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Vice Prime Minister Heyliger meets with Anguilla colleague Minister Gumbs regarding port affairs

(Friday, January 14, 2010) At the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger was joined by Anguilla Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs and members of the board of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPS).

Minister Heyliger welcomed the group and they later shared ideas on current and future developments relevant to cruise tourism and port development.

The Port of Sint Maarten is considered one of the most modern port facilities in the North Eastern Caribbean which plays a very important role in trans-shipping.

It was a pleasure to have our colleagues over from Anguilla, Vice Prime Minister Heyliger said on Thursday.

"It is important for islands in the region to get together and have dialogues about past, present and future developments in these areas and also learn from the mistakes that others made, so as to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of port operations in this part of the Caribbean region. Discipline, regulation, order, and structure are important elements in this regard," Heyliger, who is also responsible for Public Infrastructure and Port Affairs pointed out on Thursday.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sint Maarten Harbor Group of Companies Mark Mingo, gave a presentation to the Anguilla delegation in the conference room about current and future developments at the port facilities, which encompasses cruise and cargo.

He explained and shared information with the delegation about research that was carried out, which ranged from the spending of cruise passengers to customer satisfaction of the destination to passenger distribution. Sint Maarten he said ranks among the top ports in the region, he added, which is maintained by assertively selling its product, reinvesting, and training, among other elements.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Harbor Group, Keith Franca also gave the Anguillan delegation information about the facilities during a tour.

He explained the details of the facilities which ranged from what the Harbor Company is doing in terms of safety, the industry accommodating yachts, and other developments at the harbor.

Present from the Anguilla delegation were Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs, Hayden Hughes Parliamentary Sector Tourism, Maurice Connor Board member, Bill Grandfield Deputy Chairman AASPA, Ken Banks Chairman AASPA, Leslie Richardson Board member AASPS, and Bancroft Battick Chief Engineer, Ministry of Infrastructure.

PHOTO CUTLINES: Left to right, Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Anguilla Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs. (GIS Photo)

Photo: Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger, Anguilla Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs, as well as Anguilla government and port officials, were given a tour of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility by Sint Maarten port management officials. (GIS Photo)


Carnival Schedule Officially Released

(Wednesday, January 12, 2011) The Sint Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) officially launched the 2011 Carnival schedule on January 10. Carnival will run from April 25 through May 3.

The theme of the country's annual biggest cultural event is "Country St. Maarten Fettin for Carnival 2011."

The opening jump-up will take place on Monday, April 25. The season will see four jump-ups, the revival of the Senior Carnival Pageant and season passes.

Related events will start of March 19, with the annual Unity Jump-Up from St. Martin/Sint Maarten border at Bellevue to the Dutch side of the island.

Booking a cruise around this time of year would allow a visitor to stop in at the Carnival Festival Village while on the island for a day visit and sample some of the island's local cuisine.

Port of Sint Maarten surpasses 1.5 million cruise passengers

(Wednesday, January 12, 2011) In 2010, over 1.5 million cruise passengers (1,512,618) visited the island. Five years before, the island as a cruise destination came close to this milestone with 1,488 million. Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger said this was a milestone reached based on a change in approach towards marketing and cruise ship itinerary planning. Heyliger said that the agreements brokered with cruise partners over the years ensured that cruise ships kept coming and the economy continued to grow even in the toughest of times.

World's largest Giga Yacht Calls at Port of Sint Maarten

(Wednesday, January 12, 2011) Referred to as the world's biggest giga-yacht, the M/Y Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich berthed at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo facility recently. It was the vessels first visit to the Caribbean.

The M/Y Eclipse is 536 feet long; features two helipads, a luxury spa, disco, a large swimming pool and a submarine. The vessel can accommodate 62 guests and 50-crew members who share 6000 square feet of living space onboard.

M/Y Eclipse was launched on June 12, 2009 and initial costs have been estimated at US$485 million.

Second cruise vessel of Disney makes inaugural call to Port of Sint Maarten

(Thursday, January 6, 2010) Disney Wonder, recently made her inaugural call to the port as part of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that started out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Harbour officials and cruise executives did the traditional exchange of plaque and keys. Harbour officials were honored to have the vessel visit the destination since it will not be back for the next season.

