St. Maarten Cruise Port, formally known as the Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port, is a modern and vibrant port that acts as a gateway to the dual-nation island of Saint Maarten.
Saint Maarten, or Sint Martin, is nestled in the heart of the Caribbean and provides visiting passengers with an eclectic mix of cultural experiences, pristine beaches, and plenty of adventure activities and tourist attractions.
To help you get the most out of your visit and easily navigate the port, we will provide an in-depth description of the port and its facilities, the attractions that lay beyond its gates, and much more!
Let’s get started!
In this Article:
- St. Maarten Cruise Port Location and Address
- St. Maarten Piers and Berths
- Terminal Facilities, Parking, and Services
- Cruise Lines that Visit St. Maarten Cruise Port
- Distance and Directions from the Airport
- Transportation Options From the Port
- The Unique French and Dutch Division of the Island
- Best Time to Visit St. Maarten and Seasonal Weather Conditions
- Beaches Near the Cruise Port
- What to Do Near the Port
- Dining Near the Cruise Port
- Shopping Near the Cruise Port
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
St. Maarten Cruise Port Location and Address
As you can probably guess from the name, Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port is located adjacent to Sint Maarten’s capital city, Philipsburg. Sint Maarten is the Dutch side of the Caribbean Island nation of Saint Martin, meaning the port is on the island’s southern coast.
The port sits in Great Bay, while St. Maarten is situated in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 150 miles east of Puerto Rico and 190 miles north of Venezuela on the South American mainland.
This strategic location of the port and the position of the island of Saint Martin make St. Maarten Cruise Port an incredibly popular port of call for Caribbean cruises.
Address: 79 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Sint Maarten
St. Maarten Piers and Berths
St. Maarten Cruise Port features two piers that sit parallel to each other.
The first pier, known as Pier One or Arsene Hodge Pier, is the shorter of the two. It can accommodate up to two medium-sized cruise ships at once, with berths on either side of the pier. Berths A and B sit on either side of the pier.
The second, AC Wathey Pier, also known as Pier 2, was added in 2009 as part of a major redevelopment project. This enormous pier stretches 1,788 feet; it has four distinct cruise ship berths.
When required, it can also handle two of the world’s largest cruise ships, like those in the Royal Caribbean Icon Class. In these scenarios, Berths C and D and Berths E and F are combined so the larger vessels have ample room.
Pier 2 also has two separate screening booths to handle the high volume of passengers and ensure a seamless disembarkation process.
The port’s ability to host up to six cruise ships at once is part of the reason it is growing to become one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. In fact, the port handles over two million cruise passengers a year, and this number is projected to rise with each passing year.
Both of the piers lead to a single, open-air cruise terminal. While most Caribbean cruise ports feature a terminal building, the open-air design of the St. Maarten Terminal gives it a breezy and tropical atmosphere
Terminal Facilities, Parking, and Services
The open-air terminal has a relatively simple layout, with a large duty-free shopping zone centering around a main courtyard. The shopping area features jewelry, clothing, and sunglasses stores and a smaller electronics boutique, where visitors can purchase headphones, Bluetooth speakers, batteries, cameras, and other basic devices.
In terms of accessibility, the piers and the terminal area are both perfectly flat, making them wheelchair-friendly. Plus, several restroom facilities are scattered throughout the port and are all wheelchair accessible.
Unfortunately, the port does not yet offer free Wi-Fi, but several cafes and restaurants in the port area offer It for paying customers. If you do need assistance, there are two tourist information booths, one on the edge of Pier 2 and the other near the duty-free shopping area. Both booths can answer general inquiries, and service is available in English, Dutch, and French.
Read Also: St. Thomas Cruise Port – Piers, Overview and What to Do
Pay parking is available on the edge of the port for those renting vehicles. Entry to the lot is $2, which also covers your first hour. After the first hour, a rate of $1 per hour kicks in. There is no fee for using the pickup and drop-off area.
Cruise Lines that Visit St. Maarten Cruise Port
With Philipsburg being one of the most popular ports of call in the northeast Caribbean, it is visited by many of the world’s most well-known cruise lines. The following are just some of those that use the port regularly:
- Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Azamara Club Cruises
While none of the cruise lines have assigned piers or berths, the larger ships under the Royal Caribbean and Carnival banners tend to use the double berths available at Pier 2.
