Port of Sint Maarten 2026 Travel Guide

Key Highlights

Your trip to Port of Sint Maarten in 2026 will be something to remember. This guide gives you everything you need for your visit. You will see the best that this Caribbean island has to give when your cruise ship stops.

• The Port of St. Maarten is a big spot for cruise ships. It has places that let even the biggest cruise ships dock.

• There are many ways to get around, such as taxis, water taxis, and walking paths to Philipsburg.

• You can find great shopping stores, great beaches like Great Bay Beach, and fun trips close to the port.

• It is easy to check the 2026 cruise ships schedule. This will help you to plan your time in Sint Maarten well.

• The port has a deep history and is very important for tourism and trade in the Caribbean.

Introduction

Welcome to St. Maarten. It is one of the most-loved and often-visited places for cruises in the Caribbean. The Port of St. Maarten will be your way into an island that is known for both Dutch and French roots, beautiful beaches, and great shopping. You might be here to find some fun and adventure, or you may just want to relax in the sand and sun. Philipsburg is ready to greet you with open arms. This guide will show you how to enjoy your time in Sint Maarten, so your 2026 trip to the Caribbean will be one you always remember.

Overview of the Port of Sint Maarten

The Port of St. Maarten, also called the A.C. Wathey Cruise Port, is one of the top cruise ports in the Caribbean. It’s in the Point Blanche area, just outside Philipsburg. The port sits in Great Bay, and the water here is deep. This means some of the biggest cruise ships in the world can dock here. The place is always busy. It is known for being modern, and it is close to the main spots people want to see in Sint Maarten.

When you get off your cruise ship, you can find all you need for your time in St. Maarten right away. The port is made to be easy for travelers. It is simple to start your holiday and get right into what the island has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at its location, what services it has, and how the terminal and port areas are set up.

Location and Accessibility from Princess Juliana International Airport

You will find the Port of St. Maarten on the Dutch side of the island, in Philipsburg. The port sits in Great Bay. This is a lovely spot and good for starting your visit to Sint Maarten. It is close to the middle of Philipsburg. The capital city is full of life and is known for its stores and boardwalk by the water.

If you fly into Princess Juliana International Airport, it is easy to get to the cruise port. Taxis wait at the airport to take you straight to the port. Most of the time, the ride is about 20 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer if there is a lot of traffic. This makes it simple to get from your flight to your cruise ship.

Another way to go is by taking a public bus. You can find buses to Philipsburg that leave from near the airport. These buses will take you to Emmaplein. This spot is only a ten-minute walk from the cruise port. The bus is a good and low-cost choice to get where you need to go in St. Maarten.

Facilities and Services Offered to Cruise Passengers

The Port of St. Maarten helps meet the needs of all cruise passengers. When you get off the ship, you walk right into Harbour Point Village. This is a friendly place, made to help you get to where you need to be with ease. You will hear steel pan music, which gives you the real Caribbean feel right at the start.

This village is the main spot at the cruise port for you and other people who arrive. You will find an information center to help make your day in St. Maarten a good one. Tour buses and taxis stand nearby and are ready to get you to any new place you want to see on the island. The cruise port makes it very easy for you.

Some important things you can use here are:

• An information center to get maps and answers

• Duty-free and souvenir shops for gifts and things you might need

• Outdoor market stalls with crafts from locals

• Bars and a restaurant if you want a quick drink or snack

• Simple ways to get on a tour bus or find one of the taxis

Port Layout and Terminals

The Port of St. Maarten is set up to be fast and easy to use. It can handle a lot of people at once. There are two main cruise piers at the st maarten waterfront, and they can fit up to six ships. Even the biggest ships in the world can dock here. Pier 1 is 545 meters long. The newer Pier 2 is 445 meters long. There is a lot of room at the pier for docking ships.

When you get off the ship, you go right to the Harbour Point Village. This is where your on-shore time in maarten starts. From there, you can get right on the main road or take a water taxi. The taxi lets you enjoy the waterfront as it takes you to different spots in philipsburg. The design of the port at st maarten makes it easy for all the people to get where they need to go.

