Hi - we're long-time travelers to SXM through our timeshare, but this will be our first time coming by cruise ship, so we'll only be there one day. We were thinking of renting a car and going around the island at our own pace. Two things come to mind...can we get a vehicle that seats 6? Also, we would be there the first week of April, and we always hear how bad the traffic is. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I think it would be a better idea to contact Wilfred Brooks who is a sponsor here and arrange pick up at the pier to take you for a day of touring the island. He will take you everywhere you want to go in a comfortable air conditioned van. You will be able to enjoy some tropical drinks without worry of driving and you will have a wonderful relaxing day.

I second the Wilfred idea
We have done this before, 4 people [mix of friends, relatives] stayed for a week, never been before. We arranged a tour with Wilfred - so 6 total, we gave Wilfred a rough timetable. Worked well. Shopping in Marigot, stopped at Dreams, Grand Case walk around and bverage, lunch stop at Orient for a couple of hrs. We gave Wilfred a time to pick us up after lunch, then off we went. He could drop you in P'burg for your boat and maybe some last minute shopping. Reduces the stress, no worries parking a large van and you can have a drink with lunch

I understand it will cost more, but the benefits would outway the cost for me
J&B

Hertz has vehicles available to seat 6 and you can rent right at the pier. Go to hertz.sxmrentacar.com and choose arriving by cruiseship.

The very first time we went to St. Maarten was by cruiseship and rented a car and drove around both dutch and french side. Traffic will depend on how many ships are in port. Do you know what day of the week you will be there?

be careful with larger vehicles, i.e. vans. Many CC companies dont cover them

We will be there on a Tuesday. That Wilfred sounds like a good idea. How could we reach/contact him? Thank you!

Look at the links on the top of this page and select 'TTOL Sponsors'. Wilford is listed under 'SXM Sponsors'; he's the last entry.

Just a question.....If you are long time visitors to St Maarten why are you asking this question. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Chances are fairly good, if the OPs are long-term timeshare visitors to the island, they've never been into the cruise ship area and have no clue as to what's available there in the line of rental cars and vans. I don't know if they have six passenger vehicles available there or not and I've been visiting almost 44 years every year. All of our knowledge and island experiences can and often do differ from one another based on where we stay and what we enjoy. I know I'm fairly well aware of much of the Dutch side of the island and some of it's less traveled areas, but I really know very little regarding the French side and all the ins and outs of staying there.

And to the OP, I would also agree with the suggestion of hiring Mr. Brooks for the day. He will have a pretty good idea of the traffic for the day and the ins and outs of what routes to take to allow you a good over-view of the island and to get you back to the ship on time..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Perhaps 4 of the party of 6 have never been to SXM and they want to show them the island.

I don't think there is a protocol for asking questions on this forum. If you don't know the answer, you are encouraged to ask a question. As Pat said, many of us are long time visitors to the island, but we don't know everything there is to know about everything and it is by asking questions that we learn.

great answer, islandgem.

Yes, you can get a 6 passenger vehicle. Not sure if you typically rent cars during your SXM stay but you could contact them to set you up with something. For July, Lesley Bruce contacted another company for us so we could all be together in one car. (sometimes we just rent 2 cars). I also second the Wilfred Brooks idea! We have used him and he is great! We always travel in April and find it is not a big deal with regards to traffic. Biggest hurdle is that I can never remember when the bridges open!!