Planning a St. Maarten Cruise: Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

This guide covers practical tips for a St. Maarten cruise: choose the right stateroom, reserve dining and high-demand shore excursions early, verify travel documents and local currency, and research both onboard amenities and island activities before you go.

Choose the Right Cabin

Pick a stateroom that fits your needs. Interior cabins save money but have no windows; balcony cabins add private outdoor space. For motion comfort, midship and lower decks feel more stable. If you travel with family, look for connecting cabins or suites. Check proximity to elevators and public spaces to avoid nighttime noise.

Booking Dining and Onboard Services

Cruise lines now offer a mix of main dining (traditional or flexible seating) plus specialty restaurants that usually require reservations. Use the cruise line app to reserve dining times, specialty seating, spa treatments, and fitness classes before boarding. Review included versus extra-cost items - beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuity policies vary by line.

Plan Shore Excursions in Advance

Philipsburg on the Dutch side is the island's main cruise port and the gateway to most shore activities. Popular options include beaches, snorkeling/diving trips, boat charters, island tours, and the plane-watching spot at Maho Beach. The French side (Saint-Martin) offers Orient Bay's beach scene, dining, and duty-free shopping.

Book popular excursions early, either through the cruise line for guaranteed reboarding or through vetted local operators for potentially lower rates and different experiences. Confirm meeting points and allow extra time to return to the ship if you go independently.

Check Travel Documents and Local Info

Most visitors need a valid passport; visa rules depend on nationality. The island is split between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin - Dutch side commonly uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) and widely accepts US dollars, while the French side uses the euro. English is widely spoken across the island.

Before you go, confirm entry requirements, health advisories, and customs rules with official government or cruise-line sources.

What to Expect Onboard and Onshore

Onboard offerings vary by ship: pools, kids' programs, shows, casinos, gyms, and spas are common. If specific amenities matter - family programming, adult-only areas, or accessibility features - check the ship's deck plans and amenity lists.

Onshore, plan for sun protection, reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling, comfortable shoes for tours, and a small amount of local or US currency for markets and taxis. Be mindful of local customs and safety notices.

Do Research, But Keep Plans Flexible

Read recent trip reports, check cruise-line forums, and review operator ratings before booking excursions. Build a loose itinerary: reserve high-demand activities, but leave time to relax on the beaches or explore shops and restaurants in Philipsburg and Marigot (the French-side capital).