There are screening booths at the terminals. These help you get off your ship faster. You will be on your way in no time. Whether you want to walk into town, take the taxi, or catch a ferry, the layout at the port makes everything clear and simple for your first trip onto the island. The process will help you feel good as you start your day in maarten.

Cruise Ship Arrivals and Scheduling in 2026

Planning a trip to Sint Maarten in 2026 is exciting. It’s helpful to know the cruise ship schedule before you go. The cruise port in Sint Maarten is busy almost every day. Big ships from lines like Royal Caribbean International come in a lot. Most of the traffic happens early in the year, and many ships can be in the port at the same time.

It’s a good idea to keep up with ship arrivals and departures. This can help you when you plan trips around the island. Sometimes, there is more traffic on the roads because of cruise days. If you know the schedule, you can make better plans and enjoy your time more. Let’s look at which cruise lines come in, and how you can check the latest cruise port schedules in Sint Maarten.

Key Cruise Lines Operating at the Port

The Port of St. Maarten is a top spot for many big cruise lines around the world. It has the space to take even the largest ships, so it is a top pick for trips around the Caribbean. All through 2026, you will see many different types of ships at this cruise port. There will be ships from all kinds of companies coming in and out.

Royal Caribbean International visits a lot. Big ships like the Icon of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas often come by. But they are not the only line. You will also see ships from other well-known and high-end cruise lines. This helps make the cruise port full of life and excitement.

Here are some of the main cruise lines you will see at Port St. Maarten:

• Royal Caribbean International

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Celebrity Cruises

• MSC Cruises

• P&O Cruises

Checking Ship Schedules and Arrival Information

Staying informed about the cruise ship schedule for Port St. Maarten is easy. Several online resources provide detailed timetable calendars showing the arrival and departure dates for all ships. These schedules are typically organized by month, allowing you to see which vessels will be in port on any given day in 2026.

By checking these resources, you can access not only the dates but also the specific arrival and departure times for each cruise ship. This information is invaluable for planning your day, whether you’re a passenger trying to manage your time or a local resident curious about port activity. Following the links for a specific ship often provides its full itinerary.

Here is an example of what the ship schedule information might look like for a day in February 2026:

Date	Ship Name	Arrival Time	Departure Time
Feb. 3, 2026	Icon Of The Seas	08:00	17:00
Feb. 3, 2026	Celebrity Eclipse	08:00	18:00
Feb. 3, 2026	Odyssey Of The Seas	09:00	18:00

Inaugural Ship Calls and Special Events in 2026

The year 2026 will be an exciting time for Port St. Maarten. There will be several big events and some cruise ships coming for the first time. When a cruise ship comes to a port for the first time, it is called an inaugural call. People usually celebrate it. In the beginning of January, St. Maarten will see two new ships coming in for their first visits.

These moments show that the port is one of the top places to visit in the Caribbean. When new cruise ships arrive at St. Maarten, they bring more excitement and energy to the port. Details about other events that may happen later in the year, such as in September or October, are often shared closer to those months. The port, though, is always busy with activity.

Watch for news about the port during 2026. There will be updates about special events, and with cruise ships always coming and going, Port St. Maarten will stay full of life. These happenings make it a good choice for travelers who want to visit the Caribbean.

Transportation Options from the Port

When you get to the Port of St. Maarten, you will see many ways to travel around the island. If you want to go to the center of Philipsburg, see a well-known beach, or join a tour that lasts the whole day, you will find it easy and quick to get where you need to be.

Taxis are right there at the cruise terminal. They give you a simple and direct trip to your spot. If you want to save some money, you can use public transit after a short walk. There is also a water taxi that gives you a nice ride with good views. You can also just walk and see some of the sights near the port. Let’s learn more about these ways to get around maarten and Philipsburg.

Taxis, Private Transfers, and Public Transit

Taxis are an easy way to travel in St. Maarten from the cruise port. There is a taxi stand at Harbour Point Village. Drivers are always there and ready to take you anywhere on the island. The fares are fixed, so you know the price in advance. If you want to go to Philipsburg, it is about $10 for one or two people.

