Philipsburg, St. Maarten

A top excursion is Maho Beach, famous for planes landing just overhead; it's about a 30-45 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal.

For maximum convenience, Great Bay Beach and the adjacent Front Street for shopping are just a short water taxi ride or walk from the pier.

Many also venture to the French side to visit the scenic Orient Bay Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand roughly 30 minutes away by taxi.

From Philipsburg, many cruise passengers explore the French side of the island for a different cultural experience. A popular day trip is to Marigot, the French capital, located about 12 km (7.5 miles) away, which is typically a 25-45 minute drive from the cruise port.

Another frequently visited spot is Maho Beach, famous for its thrilling low-flying planes landing at the adjacent airport. This unique attraction is approximately 11 km (7 miles) from Philipsburg, a journey of about 30 minutes by taxi. For those interested in culinary experiences, the village of Grand Case is considered the gourmet capital of the Caribbean and is about a 35-50 minute drive.

The cruise port in Philipsburg, the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, is located in Great Bay, about one mile (1.6 km) from the main downtown area.

While it is walkable in about 20-25 minutes, many passengers utilize the readily available water taxis that provide quick transport from the pier to the main boardwalk.

The port complex itself features numerous shops, duty-free stores, and restaurants for those staying close to the ship.

Cruise ships dock directly at the long pier, so tendering is not required.

The official currency of St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 1.79 ANG to 1 USD.

However, US dollars are accepted everywhere, and prices are often listed in both currencies, so exchanging money is generally not necessary for visitors with USD.

Cruise passengers can find numerous ATMs and currency exchange services near the cruise terminal and along the main shopping streets in Philipsburg.

Major credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas.

Philipsburg is generally safe for cruise passengers, but it is wise to be aware of your surroundings to prevent petty crime like pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.

Exploring the main tourist zones, like the boardwalk along Great Bay Beach, independently during the day is quite common and safe.

For excursions to other parts of the island, using licensed taxis or reputable guided tours is often recommended for both convenience and enhanced security.

Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, and exercise greater caution in less populated areas after dark.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten features a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. During the primary cruise season (December through May), expect average temperatures from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) with less rainfall and lower humidity than in the summer months.

Cruise passengers should pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, and strong sun protection. It is important to be aware that the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, which may overlap with sailings at the beginning and end of the season.