Carnival Corporation has celebrated a new shore excursion which it helped to fund in the popular Caribbean cruise destination of St. Maarten. The new Rockland Estate eco-park attraction features the world’s steepest zip line along with additional tours.
New St. Maarten Shore Excursion Opens
Before we get into the details we’re so happy that a new island attraction in St. Maarten has opened up especially since the devastation caused by Hurricanes in September 2017. Cruise guests not just from Carnival Cruise Line but all Carnival-owned brands can enjoy the new Rockland Estate eco-park attraction.
A Ceremony was held on April 11 at St. Maarten in the Eastern Caribbean to mark the opening of the new island adventures. The new offerings include a mountain chair lift with breathtaking views and a heart-racing tube ride, as well as a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of St. Maarten and its people.
David Candib, vice president of development and operations for the global port and destination development group at Carnival Corporation, said:
“We are proud to be part of the Rockland Estate development, and we are excited that this new attraction will surely become a bucket-list item for visitors to the island, whether they’re looking to take in incredible views, experience one-of-a-kind rides or gain perspective on the rich history and culture of the island.”
“St. Maarten is already a beloved destination by guests across our eight cruise line brands that visit the island, and we’re confident that Rockland Estate will create an even more compelling reason to visit the country on a cruise vacation.”
The Rockland Estate park is committed is preserving native eco-systems and bringing the island’s culture to the visitors. The next time your cruise ship itinerary features St. Maarten this attraction will be worth looking into as there are many things to do no matter if you’re looking for a thrill, want to relax or learn more about the island.
Things to Do at Rockland Estate in St Maarten
The Rockland Estate Located on the historic Emilio Wilson Estate a short ride from St. Maarten’s Port of Philipsburg Cruise Terminal. Just take a look below at everything you can do there:
Soualiga Sky Explorer
Soualiga Sky Explorer encompasses 68 four-passenger chairs that take guests to a transfer station for zip line and tubing rides, and then on to the top of one of St. Maarten’s highest points at 1,125 feet where they can take in spectacular panoramic views.
Sentry Hill Zip Line
From the transfer station at the midpoint of the Soualiga Sky Explorer, guests can experience the exciting Sentry Hill Zip Line, where riders traverse a 1,600-foot, four-span line that provides unforgettable vistas of the mountain ridge.
Schooner Ride
The Schooner Ride at the midway point of the Soualiga Sky Explorer gives guests the chance to surf down the mountain in large 40-inch inner tubes across a specially designed 657-foot track of heart-pounding curves mixed with fast straightaways.
Top of Sentry Hill
One of St. Maarten’s highest elevations, Sentry Hill, offers walkways and platforms that encircle the mountaintop, showcasing 360-degree vistas of the island with views of neighboring Saba, St. Barts, St. Eustatius and Anguilla.
Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman is Rockland Estate’s main attraction and the world’s steepest zip line. It guarantees thrill-seekers the ride of a lifetime while securely harnessed in a chair, dropping them 1,050 feet in elevation from the top of Sentry Hill down the mountain over a 2,800-foot span.
Emilio Wilson Museum
Originally built as a plantation home in the 1700s, the museum tells the powerful story of Trace Wilson, who was born into slavery on the property, and her direct descendant, St. Maarten pioneer and preservationist Emilio Wilson. It also highlights the customs, traditions, lifestyle and stories that have earned St. Maarten the moniker “The Friendly Island.”
St. Maarten is among the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean with 1.66 million guests visiting in 2016. The island has plenty to offer including stunning beaches, shopping, adventures and a lot more.