Distance and Directions from the Airport
The nearest major airport to St. Maarten Cruise Port is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), roughly 5 miles away. If you are taking a cruise that departs from the island, you will most likely fly into the airport and then travel to the port on your day of departure.
The journey takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car, with the exact timing varying depending on traffic conditions. Fortunately, plenty of taxis are available at the airport, and most offer flat, affordable rates to the cruise port. Even during peak tourist season, you can expect to pay around $25 to get from the port to Princess Juliana Airport and vice versa.
Directions from the Princess International Airport to Philipsburg Cruise Port
If you have decided to rent a vehicle and plan on driving, the following directions will take you to the port’s parking lot:
- Head east on Airport Road/SR 80, then continue straight through the roundabout onto Welfare Road
- Turn left onto Bush Road/SR 81 and continue for 7.6 miles
- Turn right onto Juancho Yrausquin Blvd/SR 82 and follow signs for Cruise Pier St. Maarten
Transportation Options From the Port
Another feature that makes Philipsburg Cruise Port such an appealing destination for visitors is its wide range of simple and affordable transportation options.
For those looking to stretch their legs, you can walk from the edge of either pier to the downtown core of Philipsburg in under 15 minutes; however, if you are looking for an easier way to see the city and surrounding area, the following options are all available directly from the port:
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at the edge of the port. There is a covered taxi line where visiting passengers usually only have to wait a few minutes to get a cab.
Rates to some of the most popular tourist destinations are fixed, and you can typically expect to pay between $10 and $30 for a taxi, depending on where you want to go. For example, both taxi companies that operate out of the port offer a flat rate of $20 for a one-way ride to Maho Beach, which is 7.8 miles away.
Water Taxis
You can find the water taxi terminal directly beside the port at Philipsburg Marina. These small passenger ferries provide a scenic way to travel to various points around Philipsburg, like Great Bay Beach and the city’s Boardwalk, which is lined with stores and beach bars.
Even during peak tourist season, a day pass for the water taxis is just $7 per person. This provides you with unlimited rides to and from any of the pickup and drop-off spots.
Minibuses and Shuttles
While you can choose to take a city bus, they do not have a pickup stop near the port. Instead, privately operated minibuses offer a transportation option that tends to be cheaper than taking a taxi.
These small tour buses run between Philipsburg and Marigot, with numerous stops at popular destinations along the way. Fares are just $3 for adults.
Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses if you are traveling to the airport, but you must check with your cruise line beforehand.
Rental Cars
If you want to explore the island at your leisure, car rentals are available near the port. Coastal Car Rental has a location a short walk from the port in Harbor Port Village.
Depending on the size of the vehicle, rental rates are roughly $50 per day. You must provide your passport and a valid driver’s license to rent any vehicle, but the rental process is easier than in other Caribbean countries. You don’t need an International Driver’s License, and you also don’t need to purchase a local driver’s permit.
The Unique French and Dutch Division of the Island
While it may sound a little confusing, the island is divided into two distinct territories – the French side, known as Saint Martin, and the Dutch side, called Sint Maarten. The Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port and the city it is named after are located on the Dutch side of the island.
This unique situation dates back to 1648 when the occupying French and Dutch settlers agreed to formally divide the island by signing the Treaty of Concordia. Under the terms of the treaty, the two sides would peacefully respect the boundary lines, an arrangement that continues to the present day.
Saint Martin, the French side, is the northern part of the island and remains an overseas French territory, meaning it is governed by the same laws and regulations as France.
It also retains heavy French cultural influences and charm, including upscale, European-style restaurants and boutiques and plenty of examples of French architecture.
The southern portion of the island, Sint Maarten, is classified as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has a livelier atmosphere that tends to appeal to cruise ship visitors more than the French side of the island.
With plenty of restaurants, casinos, and duty-free shopping, it is a really fun area to visit. The Dutch architectural and cultural influences are also fairly evident.
