Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine is being strongly impacted by the continuing influence of Tropical Storm Debby, which is currently 50 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.
Carnival Sunshine is homeported from Charleston and will be unable to return on schedule, but instead is being delayed by seven hours.
Instead of docking at approximately 6 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, the ship is expected to return early in the afternoon hours. This means that embarkation for the next sailing must be subsequently delayed. The cruise line reached out to booked guests with an update about the revised plans late Wednesday afternoon.
“We plan to operate this voyage as scheduled, with modified embarkation plans,”the notification explained.“Given the ship’s delayed return to Charleston, guests are being asked to delay their terminal arrival appointments by seven hours.”
This means that a guest who chose a 12-12:30 p.m. arrival appointment when they checked in for the cruise should now plan to arrive from 7-7:30 p.m. All guests must be onboard the ship no later than 9:30 p.m. for the vessel’s departure.
At this time, there is no confirmation of whether or not Carnival Sunshine‘s itinerary will be impacted by the late departure.
The ship is scheduled to sail a 4-night Bahamas itinerary with just one port visit to Nassau from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 10. It is possible the ship may be able to make up for some of the delay during her day at sea on Friday, August 9, or else the time in Nassau may be shortened if necessary.
Another option, though unlikely, may be for the ship to visit Freeport instead of Nassau, which is roughly 100 miles closer to Charleston and could provide a longer port visit.
Carnival Cruise Line will undoubtedly investigate all potential options in order to provide guests with the best possible vacation experience, even under these challenging circumstances.
The 103,881-gross-ton Carnival Sunshine, formerly Carnival Destiny, can welcome 3,002 guests onboard for each sailing, and is also home to 1,150 international crew members.
More Possible Trouble for Charleston Guests
Even more difficulty may await guests sailing from Charleston than just the arrival and departure time of their cruise ship, however. Port of Charleston – where Carnival Sunshine will dock – is located in Charleston Harbor where the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando Rivers empty into the Atlantic Ocean.
With Tropical Storm Debby lingering over the Charleston area, the region may see as much as 25 inches of rain through the storm’s duration.
Furthermore, storm surge may range from 1-2 feet in Charleston, which is measured as feet above ground level. This could heavily flood parking areas near the cruise terminal.
Tropical Storm Debby Track (Credit: NOAA)
As of late Wednesday afternoon, the center of the storm system is located approximately 50 miles east-southeast of Charleston, moving north-northeast at just 3 miles per hour. This slow speed gives ample time for rainfall to accumulate. Maximum windspeeds are currently measured at 60 miles per hour, with higher gusts.
Overnight into Thursday, it is expected that the storm will shift to a more northern track to make landfall in South Carolina on Thursday morning. Once she moves over land, Debby will begin to weaken but heavy rainfall and flooding threats will remain.
Travelers driving to Charleston to join Carnival Sunshine should stay alert to the possibility of flooded roads and traffic delays and be sure they have adequate time to reach the cruise port.
At the same time, it is important not to head to the port too early, as debarking guests will need time to reach their vehicles and leave the parking area so there is enough space for arriving passengers.
All booked guests should also stay in close communication with Carnival Cruise Line through email and text alerts in case of additional adjustments, delays, or itinerary changes.
If you’re getting ready to take your first cruise, you may have been planning and prepping for a while now.
Many cruisers book their cruise months or even a year-plus in advance, and there’s plenty of info on your chosen cruise line’s website to help you plan further, from sample dining menus to full-out maps of each ship, deck by deck. However, do you truly have an accurate idea of what to expect?
These are the eight things that the cruise line isn’t going to tell you.
1. You Can’t Just Walk Onto the Ship, to Your Stateroom, With All Your Stuff
Embarkation day isn’t quite as simple as just arriving at your port and then hopping onto the cruise ship. There’s a lot that has to happen between cruisers arriving at the cruise terminal and the ship actually setting sail.
Just as is the case when you travel via plane, when you travel via cruise ship, certain security measures are taken. As such, additionally like when you travel via plane, you’ll basically have both carry-on luggage and checked luggage.
Now, while the cruise line may inform you of this distinction — they’ll probably email you some luggage tags that you can print out and add to your checked luggage — what they won’t tell you is that actually getting your checked luggage can take some time.
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)
Here’s how it works. You take all your luggage with you to the cruise terminal. There, you leave the checked luggage with the porters. Then, you take the carry-on luggage through a security check point, before you go onto the ship. Behind the scenes, your checked luggage is being processed, sorted and delivered to your stateroom.
Staterooms, meanwhile, are usually still being cleaned and readied, because the last batch of cruisers just left the ship maybe a few hours ago. As such, your bags don’t go immediately from the terminal to your stateroom, and you can’t even access your stateroom immediately upon boarding.
So, what are you doing in the meantime? Once you board the ship, you can sometimes drop off your carry-on luggage at your stateroom (such as is the case if you have Carnival’s Faster to the Fun Pass, for example). Otherwise, you have to carry it around with you, until your stateroom is ready.
Once your stateroom is ready, you can head on over, but you still may not have your checked luggage there. It might be as late as the first evening of your cruise, before you get your checked items.
As such, plan accordingly and pack everything you might need in your carry-on. Think a change of clothes, medications or even your swimsuit, if you’d like to take a dip before dinner (something a lot of cruisers do!).
Do note that getting your luggage can take longer than average if the security team believes that your bags may contain something prohibited. As such, brush up on your cruise line’s prohibited items before you pack.
You may just be surprised at some of the prohibited items (for example, Royal Caribbean asks you to leave your perishable foods, CBD products and travel steamers at home, among other items).
2. Some Areas of the Ships Can Get Really Crowded — and we Mean Really Crowded
The cruise line isn’t going to tell you that some of their ships’ coolest features are also sometimes the most difficult to access. Alas, that’s sometimes the case.
That gorgeous-looking pool deck with all the water slides and seemingly endless loungers? Yeah, it’s not going to seem quite so pristine on warm sea days.
