Which cruises visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten Royal Caribbean?

The Appeal of St. Thomas and St. Maarten on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s dual-port combination of St. Thomas (USVI) and St. Maarten (Dutch/French island) is one of the most desirable Eastern Caribbean itineraries. These islands offer everything you’d want in a dream cruise vacation: turquoise waters, adventure activities, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and cultural diversity.

Why This Combination Is So Popular

Royal Caribbean pairs these two ports because they complement each other beautifully.Let’s explore why they’re so often included on the same itinerary.

1. Convenient Eastern Caribbean Routing

Cruises heading east from Florida can easily include both islands without long sea days, making the itinerary relaxing and well-balanced.

2. Ideal Weather and Sea Conditions

St. Thomas and St. Maarten enjoy near-perfect tropical weather year-round, allowing ships to schedule them consistently with few disruptions.

3. High Guest Demand

Passengers love these destinations for shopping, beaches, and adventure—so Royal Caribbean frequently builds itineraries around them.

4. Cultural Diversity

Both islands offer different vibes:

• St. Thomas → U.S. Virgin Islands influence with American comforts

• St. Maarten → Split between Dutch and French sides, delivering two cultural experiences in one stop

5. Perfect for Families, Couples & First-Time Cruisers

Royal Caribbean chooses these ports because they appeal to:

• Beach lovers

• Water sports enthusiasts

• Shoppers

• Culture explorers

• Foodies

• Families with kids

So now, let’s break down exactly which cruises sail to these islands.

Which Royal Caribbean Cruises Visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten?

Royal Caribbean features multiple ships and itineraries that include both St. Thomas and St. Maarten, mostly under the Eastern Caribbean category. The ports are most commonly part of 6-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 9-day cruises.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the ship classes and itineraries that frequently feature this combination.

1. Ships in the Oasis Class Visiting St. Thomas & St. Maarten

The Oasis Class—among the world’s largest cruise ships—often includes both ports on Eastern Caribbean sailings.

a. Wonder of the Seas

Sailing mainly from Port Canaveral, Wonder of the Seas offers 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises that commonly stop at:

• St. Thomas

• St. Maarten

• Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Nassau or San Juan (depending on the season)

This ship is ideal for families, thanks to exciting neighborhoods, shows, and dining.

b. Oasis of the Seas

Previously based in Miami and now often sailing from the Northeast, Oasis of the Seas continues to feature itineraries that include:

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten

• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

These sailings may appear seasonally, especially in fall and winter.

c. Symphony of the Seas (depending on season)

Symphony has historically visited both islands when offering Eastern Caribbean itineraries. It’s known for its entertainment and dining variety.

2. Ships in the Quantum Class Visiting These Ports

Royal Caribbean’s high-tech Quantum Class ships also include these destinations on select routes.

a. Anthem of the Seas

Departing from Cape Liberty (New Jersey), Anthem of the Seas offers 7–9 night Eastern Caribbean sailings that often include:

• St. Thomas

• St. Maarten

These cruises also appeal to passengers seeking a Northeast departure option.

b. Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey features both ports on several itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, especially during winter seasons.

3. Freedom Class Ships Visiting St. Thomas and St. Maarten

This mid-sized class is loved by many for its balance of size and onboard activities.

a. Freedom of the Seas

Freedom commonly sails 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries from South Florida, frequently including both ports.

b. Independence of the Seas

Depending on deployment, it also features itineraries that hit St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

4. Voyager Class Ships Offering Eastern Caribbean Routes

Voyager Class ships occasionally run itineraries including both islands.

a. Explorer of the Seas

b. Adventure of the Seas

Their schedules vary, but Eastern Caribbean options often include both destinations.

Cruise Itinerary Structure: What to Expect on These Routes

Royal Caribbean’s itineraries that include St. Thomas and St. Maarten usually follow a standard Eastern Caribbean pattern.

Below is the most common type of itinerary.

Example 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise (Typical Order)

• Day 1 – Depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Cape Liberty

• Day 2 – Sea Day

• Day 3 – St. Thomas

• Day 4 – St. Maarten

• Day 5 – Sea Day

• Day 6 – Perfect Day at CocoCay or another Caribbean port

• Day 7 – Sea Day

• Day 8 – Return to Port

These itineraries are balanced, giving travelers a mix of sea days and port days.

Highlights of St. Thomas and St. Maarten on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean selects ports based on guest experience. Here’s why these islands are must-visit gems.

St. Thomas: What Makes It Special

St. Thomas is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean and a consistent favorite for Royal Caribbean guests.

Top Experiences in St. Thomas

Below are highlights that attract cruisers year after year.

1. World-Class Beaches

• Magen’s Bay

• Sapphire Beach

• Coki Beach

These beaches are known for calm water, perfect for families and swimmers.

2. Duty-Free Shopping

The port is famous for jewelry, perfumes, electronics, and luxury items at excellent prices.

3. Scenic Viewpoints

Skyride to Paradise Point offers incredible views of Charlotte Amalie.

4. Adventure Activities

• Snorkeling

• Kayaking

• Sailboat excursions

• Catamaran tours

Each provides a unique way to explore the beauty of the Virgin Islands.

5. Easy Access to St. John

Many excursions include ferries to neighboring St. John—a pristine paradise.

St. Maarten: What Makes It Unique

St. Maarten is known for being two nations on one island—Dutch on one side and French on the other.

Top Experiences in St. Maarten

1. Famous Maho Beach

Watch planes land extremely close overhead—iconic and thrilling.

2. Philipsburg Shopping

The Dutch side offers excellent deals on jewelry, liquor, and local goods.

3. French Cuisine in Marigot

Travelers love the cafes, bakeries, and French-influenced dining.

4. Water Sports and Boat Tours

Jet ski adventures, snorkeling trips, and speedboat tours are crowd favorites.

5. Cultural Mix

Experience both Dutch and French influences in one cruise stop.

Why Choose a Royal Caribbean Cruise to St. Thomas and St. Maarten?

Royal Caribbean’s itineraries that include these two ports are among the best in the Caribbean for several reasons.

1. Best Mix of Island Experiences

Stunning beaches, amazing shopping, and a blend of U.S., Dutch, and French cultures.

2. Suitable for All Traveler Types

• Families

• Couples

• Adventure seekers

• First-time cruisers

• Solo travelers

3. Top-Rated Royal Caribbean Ships

Many of the fleet’s newest and largest ships offer these routes.

4. Itineraries with Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean often pairs these ports with its private island, enhancing the overall vacation.

5. Smooth Sailing & Great Weather

Eastern Caribbean routes feature calmer seas compared to Southern routes.

Best Tips for Choosing a Cruise to St. Thomas and St. Maarten

To help you plan better, here are expert recommendations.

1. Choose Oasis or Quantum Class for the Best Experience

These ships offer:

• Larger entertainment variety

• More dining options

• More activities for kids and families

2. For Quieter Experience, Select Voyager or Freedom Class

Perfect for those wanting fewer crowds but still great amenities.

3. Winter and Spring Are the Best Seasons

The weather is ideal and seas are calm.

4. Book Balcony Rooms for Scenic Views

Approaching these islands by ship is an unforgettable sight.

5. Look for Itineraries Including CocoCay

This adds even more value to your vacation.