If you want something more private, you can book a private transfer. This is good if you want to set your own plan or you are coming with more people. Your driver can show you top places in Maarten at your own pace.

Public transit is good for people who want to save money. The main bus station at Emmaplein is around 10 minutes away by foot from the cruise port. You can take minivan buses from there. These buses go to many spots across Sint Maarten, like Maho Beach and Marigot.

• Taxis: You will find these at the port, and prices are set.

• Private Transfers: Book these early to make your trip fit your needs.

• Public Transit: Minivan buses come often and do not cost much.

Walking Routes to Philipsburg and Nearby Attractions

If you like to walk and stretch your legs, you can go from the cruise port to Philipsburg easily. The way is simple and only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Just walk out of the port gates and stay on the main road. This road takes you right into the busy part of St. Maarten.

On this walk, you get a feel for the local area right when you arrive. When you get to Philipsburg, you will find the city is easy for people on foot. It is simple to check out Front Street and Back Street. These streets are the main shopping areas. You can also walk along the boardwalk near Great Bay Beach.

Many top places are close to the cruise port and you can walk to all of them. Here are some you can reach by foot:

• Great Bay Beach: This lovely beach is not far and is a good spot to relax during the day.

• The Boardwalk: Full of places to eat and shop, this boardwalk is nice for an easy walk.

• Fort Amsterdam: If you want some history, you can take a longer walk to this old fort. It gives you great views.

Use some time in Philipsburg to explore. There is a lot to see and do, and everything is close when you walk from the cruise port.

Ferry and Water Taxi Services

If you want a nice and easy way to get to Philipsburg, you can use the water taxi. The ferry is on the cruise pier and can take you straight to three different spots on the Philipsburg waterfront. The trip is fast and gives you good views of Great Bay and all the cruise ships at the dock.

Taking the water taxi can be fun, especially if it’s hot and you do not want to walk. You get dropped off close to places to eat, go shopping, or just be at the beach. These stops are made so you can get to different parts of the city easily, from the marina up to the main square.

Here are the main water taxi stops in Philipsburg:

• Bobby’s Marina: This is right at the start of the boardwalk. It is good if you want to explore the town.

• Captain Hodge Pier: This is in the center and puts you right at Courthouse square, which is the main area in Philipsburg.

• Walter Plantz Square Pier: This is at the end of the boardwalk, where you will find some local places to eat.

These water taxis mostly help you around Philipsburg, but there are some other ferry services on the island too. You can use them to get to Simpson Bay or even other Dutch islands if you want to go a bit farther.

Things to Do Near the Cruise Port

The area near the Port of St. Maarten is full of things to do and see. If you want to stay in Philipsburg or go a little farther, there are plenty of options. The island is not big, so you can get to places like Orient Bay Beach or the food spot Grand Case for a quick trip.

You will find history, relaxing beaches, shopping, and places to eat for every type of person who visits. It is easy to fill your day with great moments, and it’s all close to where your ship stops. Let’s check out some of the best spots and trips you can take on St. Maarten.

Excursions in Philipsburg

Philipsburg has many great places to visit that will be fun for the whole family. You do not have to go far from the port. The city has a lot of adventure and culture waiting for you. If you love history, you can stop by the St. Maarten Heritage Museum, and it is free. You can also walk to Fort Amsterdam. From there, you get a good view of the bay.

If you want to be more active, you can join a guided bike tour in the city. The guide will talk about the history of the capital along the way. If you have your family with you and want fun, try the Rusty Parrot pirate experience. The digital show will teach you about Caribbean buccaneers. There are so many great places in Philipsburg for you to discover.

Here are some popular things to do in Philipsburg:

• Historical Philipsburg Bike Tour: You learn all about Philipsburg’s past and get to move around.

• Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit: This spot is perfect if you are a Star Wars fan, or if you just love movies.

• St. Maarten Scuba Diving: You can see the beautiful underwater world. The dive center is close to the port.

• Philipsburg Mural Tour: You can look at colorful art on the streets made by local artists.

