Food & Beverage
Your island experience begins with the beat of steel pans and an ice-cold drink in hand. Bars, cafés, and open-air restaurants offer a warm St. Maarten welcome right at the port.
The Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities marked a significant milestone in 2014 by catering to over two million cruise passengers and has consistently welcomed an annual average of 1.5 million passengers since 2010. This success is a direct result of the island’s commitment to providing an unparalleled experience from ship to shore.
Recognizing the need for expanded capacity, the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies upgraded the port in 2009 by adding a second pier. This strategic investment has transformed Port St. Maarten into a “port of the 21st century,” capable of accommodating the world’s largest cruise ships, including Genesis-class vessels and beyond.
The new Pier 2 (445 m) can accommodate two ships weighing over 220,000 gross tons each, with a capacity for more than 6,000 passengers and crew. Additionally, Pier 2 features two passenger screening booths to expedite disembarkation. This expansion embodies the port’s mantra: “Tons of experience. Tons of efficiency. Tons of opportunity.”
The global cruise industry is undergoing a transformative period, with the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas class marking a new chapter in cruise ship design, technology, and passenger experience. This revolutionary class of ships represents a significant leap forward in three key areas: sustainability, technological integration, and immersive, family-focused design. As the first vessel of its kind, Icon of the Seas is a powerful statement on the future of cruising, a future that is larger, greener, and more connected than ever before, and Port St. Maarten maintains its lead in welcoming such vessels which are the blueprint for the future of the cruise industry.
Your island experience begins with the beat of steel pans and an ice-cold drink in hand. Bars, cafés, and open-air restaurants offer a warm St. Maarten welcome right at the port.
Shop global brands at local prices. From fine jewelry to electronics, the port’s duty-free outlets offer unbeatable deals—tax-free and hassle-free.
Bring home a piece of paradise. The Harbour Point Village is packed with local crafts, handmade keepsakes, and colorful island treasures.
Skip the traffic and cruise into Philipsburg by sea. The Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby’s Marina are three convenient water taxi stops on the Philipsburg waterfront, offering a breezy ride and a scenic view.
Over 100 cabs await at the terminal, along with buses, water taxis, and tour pickups for pre-booked excursions. Walk to Philipsburg in 15 minutes—or ride in comfort.