Pool decks andlido decks are the most notoriously busy areas of the ship, particularly on days when your ship isn’t visiting any ports and the weather is nice. And it’s not just the pools that can get really crowded.
Lido Deck on Carnival Panorama (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
The jacuzzies get pretty crowded, too, as do the loungers. In fact, some cruisers are known as “chair hogs.” They’ll show up to the pool deck early, find one of the best loungers in one of the best spots on the deck, and they’ll leave some belongings on several chairs, indefinitely, essentially claiming a spot, long-term.
Luckily, some cruise lines are cracking down on this practice, to make things more fair for everyone.
The sticker lets the chair’s occupant know that the crew will remove those personal items within a certain time frame — around 40 minutes — unless the chair is claimed.
While you personally can’t really do anything about chair hogs, though, you can get around some of those pool deck and jacuzzi crowds. Just plan to hit up the pool on a port day.
When most of your fellow cruisers are out exploring, you’ll find that all the coolest parts of the ship are relatively empty, so you can have a jacuzzi and the pool nearly all to yourself!
3. Certain Cruise Ship Cabins Can be Quite Noisy
Similarly, when you’re picking a cabin or suite for your upcoming cruise, while the cruise line may be nice enough to mention whether or not your particular cabin comes with an obstructed view, they’re probably not going to give you a noise warning.
Instead, it’s up to you to brush up on which cabins on a cruise ship are often the noisiest, and then look at the cruise ship’s deck plans to determine if your cabin will be among those.
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
So, what do you need to look for?
Avoid cruise ship cabins that are one deck below areas with lots of foot traffic and activity. Think pool decks, jogging tracks and sports courts. Likewise, avoid cabins near areas where people tend to congregate, like elevators or stairwells.
If you want to avoid the actual noise of the ship itself, steer clear of cabins on lower decks. If you don’t want to hear noises from adjoining cabins, don’t book a cabin that can technically be a “connecting” cabin, as you’ll be able to hear more noise through the locked connecting door.
4. You’re Going to Need to Prep for Your Day in Port
Other than trying to convince you to purchase the cruise line’s excursions, your cruise line isn’t really going to hold your hand as you prep for your day in port. You’ll need to consider a few things, to ensure you have the best time possible.
For example, you’ll need to take a few things with you, off the ship. You’ll need your cruise line’s card, like your Royal Caribbean SeaPass card or your Carnival Sail & Sign card. Take some form of money, as well as your passport or other ID.
Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: Marathon Media / Shutterstock)
Then, once you’re actually on land, you need to pay attention to the time. Consider setting a watch to local time, so you know exactly when the cruise ship is going to leave port. Don’t think that the ship will wait around for you, before it departs. You need to be back on time (and ideally with time to spare).
Because of this, consider either sticking to the main tourist areas around the port, for your explorations, or booking a third-party excursion that will easily get you back to port with plenty of time.
5. Ports of Call May Not Actually Happen
And while we’re on the topic of ports of call, it’s important to realize that, even though a certain port might be on your cruise ship itinerary, it’s not guaranteed that the ship will actually stop at all of the listed ports.
In some instances, a cruise might skip a port altogether, and go on to the next destination on the itinerary. In some cases, the cruise might skip a port and replace it with another destination nearby.
There are myriad reasons why this might happen, but one of the most popular is weather. Poor weather can make getting to the next port on your itinerary unpleasant or even unsafe.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Bad Weather (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Other reasons a captain might choose to skip a port include political disruptions, problems with the ship, medical emergencies on board and/or port closures.
If you don’t get to visit a particular destination that you really were looking forward to, during your cruise, don’t fret. You’ll still get to enjoy another destination or at least a fun sea day (which is why it’s important to book a cruise on a ship that you actually think you’ll enjoy!).
You can also always come back and take another cruise to the skipped destination, later.
6. There’s a Risk You Might Get Sick
It really makes sense that a portion of travelers on most cruises do get sick during the course of the cruise. You have thousands of people crammed into one spot, living in tight quarters and all going to the same restaurants and entertainment venues.
However, consider that, since there are thousands of people on a cruise ship, if a few get sick, that’s still not that many of the overall cruisers. Even the most-publicized incidents of cruise ship illness outbreaks typically only affect a hundred cruisers or less.
Cruise Passenger With Motion Sickness (Photo Credit: GBALLGIGGSPHOTO)
For example, in June 2024, Cruise Hive reported on a Celebrity Cruise wherein nearly 70 cruisers fell sick with norovirus, during an Alaskan cruise. However, that particular cruise ship, Celebrity Summit, was carrying 2,264 guests — so only about 3% of passengers fell ill. If you were on that cruise, you’d have a 97% chance of not getting sick at all.
Still, while the odds are in your favor in general, you can still take extra measures to keep from getting sick while on a cruise. Wash your hands frequently. Carry (and use!) hand sanitizer. Take plenty of vitamins before and during your cruise, and follow general good health and hygiene habits.
7. Cruise Ships Aren’t Crime-Free
You may want to think of a cruise ship as a floating resort where everyone is happy and having a great time. You may want to think the best of all your fellow cruisers. However, while the cruise line may portray its cruises as all happy, all the time, a more realistic look will show that cruise ships do come with a dark side.
While, yes, most cruise passengers are just like you — looking to have a great vacation with no trouble whatsoever — other, nefariously opportunistic cruisers see travelers that are isolated in one singular location and often intoxicated to boot. That makes crime much easier.
Cruise Ship CCTV
Luckily, while this is something you should be aware of and prepare for (by following basic safety precautions like not getting overly intoxicated, not wandering into dark spaces or rooms, not entering strangers’ staterooms, etc.), the overall crime rates on cruise ships are pretty low.
For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires cruise ships that embark and disembark out of the United States to report any incidences of crime, and, in Q1 of 2024, only 47 “alleged incidents” were reported: eight instances of assault with serious bodily injury, one instance of a missing person, 32 instances of sexual assault and six instances of theft.
