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Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. Depending on business in the port, traffic can be a factor to keep an eye on. Please see this overview of arrival and departure times of cruise ships in the Philipsburg port of call.
Princess Juliana International Airport Taxi Service to St. Maarten Cruise Port
Fort Amsterdam is a historic landmark located on the west side of the Great Bay in St. Maarten. The Dutch built the fortifications in the 1630s to protect the island from potential invaders and pirates. The fort offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s colonial past and provides breathtaking views of Great Bay.
How to Find a Taxi at the Cruise Port
This selection rounds out our guide to the top 45 things to do in St. Maarten, offering a wide array of experiences for every type of traveler. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World. Philipsburg and Sint Maarten are on AST (Atlantic Standard Time) and do not participate in daylight saving time (DST).
From the Cruise Port to Great Bay Beach
Sea Cloud Cruises homporting shows Port St. Maarten's cruise diversity - Seatrade Cruise News
Sea Cloud Cruises homporting shows Port St. Maarten's cruise diversity.
Posted: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It’s good to be aware that many stalls and souvenir shops in Harbour Point Village are overpriced compared to local vendors in Philipsburg. This small island is unique, as it encompasses two countries, Sint Maarten (Dutch) and St. Martin (French). However, there is no border and people can move freely around the island. While in downtown Philipsburg, be sure to walk through the Secret Garden.
Is St. Maarten walkable from the cruise port?

Taxis and rental car services are conveniently located near the cruise terminal, providing easy access to the island’s top attractions and landmarks. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the St. Maarten Cruise Port is a bustling gateway for cruise travelers from around the world. This vibrant port welcomes numerous cruise ships, offering a wide range of amenities and services to ensure a memorable visit to the island. Many visitors like to see the spectacular airplane landings on Maho Beach, also known informally as “Airport Beach”. You can do so by island tour (make sure this stop is included in the itinerary), by taxi or bus. Minivan Buses to Maho leave from Emmaplein every ten to twenty minutes and take averagely 30 minutes to reach the beach.
You may get more out of that experience than a self-guided experience. The crystal clear waters allow you to see the vibrant marine life better than, for instance, off the coast of North or South Carolina. Like Maho Beach, you are better off taking a cab to maximize your time on the beach. Since it is on the French side, you will need to allot yourself about forty minutes to get back to the ship, and I would suggest aiming to arrive thirty minutes before all aboard. If you’re up for some underwater exploration, a scuba diving excursion is an excellent choice. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover the vibrant coral reefs, encounters with tropical fish, and the possibility of sighting sea turtles and rays.
In this St. Maarten cruise port guide, we went over the information you need to have a great day visiting St.Maarten during a cruise. Any drink made with guavaberry is a must-try when in St. Maarten for the day on a cruise. You’ll find several popular bars along Great Bay Beach as well as near the cruise terminal.
Caribbean Port's Special Day for the World's Largest Cruise Ship - Cruise Hive
Caribbean Port's Special Day for the World's Largest Cruise Ship.
Posted: Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Throughout history, the building served as a jail, a fire station, and a post office, and nowadays it houses the court of law. The Great Bay beach is sandy, long, and beautiful, boasting crystal clear, warm water. There is an option to rent beach beds and umbrellas from the locals, but if you prefer you can relax in the shade of one of the countless seafront cocktail bars. St Maarten – the Eastern Caribbean pearl boasting stunning beaches, lush tropical nature, and kind, friendly residents – is an island of diversities! It is a small island divided between two countries – France and the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Where Cruise Ship Dock - Piers and Terminals
You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. The port of St. Maarten boasts two enormous docks that can accommodate up to seven cruise ships at once. The port village offers duty-free shops, many tourist opportunities, and a large staff to answer questions and facilitate many requests.
This is the cosmopolitan hub of the city full of shops, bars, restaurants, and events is always packed with people. The boardwalk lines the beachfront and offers unique views of the cruise ships and the whole Great Bay. If you plan to have some beach time, make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat as there is not much natural shade. You can purchase one way or round trip water taxi tickets to downtown Philipsburg and Great Bay Beach. The water taxi is one of the easiest and most common way cruise passengers go from the cruise port to Philipsburg.
Welcome to one of the most visited cruise ports in the Caribbean and the world! The St Maarten cruise port has won many accolades by cruise sites and magazines as a great location for excursions, shopping and excursions to Philipsburg. It is within sight of the ship, in the city centre and there are lots of facilities.
The dive takes 25 to 30 minutes, during which you can see a sunken submarine, helicopter, plane, canons, and more. You can also marvel at the colorful coral reef fish swimming around you. The Flying Dutchman Zipline is an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping excursion in St. Maarten. Billed as the world’s steepest zipline, the adventure includes a 1,050-foot drop on a securely harnessed chair. You get some of the most breathtaking 360° views of the Caribbean, including Anguilla, St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Barts. During the tour, you have the opportunity to sample a variety of rums, including their signature rums.
Great Bay Beach is located on the opposite side of the bay as the cruise ship terminal, and it is a good option for those who want to stay close by. You can get a roundtrip ferry ticket for less than $10, and you will find plenty of vendors renting chairs and umbrellas once you arrive. There are numerous restaurants and bars lining the beach, too, meaning that you will not have to wander far when hunger strikes. St. Maarten offers a captivating Caribbean experience for cruise travelers, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and wealth of attractions.
Direct bus services from the cruise terminal can take you to Maho Beach and Marigot. Taxis are generally not metered, but drivers must follow official rates for travel on the island. However, confirming the fare with the driver before starting your journey is always a good idea.
If you’re looking for a unique and tasty experience during your time in St. Maarten, you’ll enjoy a Guava Berry Liquor tasting. This locally-produced liquor is traditionally enjoyed at Christmas by local families. Whether you prefer to explore lush hiking trails, relax at the sanctuary pool or enjoy thrilling zip line tours with breathtaking views, Loterie Farm is a must-visit. Located on the Dutch side of the island, Fort Amsterdam is a historical fortress built in 1631.
PLAYFUL POSSIBILITIES ON LAND AND ON WATER Whether on land or water, the choices are endless for cruise passengers to spend their time on or around our delightful island! Upon arrival at the cruise port, visitors will be greeted by a lively atmosphere, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues lining the waterfront. The port area is well-maintained and offers modern facilities, including duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and local artisans selling handmade crafts. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks.
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