St Maarten (Philipsburg)

Experience Island Life From St. Maarten 

St. Maarten serves as a homeport for select Caribbean cruises. The island is split between two nations. The Dutch side is Saint Maarten. The French side is Saint-Martin. This unique division dates back to 1648. Front Street in Philipsburg is the shopping hub. The street features duty-free jewelry stores, designer boutiques, and souvenir shops. Great Bay Beach runs parallel to the boardwalk. The beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming.

St. Maarten's culinary scene blends Dutch, French, Caribbean, and international influences. The island has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the Caribbean. Fresh seafood dominates menus. Conch fritters, lobster, and grilled mahi-mahi are local favorites. French-side restaurants serve croissants, baguettes, and escargot. Water activities are a major draw. Snorkeling and scuba diving reveal colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks. Explore this unique island, its culture and history with CruiseDirect. Book your cruise from St. Maarten today.