8. You Don’t Have to Spend Extra Money to Have a Great Time
The cruise line is there to make money. As such, they’re going to try to upsell you on a ton of different experiences and amenities. They want you to be tempted by the specialty dining options. They want you to feel as if you definitely need that drinks package.
Cruise Freebies (Photo Credit: Aerial-motion)
And the excursions! You won’t want to book one with anyone else! However, it’s worth noting that, no, you don’t have to really spend extra — or that much extra —money to have a great time on a cruise, even though the cruise line will be the last to tell you that.
For many newbie cruisers, the complimentary dining options are more than enough and all the complimentary fun is enough to keep you busy for days on end.
St. Maarten Cruise Port, formally known as the Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port, is a modern and vibrant port that acts as a gateway to the dual-nation island of Saint Maarten.
Saint Maarten, or Sint Martin, is nestled in the heart of the Caribbean and provides visiting passengers with an eclectic mix of cultural experiences, pristine beaches, and plenty of adventure activities and tourist attractions.
To help you get the most out of your visit and easily navigate the port, we will provide an in-depth description of the port and its facilities, the attractions that lay beyond its gates, and much more!
As you can probably guess from the name, Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port is located adjacent to Sint Maarten’s capital city, Philipsburg. Sint Maarten is the Dutch side of the Caribbean Island nation of Saint Martin, meaning the port is on the island’s southern coast.
The port sits in Great Bay, while St. Maarten is situated in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 150 miles east of Puerto Rico and 190 miles north of Venezuela on the South American mainland.
This strategic location of the port and the position of the island of Saint Martin make St. Maarten Cruise Port an incredibly popular port of call for Caribbean cruises.
The first pier, known as Pier One or Arsene Hodge Pier, is the shorter of the two. It can accommodate up to two medium-sized cruise ships at once, with berths on either side of the pier. Berths A and B sit on either side of the pier.
The second, AC Wathey Pier, also known as Pier 2, was added in 2009 as part of a major redevelopment project. This enormous pier stretches 1,788 feet; it has four distinct cruise ship berths.
Cruise Piers in St. Maarten (Photo Credit: Multiverse)
When required, it can also handle two of the world’s largest cruise ships, like those in the Royal Caribbean Icon Class. In these scenarios, Berths C and D and Berths E and F are combined so the larger vessels have ample room.
Pier 2 also has two separate screening booths to handle the high volume of passengers and ensure a seamless disembarkation process.
The port’s ability to host up to six cruise ships at once is part of the reason it is growing to become one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. In fact, the port handles over two million cruise passengers a year, and this number is projected to rise with each passing year.
Both of the piers lead to a single, open-air cruise terminal. While most Caribbean cruise ports feature a terminal building, the open-air design of the St. Maarten Terminal gives it a breezy and tropical atmosphere
Terminal Facilities, Parking, and Services
The open-air terminal has a relatively simple layout, with a large duty-free shopping zone centering around a main courtyard. The shopping area features jewelry, clothing, and sunglasses stores and a smaller electronics boutique, where visitors can purchase headphones, Bluetooth speakers, batteries, cameras, and other basic devices.
In terms of accessibility, the piers and the terminal area are both perfectly flat, making them wheelchair-friendly. Plus, several restroom facilities are scattered throughout the port and are all wheelchair accessible.
Cruise Ships Docked at St. Maarten Port (Photo Credit: simon hark)
Unfortunately, the port does not yet offer free Wi-Fi, but several cafes and restaurants in the port area offer It for paying customers. If you do need assistance, there are two tourist information booths, one on the edge of Pier 2 and the other near the duty-free shopping area. Both booths can answer general inquiries, and service is available in English, Dutch, and French.
Pay parking is available on the edge of the port for those renting vehicles. Entry to the lot is $2, which also covers your first hour. After the first hour, a rate of $1 per hour kicks in. There is no fee for using the pickup and drop-off area.
Cruise Lines that Visit St. Maarten Cruise Port
With Philipsburg being one of the most popular ports of call in the northeast Caribbean, it is visited by many of the world’s most well-known cruise lines. The following are just some of those that use the port regularly:
Royal Caribbean International
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Princess Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises
While none of the cruise lines have assigned piers or berths, the larger ships under the Royal Caribbean and Carnival banners tend to use the double berths available at Pier 2.
Distance and Directions from the Airport
The nearest major airport to St. Maarten Cruise Port is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), roughly 5 miles away. If you are taking a cruise that departs from the island, you will most likely fly into the airport and then travel to the port on your day of departure.
Princess Juliana International Airport (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
The journey takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car, with the exact timing varying depending on traffic conditions. Fortunately, plenty of taxis are available at the airport, and most offer flat, affordable rates to the cruise port. Even during peak tourist season, you can expect to pay around $25 to get from the port to Princess Juliana Airport and vice versa.
Directions from the Princess International Airport to Philipsburg Cruise Port
If you have decided to rent a vehicle and plan on driving, the following directions will take you to the port’s parking lot:
Head east on Airport Road/SR 80, then continue straight through the roundabout onto Welfare Road
Turn left onto Bush Road/SR 81 and continue for 7.6 miles
Turn right onto Juancho Yrausquin Blvd/SR 82 and follow signs for Cruise Pier St. Maarten
Transportation Options From the Port
Another feature that makes Philipsburg Cruise Port such an appealing destination for visitors is its wide range of simple and affordable transportation options.
For those looking to stretch their legs, you can walk from the edge of either pier to the downtown core of Philipsburg in under 15 minutes; however, if you are looking for an easier way to see the city and surrounding area, the following options are all available directly from the port:
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at the edge of the port. There is a covered taxi line where visiting passengers usually only have to wait a few minutes to get a cab.
Photo Credit: Mark Anthony Ray / Shutterstock
Rates to some of the most popular tourist destinations are fixed, and you can typically expect to pay between $10 and $30 for a taxi, depending on where you want to go. For example, both taxi companies that operate out of the port offer a flat rate of $20 for a one-way ride to Maho Beach, which is 7.8 miles away.
