The Caribbean cruise season officially kicks off on St. Maarten. On Thursday, five cruise ships— Azamara Explorer, Pride of the Stars, Lady of Valor, Star of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas — docked in the port of St. Martin, carrying thousands of passengers and marking the start of the 2025-2026 peak season.
Alexander Gumbs, CEO of the Port of St. Maarten Group, said: “The port has done its part in ensuring business safety; now let us all do our part and deliver the services that demonstrate our reputation as the Caribbean's premier leading port destination.”
Milestones for tourism recovery
The 2025-2026 cruise season is seen as a turning point for St. Maarten’s tourism industry – a period of renewed growth after years of regional challenges and transformation. Port officials described the first five-ship day as an “exciting milestone” for the destination and a strong indicator of cruise lines’ confidence in St. Maarten’s facilities and guest experience.
The full season schedule includes calls from the world's leading cruise brands, all of which can be found on the port's newly updated website, Port website.
The next Five Ships Day will be held on Tuesday, November 11 (the country’s national holiday) Great Britain, My Shiv 2, Celebrity Reflections, Caribbean Princess, and Ocean icon. The port’s first six-ship day of the season will be held on November 25 and will include Britannia, Mein Schiff 2, Icon of the Seas, Renaissance, Carnival Magic, and Carnival vista.
economic chain reaction
Officials stressed that the success of this season depends not just on ship calls but on excellent service throughout the destination. “Maximizing this advantage requires more than just high passenger volumes; it also requires an unwavering commitment to hospitality across the island,” the port said in a statement.
Delivering on the St. Maarten Promise
“I have every confidence in the professionalism and enthusiasm of our island workforce,” Gumbs said. “We look forward to a rewarding and prosperous season for every resident and business owner who contributes to the vitality of St. Maarten’s thriving cruise tourism industry.”
