Saturday, April 20, 2024

Discover St Maarten Cruise Port: Your Ultimate Guide

sxm cruise port

Founded in the 18th century by John Philips on behalf of the Dutch navy, Philipsburg has flourished over the years and is now a thriving city and cruise terminal. 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). St. Maarten Cruise Port is generally wheelchair-friendly, with accessible ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces.

Video: St. Maarten Cruise Tips & Exploring Philipsburg & Great Bay Beach

As part of the Christmas-New Year holidays was offered a Demi Lovato live concert performance, which was also televised. Philipsburg is a port town and the capital of Sint Maarten - an island country in the Dutch Antilles, one of The Netherlands' overseas territories. Port Philipsburg (locode ANPHI) is the country's principal port and largest city, with population around 2,000. You don’t need a passport when crossing the border from the Dutch to the French side of the island. Before your cruise, you should check entry requirements if you require a visa for St. Maarten. The dry, mild season from December to April is the best time to visit St. Maarten.

Shore Excursion Options

Walking from the cruise pier in St. Maarten to Philipsburg is ideal if you plan to stay close to the terminal. The walk takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on where you intend to go. There is a pleasant walk from the terminal to Philipsburg’s eastern—and nicer—side. St. Maarten Cruise Port is located on the southern end of the island of Sint Maarten (Saint Martin). The cruise pier terminal is in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of the island. The island’s northern side is the French side, usually called Saint Martin.

St. Maarten Cruise Port Waiting Area and Seating

Orient Bay Beach, on the French side of the island, is another popular choice. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stretching white sands, Orient Bay Beach offers a picturesque setting for sunbathing and relaxation. This beach is also known for its vibrant beach clubs, where you can rent loungers and umbrellas, and enjoy beachside restaurants and bars.

St. Maarten Cruise Port: Amenities, Location, What's Nearby & More

sxm cruise port

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, water sports, or a vibrant atmosphere, the beaches of St. Maarten offer something for everyone, ensuring an unforgettable Caribbean getaway. For those seeking a more tranquil and secluded beach experience, Orient Bay Beach is the perfect choice. Known for its stunning turquoise waters and soft white sand, this beach offers a tranquil oasis to relax and unwind.

St. Maarten Cruise Ship Schedule

On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), the official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but the US Dollar is widely accepted and often preferred. On the French side of the island (Saint Martin), the Euro is the official currency. This flexibility in currency options adds convenience for tourists, allowing them to shop and explore without worrying about extensive currency exchanges. From the culinary explorer and wellness enthusiast to families and couples seeking relaxation or adventure, St. Maarten promises unforgettable moments for all its visitors.

Take a guided shore excursion of St. Maarten to experience the unique Franco-Dutch culture. Depending on the tour operator, you can spend time in Marigot and visit Fort Amsterdam, Baie Rouge, and Sunset Beach. Some island tours include the Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, Loterie Farm, time at a beach, and lunch. Located on the Dutch side of the island, Philipsburg is known for its colorful colonial architecture and a bustling waterfront promenade. The charming streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings and boutique shops, and you can soak up the town’s rich history and culture. Take a guided excursion to explore both the Dutch and French sides, visiting scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks.

The best way to get there is to take a water taxi at the cruise terminal that will take you directly to the beach. A beautiful calm beach located in the southwest of the island, around 14 km/9 miles from the St Maarten cruise terminal (a 30-minute drive). The best way to get there is by taxi or renting a car (there is a large parking lot near the beach).

St. Martin’s Nature Reserve

However, it is important to note that driving is on the left side of the road in St Maarten and some areas may have challenging terrain or narrow roads. Aside from these shopping districts, there are also several boutiques and specialty stores located throughout the area. Many of these shops offer unique items that you won’t find anywhere else, like handmade jewelry and artwork. Motivating cruise passengers to return to our island for longer stays. Immediately upon coming ashore, passengers are welcomed to the Harbour Point Village to the sound of steel pans.

There is a car rental facility as well at the St. Martin cruise terminal. St. Maarten offers high levels of hospitality, as it’s known as a friendly island with a vibrant nightlife scene. In December 2016, four Celebrity Cruises ships (Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection, Summit) docked here.

A museum tour takes about an hour, and from all accounts, Maley himself is usually present and always welcoming. Unique to St. Maarten is the Water UFO, a watercraft billed as an Unbelievably Fun Object. The boat is a powered, flying-saucer-shaped rig that accommodates one or two passengers.

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Other popular beaches are not within walking distance, but if you are willing to take a taxi we can recommend Dawn beach, Mullet Bay Beach or Orient Beach. Loterie Farm is a stunning reserve located in the heart of Saint Martin. The 30-minute drive from the cruise port takes you to the French side.

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You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds from local people, prices are reasonable. Discover where cruise ships dock, how to get to town and explore it all on your own. For those who love to dance, there are several nightclubs within walking distance of the St Maarten cruise port.

Additionally, the island's vibrant nightlife, casinos, and bars offer entertainment options for those seeking an active evening scene. On Monday, December 4, 2017, Viking Sea was the first cruise ship to call at the island of St Maarten since the passing of hurricane Irma earlier in September that same year. We seek to maximize the quality offered to tourism customers and, at the same time, to maximize the quality of life of our community, St. Maarten.

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