Philipsburg, St Maarten Cruises

Philipsburg harbour in St Maarten
Philipsburg harbour in St Maarten
Bridge across the river in St Maarten

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch half of St. Maarten, a Caribbean island amicably shared between Holland and France for centuries. The town is known as a shopper’s paradise, while its charming sandy beach, studded with colourful clapboard restaurants and outdoor cafés, is accessible via water taxi.

Front Street, Philipsburg’s long main street, is festooned with shops, but the alleys and courtyards down to Back Street are also worth exploring.[ReadMoreMob] There are some stylish restaurants, but the Lo-Lo huts, which sell grilled chicken, fish and cakes from home-made barbecues, are great for a cheap snack of authentic Caribbean food.

This tiny island was divided between the Dutch and French in the 1600s, as a bastion against the Spanish. This melting pot of rich cultures and old-world charm was supposedly divided up by someone from each country walking round the coastline in opposite directions until they met up again.

Two historic forts reflect the island’s colonial past: Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631 and soon after captured by the Spanish, offers fine views over Philipsburg from the original walls, and Fort Willem, built by the British during the Napoleonic War.

 

Cruises to Philipsburg

Journey to the Islands of the Caribbean

Journey to the Islands of the Caribbean

Departs: Southampton • Tue 07 Dec 2021
16 nights • Braemar • M2130

  • Escape for some well-earned rest, relaxation and soothing sunshine in the Caribbean as the British winter takes hold and the busy Christmas period fast approaches.
  • Leaving the UK’s gloomy shores behind, you’ll experience the magic of an Atlantic Ocean crossing en route to the Caribbean, visiting picturesque Lisbon and gorgeous Madeira en route.
  • Your immersive Caribbean exploration takes in stunning St Maarten; St Kitts, for a chance to ride the island’s scenic railway; beautiful Basse-Terre; and vibrant Barbados.

From £1,699pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Caribbean Islands and Festive Celebrations

Caribbean Islands and Festive Celebrations

Departs: Southampton • Tue 07 Dec 2021
30 nights • Braemar • M213031

  • Escape the gloomy British winter, as well as the stress of the busy festive period, and cruise across the Atlantic to the Caribbean for a simply unforgettable holiday.
  • Spend almost three weeks hopping between islands such as St Kitts, Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia for spectacular scenery, beaches and an authentic taste of the Caribbean.
  • Enjoy a Christmas Day of fun, food and festivity on board Braemar, welcome 2022 in style, watching St Maarten’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, and spend three unforgettable days in Havana, Cuba.

From £3,849pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Festive Island-Hopping in the Caribbean

Festive Island-Hopping in the Caribbean

Departs: Bridgetown • Thu 23 Dec 2021
14 nights • Braemar • M2131

  • On an incredible Caribbean exploration, experience a magical festive season that includes Christmas at sea, spectacular New Year’s celebrations and paradise island discovery.
  • Uncover the delights of beautiful Bonaire and Curacao; indulge in the sunshine and beaches of Antigua; and ride St Kitts’s scenic railway, all before seeing in 2022 in St Maarten.
  • Begin the new year in style, with one final dose of Caribbean delight in Grand Turk before enjoying an extended stay in the historic, culture-rich iconic Cuban city of Havana.

From £3,099pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Uncrowded Caribbean Islands with Havana

Uncrowded Caribbean Islands with Havana

Departs: Havana • Thu 06 Jan 2022
14 nights • Braemar • M2201

  • Combine less crowded explorations of beautiful destinations, with a visit to one of the region’s most iconic, bustling cities, for an authentic and immersive taste of the Caribbean.
  • Soak up Latin culture, see the sights via classic car, learn traditional dance and much more in Havana; and explore Port Royal and Basse-Terre, when Braemar is the only ship in port.
  • Discover the rich European heritage of Curacao; take the chance to ride St Kitts’ famous scenic railway; and enjoy a day in sun-kissed St Maarten.

From £2,449pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Uncrowded Caribbean Islands with Havana

Uncrowded Caribbean Islands with Havana

Departs: Havana • Thu 03 Feb 2022
14 nights • Braemar • M2203

  • Combine less crowded explorations of beautiful destinations, with a visit to one of the region’s most iconic, bustling cities, for an authentic and immersive taste of the Caribbean.
  • Soak up Latin culture, see the sights via classic car, learn traditional dance and much more in Havana; and explore Port Royal and Basse-Terre, when Braemar is the only ship in port.
  • Discover the rich European heritage of Curacao; take the chance to ride St Kitts’ famous scenic railway; and enjoy a day in sun-kissed St Maarten.

