Disney Cruise Line to boost St. Maarten visits, up to 14 calls planned for 2027

Disney Cruise Line's inaugural visit to Port St. Maarten on July 1 marked the start of a major expansion of the cruise line's presence on the island. St. Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger‑Marten said Disney will make three calls in 2026 and about 14 calls in 2027, with further growth expected in 2028 as the company adds five new ships to its fleet.

The ministry highlighted that each Disney call brings thousands of passengers who support local taxi operators, tour providers, restaurants, retailers and attractions. Officials intend to work closely with Port St. Maarten to secure additional sailings and to invest in traffic flow, transportation and visitor services so that the increase in cruise traffic benefits both visitors and residents.

The partnership is seen as a strategic move to position St. Maarten as a premier Caribbean cruise destination and to attract high‑spending, repeat‑travel families to the island.