Water Taxis
You can find the water taxi terminal directly beside the port at Philipsburg Marina. These small passenger ferries provide a scenic way to travel to various points around Philipsburg, like Great Bay Beach and the city’s Boardwalk, which is lined with stores and beach bars.
St. Maarten Water Taxi (Photo Credit: TeodorLazarev)
Even during peak tourist season, a day pass for the water taxis is just $7 per person. This provides you with unlimited rides to and from any of the pickup and drop-off spots.
Minibuses and Shuttles
While you can choose to take a city bus, they do not have a pickup stop near the port. Instead, privately operated minibuses offer a transportation option that tends to be cheaper than taking a taxi.
These small tour buses run between Philipsburg and Marigot, with numerous stops at popular destinations along the way. Fares are just $3 for adults.
Shuttle Bus (Photo Credit: Miro Vrlik Photography)
Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses if you are traveling to the airport, but you must check with your cruise line beforehand.
Rental Cars
If you want to explore the island at your leisure, car rentals are available near the port. Coastal Car Rental has a location a short walk from the port in Harbor Port Village.
Depending on the size of the vehicle, rental rates are roughly $50 per day. You must provide your passport and a valid driver’s license to rent any vehicle, but the rental process is easier than in other Caribbean countries. You don’t need an International Driver’s License, and you also don’t need to purchase a local driver’s permit.
The Unique French and Dutch Division of the Island
While it may sound a little confusing, the island is divided into two distinct territories – the French side, known as Saint Martin, and the Dutch side, called Sint Maarten. The Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port and the city it is named after are located on the Dutch side of the island.
This unique situation dates back to 1648 when the occupying French and Dutch settlers agreed to formally divide the island by signing the Treaty of Concordia. Under the terms of the treaty, the two sides would peacefully respect the boundary lines, an arrangement that continues to the present day.
Saint Martin, the French side, is the northern part of the island and remains an overseas French territory, meaning it is governed by the same laws and regulations as France.
Dutch Side of the Island (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
It also retains heavy French cultural influences and charm, including upscale, European-style restaurants and boutiques and plenty of examples of French architecture.
The southern portion of the island, Sint Maarten, is classified as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has a livelier atmosphere that tends to appeal to cruise ship visitors more than the French side of the island.
With plenty of restaurants, casinos, and duty-free shopping, it is a really fun area to visit. The Dutch architectural and cultural influences are also fairly evident.
Despite the formal division, the border is completely open, allowing visitors to easily travel between the two and experience different cultures on a single island. It also means that the two cultures have blended and influenced each other in unique ways, giving the Caribbean Island a culture that is unlike any other.
French Side (Saint Martin)
Capital City: Marigot
Language: French (English and Dutch common)
Currency: Euro (USD accepted)
Culture: Relaxed atmosphere characterized by French-style cafés, boutiques, and markets
Culture: Lively and tourist-oriented atmosphere. Front Street in Philipsburg is famous for duty-free shopping, casinos, restaurants, and a lively nightlife
Best Time to Visit St. Maarten and Seasonal Weather Conditions
St. Maarten’s tropical climate makes it a popular year-round tourist destination. However, the busy season runs from early December to mid-April, coinciding with the island’s dry season. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 73° to 85°F, with low humidity and limited rainfall.
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
While the months between December and April are considered the best, they can also be the busiest and most expensive. If you want to travel outside of the dry season, just be aware that hurricane season stretches from June to November, so you will have to check for cruise itinerary delays and potential storms.
Daytime temperatures can also rise to uncomfortable levels from June until October, which isn’t helped by the high humidity. If you go mid-summer, expect temperatures in the 95° to 99°F range.
Beaches Near the Cruise Port
Another highlight of visiting Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port is its close proximity to some incredible beaches. While the island’s entire coast is dotted with stunning beaches, the following are just some of the most popular beaches that are close to the port:
Great Bay Beach
Located just one mile away, Great Bay Beach takes less than 10 minutes to walk to, and it offers a long stretch of white sand and stunning turquoise waters. There is a roped-off swimming area and plenty of bars and restaurants that offer beach views.
Great Bay Beach (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
Since it sits directly across the bay from the cruise port, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach and watch the cruise ships and water taxis come and go.
Little Bay Beach
At 2.7 miles from the port, Little Bay Beach requires a longer walk or even a cab ride, but it tends to be a little bit less busy. The beach also has notoriously clear waters, which explains why it is such a popular spot for snorkeling. Check out the beachside Gingerbread Café for a delicious, affordable breakfast or lunch.
Little Bay Beach (Photo Credit: Reimar)
Maho Beach
Although five miles from the port, Maho Beach provides everything you would want from a Caribbean beach, it also offers unique views of the airport runway. Relax on the white sand and watch planes fly overhead. It’s a must-see for aviation enthusiasts!
Maho Beach (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
What to Do Near the Port
If beaches aren’t your thing, you won’t have trouble finding other ways to entertain you during your stay in Philipsburg. Since St. Maarten Cruise Port sits right on the edge of Philipsburg, all of the capital’s attractions are easy to walk to. Here are just some of the highlights:
Fort Amsterdam and Fort William
Located just three miles away on the peninsula that separates Great Bay and Little Bay, Fort Amsterdam is a Dutch colonial fort that dates back to 1631. Today, the fort’s ruins act as an open-air museum, allowing visitors to look out from the former defense position at the waters the fort was built to protect.
Fort Amsterdam (Photo Credit: Jacqueline van Kerkhof)
Even if you’re not a history buff, the views from the fort are stunning, and the area acts as a natural sea bird reserve, so you can watch pelicans, sulids, and other species nest and dive for fish.
If you don’t mind hiking uphill, you can also travel half a mile inland to see Fort William, a former British fortification constructed in 1801. Renamed Fort Willem after it was taken over by the Dutch, its higher elevation provides great views of Philipsburg and the waters surrounding it.
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
For a complete change of pace, you can visit an unofficial Star Wars museum on Front Street. Star Wars fans can view this incredible private collection of authentic movie props from the Star Wars series and other famous Hollywood films. It’s just a mile from the port, so you can easily walk there.
