Philipsburg Cruise Port

Philipsburg Overview

Philipsburg is compact and easy to handle on foot. The boardwalk and Front Street run parallel to the beach, so you can swim, shop, and eat without long transfers. Crowds build fast on multi-ship days.

A Little History

The Dutch founded Philipsburg as a trading post in the 1700s. Salt ponds once drove the economy. Today the island functions under Dutch and French administrations, with a relaxed border between them.

Museums

• St. Maarten Museum (small but useful overview) • Yoda Guy Museum (pop-culture niche) • Tip: Hours shift with cruise schedules; check current listings.

Major Parks and Attractions

• Great Bay Beach • Boardwalk cafés and shops • Fort Amsterdam viewpoints • Short taxi runs to Maho Beach for aircraft watching

Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)

• Marigot (French side markets) • Orient Bay for broad beaches • Mullet Bay for calmer swimming

Shopping

• Front Street for jewelry and electronics • Boardwalk for simple souvenirs • Note: Prices vary widely; compare before buying.

Food and Drink

Practical eating tips: • Beach bars are the fastest option. • Ask if service charge is included. • Water is fine to drink. • Shade helps—afternoons get hot.

Currency, Payments, ATMs

U.S. dollars widely accepted. Official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder. Cards common. ATMs in town.

Opening Hours and Holidays

Shops open when ships are in port. Holidays that may affect hours: • New Year’s Day • Carnival period • King’s Day • Christmas Day • Boxing Day

Practical City Notes

Streets get slippery after rain. Taxis are flat-rate by zone. Traffic builds toward Maho in the afternoon.

Quick Plans

• 3–4 hours: Beach + Front Street walk. • 6–8 hours: Maho Beach + Philipsburg. • Full day: French side visit + Philipsburg swim.