Philipsburg

Port Philipsburg stands apart from typical cruise port stops with its compact, walkable waterfront that puts guests right in the heart of a lively Caribbean town. From Front Street, where narrow, cobblestone lanes are lined with dozens of duty free shops, cafés and a few casinos, to the quieter steegjes that connect to Back Street, visitors can move from shopping to island scenery in minutes. The half mile boardwalk along Great Bay features a string of waterfront restaurants and several Wi Fi hotspots, inviting guests to linger as ships anchor nearby. Signature experiences revolve around Wathey Square at the center of town, the white town hall and courthouse, and the Captain Hodge Pier, which offers sweeping views of Great Bay and the adjacent beach. Nearby adventures invite crossing the isthmus that separates Great Bay from Salt Pond, with options for quick beach days, local tastings, and easy access to both the Dutch and French sides of Sint Maarten. The port infrastructure is built to accommodate a diverse cruise fleet with efficient docking and simple access to shore, while onboard services offered by the lines include spa and dining experiences, shore excursion desks, and port side amenities that make it easy to discover the island without losing time to transit. All told, Philipsburg blends historic charm, dynamic shopping, beach life, and effortless island hopping into a day that stands apart from larger, more uniform cruise port experiences.