Parotte Ville Bird Park
This unique bird sanctuary is near the island’s French and Dutch border. It’s roughly 3.5 miles from the port, so most people will take a short taxi ride to get there, but it’s well worth the visit.
Parotte Ville Bird Park
Showcasing nearly 30 different species, it allows you to see a more natural side of the island. The birds are incredibly friendly and curious, so don’t be surprised if they land on your shoulder or try to eat out of your hand.
Rockland Estate Rainforest Adventures
If you want a more thrilling experience in St. Maarten, head to Rainforest Adventures. Just a 3.3-mile taxi ride from the port, it offers zip-lining experiences, a tube slide, and rainforest canopy tours. It’s a great way to see the tropical nature the island has to offer!
Dining Near the Cruise Port
The town of Philipsburg is a paradise for food lovers. In fact, the town holds the record for the most restaurants per square mile of anywhere in the Caribbean. Plus, the combined French and Dutch sides of the island have the unofficial title of being the culinary capital of the entire Caribbean.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
With heavy Dutch, French, Caribbean, and African influences, the cuisine is incredible and very unique. Plus, the town’s status as a major tourist hub means it is home to more restaurants, cafes, and bars than you would expect for a population of its size. The following are just a few of our favorite nearby eateries:
Lazy Lizard Beach Bar & Grill
Located just a 20-minute walk from the port, the iconic Lazy Lizard sits at the start of the boardwalk and features a fun menu of Caribbean classics, Dutch-influenced dishes, and plenty of refreshing drinks, including a variety of local craft beers. It’s bright green, so you won’t miss it!
Holland House Beach Hotel
If you walk a few extra minutes along the boardwalk, you’ll come across Holland House. On the hotel’s main floor, you’ll find the Ocean Lounge Bar and Restaurant, an upscale restaurant with an amazing view.
Sit inside or outside and enjoy everything from homemade burgers to poke bowls made with freshly caught tuna. For a true taste of the island, try the conch dumplings!
Emilio’s Dine with History Restaurant
If you make it out to Rockland Estate Rainforest Adventures, visiting nearby Emilio’s is a must. Built into an old barn, this unassuming restaurant serves some of the most gourmet food you’ll find anywhere on the island. The service is incredible, and the wine list will make you think you’re in a European fine-dining establishment.
It’s 3.3 miles from the port, so you’ll likely have to take a cab, but it’s well worth it if you want to try a professionally curated menu and one of the top restaurants in the world—not just the Caribbean!
Port of Happy Hour and Sharky’s
If you’re looking for a quick bite and a few drinks before boarding your ship, the port is also home to two bars. Although they have limited food menus, both serve various drinks, including local beer and spirits.
Shopping Near the Cruise Port
Shopping is one of the things the Dutch side of the island is most famous for. With many restaurants in Philipsburg and a range of duty-free shops surrounding the port, you don’t have to travel far for retail therapy.
Front Street is considered Philipsburg’s main shopping area; with a mix of luxury stores, duty-free shops, and local souvenir stands, you’ll find everything you need just on that one street.
Front Street
Front Street is also only 0.7 miles away from the Saint Maarten Cruise Terminal, so you can easily walk there in roughly 15 minutes. If you walk north along Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, you will see a large Pandora store, which marks the beginning of Front Street. If you continue east along Front Street, you’ll come across plenty of stores, restaurants, boutiques, and more!
For more unique gifts and souvenirs, you can also head over to Old Street, which is lined with food vendors, boutique shops, and stalls set up by local artisans.
Old Street runs perpendicular with Front Street, so you can easily walk the 0.8 mile distance in less than 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the Michael Kors store, as it sits right on the corner of Front Street and Old Street.
If you’re limited on time for your shore excursion and want to stick to the port area, there are several international jewelry retailers, including Kay’s Fine Jewelry, Pandora, and Effy Jewelry, as well as numerous clothing stores, including an official Crocs store, so it’s easy to stock up on beachwear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you walk to the beach from St. Maarten Cruise Port?
Yes, Great Bay Beach is just a pleasant 10-minute walk from St. Maarten Cruise Port.
Can I get off the cruise ship in St. Maarten without a passport?
No, you do not need to present a passport to get off a cruise ship in St. Maarten. However, this only applies if you are a cruise ship passenger staying for less than 48 hours; otherwise, you will need a valid passport.
What is the name of the cruise terminal in St. Maarten?
The formal name is Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port, but it is often shortened to St. Maarten Cruise Terminal.
Princess Cruises will launch MedallionNet Max, a new WiFi service, on August 31, 2025, to provide advanced connectivity to digitally connected passengers.
The new service tier, offered exclusively within the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, will provide the highest performance bandwidth available to the cruise line’s passengers.
(Illustration by: Jacques Dayan)
Through Princess Cruises’s adoption of new satellite constellations and the installation of a WiFi access point in every stateroom across the fleet, MedallionNet Max will utilize SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Internet constellation, which consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit. Users connected to Starlink can find speeds ranging from 50 to 150 Mbps.
“By including MedallionNet Max in our incredible bundles, we are guaranteeing the best possible onboard experience with the best value anywhere in the world as our guests explore over 330 destinations vis our world-class globally deployed fleet,”said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
While the new service tier will be prioritized for guests who purchase the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, the existing MedallionNet Classic will continue to provide reliable global coverage at its current performance levels.
“Just like we did when we launched MedallionNet Classic almost seven years ago, Princess continues to ensure guests have access to the highest performing connectivity available at industry-leading value,” added Padgett.
To showcase MedallionNet Max’s speed and strength, Princess Cruises is hosting a unique UGC (User Generated Content) competition using a custom Minecraft world, “Princess Cruises Nautical Quest,” today, August 7, 2024.
Thirty-two of the world’s top UGC players will battle it out to be the first to escape the digital labyrinth, with eight gamers competing from aboard Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess.
