St. Maarten has all the necessary ingredients for homeporting, and in fact, does offer this service to smaller cruise lines like Seabourn. Homeporting simply means that the cruises originate from and end at the destination. It requires that passengers will generally fly into the destination to embark on their cruise journey. The first-class Princess Juliana International Airport, which is only a 20-minute drive from the harbor, enhances the potential for growth in this area. Its proximity further creates an attractive synergy between the two major ports of entry on the island. In addition, there are several hotels literally at a stone s throw from the harbor, which can offer excellent accommodations to passengers who may have to overnight before they board their ships or planes.

All of this led to Celebrity Cruises decision to relaunch cruising since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Celebrity Millennium setting sail from St. Maarten on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

This was a first for the cruise industry in North America and also the first time Celebrity Cruises has homeported in St. Maarten. The Celebrity Millennium now offers a seven-night itinerary with calls at Aruba, Barbados, and Curacao. The crew is vaccinated against COVID-19 and at least 95 percent of the guests are too.

Homeporting