Port St. Maarten recognized among world's most stunning cruise ports

GREAT BAY--Port St. Maarten has earned a coveted spot on a newly released list of the world’s most stunning cruise ports to arrive at by sea, following an international eye-tracking study conducted by travel insurance experts at AllClear. The recognition places St. Maarten among the top 20 most captivating coastal arrivals, a distinction shared with some of the most iconic ports around the globe.

The study utilized advanced eye-tracking technology to determine which cruise ports captured and held the attention of viewers the longest. From historic architecture to striking natural landscapes, ports were selected based on their visual impact upon arrival.

Port St. Maarten’s inclusion is particularly notable considering the caliber of ports featured in the study, including Valletta Cruise Port in Malta, the Port of Ushuaia in Argentina, the Port of Palermo in Italy, and Stadsgården Cruise Terminal in Sweden. In the Caribbean, only three ports were recognized: Nassau Cruise Port (Bahamas), Aruba Cruise Terminal (Aruba), and Port St. Maarten (Sint Maarten).

With its vibrant harbor framed by Philipsburg’s colorful waterfront, the crystalline waters of Great Bay, and the dramatic backdrop of green hills, Port St. Maarten continues to set itself apart as a standout gateway to the Caribbean.

In addition to being named one of the world’s most stunning cruise ports in a recent eye-tracking study, Port St. Maarten has received multiple notable mentions in industry reports and forecasts throughout 2025. The port is projected to welcome approximately 1.5 million cruise passengers this year, affirming its status as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations. This projection includes an estimated 253 ship calls and 694,000 passenger arrivals by mid-year, with expectations of strong growth in the second half of 2025.

Major cruise lines have also taken notice. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced an increase in port calls to St. Maarten following high-level discussions with local port and tourism authorities. The move is part of NCL’s broader strategy to expand its Caribbean offerings and enhance the onshore experience for guests. These developments reinforce Port St. Maarten’s growing reputation not only for its scenic beauty but also for its operational capacity and appeal among global cruise operators.

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