St. Maarten
The smallest island shared by two nations, St. Maarten/St. Martin offers Dutch and French culture, the famous Maho Beach airplane landings, beautiful bays, and excellent duty-free shopping.
Cruise Port Intelligence
Dock Port
Ships dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility in Philipsburg on the Dutch side. The pier has shops and is a short walk to the beach boardwalk.
Very Walkable
Philipsburg's Front Street and Great Bay Beach are walkable. Water taxis cross the bay ($7 round trip). Taxis go to Maho Beach (famous for airport plane landings, 20 min), Orient Bay (French side, 20 min), and other beaches. Rental cars allow island exploration.
Best For
Port Hours
Typical 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Currency & Language
Safety
Tourist areas are safe. Normal precautions. Don't leave valuables on the beach.
Insider Tips for St. Maarten
- Maho Beach (planes land right over you) is the most iconic photo op in the Caribbean
- The island is half Dutch, half French — try both sides for different vibes
- Orient Bay on the French side has European-style beach clubs
- Philipsburg's Front Street has some of the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean
Cruise Itineraries Visiting St. Maarten
8-Day Eastern Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Line • 8 Days • from Miami, FL
7-Night Eastern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean • 7 Days • from Miami, FL
8-Night Eastern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean • 8 Days • from Port Canaveral, FL
7-Night Eastern Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line • 7 Days • from Miami, FL
10-Night Eastern Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line • 10 Days • from New York, NY
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Islands
MSC Cruises • 7 Days • from Miami, FL
9-Day Caribbean from New York
Norwegian Cruise Line • 9 Days • from New York, NY
8-Day Eastern Caribbean with St. Maarten
Princess Cruises • 8 Days • from Port Canaveral, FL
Shore Day Guide: St. Maarten
Quick Stats
Excursions in St. Maarten
50 excursions available
Port Reports from Cruisers
Real field reports from travelers who've visited St. Maarten