As the two names suggest this is the most unique Island in the Caribbean. Dutch and French share this two country situation without borders. Other than signs that say “Welcome to the Dutch Side” and “Welcome to the French Side” you would think it was one country. Roughly 37 square miles offers breathtaking views from beautiful mountain Vistas of the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans.

Cruise ships dock at the beautiful Port of Sint Maarten on the Dutch side which opened its gates in January 2001. The facility is owned and operated by St Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, which includes the St. Maarten Harbour Holding and the St Maarten Ports Authority as the operating company.

The berthing facility accommodates simultaneous docking of four large cruise vessels
along side the cruise pier with a depth of 10.5m.
During the development of the New Cruise facility Chairman Mr. H.L. Chance and the Supervisory Board St Maarten Port Authority and St Maarten Harbour Holding Company played a very significant role in the realization of the Harbour Project. Commissioner of Tourism Mr. Theo Heyliger was in charge of Harbour Affairs and was also instrumental in its fruition.

Dr.A.C. Wathey recognized in the early 1950’s that tourism could be an economic pillar for St Maarten. He was right! The enormous growth of the Industry has resulted in tourism becoming the foundation for the Islands economy. In 1980 105,000 cruise passengers were recorded now in 2004 over one million passengers arrive at our Port annually. All major Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regal Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Pullmantur, Seabourn, Royal Olympia Cruises, Sun Cruises, Costa, Star Clippers, Hapag Lloyd, Funchal, Cunard and P&O Cruises all utilize the Port Facility.

The John Craane Cruise Terminal Building is named so in honor of Mr. John Craane, better known as Boochie. He worked for the Island Government of St Maarten for 33 years. In 1963 he became assistant Harbour master and was promoted to Harbour master in 1978. He retired in 1987 following injuries sustained on the job. The John Craane Terminal Building houses banking facilities, gift shop and food and beverage along with a tourist information booth.

Harbour Village is where cruise passengers can enjoy leisurely shopping in the cute hut style boutiques or full fledged jewelry, clothing, souvenir, gift and art shops.
Snack and beverage bars are throughout the Port facility to quench every thirst. The Village occupies approximately five acres of land and is designed to replicate the ambience of Old St Maarten.

Taxi’s, buses and pre-arranged tours have their own special areas and passengers are moved swiftly to ensure they enjoy every second of their visit to the Island.
St Maarten, which several hundred years ago was known as Soualiga by its early Indian inhabitants, offers a fascinating history via Dutch and French side museums.
This duty free destination is internationally known for its fabulous shopping and even more fabulous five star restaurants. Available tours are many and include, hiking, kayaking, sailing, shopping, horseback, mountain biking, scuba diving, jet skiing and even a Butterfly farm.

In March the annual Heineken Regatta brings enthusiasts from all over the World and the event gets more popular every year.
During the April period St Maarten celebrates Carnival which is fun for the whole Island not just visitor’s colorful costumes, local food and lots to drinks make this a must for the traveler to witness and even participate in.