St. Maarten projects Over 690,000 cruise passengers for rest of 2025, Star of the Seas arrives

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten’s cruise tourism sector is projected to finish 2025 on a high note, with 253 cruise calls and an estimated 694,000 cruise passengers expected between July and December 2025, according to the latest data.

The projections signal a strong rebound and continued confidence in the destination’s cruise infrastructure, hospitality, and service delivery, especially during the winter high season.

For the first half of the year St. Maarten has already recorded an 11% increase in cruise arrivals. It should be noted cautiously however, that the projections for the rest of the year could change if cruise situations change. These include cancellations due to tropical weather systems, itinerary changes, ship technical difficulties and so on.

Nevertheless, the final quarter of the year is expected to deliver the largest share of activity, with November and December alone accounting for 76% of the projected calls and passengers. December, in particular, is forecast to be a record-setting month with 121 cruise calls and nearly 273,000 passengers, a clear sign of St. Maarten’s enduring appeal as a marquee Caribbean cruise port.

This trend bodes well for local businesses, tour operators, transportation services, and the broader hospitality sector, which benefit directly from cruise passenger spending.

Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class mega-ship, Star of the Seas, is set to debut next month with St. Maarten featured on its inaugural Eastern Caribbean itinerary. The vessel builds on the success of Icon of the Seas, introducing distinct enhancements to entertainment, technology, and onboard amenities.

New shows include Back to the Future: The Musical, the high-diving AquaTheater production Torque, and Sol, the largest ice cast performance at sea. The ship’s Surfside neighborhood has also been updated to better serve families with children of all ages.

Guests sailing aboard Star of the Seas can expect a refreshed dining experience with new food stalls in the AquaDome Marketplace, Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita, offering barbecue, Southeast Asian, and Latin street food. The Lincoln Park Supper Club, inspired by 1930s Chicago, replaces the New York-themed supper club from Icon. Technology upgrades include select facial recognition cabins that allow for keyless room entry, and an additional hot tub has been added to improve relaxation capacity.

Homeported in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Star of the Seas offers 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to destinations such as St. Maarten, Cozumel, and St. Kitts. Launch fares are significantly lower than those of her sister ship’s debut, starting at approximately $1,300 per guest. Adding a unique touch, Star will also welcome a new “Chief Dog Officer” named Sailor, a golden retriever ambassador sure to be a favorite among guests.