Beach Destinations Close to the Port

St. Maarten is well known for its nice beaches, and many of them are close to the cruise port. The closest one is Great Bay Beach. It runs along the whole Philipsburg area. The water is calm there and you will find a lot of beach clubs. It is a great spot for people who come from cruise ships and want to relax without going too far.

A little bit further you can find Little Bay Beach. This beach is much calmer and is a good place for snorkeling. You might see some pelicans too. People who want some adventure can take a short taxi or bus ride to Maho Beach. Maho Beach is world-known because you can watch planes land right over your head. On the French side of Saint Martin, there is Orient Bay Beach. This beach has a lot of fun and water sports to try.

Here are some top beach destinations to think about:

• Great Bay Beach: This is the closest beach. It is only a 10-minute walk from the cruise port.

• Little Bay Beach: This one is quiet and great for snorkeling.

• Maho Beach: People love it here because you get to see airplanes land very close.

• Orient Bay Beach: This big and lively beach on the french side has lots of things to do.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Spots

Philipsburg is known as a great place to shop in the Caribbean. The city has lots of duty-free stores on Front Street and Back Street. You can find big name jewelers like Diamonds International and Ballerina Jewelers, as well as stores with electronics and souvenirs. The good prices and many choices have made this port popular with visitors and won it awards.

St. Maarten is also famous for food. People call it the food capital of the Caribbean. Along the Philipsburg boardwalk, you can find many good restaurants and bars. You can have a tasty lunch as you look out over the bay. You can pick from fresh fish, Asian-style dishes, or classic Dutch street food. It’s easy to find something good to eat here.

For fun, you might want to visit one of the first escape rooms in the Caribbean. You can also stop by a busy beach bar for a drink. Check out some of these top places for shopping, food, and fun:

• Front Street: This is where you go for the best duty-free and brand-name jewelry shopping.

• The Boardwalk: It’s full of restaurants and bars, and you get a nice view of the ocean.

• Walter Plantz Square: Try Dutch treats and local Caribbean food here.

• Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit: It’s a fun place for people who like movies.

Philipsburg in St. Maarten has something for everyone, whether you want to shop, eat, or have a good

Port of Sint Maarten for Yachts and Cargo Ships

The Port of St. Maarten is known for cruise ships, but it also handles yachts and cargo ships. The port offers many services and helps with trade in the area and luxury boating. All of this makes it a key part of the local economy.

There are different areas at the port for each type of ship. Mega-yachts often go to the calm waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon. Cargo ships use their own spots for unloading and moving goods. This section will talk about what the port gives to yachts and what it does for cargo.

Yacht Facilities and Services

St. Maarten is a top spot for people who love yachting. Many boats, from small sailboats to big mega-yachts, come here. Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the biggest inland lagoons in the Caribbean. This lagoon is the main place for the yachting scene. It has safe places for your boat to anchor, and there are many marinas with good services.

The main cruise dock in Great Bay can fit big yachts, but most services for boats are on Simpson Bay. The marinas in Simpson Bay lagoon help yacht captains and owners with everything they need. You can get things fixed, buy supplies, and clear customs at these places. Because of this, St. Maarten is a great place to start, stop, or take a break while going around the Caribbean.

Key services available for yachts include:

• Marina Berthing: Marinas with full service and spots for boats of all sizes.

• Fueling and Provisioning: Docks for fuel and places where you get good supplies.

• Repair and Maintenance: Shipyards and folks who do repairs and keep the boats working.

Cargo Operations and Logistics

Beyond tourism, the Port of St. Maarten plays a big role in moving cargo and handling goods in the Northeastern Caribbean. The port takes care of both imports and exports that the island, and its neighbors, need every day. This makes the port important for trade in the region.

The cargo area at the port can handle many types of goods. It deals with container items as well as things moved in bulk. Because of where it is, this port is good for sending goods in and out across the Caribbean. The port leaders always work to make their logistics and cargo services better. This keeps meeting the needs of people in St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.

The port’s cargo and logistics services include:

• Container Handling: The port offers places to load and unload container ships.

