All over the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked not only a public health havoc but unprecedented devastation of the economy which has spared neither big nor small nations. The cruise sector was one of the hardest hit, bringing cruising to a virtual standstill since March 2020. St. Maarten, whose economy depends almost exclusively on tourism, continues to bear the brunt of this calamity, especially as it is a leading cruise destination. From the very onset of the pandemic, the port established a strict Sterile Port Protocol in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance that forms part of the International Health Regulations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Protocol ensures public health safety and security at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities for all vessels arriving at the port.

Throughout the crisis, several cruise lines have used the port for the safe and efficient repatriation of their crew and for the provisioning of their ships. For example, in mid-August 2020, no less than five cruise ships called at St. Maarten for this purpose. Several factors made this possible. These include the strategic location of the destination, the first-class infrastructure it offers, including homeporting facilities, and the excellent connectivity of the Princess Juliana International Airport that allows crews to be flown out to various international destinations after being processed at the port in a seamless operation that contributes to the economy of the island, even in such difficult times. In addition, the destination also offers fuel bunkering services to cruise ships. Whenever cruising the Caribbean resumes, one thing is for sure, Port St. Maarten will be more than ready to welcome back visitors again for an unforgettable experience.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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