Cruise ships pull into Great Bay right next to Philipsburg, and within minutes you’re off the pier and on Front Street, with Great Bay Beach running just across the road. On multi-ship days, water taxis move continuously across the bay and the line of vessels in port stretches across the horizon.

That flow increased significantly this year.

Passenger Totals Climb Sharply

St. Maarten recorded 1,597,940 cruise passengers between January and December 2025, a 16.3 percent increase compared to 2024. The gain puts the destination among the stronger-performing cruise ports in the Caribbean right now.

The increase shows up immediately in Philipsburg. Beach chairs along Great Bay fill earlier in the day, water taxis run at full capacity, and Front Street sees heavier traffic in shops, restaurants and excursion pickup points.

Cruise calls remain consistent throughout the season, with multiple ships docking on peak days.

Why the Port Keeps Its Position

The Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities handle large vessels with a straightforward arrival process. Passengers disembark, pass through the port area and connect directly to town, taxis and water taxis without long transfers.

That proximity keeps turnaround time short. You can walk from the pier to Front Street in minutes or take a water taxi across Great Bay and step off near the beach.

Cruise lines continue to prioritize ports where passengers can move quickly from ship to destination. St. Maarten delivers that every day it’s in operation.

The island’s two-country setup also remains part of the draw. The Dutch side centers on Philipsburg’s retail and beach access, while the French side brings a different mix of beaches and restaurants within a short drive.

Where Passengers Go After They Dock

From the port, most passengers head in three directions.

Some stay in Philipsburg, setting up 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 aircraft land just beyond the shoreline at Princess Juliana International Airport. It remains one of the island’s most visited stops on cruise days.

On the French side, Orient Bay draws a steady stream of visitors to its long stretch of white sand and beach clubs, while Grand Case continues to see traffic for its concentration of restaurants along the waterfront road.

Excursion buses depart throughout the morning for island tours, snorkeling trips and catamaran sails.

Looking Ahead

A total of nearly 1.6 million cruise passengers in a single year reinforces St. Maarten’s position as a core stop in the northeastern Caribbean. A 16.3 percent increase year over year points to sustained demand from cruise lines and strong passenger interest.

With its port location directly adjacent to Philipsburg and consistent cruise scheduling, the destination continues to handle high volumes without requiring complex logistics for visitors.

Ships arrive, passengers disembark, and within minutes the island is in front of you.