• Warehousing: The port has storage for goods that are not ready to ship out yet.

• Transshipment Services: The port helps move items along the supply chain for the former Netherlands Antilles islands and others.

Contact Information for Maritime Services

If you need to contact the Port of St. Maarten for help with cruise ships, yachts, or cargo, you have a few ways to do that. The Port St. Maarten Group of Companies is in charge of all the work at the port and can put you in touch with the right people for different things you may need.

If you have general questions, the main office at the port can help you. They can give you the details you ask for or connect you to the correct person. You can ask about how things work at the port, or questions on safety and any projects that are underway. There are people in charge of shipping, cruise times, and services for travelers.

To talk to the right department, it’s a good idea to go to the official Port of Sint Maarten website. You will find the contact details there, like phone numbers and email addresses for all the key services. This is the best way to get good answers if you are traveling or sending goods to or from sint maarten.

Safety, Security, and Traveler Information

Your safety is important at the Port of St. Maarten. The people in charge at the cruise port work hard to make sure things are safe for everyone. This care starts when you first get off your ship and lasts until you get back on. They have set up solid rules and steps to help travelers feel calm and safe while in Sint Maarten.

These steps cover your health, wellness, and general security. It helps to pay attention to what is around you and listen to the advice from port workers or your cruise line. By doing this, you can have a safe and easy visit to Maarten. Now let’s talk about the health and safety rules they use for all passengers at the cruise port.

Health and Safety Protocols for Passengers

The Port of St. Maarten works hard to keep cruise passengers and staff safe and healthy. The port joins with cruise lines and local health groups to set up rules that help create a safe place for everyone. These rules get checked and changed often to match the newest world guidelines.

When you get to St. Maarten, there will be clear signs and port staff will help you with what you need to do. This may mean health checks or other steps to keep everyone well while at the port. The port wants you to enjoy your visit and also be safe.

Even though the rules can change, most of the time you will notice:

• Enhanced Cleaning: Staff clean and sanitize busy spots more often.

• Coordination with Health Officials: Staff work closely with both local and world health experts.

• Clear Communication: Passengers get the latest news about health and safety steps.

History and Role of the Port in the Caribbean

The history of the Port of St. Maarten is closely linked to the island’s growth and the place that it has in the Caribbean. Christopher Columbus first saw the island in the year 1493, but the town of Philipsburg and its port did not get set up until much later. When it was built, it quickly became a key place for trade with other countries.

The port has changed a lot over many years. It started as a spot for the salt trade and later grew into one of the top ports for cruise and cargo ships. Its story shows how business in the Caribbean has changed, starting with trade during the colonial time and now as a busy place for tourism. We will look at how the port has changed and why it matters so much in the area right now.

Evolution and Development of the Port

The story of how the Port of St. Maarten grew shows smart choices and change. Christopher Columbus saw the island in 1493. Later, the Dutch saw how they could use its location and the Great Salt Pond for trade. In 1763, a Scottish captain named John Philips started the town of Philipsburg. This town quickly saw trade, with salt from the Great Salt Pond as a big reason for its early success.

To make sure this trade was safe, the Dutch built two forts. These were Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem. They sat over the bay to look out for trouble. Later, the port changed what it did and started connecting the Netherlands Antilles with other Dutch islands nearby. When salt was not as much in demand, the port switched to new kinds of trade.

In the past years, Port St. Maarten changed even more. Lots of money was used on better buildings and two big cruise ship piers. These changes helped make St. Maarten one of the top cruise spots in the world and let the port welcome the biggest and newest cruise ships.

The Port’s Significance in Regional Trade and Tourism

Today, the Port of St. Maarten is very important for trade in the region and for tourism. It is one of the top cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Every year, millions of people visit by cruise, which makes tourism a big part of the island’s economy. The port can handle many ships at the same time. This helps local businesses like tour operators, shops and places to eat.

Besides tourism, the port is also a main part of trade in the region. It acts as a big hub for moving goods. It helps move things to and from nearby islands, including the other Dutch islands and the French side of Saint Martin. Because of this, the port is key in getting needed goods for many people.

