Cruises to St. Maarten – Best Cruise Lines, Port Guide & Things to Do

St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting and culturally rich cruise destinations. Known for its dual nationality (Dutch St. Maarten & French St. Martin), breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters, plane-spotting experiences, and duty-free shopping, the island is a favorite stop for millions of cruise passengers every year.
Whether you’re planning your next cruise vacation or looking to book a St. Maarten shore excursion, this guide will help you explore everything the island offers.

Top Cruise Lines That Sail to St. Maarten

1. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers several Eastern Caribbean cruises with stops at Philipsburg.
Popular ships include Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.

2. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival offers budget-friendly Caribbean itineraries with fun onboard experiences and regular stops in St. Maarten.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL features flexible “Cruise Your Way” itineraries, often including St. Maarten along with Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and Barbados.

4. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity provides more premium-style trips with scenic St. Maarten port days and immersive shore excursions.

5. MSC Cruises

MSC offers lively Caribbean itineraries with a European touch and frequent visits to Philipsburg.

6. Princess Cruises

Princess is known for tranquil, premium-style Caribbean vacations and often includes St. Maarten in its winter cruise schedules.

7. Disney Cruise Line

Perfect for families, Disney cruises frequently stop in St. Maarten on their Eastern Caribbean routes.

8. Holland America Line

HAL offers relaxed, immersive cruise experiences with cultural excursions on the island.

9. Virgin Voyages

Adults-only cruises with stylish nightlife, fine dining, and fun excursions in St. Maarten.

Why St. Maarten Is a Must-Visit Cruise Destination

Dual-Nation Island

The island is split into two nations, each offering a different travel experience. You can explore both sides in a single port day.

Famous Beaches

Maho Beach – The legendary spot where airplanes fly directly overhead.
Orient Beach – One of the island’s most beautiful and lively beaches.
Great Bay Beach – Easily accessible from the cruise port.

Adventure & Water Sports

Snorkeling, jet skiing, catamaran cruises, zip-lining at Loterie Farm, and parasailing are extremely popular.

Duty-Free Shopping

Philipsburg is a shopping paradise with jewelry stores, perfumes, electronics, and local boutiques — all tax-free.

Delicious Caribbean Cuisine

Enjoy authentic Creole, French, Caribbean, and seafood dishes across beach bars and restaurants.

Top Things To Do in St. Maarten During Your Cruise Stop

1. Visit Maho Beach

Watch jumbo jets land at Princess Juliana Airport directly above your head.

2. Explore Philipsburg

Walk from the port to downtown for shopping, casinos, beach bars, and Great Bay Beach.

3. Go on an Island Tour

Visit viewpoints, heritage sites, beaches, and taste local cuisine on both Dutch and French sides.

4. Snorkeling & Catamaran Cruises

Enjoy crystal-clear waters and marine life at Creole Rock and Tintamarre Island.

5. Loterie Farm Zip Line Adventure

A fun eco-adventure spot with zip lines, hiking, and jungle pools.

6. Jet Ski or Parasailing

Simpson Bay and Orient Beach offer rentals and guided water activities.

Cruise Port Guide: Port of Philipsburg (St. Maarten)

Port Name: Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility

Distance to Nearby Attractions:
Philipsburg Shopping – 10 minutes walk
Great Bay Beach – 10–15 minutes walk
Maho Beach – 25-minute taxi ride
French Side (Marigot) – 30 minutes by taxi

Port Facilities:
Duty-free shops
Bars & restaurants
Wi-Fi zone
Taxis & shuttles
Tour booths
Souvenir shops

The port area is clean, safe, and very tourist-friendly.

Best Time to Cruise to St. Maarten

Peak Season: December to April – Best weather
Off-Peak: May to November – Better prices, warmer temperatures

How Long Do Cruises Stay in St. Maarten?

Most ships stay for 6–10 hours, enough for beaches, tours, and shopping.

Tips for Visiting St. Maarten on a Cruise

Book excursions early
Carry sunscreen
Bring some cash
Walk to Philipsburg for an easy beach day
Take a taxi for Maho Beach

FAQs – Cruises to St. Maarten

1. What is the best cruise line to visit St. Maarten?
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, and Celebrity are top choices.

2. Can you walk to the beach from the cruise port?
Yes — Great Bay Beach is only a 10–15 minute walk.

3. Is St. Maarten safe for cruise travelers?
Yes, very safe and tourist-friendly.

4. How far is Maho Beach from the cruise port?
About a 25-minute taxi ride.

5. Is St. Maarten good for families?
Absolutely — beaches, water sports, and shopping make it perfect.

Final Thoughts

St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and unforgettable cruise ports. With beautiful beaches, fantastic shopping, rich culture, and plenty of fun activities, it’s a must-visit stop on any Caribbean cruise itinerary.