Cruises to St Maarten
Cruising to St. Maarten: Your Complete Port Guide
Every year, nearly two million cruise passengers arrive in St. Maarten, making it one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after cruise destinations. On busy days during high season, you might see up to seven cruise ships in port at once — each bringing eager visitors ready to explore.
Thanks to the island’s year-round warm weather and postcard-perfect beaches, almost every major cruise line calls here, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Holland America, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises. Departures are available from San Juan, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, and other major ports.
The main cruise terminal — the A.C. Wathey Pier & Port Facility — is conveniently located less than a mile from downtown Philipsburg. You can walk into town, hop on a quick water taxi, or head straight to your pre-booked St. Maarten shore excursion to make the most of your limited time ashore.
Pro Tip: Cruise days sell out fast for the island’s top tours, so book early to secure your spot.
On the French side, the smaller Marigot port typically welcomes one small cruise ship at a time. While less busy, it’s a prime gateway to luxury yacht marinas and inter-island ferries to destinations like St. Barts and Anguilla.
