Sint Maarten•Eastern Caribbean

Is St. Maarten Safe? Cruise Port Safety Guide

Low

Is Philipsburg Safe for Cruise Passengers?

Philipsburg is rated low risk for cruise travelers. Most visitors experience the port without incident when they use licensed transportation and stay in established tourist and port areas.

See the current cruise safety outlook

At a Glance

Overall Risk

Low

Emergency Number

911 (Dutch side) / 17 (French side)

Best Time to Visit

December–April (dry, outside hurricane season)

Cruise Port

Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility, Pointe Blanche

Medical Readiness

St. Maarten Medical Center, Cay Hill

Last Updated

June 10, 2026

Executive Summary

Philipsburg offers a boardwalk, beaches, and duty-free shopping within walking distance of the cruise pier.

Quick Facts

Risk Level

Low

Country

Sint Maarten (Dutch side)

Currency

NAf guilder (USD accepted nearly everywhere)

Language

Dutch & English (English dominant)

Emergency Number

911

Best Time to Visit

December–April (dry, outside hurricane season)

Cruise Port

Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility, Pointe Blanche

Nearest Hospital

St. Maarten Medical Center, Cay Hill

Vaccines

Routine vaccines; hepatitis A recommended (CDC)

Health Considerations

Bottled water recommended though tap is generally treated. Medical clinic near port handles minor issues; serious cases are evacuated.

Safety & Security

Petty theft on beaches is the main risk — never leave belongings unattended.

Is it safe to cruise the Caribbean right now?

Local Emergency Number

911 (Dutch side) / 17 (French side)

Store this number in your phone before going ashore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philipsburg safe for cruise passengers?+

Philipsburg is generally safe for cruise visitors, with most issues limited to petty theft on busy beaches and in shopping areas. Keep an eye on belongings at Great Bay Beach and use established taxis for island tours.

Can I drink the tap water in Philipsburg?+

Tap water in St. Maarten comes from desalination and is generally safe, but many visitors prefer bottled water for taste. Bottled water is widely available along Front Street and at the port.

What is the emergency number in St. Maarten?+

Dial 911 on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) for emergencies. St. Maarten Medical Center in Cay Hill is the main hospital serving the island.

Is there a travel warning for Philipsburg?+

Petty theft on beaches is the main risk — never leave belongings unattended.

Is it safe to leave the cruise port in Philipsburg?+

Petty theft on beaches is the main risk — never leave belongings unattended. Always use licensed taxis from the port authority, stay in well-trafficked tourist areas, and keep your ship's emergency contact number on hand before going ashore.

What health risks should cruise passengers know about in Philipsburg?+

Bottled water recommended though tap is generally treated. Medical clinic near port handles minor issues; serious cases are evacuated.

Source Citations & Review History

Our medical and travel experts synthesize information from the following authoritative public sources. We do not rely on AI without human verification.

Last verified by CruiseAware: June 10, 2026

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