The port does two big things for Maarten and the Caribbean:

• Tourism Hub: It brings in major cruise lines and many visitors, which helps drive the local economy.

• Trade Gateway: It is important for importing, exporting, and moving cargo around the Northeastern Caribbean.

• Economic Engine: It gives jobs to thousands of people and helps the island grow and do well.

Real-Time Resources and Port Communication

Staying connected with the Port of St. Maarten is simple. There are many real-time resources for you to use. You can look at a live camera for a view of the harbor. You can also check a ship’s status or reach out to port authorities if you have any questions about shipping. Modern technology makes all of this fast and easy.

These tools are very good for people who love cruises and want to see the ships come in. Travelers planning their day could use them too. Businesses that need to plan things can do so without trouble. Here is how you can find live webcams and see who you should contact for travel or shipping help at the port in St. Maarten.

Live Webcams and Virtual Tours

Yes, you can watch what happens at the Port of St. Maarten with live webcams. These webcams show real-time video of the harbor. You can see cruise ships come and go. You might also see yachts sailing by and get an idea of the weather and feel in St. Maarten from anywhere in the world.

These live video feeds are good for anyone interested in the port. If you like watching cruise ships, you will enjoy seeing your favorite ones. People who want to visit Maarten can use the webcams to get excited about going there. You can also use the streams to see how busy the port is that day.

Where to find these resources:

• Official Port Website: This may have its own live webcam feed.

• Third-Party Travel Sites: Many Caribbean travel sites share webcam views from popular places like Port St. Maarten.

• Virtual Tours: Some websites offer virtual tours so you can explore the port and area around it in an interactive way.

How to Contact Port Authorities for Travel or Shipping Queries

Getting in touch with the Port of St. Maarten for travel or shipping questions is easy. The Port St. Maarten Group of Companies has a clear way to handle different kinds of questions. This helps you talk to the right department for what you need.

If you have a general question, you should start with the main port office. But, if your question is more about something specific, it is better to reach out to the right department. If you are a person asking about passenger services or a business that needs to talk about shipping, there is a special contact spot for you.

To get the right contact details:

• Visit the Official Website: The Port of Sint Maarten’s official website is the best place to get contact information.

• Look for Department Listings: Their website usually shows phone numbers and email addresses for cruise activities, shipping logistics, and main office questions.

• Use Online Contact Forms: A lot of port websites also have contact forms. You can use these to send in your questions right away.

These steps should help you get answers from the Port of sint maarten, st maarten, fast and with no problems.

Conclusion

The Port of Sint Maarten is a busy spot for people who travel. It has many things to do and see for cruise passengers and for those who love yachts. You can get to it easily from Princess Juliana International Airport. The port has a lot of fun trips, good places to eat, and things to do nearby. It is not just a place where you stop; it opens the way for you to have great times in the Caribbean. You can visit Philipsburg or relax on the pretty beaches. There is something here for all people. If you want your trip to go well, you can ask for help made just for you. Start your trip in Maarten now and get ready for a great day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main services available for cruise passengers at the Port of Sint Maarten?

Cruise passengers coming to the Port of St. Maarten will find many different services. The cruise port has an information center where you can get help and ask questions. There are duty-free shops, so you can buy things at a good price. You will also find tour and taxi stands close by. Water taxi services are there to take you to Philipsburg. The cruise port in Sint Maarten is made to make sure your arrival is easy and good for you.

How can visitors check real-time cruise schedules and ship arrivals?

You can look up when cruise ships are coming to Port St. Maarten on different websites that track ports. These websites show you a calendar for every month. You will see the names of the cruise ships and the times they will arrive and leave. This makes it easy to plan your day in St. Maarten around the cruise ships.

Are there convenient ways to reach local attractions from the cruise port?

Getting to the attractions from the cruise port is easy. You can catch a taxi that waits at the port. There is a water taxi that takes you on a nice ride to the Philipsburg waterfront. You can also walk about 10 minutes to be in the center of town. These ways help people see Maarten without any trouble.