From £2,499pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Iconic Caribbean with the Trinidad Carnival

Iconic Caribbean with the Trinidad Carnival

Departs: Havana • Thu 17 Feb 2022
14 nights • Braemar • M2204

  • This is the Caribbean at its very best, an immersive discovery of iconic islands and their cultural highlights, from authentic flavours to legendary dance, music and carnival.
  • Delve into the history of reggae and pirates in Jamaica; and in Havana, soak up the rich Cuban culture, see sights via classic car, sample traditional rum and much more.
  • Be inspired by the natural beauty of St Kitts, St Lucia and Grenada; then catch Trinidad Carnival, a colourful celebration of Caribbean life.

From £2,549pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Voyage from the Caribbean to the Med

Voyage from the Caribbean to the Med

Departs: Bridgetown • Thu 17 Mar 2022
15 nights • Braemar • M2206

  • Indulge in a taste of Caribbean paradise, with opportunities to seek-out natural wonders, explore spellbinding landscapes and relax on glorious beaches.
  • Feel St Vincent’s black sands between your toes; discover the thick rainforest and volcanic peaks in Guadeloupe; and spend a full day enjoy St Maarten’s soothing sunshine.
  • After a visit to St Kitts, for a chance to ride the island’s famous scenic railway, there’s also a magical cruise across the Atlantic, stopping in the Azores and Gibraltar along the way.

From £1,899pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Discovering the Caribbean & the Adriatic

Discovering the Caribbean & the Adriatic

Departs: Bridgetown • Thu 17 Mar 2022
27 nights • Braemar • M220607

  • A unique cruise adventure featuring a rare combination of Caribbean and Adriatic sights and highlights, with a magical transatlantic crossing included for good measure.
  • Seek out a slice of Caribbean paradise; feel St Vincent’s black sands between your toes, discover Guadeloupe’s volcanic scenery, ride the famous St Kitts railway and much more.
  • In the Adriatic, cruise the fjord-like Bay of Kotor; immerse yourself in ancient history in Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split; and visit Venice, for iconic landmarks, canals and gondolas

From £3,299pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Transatlantic with Adriatic, Greek Islands & Corinth Canal

Transatlantic with Adriatic, Greek Islands & Corinth Canal

Departs: Bridgetown • Thu 17 Mar 2022
37 nights • Braemar • M220608

  • This cruise makes for a unique holiday, offering chances to explore the Adriatic, Caribbean and Greek islands – and experience magical scenic cruising – on one itinerary.
  • Taste Caribbean paradise at islands such as St Vincent and St Kitts; sail the Atlantic and fjord-like Bay of Kotor; and visit UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and Split.
  • In Greece, you’ll navigate the Corinth Canal; and get to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Rhodes, Crete, Kefallonia and the ancient city of Athens too.

From £5,049pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Transatlantic with Adriatic, Greek Islands & Corinth Canal

Transatlantic with Adriatic, Greek Islands & Corinth Canal

Departs: Bridgetown • Thu 17 Mar 2022
59 nights • Braemar • M220610

  • Discover the sights and highlights of the Caribbean, Adriatic and Greek Islands, join a spectacular Spanish celebration, and experience unforgettable scenic cruising on one incredible itinerary.
  • Taste Caribbean paradise at islands such as St Vincent and St Kitts; sail the Atlantic and fjord-like Bay of Kotor; and visit UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and Split.
  • In Greece, cruise the remarkable Corinth Canal and uncover iconic ancient sites; then in Spain, visit Seville in time to catch the final day of Feria de Abril.

From £7,899pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Transatlantic with Adriatic, Greek Islands & Corinth Canal

Transatlantic with Adriatic, Greek Islands & Corinth Canal

Departs: Bridgetown • Thu 17 Mar 2022
47 nights • Braemar • M220609

  • This cruise makes for a unique holiday, offering chances to explore the Adriatic, Caribbean and Greek islands – and experience magical scenic cruising – on one itinerary.
  • Taste Caribbean paradise at islands such as St Vincent and St Kitts; sail the Atlantic and fjord-like Bay of Kotor; and visit UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik and Split.
  • In Greece, cruise between the pinching cliff faces of the Corinth Canal; and uncover ancient treasures in Crete, Kefallonia, Olympia and the legendary city of Athens too.

From £6,649pp

Fares Explained | What's Included