Your Ultimate Crew Guide to Philipsburg, St. Maarten
A Perfect Day Off Starts at the St. Maarten Cruise Port
Next to being a popular town for its many cruise visitors, Philipsburg is a haven for crews serving cruise ships and megayachts visiting St. Maarten. When your ship docks in Philipsburg, you arrive at one of the Caribbean’s most convenient and crew-friendly cruise ports. The St. Maarten cruise terminal is efficient, easy to navigate and only minutes away from beaches, shops, cafés and essential services.
The town center, beach and main shopping streets are all within walking distance of the pier, making it one of the best ports for crew members who want to relax, explore and recharge quickly. Some stores have special cruise crew discounts, but there is no standard fee. If looking for inspiration on how to spend an affordable day on the island, consider downloading the free VISIT VIP Pass for activities, restaurants and shopping.
Great Bay Beach: The Closest Beach to the Cruise Port
If you’re looking for a beach near the St. Maarten cruise port, Great Bay Beach is your go-to choice. Located only a 10–15 minute walk from the pier—or a fast taxi or water taxi ride—it’s the easiest place to swim, tan and unwind.
The beach is backed by Philipsburg’s famous boardwalk, lined with restaurants, bars and cafés where you can grab cold drinks or a quick meal. Facilities like showers, restrooms and beach chair rentals make Great Bay a perfect stop for crew on tight schedules.
For a quieter alternative, Little Bay Beach sits just beyond the peninsula. With calmer water and a more relaxed crowd, it’s ideal if you want to escape the busy cruise atmosphere.Both beaches have showers alongside them. For example Divi Little Bay and its beach clubs provide showers on Little Bay Beach, as does The Pier on Great Bay Beach.
For a great beach experience, it is often recommended to join a beach club offering attractively priced packages with beach chairs, cold drinks and restrooms. Well known beach clubs providing package deals are Ocean Lounge, Big Bastards, St. Rose Arcade, The Pier and Seaview.
Shopping in Philipsburg: Essentials, Duty-Free Deals and Local Finds
Philipsburg is one of the Caribbean’s top shopping destinations, but it’s also incredibly practical for crew who need to stock up on essentials. The area around Front Street, Back Street and Old Street is packed with convenience stores, mini-markets, pharmacies, beauty shops and souvenir stalls—most within a short walk of the cruise port.
Crew members often come here for toiletries, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, phone chargers, electronics and small personal items. Prices vary, but many local markets like Market Garden just under the Seaview Hotel, offer affordable groceries.
If you’re looking to restock personal care items, Philipsburg Pharmacy is easy to reach from the port. It carries over-the-counter medicine, first-aid supplies and grooming essentials. This makes St. Maarten one of the most reliable ports for picking up things you may have run out of onboard.
Of course, St. Maarten is famous for duty-free shopping, especially jewelry, watches and electronics. Along Front Street, jewelers are well-known for welcoming cruise crew with fair prices and excellent service.
Jewelers along Front Street include Joe’s Jewelry International, Artistic Jewelers, Ballerina Jewelers and Dazzling Gems all offering a range of duty-free diamonds, gemstone jewelry, gold pieces and timepieces. All of these stores are located within easy walking distance of the cruise port, making it convenient for crew to browse or shop during their time ashore.
These shops are all within walking distance of the cruise port, making it easy to compare prices or pick up a gift on your break.
Where to Eat Near the St. Maarten Cruise Port
Restaurants like Aziana, Grumpy’s or Chesterfields offer Caribbean and oriental specialties, seafood, burgers and quick bites—ideal if you’re short on time.
The Philipsburg boardwalk is filled with casual eateries and beach bars, making it easy to find something satisfying without leaving the waterfront.
Whether you’re craving a fast plate of local food, a fresh smoothie, or just a place to sit with Wi-Fi, you’ll find plenty of crew-friendly choices just steps from the sand. Wifi is complimentary and readily available on all above locations.
Exploring Philipsburg: Beyond the Beach
Even a short walk through Philipsburg reveals colorful streets, Caribbean-influenced architecture, hidden murals and great photo spots. If you’re interested in culture and scenery, exploring the historic center is a rewarding way to spend an hour.
Crew members looking for quieter surroundings often head into the “downstreet” area, where traditional wooden houses, neighborhood scenes and small alleyways offer a glimpse into everyday local life. It’s close enough to walk but far enough from the boardwalk crowds to feel like a different world.
Useful Tips for Crew Visiting St. Maarten
St. Maarten is known as one of the most practical Caribbean ports for crew. US dollars are accepted everywhere, and most businesses take credit cards, so there’s no need to exchange money. Transport is simple: you can walk almost everywhere, but taxis and the water taxi are easy options if you’re tired or short on time.
Close to the port there is the Emmaplein bus station for affordable mini-van buses, which has lines to both famous Maho Beach, the French side and other directions. Do keep in mind these buses go frequently during the day but irregularly, so plan your return to the ship timely.
Because Philipsburg can get busy when several ships are in port, allow a little extra time to return to the ship during peak afternoon hours. Otherwise, your day off here should feel smooth, safe and stress-free.
Crew FAQ – Top 5 Most Searched Questions
- Is there a supermarket near the St. Maarten cruise port?
Yes. Philipsburg has several convenience stores and mini-markets within walking distance of the pier, perfect for toiletries, snacks and basic essentials. - What’s the closest beach to the cruise terminal?
Great Bay Beach is the closest and easiest to reach, only a short walk or water taxi ride from the port. - Can I use US dollars in St. Maarten?
Absolutely. US dollars are widely accepted, and credit cards are commonly used throughout Philipsburg. - Where can I escape the cruise-ship crowds?
Head to Little Bay Beach or wander into the quieter downstreet residential area for calmer, more local surroundings. - Is Philipsburg safe and easy to walk around?
Yes. The town center, boardwalk and shopping areas are very walkable and generally safe during the day.
