St. Maarten vs. St. Lucia: Which Caribbean Island Wins?

Two Islands, Two Identities St. Maarten/St. Martin and St. Lucia are both consistently ranked among the most beloved cruise ports in the Eastern Caribbean — and they're about as different from each other as two Caribbean islands can be. St. Maarten is lively, social, and beach-resort-driven; St. Lucia is dramatically beautiful, lush and volcanic, and focused on nature and adventure. Choosing between them comes down to knowing what kind of Caribbean experience you want. St. Maarten: The Social Island St. Maarten (the Dutch side) and St. Martin (the French side) share one island and two distinct personalities. The island is flat, beachy, and social in a way that few Caribbean islands match. Maho Beach: The most famous attraction on the island — planes land at Princess Juliana International Airport over Maho Beach at rooftop height, flying literally feet over sunbathers' heads. The spectacle is extraordinary and genuinely thrilling. The beach bar has a flight schedule posted. Arrive 30 m…