Cruise Season Begins in St. Maarten With Five-Ship Day

The Caribbean cruise season is officially underway in St. Maarten. On Thursday, five cruise ships — Azamara Quest, Star Pride, Valiant Lady, Star of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas — docked at Port St. Maarten, bringing thousands of passengers and signaling the start of the 2025–2026 high season.

“The port has done its part in securing the business; now, let us all do our part in delivering the service that justifies our reputation as the premier leading Caribbean port destination,” said Port St. Maarten Group Chief Executive Officer Alexander Gumbs.

A Milestone for Tourism Recovery

The 2025–2026 cruise season is being viewed as a turning point for St. Maarten’s tourism industry — a period of renewed growth following years of regional challenges and transformation. Port officials described the first five-ship day as an “exciting milestone” for the destination and a strong indicator of confidence among cruise lines in St. Maarten’s facilities and visitor experience.

The full season schedule includes calls from the world’s leading cruise brands, all available on the port’s newly updated website, portstmaarten.com.

The next five-ship day will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11 — the country’s national day — welcoming Britannia, Mein Schiff 2, Celebrity Reflection, Caribbean Princess, and Icon of the Seas. The port’s first six-ship day of the season will follow on Nov. 25, featuring Britannia, Mein Schiff 2, Icon of the Seas, Renaissance, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Vista.

The Economic Ripple Effect

Officials emphasized that the success of the season depends not only on ship calls but on service excellence throughout the destination. “Maximizing this benefit requires more than just high passenger volumes; it demands an unwavering commitment to hospitality across the entire island,” the port said in a statement.

Delivering on St. Maarten’s Promise

“I have immense confidence in the professionalism and passion of our island’s workforce,” Gumbs said. “We look forward to a rewarding and prosperous season for every resident and business owner who contributes to the vitality of St. Maarten’s thriving cruise tourism industry.”