Gamers Shubble, Krinios, Fruitberries, vGumiho, Sneegsnag, JimmyHere, Smajor, and Hannahxxrose will be aboard the 3,660-passenger ship as it spends the day in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands during a 7-night Caribbean voyage. Twenty-four players will compete from home.
Providing Power Connectivity at a Fee
MedallionNet is the cruise industry’s only WiFi network that combines multiple orbit satellites, including Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Mid-Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO/Starlink), to deliver 5G networks to guests.
Princess Cruises joins sister cruise lines Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, and Seabourn, all owned by Carnival Corporation, with fleetwide Starlink connectivity.
Photo Courtesy: Hurtigruten
A la carte pricing for MedallionNet Classic, which debuted across the Princess fleet in 2018, remains at $24.99 per day for a single-device plan and $44.99 per day for a multi-device plan.
Princess Plus, which is $60 per day per guest, provides MedallionNet Max for one device per guest, while Princess Premier, at $80 per day per guest, provides access to four devices per guest.
In addition to enhanced connectivity, the Plus and Premier packages include various amenities. For Princess Plus packages, guests also receive non-alcoholic drinks; cocktails, wine and beer up to $15 each; power shots at the juice bar; and 25 percent off bottles of wine. Premier guests receive all but benefit from top-shelf spirits up to $20 each.
Princess Plus guests also receive two casual meals per sailing and two premium desserts per day, as well as two fitness classes per day. Princess Premium guests receive unlimited casual meals and premium desserts and two specialty meals per sailing, along with unlimited fitness classes, reserved seating at the theater, and Princess Prizes.
Both packages included crew appreciation tips and unlimited room service delivery, with fees waived for using OceanNow onboard delivery.
Additionally, Princess Cruises’ Platinum and Elite loyalty program members receive 50 percent off MedallionNet WiFi as a benefit.
MSC Cruises will be getting its moment as a star on the big screen as it becomes a part of Hollywood legend appearing alongside Brad Pitt in “F1,” an upcoming Formula 1 racing movie from Apple Original Films.
The new Warner Brothers movie stars Pitt as a former Formula 1 driver who returns to the sport. As Formula 1’s Official Cruise partner, MSC Cruises’ branding will be prominently displayed in the movie, appearing on the fictional APXGP car and team kit, as well as on the racetracks included in the film’s storyline.
Apple Formula 1 Movie Car
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joseph Kosinski, “F1” was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends across Europe in 2024, integrating real racing environments into the storyline at iconic tracks such as Silverstone in the U.K., Monza in Italy, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Worth Reading: Cruise Line Partners with F1 for Exclusive Mediterranean Cruise
“F1” will be released in theaters on June 27, 2025, in North America and globally starting June 25, 2025. The cast also includes notable actors Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo.
The collaboration with “F1” aligns with MSC Cruises’ existing status as a Formula 1 Global Partner in a multi-year deal that extends through the end of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, culminating at the Miami Grand Prix on November 29, 2026.
MSC Cruises and Formula 1
MSC Cruises became Formula 1’s Official Cruise Partner in March 2022. Announced at the Bahrain Grand Prix that year, MSC and Formula 1 began working together to develop special initiatives that blend Formula 1’s high-end experiences with MSC Cruises’ fleet offerings. This includes unique opportunities for fans and guests to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Since becoming the official partner in 2022, the cruise line has created unique hospitality packages, such as MSC Virtuosabecoming a hotel for guests attending the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.
Docking at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal for four days during the event, guests on board received an all-inclusive experience complete with accommodations that offered an array of restaurants and bars, two theatres, five swimming pools, an interactive waterpark, a kids’ area, and more.
The package also featured exclusive racetrack activities, including guided track tours, a Pit Lane Walk, and an appearance by Formula 1 personnel.
This year, MSC Cruises served as the title sponsor of the Formula 1 MSC Cruises Japanese Grand Prix on April 7 at Suzuka International Racing Course in Japan and the Formula 1 MSC Cruises Gran Premio del Made in Italy e Dell’Emilia-Romagna on May 19 in Italy.
Additionally, fans will have the chance to experience the excitement of Formula 1 in person at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024. Here, Formula 1 fans can embark on a 7-night Emirates cruise aboard the cruise line’s newest ship, MSC Euribia.
The 183,500-gross-ton ship’s Formula 1 event starts from either Abu Dhabi on November 27 or Dubai on November 30. It will include the opportunity to experience the race season in Qatar with two nights at port. The cruise will also call on Bahrain.
The package provides guests with transfers to and from the Lusail Circuit, panoramic seats on the main straight, access to the Fan Zone, and accommodations aboard the 6,300-passenger MSC Euribia.
It’s time for an older cruise ship to get a fresh, new look! Allure of the Seas, which joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2010, will be undergoing a massive overhaul ahead of her 2025 European season.
The renovations, which are expected to cost upwards of $100 million to complete, are meant to upgrade the ways that guests can relax, unwind, dine, and let loose onboard the 225,282-gross ton vessel.
“Allure will be reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travelers love. Between new favorites, like the Pesky Parrot Tiki Bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it a standout favorite,”said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International.
Allure of the Seas Caribbean Pool Deck
For guests looking to catch some sun and unwind by the pool, the resort-style pools will be home to an upgraded Solarium, an adult-exclusive spot that features in-pool loungers, day beds, and the popular Samba Grill.
Meanwhile, kids and tweens can play all day at the new and improved Splashaway Bay, which will be home to an assortment of water cannons, pools, whirlpools, and drench buckets.
When guests of the Oasis-class cruise ship start to get hungry, they can tantalize their taste buds at some of the most beloved – and most exclusive – dining venues that have previously only been offered on one or two of Royal Caribbean’s 24 ships.
The Pesky Parrot Tiki Bar, which only recently debuted on the new Utopia of the Seas, will serve up refreshing, fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks.
Allure of the Seas Pesky Parrot
The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar will also join the dining options onboard. Currently, the connoisseur of Southern comfort food can only be found on Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.
