St Maarten is a pier port on the Dutch side. Ships berth at Philipsburg — Front Street shops, taxis and excursion meeting points are close ashore on a typical 8–10 hour call.
Where ships arrive
Philipsburg terminals
Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities place you steps from Front Street duty-free shops, taxis and shore-excursion desks. Confirm your meeting point — multi-ship days get busy.
Getting to beaches
Maho Beach is typically about 15–25 minutes west by road — traffic varies. Orient Beach on the French side is often 25–45 minutes depending on congestion and your pickup point. Build your own return window.
Caribbean guilder (XCG) on Dutch side; euros in French St Martin. US dollars widely accepted.
Dutch and English on Dutch side; French in Marigot. English common in tourism and at the port.
Ordinary day movement between Dutch and French sides is typically open and low-friction — geography matters more than border theatre.
Need help shaping your St Maarten day?
Tell us your ship, call date, and whether you lean Maho plane spotting, Orient Beach, a dual-nation island circuit, or a catamaran sail. We are an independent planning resource — not the cruise line and not a ticket marketplace.
Email [email protected] with your ship, date and preferences. We do not promise instant replies or 24/7 staffing.