Philipsburg, Saint Maarten
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a vibrant and bustling port on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin. What makes this port truly unique is that the island is shared between two countries—the Dutch Sint Maarten and the French Saint Martin—giving it a captivating dual personality. The Dutch side is known for its incredible shopping and lively atmosphere, while the French side is celebrated for its gourmet food and European flair. For a cruiser, Philipsburg is a fantastic destination, offering everything from a relaxing beach day to an adventurous island tour.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your ship will dock directly at the A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, which is a modern, deep-water port that can accommodate up to four mega-cruise ships at once. You can walk off the ship and onto a long pier that leads to the cruise terminal area. For those with mobility issues or those who prefer not to walk, a complimentary shuttle may be available to take you from the gangway to the main plaza. The walk from the ship to the main plaza is about a mile, but it is a pleasant stroll on a wide, well-paved walkway.
⚓ Terminal Information
The cruise terminal is a large, open-air complex known as Harbour Point Village. It's a colorful and vibrant space designed to feel like a traditional Caribbean town. You will be greeted by the sounds of steel drums as you walk off the pier.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal is a destination in itself. You'll find a wide variety of duty-free shops, from jewelry and electronics to perfume and local crafts. There are also bars, restaurants, and a tourist information counter where you can get maps and information on tours. Restrooms are available throughout the complex. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the main plaza. The terminal also has a water taxi service that can take you directly to the boardwalk in Philipsburg for a small fee. The water taxi is a great way to avoid the longer walk into town.
🗣️ Language
The official languages are Dutch and French, but English is widely spoken and understood everywhere on the island. You will have no problem navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
Bon Bini (bohn BEE-nee) - Welcome (Papiamento, a local creole language spoken on the Dutch side)
Bonjour (bohn-JHOOR) - Hello (French)
Dank u (dahnk oo) - Thank you (Dutch)
Merci (mehr-SEE) - Thank you (French)
💰 Money
The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) on the Dutch side and the Euro (€) on the French side. However, the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted everywhere on the island, and many prices are listed in USD. It's often easier to pay in U.S. Dollars, but you may receive change in Guilders or Euros. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in the terminal and throughout the island.
🚗 Transportation
To get from the cruise port to the town of Philipsburg, you have a few options.
Walking: You can walk from the cruise terminal to the town center of Philipsburg. The walk is about a mile and takes about 15-20 minutes. It's a flat and easy walk along a paved walkway.
Water Taxi: The water taxi is a fun and scenic way to get to Philipsburg. You can buy a round-trip ticket for about $7, and the taxi runs continuously between the pier and the boardwalk in town.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal, and the rates are fixed. The price to get to Philipsburg is about $10. Taxis are a good option for a group or if you are going to a different part of the island.
Car Rental: You can rent a car at the cruise terminal to explore the island on your own. Driving is on the right side of the road, and you will need a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license.
♿ Accessibility
Philipsburg has an accessibility rating of 4 out of 10. While the cruise port and the main walkway to Philipsburg are generally flat and well-paved, the streets in the town itself, especially the main shopping street, can be crowded. The main attraction, the boardwalk, is flat and easy to navigate. However, if you venture to other parts of the island, the terrain can be challenging.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to take the water taxi. It's a fun and scenic ride that will take you directly to the boardwalk in the heart of Philipsburg.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in the cruise terminal area and at restaurants and bars along the boardwalk in Philipsburg. They are generally clean and well-maintained.
💊 Drugstore
MedCare Pharmacy: 59 Front Street, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. This is a local pharmacy located in the heart of Philipsburg.
St. Maarten Medical Center: The main hospital on the island is located in Cay Hill.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Great Bay Boardwalk and Explore Front Street: Skip the long tours and walk the Great Bay Boardwalk. The boardwalk is a lively place with a variety of beach bars and restaurants. From there, you can walk to Front Street, the main shopping street in Philipsburg, where you can find duty-free shops, jewelry stores, and local boutiques.
Dine on Local Creole Cuisine: For a taste of the island's unique blend of cultures, find a local restaurant and try some Creole cuisine. Look for dishes like a fresh seafood platter, a spicy chicken stew, or a delicious coconut fish curry.
Take a Taxi to Maho Beach and See the Planes: For a truly unique and memorable experience, take a taxi to Maho Beach. This is one of the most famous beaches in the world, where you can watch planes land and take off just a few feet over your head. It is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that is unique to St. Maarten.
