Do cruise ships stop at St. Maarten?

All major cruiseliners in the world visit the St Maarten Cruise port, like Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Disney, MSC, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian, Windstar and many more.



Yes, St. Maarten is a premier Caribbean cruise hub, and the Port of St. Maarten in Philipsburg is one of the busiest in the region. In 2026, major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, and MSC all have frequent scheduled stops here. The port facility, known as A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities, can accommodate up to six mega-ships simultaneously. When you dock, you are just a short water taxi or a 15-minute walk away from Front Street’s famous jewelry shops and Great Bay Beach. St. Maarten is a favorite among cruise passengers because the island is shared between two nations—the Dutch (Sint Maarten) and the French (Saint Martin)—offering a unique "two-for-one" cultural experience. Whether you want to see the planes at Maho Beach or enjoy the gourmet dining in Marigot, the island's infrastructure is perfectly built to handle thousands of cruisers arriving daily throughout the year.

Yes, cruise ships frequently stop at St. Maarten (also known as Sint Maarten), which is a popular destination in the Caribbean. The island is uniquely divided between two countries: the southern part is Dutch (Sint Maarten), and the northern part is French (Saint-Martin). Cruise ships dock at Port Philipsburg on the Dutch side, which is located in the capital, Philipsburg.

The port is well-equipped to handle large cruise ships and offers passengers easy access to beaches, shopping, dining, and excursions. Popular activities include visiting Maho Beach to watch planes land at Princess Juliana International Airport, exploring the French side (Marigot), snorkeling, and enjoying the island’s vibrant culture and cuisine.

St. Maarten is a regular stop on many Caribbean cruise itineraries, making it a favorite among travelers.

People Also Ask

Cruise ships to St Maarten Island dock at Port Philipsburg - located on the island's southern coast. The port is managed by the Harbour Group of Companies (port authority). The port has two cruise ship piers.

MORE DETAILS

Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. This beach's convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach.

MORE DETAILS

The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.

MORE DETAILS

St. Maarten is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination there are some general safety precautions you should take. St. Martin is one of the safest warm weather climate (outside US) locations to visit.

MORE DETAILS

Mullet Bay sits near the airport, just south of scenic Cupecoy Beach and is free to visit. Many call calm and quiet Mullet a decent alternative to the noise and sand blasts of Maho Bay, or to the crowds of the French side's Orient Bay.

MORE DETAILS

The choice is totally yours. You can go ashore on a tour, explore the cruise port on your own or stay onboard and relax by the pool, book a (usually discounted on port days) spa treatment or take advantage of other activities on your ship during the day.

MORE DETAILS

The official local currency is the Antillean guilder (ANG) and has been fixed to the US Dollar at approximately 1.80 ANG to 1USD for over 35 years. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island.

MORE DETAILS

Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.

MORE DETAILS

Traveling by public bus (more like a minivan) is a reasonable means of transport on St. Maarten/St. Martin if you don't mind a bit of inconvenience and overcrowding. Buses run daily from 5am to midnight and serve most major locations on both sides of the island.

MORE DETAILS

Maarten is one of the world's most stunning islands. Thousands of tourists return to the island year after year, basking in the bright Caribbean sun and clear turquoise waters. St. Maarten is a true tropical paradise, combining vibrant island culture with elegant European charm.

MORE DETAILS

Many people prefer Dutch Sint Maarten since it is more developed. This indicates that the amenities and services are more plentiful on this side of the island. However, those who choose a more relaxed setting stay at French Saint Martin. In addition, it has a more ?Caribbean vibe?.

MORE DETAILS

Grand Case Beach also has a vast public area where you can spread your towel, bask in the sun, and take a dip without paying.

MORE DETAILS

I would avoid anything in Marigot, Sandy Ground, Nettle Bay, Dutch and French Quarters, Lower and Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay, Mary's Fancy, etc. These are locals areas and not much there for tourists. I am not sure there ARE AirBnBs in those areas but there could be.

MORE DETAILS

English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect. The official languages are French for Saint-Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten.

MORE DETAILS

The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.

MORE DETAILS