Home St. Maarten Cruise Port Arrival: Where to Go, What to Avoid, and How to Decide Your Adventure

St. Maarten Cruise Port Arrival: Where to Go, What to Avoid, and How to Decide Your Adventure

By Travel Advisor - February 02, 2026

St. Maartin Port Guide

Port Overview & Arrival

  • Current port activity: 5 ships docked (My Ship, Celebrity Reflection, Sunrise Princess, Icon of the Seas, and a Carnival ship)
  • Approximately 22,000 passengers in port
  • Busy even in November
  • Host's second visit; considers it one of favorite Caribbean islands

Territory Information

  • St. Maartin is a province of the Netherlands
  • Main currency: Euro
  • Also accepts US dollars and credit cards

Immediate Port Area

Upon Exiting Ship:

  • Jewelry stores immediately at gates: Effie and Diamonds International on either side
  • Additional jewelry stores: Ballerina Jewelleries, second Effie store
  • Pandora store available in port area

Tourist Services:

  • St. Maartin sign photo opportunity
  • Hop-on, hop-off bus location (right side near sign)
  • Car rental available
  • Liquor, cigarettes, and cigars shop

Transportation Options

To Town:

  • Walking distance: 0.8 miles
  • Water taxi alternative:
    • Adults: $7
    • Crew members: $3
    • Children 3 and under: Free
    • Pickup location: Next to Guava Berry Rum Shop
    • Last shuttle: 3:00 PM

To Maho Beach (Airport):

  • Taxi available from port
  • Last departure from beach: 3:30 PM
  • KFC location mentioned near route

Icon of the Seas Comparison

  • Significantly larger than Britannia
  • About 1/3 wider
  • Approximately 3 decks higher
  • Features infinity balconies: floor-to-ceiling windows with lower half that opens
  • Same size as regular balconies but without sliding door/outdoor access
  • Good for passengers wanting balcony views without going outside

Booking Information

  • Host offers cruise booking services for St. Martin visits
  • Can arrange Icon of the Seas cruises
  • Available to answer questions about the port

Call to Action

  • Encourages viewers to like and subscribe
  • Maho Beach video coming soon
  • Open to answering questions in comments
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