Port of Sint Maarten to reach 1.5 million cruise passenger milestone

(Wednesday, December 29, 2010)This week and with more than 40-years of cruise history, the Port of Sint Maarten will cater to 1.5 million cruise passengers at the close of 2010. Chief Executive Officer Mark Mingo of the port said that the destination had a good season and is confident that the New Year will continue along the same line with more success for the port. He added that the focus must be on further improvement of the destination in order for the island to maintain its lead in the North Eastern Caribbean.

Allure of the Seas Makes Inaugural call

(Friday, December 17, 2010) The Allure of the Seas pulled into Great Bay Harbour mid-week with about 8,000 passengers and crew, a welcome treat and seasonal blessing for the islands merchants, tour guides, taxi's and all who work in the hospitality sector on the island.

Onboard, there are performances by the full Broadway cast of "Chicago." The cruise line is also partnering with Dreamworks Animation to deliver ice-skating shows, 3-D Movies and photo opportunities with animated characters, a true dream world for kids.

The Allure had 5,400 passengers onboard. The vessel has 16-decks that contain 2,700 staterooms.

The ship began its maiden voyage in the Western Caribbean earlier in the week, but had to cancel Nassua, Bahamas due to high winds. Before coming to the Port of Sint Maarten, the Allure made a stop in St. Thomas.

MS Azura makes inaugural call to Port of Sint Maarten

The MS Azura with mainly British passengers and crew onboard enjoyed their one-day (last Saturday) visit to the "Friendly Island." The Captain pointed out that passengers and crew are always excited to visit. The destination is rated second in passenger and crew spending due to its duty-free status. Azura is one of some five cruise ships that made inaugural calls in the past three months to the island.

Cruise passenger satisfaction high on list for destination Sint Maarten

Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger says cruise passenger satisfaction is priority number one, Heyliger assured Celebrity Eclipse Captain during the vessels recent inaugural call. He added that the working relationship with Celebrity Cruise Lines was an important one which is exemplified with guarantee berthing space. Heyliger looks forward to welcoming Celebrity's two other ships which will have the destination as ports of call.

Cruise passengers to receive info about transportation operations on Sint Maarten

Passengers traveling on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines, will be able to get information in the near future through an in-cabin video about the use of licensed taxis operated by the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association about transportation operation when visiting the island.

Port of Sint Maarten receives more than 10,000 visitors for November

A total of 10,852 more cruise passengers than projected visited the island in November bringing total arrivals so far for 2010 to 1,311,959. So far the arrival figures for the year represent a 25.3 per cent increase compared to those of 2009. The projected total number of arrivals for the year is tagged at 1,454,274 cruise passengers, but the harbour group is aiming for 1.5 million.

Celebrity Eclipse makes inaugural call to Port of Sint Maarten


The newest addition to Celebrity cruise fleet will be in port on November 23. A Solstice class vessel launched back in February will be carrying over 2,800 passengers and over 1270 crew. Merchants and other tourist related businesses are gearing up for the inaugural visit when tourists will experience the island's fine beaches, sample the cuisine and enjoy duty free shopping.

Second Tender Jetty Enhances Accessibility to Philipsburg Shopping Center


(Thursday, November 04, 2010) With the high season about to begin, preparations are well underway to prepare for the thousands of cruise passengers and crew who will increase in great numbers during the season.

The Port of Sint Maarten's second tender jetty will be playing an integral role where the orderly distribution of cruise passengers and crew are concerned. The new jetty recently named, "Walter Williams Jetty," is located in front of Sea Palace and is 75-feet long.

The Williams Jetty is one of three water taxi distribution points (pick-up/drop-off) in Philipsburg along the Great Bay Beach which easily facilitates the cruise passengers and crew into what has been described as the duty-free shopping Mecca of the Caribbean, Philipsburg.

The jetty is seen as a significant development for the "Down Street," area. The other two jetties are Bobby's Marina and Capt. Hodge Wharf.

Recognizing our Elders

Deputy Prime Minister and Minster responsible for Port Affairs Hon. Theo Heyliger, is a proponent of recognizing local persons who have contributed in one way or the other to the development of the island.

Walter "Plantz" William (94) is one such local who has had a special relationship with the sea as an avid fisherman.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Port of Sint Maarten said, "We have been and continue to honor pioneers in our community. The harbor is not only about developments now and for the future. We are also about respecting our past and the contributions made to our society. Without a balance, any ship would sink."

