.)
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62393
07/19/2015 12:21 PM
07/19/2015 12:21 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 720
Paris VA USA
JimRuos Offline
Traveler
JimRuos  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 720
Paris VA USA
April 1987 – While at Guadeloupe the previous year, we met one of the few Americans having just returned from Club Orient. While we enjoyed Guadeloupe, they were not and recommended St Martin. So, our next trip was to Club Orient. For us a perfect option; we were so impressed that we approached Club Orient management if they would like us to represent the resort – they agreed and that has been our calling and enjoyment for the past 28 years! … Jim and Mary

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62394
07/19/2015 12:31 PM
07/19/2015 12:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001
Cape Cod
whammy Offline
Traveler
whammy  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001
Cape Cod
Our cousins/best friends from Australia visit us for three months every spring, and we take a 2-week vacation with them. We'd been loving Aruba, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, but wondered about a change - the recommendation came from an Australian friend of theirs who had heard good reviews! Went in 2011 and have been back every year since! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: whammy] #62395
07/19/2015 01:33 PM
07/19/2015 01:33 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
biglar Offline
Traveler
biglar  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
We are one of the newbies it looks like. We didn't discover paradise until 2001 and have been coming back every year since. Some years we make it twice and one time we arrived three times. We now stay for 3 weeks and hope to make it a month soon. That seems like its the only way to ever catch up with some of the old-timers.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: whammy] #62396
07/19/2015 01:35 PM
07/19/2015 01:35 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4
maryland, usa
libra1946 Offline
Member
libra1946  Offline
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4
maryland, usa
Aug. 1989, stayed at Sea Palace, haven't missed a year since, purchased timeshares at Belair first, then Divi and Royal Palm. I've since given up Royal Palm as the maintenance got to be ridiculious, but continue to enjoy Belair & Divi. St. Maarten is truly my home away from home!!!

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: libra1946] #62397
07/19/2015 01:42 PM
07/19/2015 01:42 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 41
PA/MA
S
stjames Offline
Traveler
stjames  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 41
PA/MA
2000, before the road to GCBC was even paved. The only hotel we've stayed in 15 years of visits.

Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62398
07/19/2015 01:51 PM
07/19/2015 01:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,359
Cincinnati area
Cincinnati_Kid Offline
Traveler
Cincinnati_Kid  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,359
Cincinnati area
Off a Carnival cruise, 1994. Went to Mullet Beach. The resort was still there.
The view coming down Cole Bay hill was unforgettable. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />


Paradise is an island in the Caribbean!
Re: When was Your First Time? [Re: gotaluvit] #62399
07/19/2015 02:19 PM
07/19/2015 02:19 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 367
CT
MamaB Offline
Traveler
MamaB  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 367
CT
1985. When we told our then 13 year old son we were going to St. Maarten over winter break, he said, "I'm not going to a Catholic school for vacation!" Oh, little did he know! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Stayed at the old Mullet resort, then bought timeshare at the Towers sight unseen the same week the office opened.Like Pat, we've never regretted this decision. Now we stay for the month of February! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Moderated by  Administrator 

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1