Despite the formal division, the border is completely open, allowing visitors to easily travel between the two and experience different cultures on a single island. It also means that the two cultures have blended and influenced each other in unique ways, giving the Caribbean Island a culture that is unlike any other.
French Side (Saint Martin)
- Capital City: Marigot
- Language: French (English and Dutch common)
- Currency: Euro (USD accepted)
- Culture: Relaxed atmosphere characterized by French-style cafés, boutiques, and markets
Dutch Side (Sint Maarten)
- Capital City: Philipsburg
- Language: Dutch (English and French common)
- Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (USD accepted)
- Culture: Lively and tourist-oriented atmosphere. Front Street in Philipsburg is famous for duty-free shopping, casinos, restaurants, and a lively nightlife
Best Time to Visit St. Maarten and Seasonal Weather Conditions
St. Maarten’s tropical climate makes it a popular year-round tourist destination. However, the busy season runs from early December to mid-April, coinciding with the island’s dry season. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 73° to 85°F, with low humidity and limited rainfall.
While the months between December and April are considered the best, they can also be the busiest and most expensive. If you want to travel outside of the dry season, just be aware that hurricane season stretches from June to November, so you will have to check for cruise itinerary delays and potential storms.
Read Also: When is the Best TimetoCruisethe Caribbean?
Daytime temperatures can also rise to uncomfortable levels from June until October, which isn’t helped by the high humidity. If you go mid-summer, expect temperatures in the 95° to 99°F range.
Beaches Near the Cruise Port
Another highlight of visiting Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port is its close proximity to some incredible beaches. While the island’s entire coast is dotted with stunning beaches, the following are just some of the most popular beaches that are close to the port:
Great Bay Beach
Located just one mile away, Great Bay Beach takes less than 10 minutes to walk to, and it offers a long stretch of white sand and stunning turquoise waters. There is a roped-off swimming area and plenty of bars and restaurants that offer beach views.
Since it sits directly across the bay from the cruise port, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach and watch the cruise ships and water taxis come and go.
Little Bay Beach
At 2.7 miles from the port, Little Bay Beach requires a longer walk or even a cab ride, but it tends to be a little bit less busy. The beach also has notoriously clear waters, which explains why it is such a popular spot for snorkeling. Check out the beachside Gingerbread Café for a delicious, affordable breakfast or lunch.
Maho Beach
Although five miles from the port, Maho Beach provides everything you would want from a Caribbean beach, it also offers unique views of the airport runway. Relax on the white sand and watch planes fly overhead. It’s a must-see for aviation enthusiasts!
What to Do Near the Port
If beaches aren’t your thing, you won’t have trouble finding other ways to entertain you during your stay in Philipsburg. Since St. Maarten Cruise Port sits right on the edge of Philipsburg, all of the capital’s attractions are easy to walk to. Here are just some of the highlights:
Fort Amsterdam and Fort William
Located just three miles away on the peninsula that separates Great Bay and Little Bay, Fort Amsterdam is a Dutch colonial fort that dates back to 1631. Today, the fort’s ruins act as an open-air museum, allowing visitors to look out from the former defense position at the waters the fort was built to protect.
Even if you’re not a history buff, the views from the fort are stunning, and the area acts as a natural sea bird reserve, so you can watch pelicans, sulids, and other species nest and dive for fish.
Worth Reading: What’s the Best Virgin Island To Visit?
If you don’t mind hiking uphill, you can also travel half a mile inland to see Fort William, a former British fortification constructed in 1801. Renamed Fort Willem after it was taken over by the Dutch, its higher elevation provides great views of Philipsburg and the waters surrounding it.
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
For a complete change of pace, you can visit an unofficial Star Wars museum on Front Street. Star Wars fans can view this incredible private collection of authentic movie props from the Star Wars series and other famous Hollywood films. It’s just a mile from the port, so you can easily walk there.
Parotte Ville Bird Park
This unique bird sanctuary is near the island’s French and Dutch border. It’s roughly 3.5 miles from the port, so most people will take a short taxi ride to get there, but it’s well worth the visit.
Showcasing nearly 30 different species, it allows you to see a more natural side of the island. The birds are incredibly friendly and curious, so don’t be surprised if they land on your shoulder or try to eat out of your hand.
