If you're a bona fide shopaholic or just an avid bargain hunter, then stow your credit cards away when the cruise ships are in town. When these Giants of the Sea drop anchor everything changes, especially prices. General shopping hours are 09:00 - 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, but many shops in Philipsburg are open on Sundays as well when the cruise ships are in town. Duty free shopping is St. Maarten's greatest claim to fame and justifiably so. The best places to shop are Philipsburg (Front Street for jewellery and Back Street for clothes and shoes) and Simpson Bay and Maho Village (both near the airport). If you prefer superb food and wine, head over to the French side.