It’s been the number one cruise destination in the northern Caribbean for years. 

But after the pandemic, it’s been a struggle for St Maarten to match its once-strong numbers. 

That’s starting to change, however. 

This week, nearly 15,000 cruise passengers came to the island, in what St Maarten Tourism Minister Omar Ottley called “”stunning indication that the Caribbean’s number one Cruise travel destination was back in business.”

“We had a perfect first day of six cruise ships back at the port, which is a good feeling. It is something we have been working diligently for as we rebound from a difficult two years and seven months of very little economic activity,” Ottley said. 

The six ships included Star Pride, AidaLuna, Grandeur of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Carnival Magic.

The Minister said St Maarten is expecting six inaugural port calls from ships that have never been to the island. 

Bookings for cruise travel to St Maarten are now up 120 percent. 

“This is a good indication of what’s in store for this tourism season,” he said.