And of course, there will be plenty of family-friendly ways to have fun onboard. Just to name one example, the Ultimate Abyss – a large dry slide – will thrill guests with 10 stories of twists, turns, lights, and sounds.
After their ride, guests can enjoy some refreshing shaved ice to temper the adrenaline rush – which is a new addition to the menu of the nearby Wipe Out Bar.
The 6,789-guest mega-ship will also be home to a new escape room, named Apollo 18: Lunar Landing. The interactive adventure will take guests back to 1973, where they have to solve clues to land Apollo 18 on the moon before the clock runs out.
When guests are ready to turn in for the night, some lucky passengers will get to enjoy the new Ultimate Panoramic Suites that will be located above the bridge, which comes with stunning 200-degree views of the ocean.
Allure of the Seas, the Ultimate Panoramic Suites
A New Look For Europe
Currently, Allure of the Seas is homeporting in Miami, Florida, from where she is offering 3 to 4-night cruises to the Bahamas.
Her transformation will take place after her Bahamas season concludes and she sails a 12-night Transatlantic cruise, which will embark from Miami on February 10, 2025, and will disembark in Barcelona, Spain, on February 22, 2025.
The mega-ship will then be out of service until April 11, 2025 – when her European season officially begins – to allow time for the massive remodel.
She will be one of six Royal Caribbean ships offering bold vacations overseas throughout the summer – with Anthem of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas also deployed throughout Europe.
When the revamped ship resumes sailing, she will kick off her summer in Europe by offering a 4-night cruise out of Barcelona to Marseille, France, and Palma De Mallorca, Spain.
This will be followed by a slightly longer 5-night sailing, which embarks on April 15, 2025, to Marseille, France; La Spezia, Italy; and Rome, Italy.
Beginning on April 20, 2025, the first-generation Oasis-class ship will operate a series of 7-night Western Mediterranean voyages, alternating between Barcelona and Rome as the embarkation ports.
The itineraries call for stops at Naples, Italy; Marseille, France; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy – as well as Barcelona on Rome-based cruises and Rome on Barcelona-based sailings.
Allure’s Mediterranean sailings will be offered through mid-October 2025, before she returns to Florida to alternate between Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale.
With more and more cruise ports developing multi-use facilities that can not only support ship visits but can be great community resources as well, it is important that clear guidelines be developed to ensure safety and security for all guests and port residents.
Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with the Turks & Caicos Islands Government to agree on such guidelines for the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC).
This will permit local residents the ability to enjoy the facilities as well as safeguard cruise visitors when necessary. Furthermore, the policies are designed to promote a family-friendly atmosphere while supporting local businesses.
“We greatly appreciate the collaborative spirit of partnership from government and cruise center leaders to provide an added layer of security at the Grand Turk Cruise Center facilities, while also allowing residents all opportunities to enjoy the beach, shopping and restaurants,”said Juan Fernandez, vice president of Carnival Corporation’s destination operations.
The new policies will be effective from Thursday, August 15, 2024, with Mardi Gras and Carnival Freedom both in port that day. The new policies include identification requirements as well as a code of conduct.
To minimize crowds as much as possible, public access to the Grand Turk Cruise Center will require all individuals to receive a one-day identification badge from the main entrance gate.
There will be no cost or admission fee to obtain a badge, but visitors must be 18 years or older and show a valid government ID. Younger guests (under age 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone at the GTCC without the proper identification badge will be asked to leave and may be referred to local law enforcement on possible trespassing or similar charges. Anyone who violates the admission policy may not be able to return to the GTCC for three months or longer, depending on the severity of their transgression.
A key feature of the new agreement is the code of conduct, intended to ensure that only authorized activities take place and everyone can feel welcome.
First off, visitors may not engage in any business activities within the port area. This includes solicitation and sales of any kind, except by approved tour operators or licensed retailers authorized within the space. This will eliminate any high-pressure sales or peddling that may compete with authorized individuals.
It goes without saying, but illegal activities are not permitted, including assault, drug dealing, or other illicit activities. Similarly, no weapons of any kind are permitted.
Furthermore, no visitors – whether cruise guests or otherwise – may interfere with the work activities of GTCC employees or licensed tour operators. No public nuisance activities are permitted, such as any obstruction of walkways or “any act that endangers the morals, comfort level of the public, or obstructs the enjoyment of rights common to all.”
Finally, any language or behaviors considered to be “abusive, offensive, [or] threatening” will not be permitted.
“The Government’s role is to ensure that those with access to the facilities at the Grand Turk Cruise Center – be they cruise passengers, tour operators, vendors, and visitors to the port – have an enjoyable experience,”commented the Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
“The Government is committed to working with Grand Turk Cruise Center to improve service delivery so that the destination remains competitive, whilst ensuring safety, and providing sustainable economic opportunities.”
Cruise Ships Docked in Grand Turk (Photo Credit: Mateus Andre)
To clarify the new procedure, cruise guests will not need to obtain a day pass to the Grand Turk Cruise Center – that provision applies to local residents only – but cruise travelers will nevertheless be expected to abide by the code of conduct.
While Carnival Cruise Line is the most popular visitor to Grand Turk, other cruise lines – Royal Caribbean International, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, etc. – also visit the destination and will also need to follow the new guidelines.
Biggest Problems in Port
While Grand Turk can be an enjoyable cruise destination with its tropical climate, laid-back atmosphere, and colorful culture, frequent cruise guests have noted some uncomfortable problems.
Transient vendors – those who aren’t authorized to operate in the area – can often be forceful when trying to attract customers, which can make visitors uncomfortable. Similarly, illicit beach chair or umbrella operators may “sell” prime space on the beach to cruise travelers at disparate rates or with poor quality products and service.
Furthermore, reports of selling drugs at the beach area have been frequent, but hopefully this new policy will help curb that illegal activity.
Wherever cruise guests visit, they are always obligated to abide by local laws and regulations. Savvy travelers will double check restrictions for the ports of call they plan to visit and will be on their best behavior as guests in different countries on all their cruise travels.
