Currency
Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
Language
Dutch, English
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Mar
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
$255.50–$17,394 per person
Port Type
Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Philipsburg is a premier Caribbean cruise hub offering duty-free shopping, pristine beaches, and easy access to nearby island destinations, making it ideal for both embarkation and port calls.
Cruises that visit Philipsburg
- cruises to Philipsburg
- Philipsburg sailings
- Philipsburg cruises
- 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Silversea cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Silversea cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
Build Your Day in Philipsburg
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Port Of St. Maarten
This is a beautiful island, the French and Dutch side.
Rainforest Adventure
This is a must do in Sint Maarten.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Main Cruise Terminal St Maarten
Easy walk into Philipsburg taking 15-25 minutes depending on your cadence.
Open now
Topper's Rhum Distillery
If you’re in Sint Maarten, this is a must-visit spot.
Chesterfields | Restaurant & Bar
We had breakfast here prior to shopping in Philipsburg.
Greenhouse
Highly recommend for a culinary treat in St. Maarten!
Lazy Lizard Restaurant & Craft Bar
Wow, a can't miss when you are in Phillipsburg, St Maarten.
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
Rotary Lookout Point
This was the highlight of St. Maarten for us!
Dutch Blonde Beach Bar & Restaurant
The best restaurant I went to in SXM (Philipsburg).
Island-Sightseeing.com
Excellent tour of St. Maarten, both Dutch side and French side.
Layback Beach Bar & Grill
Hospitality: st Maarten style.
Fort Amsterdam
Historical place in Sint Maarten on the Dutch side.
Big Bastaard's Beach Bar
I definitely will go back whenever I am in Sint Maarten again.
Closes soon · 5 PM
BOLD BUDDHA - Caribbean Fusion
Highly recommend to anyone strolling around Philipsburg for a nice meal.
Sint Rose Shopping Mall
Nice variety of stores and well stocked pharmacy
Open · Closes 6 PM
Marley's Sports Bar & Grill
I’m already looking forward to coming back to Philipsburg, St. Martin.
Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten
Overall, Philipsburg is a lovely destination with a few rough edges.
Ocean Lounge @ Holland House
Probably one of the best places to eat in St Maarten.
The French Touch
One of our favorite places to have lunch when we are in Philipsburg.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar
Absolutely hands down the best bar in Sint Maarten!
Simple Tingz
Recommend to try when you are Philipsburg.
Philipsburg Market
You can buy almost everything here original and looking like it.
Juggie's Place
A MUST STOP is you’re in Philipsburg.
Closes soon · 5 PM
Boardwalk Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Extra wide walking area to get around on the beach in Phillipsburg.
Super Plaza
A department store with plentiful choices and options.
Open · Closes 6:35 PM
LUXBAR SXM
Best high end bar for high end whiskey in Philipsburg, St. Maarten!
Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum
It was truly our favorite stop in Philipsburg!
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Pirana Joe St. Maarten Official Store
Excellent selection of Pirana Joe shirts.
Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Lucky Shopping Center
Great variety of name brand items at reasonable prices.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Sea Trek Helmet Diving
Underwater tours with specialty helmets
Closes soon · 5 PM
Under SXM
This is definitely a must if you ever come to St Maarten.
Closes soon · 5 PM
Grumpy's
Simply the best bar in Philipsburg.
The Salt Pickers
The history of the island of Saint Martin is centered on the salt industry.
Soho Beach Sxm
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closes soon · 5 PM
Paper Moon
Captain's Duty Free Shop
Have visited this store twice and it doesn’t disappoint.
Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Hon Hon Hon Bar & Restaurant
... atmosphere, the cocktails are tasty and the food very good.
Spirit of St. Maarten
Beautiful ship to see the bay in St. Maarten and go snorkeling.
Phillipsburg, St Martin
Onsite services
Pass the Dutchie
Definitely a must-visit when you’re in Sint Maarten — I’ll be back for sure.
CITY MALL
Open · Closes 7 PM
Shoppers Stop St.Maarten
Do visit them for further discounts.
Open · Closes 6 PM
I left my heart in St. Maarten - Wall Mural
Nice mural in Philipsburg.
Le Dutch - Delft Blue shop
Really enjoyed shopping there
Closes soon · 5 PM
Great Bay beach
Philipsburg panorama
Duty Free Plaza
Good price on women's clothing.
Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Dutch Blonde Escape Room
We had so much fun escaping Blackbeard’s Brig.
Sip n Chill Bar & Grill
Best bar in Philipsburg
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
Philipsburg
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About Philipsburg
Philipsburg, the charming capital of Dutch Sint Maarten, stands as a vibrant Caribbean cruise hub welcoming 15 major cruise lines and over 1,000 sailings annually. While primarily a port of call destination, Philipsburg serves as an ideal embarkation point for week-long Caribbean itineraries exploring nearby islands like Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts, and Antigua. The port's excellent accessibility and frequent service from premium operators including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Silversea make it a favorite among cruise travelers seeking island-hopping adventures throughout the eastern Caribbean.
Stepping ashore in Philipsburg rewards visitors with immediate charm and convenience. The compact downtown waterfront puts duty-free shopping, local restaurants, and colorful colonial architecture within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal. Whether you're seeking a leisurely beach day, exploring the island's Dutch heritage, or simply enjoying fresh Caribbean cuisine, Philipsburg delivers authentic island experiences without the hassle of lengthy port transfers.
Stepping ashore in Philipsburg rewards visitors with immediate charm and convenience. The compact downtown waterfront puts duty-free shopping, local restaurants, and colorful colonial architecture within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal. Whether you're seeking a leisurely beach day, exploring the island's Dutch heritage, or simply enjoying fresh Caribbean cuisine, Philipsburg delivers authentic island experiences without the hassle of lengthy port transfers.
Cruise Lines at Philipsburg
- MSC Cruises (491 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (258 cruises)
- Emerald Cruises (104 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (73 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (72 cruises)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (59 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (58 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (36 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (33 cruises)
- Silversea (6 cruises)
- Disney Cruise Line (5 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (3 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (1 cruise)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Philipsburg
Cruises Visiting Philipsburg
Ship Schedule at Philipsburg
Philipsburg Location
Other Cruise Ports in Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do in Philipsburg during a port stop?
Explore Front Street's shops, dine at waterfront cafes, and walk the Great Bay boardwalk.
Is Philipsburg a walkable port city?
Yes, most attractions near the ship are within walking distance, especially around Great Bay.
What currency is used in Philipsburg?
US dollars are widely accepted; credit cards are common, and some shops take other currencies.
When is the best time to visit Philipsburg?
Cruise days bring bustle on Front Street; mornings or late afternoons can be calmer.