St Maarten Cruise Ship Schedule

No two cruise itineraries are exactly the same, so always check the schedule for your ship’s arrival and departure times. Most ships arrive in the morning, typically between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Arrival times can change due to weather, sea conditions, or delays at previous ports, so it’s common for ships to arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Most ships stay for 8 to 10 hours, leaving around sunset or in the evening.

The main port is the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Port in Philipsburg. It’s conveniently located near the town center and Great Bay Beach, making it easy to explore during your visit.

The Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility can accommodate up to six large cruise ships simultaneously. On busy days, especially during peak season, the island can see over 20,000 passengers arriving in a single morning. In such cases, it’s highly recommended to book shore excursions well in advance.

Plan to return to the port at least 30–45 minutes before “all aboard” time, especially if visiting beaches farther away, such as Maho Beach or Orient Bay Beach. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for travel from these locations. Taxis can become busy when multiple ships are in port.

Keep in mind:

1. During winter, Maho Beach is popular between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM for the famous plane landings, which can make taxis back to the port in high demand.
2. If traveling independently, check Simpson Bay Bridge opening times, as yachting high season coincides with cruise season (December–April).
3. If you have extra time, Philipsburgis a great place to explore since it’s close to the port. Most shore excursions and taxis are planned with ship departure times in mind.

Yes, especially during low season, when many ships are allocated to European and North American destinations. You might find several days a week when the docks are empty. During high season (December–April), Sundays are often the quietest days, though this varies each year.

It depends on your preferences. The Water Taxi is a fast, affordable, and fun way to reach downtown Philipsburg. Many visitors also walk from the port, as it’s nearby. The water taxi is almost always separate from your cruise fare.

Yes. While some local boutiques may be closed, many shops on Front Street in Philipsburg and major beach bars on the boardwalk remain open, often catering specifically to cruise passengers, regardless of the day of the week.