Guests who are planning to board Carnival Sunshine to embark on a Bahamas cruise on August 8, 2024, may want to pay close attention to their emails and text messages.
The Sunshine-class ship is slated to embark from Charleston, South Carolina, on Thursday evening – which unfortunately coincides with when the East Coast port is expected to be slammed by Tropical Storm Debby.
John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, shared a message from the cruise line on his Facebook page on August 6, 2024, to help spread the word.
“Our Fleet Operations Center is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Debby, which is now located off the Georgia and South Carolina coastline. The storm is forecasted to move inland in the upcoming days, impacting the Charleston area Thursday,”read the message from the cruise line.
“Although forecasts can change, at this time, based on the current track, we are expecting Debby to affect our scheduled departure from Charleston,”continued the memo.
It’s currently unclear how much the 4-night sailing will be impacted, but the 27-ship cruise line will continue to monitor the forecast and make adjustments accordingly, with the safety and comfort of its guests and crew members as the top priority.
Assuming all goes to plan, the sailing includes one port call – scheduled for August 10, 2024, at Nassau, Bahamas.
The 3,0006-passenger vessel also isn’t the only Carnival cruise ship to be impacted by Debby’s wrath.
Carnival Paradise had a delayed return to Florida’s Port Tampa Bay, which was temporarily closed due to the storm. As a result, the subsequent sailing – a 6-night Western Caribbean Cruise that was supposed to embark on August 5, 2024 – has been shortened.
Looking at the other cruise lines, Margaritaville at Sea Islander remained stuck at sea until storm conditions passed and couldn’t disembark her sailing as planned in Tampa Bay on Sunday, August 4.
Indeed, Tropical Storm Debby made landfall near the town of Steinhatchee, Florida, over the Big Bend Coast, as a Category 1 hurricane on the morning of Monday, August 5, 2024.
As in Florida, the South Carolina Ports Authority will likely shut down operations at its ports while the Tropical Storm passes through, which is expected to make a second landfall in South Carolina on the morning of August 8 and last through at least August 9.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHS), the storm is expected to bring potentially catastrophic precipitation and flooding – with parts of the Carolinas and Georgia anticipating up to 25 inches of rain.
Tropical Storm Debby Track
“Dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions will spread northward along the southeast U.S. coast from northwestern Georgia to North Carolina through Thursday. Storm surge and tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for portions of these areas,” reads the most recent update from the NHS, which was posted at 11 a.m. EST on Tuesday, August 6.
“Potentially historic heavy rainfall across eastern South Carolina through Friday will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding,” continued the update.
Sustained winds are expected to reach around 40 mph and will be paired with stronger gusts. The impacted areas may also be impacted by flash flooding, loss of power, and downed trees and power lines – even in the days after the storm passes.
So far, the South Carolina Ports Authority has not announced an official closure, but will be operating with reduced hoursat the Port of Charleston and at Inland Port Dillon on Wednesday, August 7, in anticipation of Debby’s arrival.
The gates will close to maritime traffic by 2 p.m. local time at both locations – with additional operational updates expected soon as the storm looms closer.
Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded its fleetwide Military Appreciation Program to members of the Canadian military services, including active troops and veterans in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Coast Guard.
Previously, the program was offered to active members and veterans of US forces. The inclusion of Canadian soldiers and veterans is effective starting August 6, 2024 and features a standard 10% cruise fare discount plus an array of onboard amenities and services.
“The NCL family is committed to supporting the military community, and it is an honor to expand the benefits of our Military Appreciation Program to our allies in Canada,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Military Appreciation Program for Canada
“It is a privilege to welcome men and women who have bravely served their countries, along with their families, on board our ships,” added Herrera, who served in the US Army National Guard.
Norwegian Cruise Line launched its Military Appreciation Program, starting with cruises that departed on and after January 1, 2023. Special onboard recognitions that were rolled out include welcome receptions, gifts such as a collectible military challenge coin, pins to designate program participation, and collectible patches customized for each ship in the NCL fleet.
Besides the line’s 10% fare discount, all qualifying military guests can book the cruise line’s Free at Sea promotion, which when added to the discount provides more value to guests.
The Free at Sea program, available for a fee, includes cocktails, beer, and wine under $15; 20% off bottles of wine and champagne; unlimited soda and juices; two specialty dining meals; excursion discounts; and 150 minutes of WiFi.
“The expansion of our Military Appreciation Program is a testament to our organization’s passion for supporting and giving back to military service members,” said Derek Lloyd, vice president of Sales for North America at Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Fostering a sense of community and providing military members with a welcoming environment to relax with family and friends is an honor for Norwegian Cruise Line,” Lloyd added.
In addition to the fare discount and onboard perks, Norwegian Cruise Line recognizes military members in other ways. In May 2024, for instance, the cruise line marked Military Appreciation Month as the lead partner of Fleet Week Miami.
The line hosted high-level military members onboard Norwegian Breakaway at PortMiami, and presented a ceremonial plaque from the cruise line to US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.
In addition to expanding the appreciation program to Canadians, the cruise line recently broadened the eligibility of those serving in other uniformed services of the US government. These included NOAA Corps (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
Other Cruise Lines Show Support For Military Members
Several cruise lines besides Norwegian Cruise Line offer special deals and onboard recognition events to military members. Margaritaville at Sea recently announced an expansion of its Heroes Sail Free program to guests sailing aboard its newest ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander.
The ship, which began sailing for the cruise line in June 2024, is based in Tampa, Florida. The sail-free promotion is identical to one already in place onboard sister ship Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, the cruise line’s first vessel that launched the brand in 2022.
The sail-free offer provides a limited number of free fares in double occupancy cabins for guests who are active or retired military members, and their guests.
Onboard appreciation events are a staple onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships. In July 2023, the cruise line altered its existing Military Appreciation Gathering to a full Military Appreciation Day on all North American sailings.
The Fun Ship line also introduced a special beer, with proceeds benefiting Operation Homefront, the non-profit organization that advocates for and supports former service members.
