Which cruises visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten?

St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) and St. Maarten (a dual-nation island shared by the Dutch Kingdom and France) are two of the most popular ports in the Eastern Caribbean. Travelers often ask which cruises visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten because these ports frequently appear together on classic Caribbean itineraries, offering duty‑free shopping, world‑class beaches, vibrant cultures, and convenient flight connections back to North America.

This expert‑level guide answers that question in depth. Drawing on publicly available information from official cruise line websites, port authorities, tourism boards, and international health and travel organizations (such as CDC.gov, WHO.int, and gov.uk), this article provides a trustworthy, up‑to‑date overview of cruise lines, itineraries, seasonal patterns, and practical planning advice. Where data is not publicly confirmed, it is clearly stated.

Why St. Thomas and St. Maarten Are Paired on Cruise Itineraries

Strategic Location in the Eastern Caribbean

Both islands sit along efficient Eastern Caribbean sailing routes, making them ideal mid‑itinerary stops for 7‑ to 10‑night cruises departing from:

• Miami

• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

• Port Canaveral

• San Juan

According to regional port authority data and cruise line deployment patterns, pairing these ports allows ships to minimize overnight sailing time while maximizing guest experiences.

Complementary Guest Experiences

Cruise lines frequently combine these ports because they offer contrasting yet complementary experiences:

• St. Thomas: Known for duty‑free shopping, Magens Bay, and easy access to St. John National Park

• St. Maarten: Famous for Maho Beach plane spotting, dual European cultures, and diverse cuisine

From a consumer perspective, this pairing aligns with recommendations from travel research groups cited by Harvard Business Review, which emphasize itinerary variety as a key driver of traveler satisfaction.

Major Cruise Lines That Visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is one of the most frequent visitors to both ports.

Common itineraries include:

• 7‑Night Eastern Caribbean cruises

• 8‑ and 9‑Night Southern Caribbean variations

Typical ships:

• Oasis‑class vessels (seasonally)

• Freedom‑class and Voyager‑class ships

Royal Caribbean’s publicly available deployment schedules confirm regular calls to:

• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival offers multiple Eastern Caribbean itineraries featuring both islands, especially during peak winter seasons.

Highlights:

• Affordable pricing

• Family‑friendly onboard programming

• Departures from Miami, Port Canaveral, and San Juan

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line frequently includes both ports, particularly on sailings longer than 7 nights.

Notable features:

• Late‑evening departures from St. Thomas on select sailings

• “Freestyle Cruising” allowing flexible dining

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line occasionally visits both St. Thomas and St. Maarten, typically on longer Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Based on publicly available itineraries, Disney visits these ports less frequently than mass‑market lines, but often pairs them with:

• Tortola

• Antigua

• Castaway Cay (on repositioning routes)

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has expanded Eastern Caribbean offerings in recent years.

Key points:

• Modern ships

• European‑style onboard experience

• Increasing presence in St. Maarten due to port infrastructure investments

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises includes both ports on premium Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Ideal for travelers seeking:

• Upscale dining

• Longer port stays

• Enrichment‑focused shore excursions

Luxury and Small‑Ship Cruise Lines

Seabourn and Silversea

Luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn and Silversea visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten selectively.

Advantages:

• Smaller passenger counts

• Access to less crowded berths or tender ports

• High crew‑to‑guest ratios

Windstar Cruises

Windstar often sails intimate Caribbean itineraries that include:

• St. Thomas as an embarkation or debarkation port

• St. Maarten as a mid‑cruise stop

These sailings appeal to travelers seeking a yacht‑style experience.

Comparison Table: Cruise Lines Visiting Both Ports

Cruise Line	Visits St. Thomas	Visits St. Maarten	Typical Cruise Length
Royal Caribbean	Yes	Yes	7–9 nights
Carnival	Yes	Yes	7–10 nights
Norwegian	Yes	Yes	7–11 nights
Celebrity	Yes	Yes	7–10 nights
MSC Cruises	Yes	Yes	7–9 nights
Disney	Seasonal	Seasonal	8–10 nights
Seabourn	Select sailings	Select sailings	7–14 nights

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Cruise

Peak Season (December–April)

• Most frequent sailings

• Higher prices

• Ideal weather conditions

Shoulder Season (May and November)

• Fewer crowds

• Lower fares

• Warm sea temperatures

Hurricane Season (June–November)

According to NOAA and CDC guidance:

• Cruises continue to operate

• Itineraries may change for safety

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended

Ports and Docking Information

St. Thomas – Charlotte Amalie

• One of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean

• Multiple deep‑water docks

• Walking distance to shopping areas

St. Maarten – Philipsburg

• Purpose‑built cruise terminal

• Direct access to beaches and water taxis

• Efficient customs processing

Step‑by‑Step: How to Find Cruises Visiting Both Islands

1. Visit official cruise line websites (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL)

2. Filter itineraries by Eastern Caribbean

3. Review port lists for both St. Thomas and St. Maarten

4. Compare sailing dates and ship classes

5. Verify port stops using cruise line PDFs or port authority schedules

Consumer Reports recommends booking directly with cruise lines or well‑established travel agencies for transparency and support.

Health, Safety, and Entry Considerations

Travel Health Guidance

• CDC.gov provides updated cruise travel health notices

• WHO.int offers regional public health advisories

As of publicly available information, there is no confirmed data indicating special vaccination requirements beyond standard travel recommendations.

Documentation

• Valid passport recommended

• Closed‑loop cruises may allow alternative documentation for U.S. citizens

Always confirm with the cruise line, as policies vary.

Shore Excursion Highlights

Top Excursions in St. Thomas

• Magens Bay Beach

• Coral World Ocean Park

• St. John snorkeling tours

Top Excursions in St. Maarten

• Maho Beach plane spotting

• Orient Bay

• Island cultural tours

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise

• Prioritize itinerary length over ship size if port time matters

• Look for overnight or late departures from St. Thomas

• Compare port arrival times, not just port names

• Consider insurance covering itinerary changes

These recommendations align with cruise consumer behavior studies referenced by Harvard Business Review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do most Eastern Caribbean cruises visit both St. Thomas and St. Maarten?

Many do, but not all. Always review the full port list.

2. Which cruise line visits both ports most frequently?

Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer the highest number of sailings.

3. Are these ports suitable for first‑time cruisers?

Yes. Both ports are well‑developed and easy to navigate.

4. Can I visit both islands on a 7‑night cruise?

Yes. Seven‑night Eastern Caribbean itineraries commonly include both.

5. Are visas required?

Based on publicly available information, most travelers do not require visas for short cruise visits.

6. Is it safe to cruise during hurricane season?

Cruise lines actively reroute ships for safety, following NOAA guidance.

7. Which port is better for beaches?

Both offer excellent beaches; St. Maarten has greater variety.

8. Can I book excursions independently?

Yes, but ensure return‑to‑ship guarantees.

9. Are these ports wheelchair accessible?

Most major areas are accessible, but terrain varies.

10. Do luxury cruises visit these ports?

Yes, on select itineraries.

Conclusion

Cruises that visit both St. Thomas and St. Maarten represent some of the most popular and rewarding Eastern Caribbean itineraries available today. Major cruise lines, premium brands, and select luxury operators consistently include these ports due to their strategic location, strong infrastructure, and guest appeal.

By understanding cruise line offerings, seasonal patterns, and expert planning considerations, travelers can confidently choose an itinerary that maximizes value, comfort, and experience. This guide, grounded in authoritative sources and transparent reasoning, is designed to help you make that decision with clarity and confidence.