Sources support the specific claims linked below; questions without a reliable answer are marked “To verify.”
Arrival and getting around
Port / landing: Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility. Walk to Philipsburg in roughly 15 minutes or take a water taxi. Port St. Maarten lists taxi, bus and water taxi options.
Getting around: To verify: Taxi or shuttle pickup point, typical fare, accessibility and travel time from your exact landing.
Money
- Local currency
- Caribbean guilder (XCG)
- Exchange to USD
- US$1 = Cg 1.79 (official peg)
- Do they take USD?
- Confirm USD acceptance and the merchant’s conversion before paying.
A published peg is a reference rate, not a promise of a merchant’s cash conversion. Floating rates and fees should be checked on the travel day.
Beach, water and facilities
- Pool
- To verify: Whether the cruise terminal or an accessible day-pass venue has a pool, and its price.
- Free beach
- Philipsburg’s Great Bay is a beach option reached from the port; verify access and chair fees.
- Water access
- Yes, at Great Bay; check local water conditions.
- Free bathrooms
- To verify: Public restrooms, exact location, opening hours and any usage charge.
- All-inclusive beach club
- To verify: Current day-pass venue, included food/drinks, price and transport.
“Free beach” refers to entry only; transport, loungers, umbrellas, food and restrooms may cost extra. Ocean conditions can change during a port call.
Excursions and an easy day plan
Start with: Great Bay or island beach tour. This is an itinerary idea, not a verified rating.
Best-rated excursion: To verify: Compare current independent review scores, sample size, recent feedback and the operator’s cancellation terms for this port.
- Check the assigned dock or tender landing and your ship’s all-aboard time.
- Choose one main activity: great bay or island beach tour.
- Confirm transport both ways, actual costs and a return buffer before leaving the port.
Cruise lines and exact terminals
To verify: Current cruise lines calling here and each ship/date’s pier or tender landing. Do not infer a fixed pier from a cruise line name.
The terminal named above identifies the destination, not a guaranteed berth for every line. Schedules, tendering and operational changes can alter the arrival point.
Other things to check
- Local time versus ship time; use the ship’s clock for all-aboard.
- Accessibility of gangway, tenders, streets, shuttles and beach entry.
- Entry rules and ID for this sailing, plus mobile data and card fees.
- Sea conditions, seasonal activities and any marine-park permit or conservation fee.
Sources and updates
Reviewed September 25, 2026. Recheck primary sources before travel. Send a correction or a missing answer.