Rockland Estate Rainforest Adventures
If you want a more thrilling experience in St. Maarten, head to Rainforest Adventures. Just a 3.3-mile taxi ride from the port, it offers zip-lining experiences, a tube slide, and rainforest canopy tours. It’s a great way to see the tropical nature the island has to offer!
Dining Near the Cruise Port
The town of Philipsburg is a paradise for food lovers. In fact, the town holds the record for the most restaurants per square mile of anywhere in the Caribbean. Plus, the combined French and Dutch sides of the island have the unofficial title of being the culinary capital of the entire Caribbean.
With heavy Dutch, French, Caribbean, and African influences, the cuisine is incredible and very unique. Plus, the town’s status as a major tourist hub means it is home to more restaurants, cafes, and bars than you would expect for a population of its size. The following are just a few of our favorite nearby eateries:
Lazy Lizard Beach Bar & Grill
Located just a 20-minute walk from the port,the iconic Lazy Lizard sits at the start of the boardwalk and features a fun menu of Caribbean classics, Dutch-influenced dishes, and plenty of refreshing drinks, including a variety of local craft beers. It’s bright green, so you won’t miss it!
Holland House Beach Hotel
If you walk a few extra minutes along the boardwalk, you’ll come across Holland House. On the hotel’s main floor, you’ll find the Ocean Lounge Bar and Restaurant, an upscale restaurant with an amazing view.
Sit inside or outside and enjoy everything from homemade burgers to poke bowls made with freshly caught tuna. For a true taste of the island, try the conch dumplings!
Emilio’s Dine with History Restaurant
If you make it out toRockland Estate Rainforest Adventures, visiting nearby Emilio’s is a must. Built into an old barn, this unassuming restaurant serves some of the most gourmet food you’ll find anywhere on the island. The service is incredible, and the wine list will make you think you’re in a European fine-dining establishment.
It’s 3.3 miles from the port, so you’ll likely have to take a cab, but it’s well worth it if you want to try a professionally curated menu and one of the top restaurants in the world—not just the Caribbean!
Port of Happy Hour and Sharky’s
If you’re looking for a quick bite and a few drinks before boarding your ship, the port is also home to two bars. Although they have limited food menus, both serve various drinks, including local beer and spirits.
Shopping is one of the things the Dutch side of the island is most famous for. With many restaurants in Philipsburg and a range of duty-free shops surrounding the port, you don’t have to travel far for retail therapy.
Front Street is considered Philipsburg’s main shopping area; with a mix of luxury stores, duty-free shops, and local souvenir stands, you’ll find everything you need just on that one street.
Front Street is also only 0.7 miles away from the Saint Maarten Cruise Terminal, so you can easily walk there in roughly 15 minutes. If you walk north along Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, you will see a large Pandora store, which marks the beginning of Front Street. If you continue east along Front Street, you’ll come across plenty of stores, restaurants, boutiques, and more!
For more unique gifts and souvenirs, you can also head over to Old Street, which is lined with food vendors, boutique shops, and stalls set up by local artisans.
Worth Reading: IDEAL Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit
Old Street runs perpendicular with Front Street, so you can easily walk the 0.8 mile distance in less than 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the Michael Kors store, as it sits right on the corner of Front Street and Old Street.
If you’re limited on time for your shore excursion and want to stick to the port area, there are several international jewelry retailers, including Kay’s Fine Jewelry, Pandora, and Effy Jewelry, as well as numerous clothing stores, including an official Crocs store, so it’s easy to stock up on beachwear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you walk to the beach from St.Maarten Cruise Port?
Yes, Great Bay Beach is just a pleasant 10-minute walk from St. Maarten Cruise Port.
Can I get off the cruise ship in St.Maarten without a passport?
No, you do not need to present a passport to get off a cruise ship in St. Maarten. However, this only applies if you are a cruise ship passenger staying for less than 48 hours; otherwise, you will need a valid passport.
What is the name of the cruise terminal in St.Maarten?
The formal name is Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port, but it is often shortened to St. Maarten Cruise Terminal.