Port of Sint Maarten executive management, supervisory board members and other reps proudly stand next to the bust of Walter "Plantz" William.

Simpson Bay Bridge Works Underway

(Thursday, November 4, 2010) A survey of the bridge structure is currently taking place and will continue until November 6. The works that started on October 29 are being carried out by Hofman Sliedrecht.

The inspections and maintenance works on the bridge are subject to weather conditions.

Notice to Vehicular Traffic

Signs will be placed on the road network near the bridge alerting motorists to slow down with respect to the inspections that would be carried out by contractor staff who are carrying out their annual inspections of the bridge structure.

Lagoon side works are tentatively set for November 5 and 6 which would entail bridge openings before 7.00am and after 6.00pm.

Notice to Mariners

Inspections and maintenance works will be started on the lagoon side on November 5 and 6. A survey of water depths and channel from the bridge entrance and the basin inside the lagoon will be carried out to make sure the water depths are according to maritime standards.

New Tours Needed to Keep Pace with Industry Trends

(November 4, 2010) Port of Sint Maarten officials have learnt after attending the 19th Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show that was recently held in the Dominican Republic, that cruise destinations need to offer varied and creative tours in order to keep ahead.

Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of the Port of Sint Maarten Mark Mingo says, "Destinations can no longer depend only on the same offerings of beach and shopping. More marque value needs to be created for the destination to survive."

Photo Cutline: Left to right: Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President Collin Murphy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Port Affairs Hon. Theo Heyliger, Norwegian Cruise Line CEO & FCCA Chairman Kevin Sheehan, Port of Sint Maarten CEO Mark Mingo.


U.S. Environmental Agency Demands New Fuel Specs for Cruise Vessels
Eastern Caribbean remains top area for cruise industry

(November 4, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new fuel specs for the cruise industry and that could force fuel prices for the industry to move upward, according to information released at the recently conclude FCCA Cruise Conference in Santo Domingo.

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has set tougher standards for engine and fuel usage of large vessels in order for the agency to slash harmful diesel emissions which will result in cruise vessels having to purchase more costly environmentally friendly fuel mixtures.

Vessels having to travel to the North Eastern Caribbean won't have to worry Port of Sint Maarten CEO Mark Mingo said, because cruise yields from the Eastern Caribbean are much more higher than the Western Caribbean, and this will have a positive impact on cruise itinerary planning.

Four ships in port Signals start of 2010/2011 cruise season

(Thursday, October 28, 2010) Four cruise ships were in port on Wednesday, namely Ruby Princess, Oasis of the Seas, Carnival Dream and Norwegian Sun.

The four ships brought in over 14,000 cruise passengers and approximately 5,000 crew members.

The Ruby Princess which made its inaugural call on Wednesday will be calling at the Port of Sint Maarten every Wednesday during the high season.

Merchants at the ports duty-free shopping area Harbour Point Village, a distinct cottage-styled village were very enthusiastic to see four ships in port with close to 20,000 potential buyers.

Merchants in Philipsburg, considered the Caribbean Mecca of duty-free shopping were also very pleased to have four ships in port and are looking forward to the business that the high season will generate for the island especially the vibrant cruise sector.

The projected visitor arrival number for 2010 is 1,454,274.

New Cruise Vessel to make inaugural call on Wednesday

(Tuesday, October 26, 2010) The Port of Sint Maarten will welcome on Wednesday, October 27 the Ruby Princess on its inaugural call.

The vessel is owned by Princess Cruises and was launched back in 2008. Other sister vessels are Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, and Emerald Princess.

The Ruby has a passenger and crew carrying capacity of 3,080 and 1,200 respectively.

Port and tourism officials are getting ready for the inaugural call and look forward to having the Ruby Princess call at the destination on a regular basis.

Port delegation prepares to attend 17th FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in Dominican Republic

(Monday, October 18, 2010) A delegation to be headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the Sint Maarten Harbour Group of Companies will be traveling to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to attend the 17th Annual FCCA Conference & Trade Show.

The FCCA trade show will be the largest trade show with more exhibits than ever before and takes place from October 25 through 29.

Mingo is looking forward to meeting with cruise executives and renewing relations with other stakeholders in the industry. The event also allows the Port of Sint Maarten to update the industry about developments at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility.

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