Cruise ships dock in Great Bay, just off Phillipsburg, and within minutes you’re off the dock and onto Front Street, with Great Bay Beach just across the street. On multi-ship days, water taxis continue to move across the bay and the port’s parade of ships stretches across the horizon.
That flow has increased significantly this year.
Total number of passengers soars
St. Maarten recorded 1,597,940 cruise passengers from January to December 2025, a 16.3% increase compared to 2024. With this increase, St. Maarten is now one of the best performing cruise ports in the Caribbean.
The increase is immediately apparent in Phillipsburg. Beach chairs along Great Bay fill up from the early hours, water taxis run at capacity, and there is more traffic at the shops, restaurants and tour pick-up points on Front Street.
Cruise calls remain consistent throughout the season, with several ships docking during peak periods.
Why ports stay where they are
AC Wathey Cruise and Cargo facilities handle large vessels with simple arrival procedures. Passengers disembark, pass through the port area and are connected directly to the city, taxi or water taxi without long transfers.
That proximity keeps processing times short. You can walk from the pier to Front Street in minutes or take a water taxi across Great Bay to drop you off near the beach.
Cruise lines continue to prioritize ports where passengers can quickly move from ship to destination. St. Maarten communicates that it is operational every day.
The island’s two-nation setting also remains part of the draw. The Dutch side centers around Philipsburg’s retail and beach access, while the French side offers a variety of beaches and restaurants just a short drive away.
Where passengers go after docking
At the port, most passengers head in three directions.
Some stay in Phillipsburg, settling along Great Bay Beach or moving between Front Street and the boardwalk. Beach bars line the sand, and vendors move steadily between rows of chairs and umbrellas.
Others take taxis to Maho Beach, where flights land just beyond the coastline of Princess Juliana International Airport. It remains one of the most visited stops on the island on cruise days.
On the French side, Orient Bay attracts a steady stream of visitors with its long white sand beaches and beach clubs, while Grand Case continues to see heavy traffic thanks to the cluster of restaurants along the waterfront thoroughfare.
Tour buses depart throughout the morning for island tours, snorkeling trips and catamaran sails.
Looking into the future
A total of 1.6 million cruise passengers annually strengthen St. Maarten’s position as a key stop in the northeastern Caribbean. The 16.3% year-on-year increase reflects continued demand and strong passenger interest from cruise lines.
The port location immediately adjacent to Phillipsburg and consistent cruise schedules allow the destination to continue to handle high volumes without complex logistics requirements for visitors.
Once the ship arrives and passengers disembark, the island is in front of you within minutes.
