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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#210968
12/11/2019 02:41 PM
12/11/2019 02:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,097 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,097
Massachusetts
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I think the attraction of Philipsburg might improve if they got rid of the aggressive hawkers that make going there a pain. Word gets out.....yes, they need jobs but not at the expense of business that are there
Last edited by boucharda; 12/11/2019 02:42 PM.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#210971
12/11/2019 03:11 PM
12/11/2019 03:11 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,107 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,107
Central Florida!
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Leona--Honestly, in the old days, when we first started coming to SXM, Front Street was a BIG deal with cruisers. The first cruise we came to SXM, we spent the WHOLE day on Front Street, spending a whole bunch of money. Now, the dynamic of cruisers is a lot different, since the actual cabins are so CHEAP, compared to what they were. I remember our first cruise, circa 1986 or so, we paid $1200 a person for a 7 day cruise in an outside cabin on the then brand new NCL Seaward. Back then, Eric often took TWO tuxes onboard. These days, $1200 a person, depending on season, can get you some pretty nice digs in the Caribbean. Things are different these days, with these mega ships holding 6,000 passengers, most of which paid $600 a person for their cabin and who have never worn a tux in their lives, except POSSIBLY at someone's wedding.
Carol Hill
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#210976
12/11/2019 04:39 PM
12/11/2019 04:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,107 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,107
Central Florida!
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Drinks aren't free on the ship, unless the person paid for a pricy package. As I said, things are much different than when we first started cruising.
Carol Hill
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#210978
12/11/2019 04:59 PM
12/11/2019 04:59 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 112 sxm
enzosxm
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 112
sxm
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Modern cruiseships killed St. Maarten. Long gone tha days of boutiques like Gucci, Fendi, La Romana. Jewellery stores like H.Stern, Colombian Emeralds, the real Little Switzerland. Restaurants like Da Livio, Il Pescatore, La Rosa, Antoine, Le Bec Fin, Callaloo, Seafood Galley etc. Etc.
Last edited by enzosxm; 12/11/2019 04:59 PM.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: enzosxm]
#210980
12/11/2019 05:25 PM
12/11/2019 05:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Modern cruiseships killed St. Maarten. Long gone tha days of boutiques like Gucci, Fendi, La Romana. Jewellery stores like H.Stern, Colombian Emeralds, the real Little Switzerland. Restaurants like Da Livio, Il Pescatore, La Rosa, Antoine, Le Bec Fin, Callaloo, Seafood Galley etc. Etc. Oh wow...so correct. You just reminded me of all the places that I miss, and that I used to shop in P-burg. And in Marigot, I bought Dior purses for much less than NYC. <sigh> Completed my Waterford crystal place setting at Little Switzerland. Mont Blanc for work.... Now, the jewelry stores barely beckon to me. Barely....lol
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#210986
12/11/2019 08:07 PM
12/11/2019 08:07 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,588 St Maarten
BillandElaine
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,588
St Maarten
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With the traffic situation, you can't even get there! For several years we would watch the cruisers headed back to the ship and they had no shopping bags. Our friend who owns a jewelry store on front street always said they don't make their $ from cruisers, but from the repeat business from stay over guests.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BillandElaine]
#210994
12/11/2019 10:50 PM
12/11/2019 10:50 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
LBI2SXM
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
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With the traffic situation, you can't even get there! For several years we would watch the cruisers headed back to the ship and they had no shopping bags. Our friend who owns a jewelry store on front street always said they don't make their $ from cruisers, but from the repeat business from stay over guests. How right you are Elaine. Scubaman, I believe you but you are way in the minority. SXM economy will never grow if they depend on the cruisers. We who visit our beloved island are the ones that keep the economy on SXM growing.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BillandElaine]
#210997
12/12/2019 12:25 AM
12/12/2019 12:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836 Harriston
megamania
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 836
Harriston
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We always try to get to Phillipsburg at least once, and make a purchase....lol my husband cringes...:) But,,we used to be able to grab a parking spot beside Great Bay resort,,pre Irma, right on the beach then walk downtown. However, that is all blocked off as we found out, so had to try to find the town parking lot, which was full. It was a very real problem to find a spot to park. That is the downside for us. We have often thought of going to dinner at Chesterfields,,,but I really do not like the vibe in Phillipsburg at night time, so have yet to eat there. Maybe lunch one day this time. I hope something changes or they can at least make another parking lot. I try to avoid days when there are several cruise shiips in...will see what it is like in Feb when we go.
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#211016
12/12/2019 11:17 AM
12/12/2019 11:17 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933
Auburn, WA
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Many cruises do spend money on island. Just because some jewelery stores are seeing a slowing the spend money on taxis, car rentals, beach loungers, food, duty free puchases, tours, excursions and souvenirs. All contributing to the island economy.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#211040
12/12/2019 03:15 PM
12/12/2019 03:15 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 112 sxm
enzosxm
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 112
sxm
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I do not agree with Scuba
Last edited by enzosxm; 12/12/2019 03:15 PM.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#211064
12/12/2019 08:09 PM
12/12/2019 08:09 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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$191.50 or whatever per person is nothing compared to what land stays spend.
Rental car, chairs & umbrella at beach, lodging, meals out, grocery shopping, boat trips, ferry’s, dive trips, on and on and on....
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#211072
12/12/2019 09:04 PM
12/12/2019 09:04 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933
Auburn, WA
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$191.50 or whatever per person is nothing compared to what land stays spend.
Rental car, chairs & umbrella at beach, lodging, meals out, grocery shopping, boat trips, ferry’s, dive trips, on and on and on....
Every thing you listed for land stays are also cruise expedtures except for lodging. And the daily count of cruise visitors far surpasses the land stay people over a years period. I think it probably balances out for expenditure.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#211087
12/13/2019 01:29 AM
12/13/2019 01:29 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933
Auburn, WA
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Then why is the economy contracting? For some of the reasons listed above by Pelican.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#211142
12/13/2019 12:25 PM
12/13/2019 12:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Island makes a lot on money on port fees. "someone" makes money on those port fees. It does not seem to get back into the economy or help the residents or infrastructure.
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#211144
12/13/2019 12:30 PM
12/13/2019 12:30 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,933
Auburn, WA
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Island makes a lot on money on port fees. "someone" makes money on those port fees. It does not seem to get back into the economy or help the residents or infrastructure. I find that hard to believe.
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Re: Philpsburg Struggling
[Re: BeachKitten]
#211178
12/13/2019 04:56 PM
12/13/2019 04:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,097 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,097
Massachusetts
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I think the port fees thing does not really directly help the shops who are looking for business. They help the coffers of those collecting them but the issue is where does the money go? Do the shops get a share?
Last edited by boucharda; 12/13/2019 04:57 PM.
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