The two main cruise ports in St. Maarten

Cruise ships dock at two ports in St. Maarten: Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side. Most ships use Philipsburg, which has the larger terminal facilities and deeper water. Marigot handles overflow traffic and smaller vessels, particularly during peak season when multiple ships arrive on the same day.

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten and sits on the southern coast. The port there has three cruise ship berths and can accommodate ships up to 330 meters long. Marigot is the capital of the French side (Saint-Martin) and sits on the northwestern coast, about 20 minutes by car from Philipsburg. The Marigot port has one main cruise berth and typically handles one ship at a time.

Key Takeaways

  • Philipsburg on the Dutch side is the primary cruise port and handles the majority of arriving ships with three separate berths.
  • Marigot on the French side serves as the secondary port and typically handles one ship per day during peak season.
  • Ships dock directly at the terminals, and passengers walk off the ship into the port area—there are no tenders or small boats needed.
  • Both ports are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the beach, though Philipsburg has more when ready commercial activity.
  • The distance between the two ports is about 20 minutes by car, so a ship docking in Marigot does not mean you are stranded far from the island's main attractions.

Philipsburg cruise terminal layout and what to expect

The Philipsburg cruise terminal is located at the southern edge of the town, directly on the waterfront. When you disembark, you step onto the dock and when ready enter the terminal building or walk directly into the port area. The terminal has shops, restaurants, and information booths inside, but the main commercial district of Philipsburg is just beyond the terminal gates.

Three cruise ships can dock simultaneously at Philipsburg, which means the port can be crowded during peak season (November through March). The terminal handles all the major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, and Celebrity. Ships typically stay for 8 to 10 hours, giving passengers time to explore the island or use the beach facilities nearby.

Taxis and tour operators wait outside the terminal building. The beach at Great Bay is a five-minute walk from the terminal, and the shopping district on Front Street is also within walking distance. If you want to rent a car, several rental agencies have desks inside or near the terminal.

Marigot port on the French side

Marigot is a smaller, quieter port than Philipsburg and handles fewer ships overall. The terminal there is more compact, with fewer shops and services inside the building itself. However, Marigot town is charming and less crowded than Philipsburg, and the waterfront has restaurants and shops within a short walk.

Ships docking in Marigot typically stay the same 8 to 10 hours as those in Philipsburg. The port is about 20 minutes by car from Philipsburg, so if your ship docks here, you are not isolated—you can still reach the main attractions and beaches on either side of the island. Taxis are available at the terminal, and the cost to travel between Marigot and Philipsburg is usually around $15 to $20 per person.

The Marigot waterfront has a more European feel than Philipsburg, with French colonial architecture and local restaurants. If you prefer a less touristy experience or want to explore the French side of the island, a Marigot dock is actually an advantage.

How to know which port your ship will use

Your cruise line will tell you which port you are docking at when you receive your final cruise documents, usually 7 to 10 days before departure. You can also check your cruise line's website or call their customer service line with your booking number. Some cruise lines post this information in your online account as soon as the itinerary is confirmed.

During peak season, cruise lines sometimes assign ports based on which berths are available that day. If you booked a cruise that lists St. Maarten as a port stop but does not specify which terminal, there is a chance you could dock at either one. Calling your cruise line directly is the most reliable way to confirm.

Getting around once you dock

Both Philipsburg and Marigot have taxis waiting at the terminal. Fares are set by the government and posted at the taxi stand. A ride from Philipsburg to the airport costs around $15, and a ride to a beach on the far side of the island runs $20 to $30. Taxis can be shared with other passengers to split the cost.

Car rental agencies operate at both ports, and you can reserve a car before your cruise arrives. Driving is on the left side of the road (the island was a Dutch colony), and an international driver's license is recommended though not always required. Gas stations are plentiful, and roads are generally well-maintained.

If you do not want to rent a car or take a taxi, both ports are within walking distance of beaches and shops. Philipsburg's Great Bay Beach is the closest to the terminal, and Marigot's waterfront has restaurants and local shops. Many cruise lines also offer shore excursions that depart directly from the terminal.

Tender operations and when ships cannot dock

St. Maarten rarely uses tenders (small boats that ferry passengers from ship to shore) because both ports have deep-water berths that accommodate large cruise ships. However, during extremely rough seas or when all berths are occupied, a ship might anchor offshore and use tenders. This is uncommon but can happen during hurricane season (June through November) or when multiple ships arrive on the same day and one cannot fit at the dock.

If your ship uses tenders, the cruise line will notify you before you board. Tender operations add 30 to 45 minutes to the disembarkation process, but the procedure is straightforward—you board a small boat at a designated time and ride to the terminal dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk into town from either cruise port?

Yes. From Philipsburg, the shopping district and restaurants are a 5 to 10-minute walk from the terminal. From Marigot, the waterfront shops and restaurants are also within a 5 to 10-minute walk. Both ports are compact enough that you do not need transportation to explore the when ready area.

Which port is better for beaches?

Philipsburg has Great Bay Beach directly accessible from the terminal. Marigot is closer to other beaches on the French side, such as Baie Nettle and Baie de l'Embouchure. If beach time is your priority, Philipsburg is more convenient, but Marigot is not far from good beaches either.

Is there a fee to dock at either port?

No. Cruise passengers do not pay a docking fee. Your cruise fare covers the port charges. However, if you take a taxi, rent a car, or purchase food and souvenirs, those are separate costs.

What if I miss my ship at the port?

Contact your cruise line when ready. The ship will not wait, and you will be responsible for traveling to the next port on your own at your own cost. Most cruise lines recommend returning to the terminal at least 30 minutes before the posted all-aboard time.

Do I need a passport to get off the ship in St. Maarten?

Yes. St. Maarten requires a valid passport for entry. If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport card is acceptable, but a passport book is recommended. Check with your cruise line about their specific documentation requirements before you sail.