Another major cruise line cancels stops at popular Caribbean tourist destination

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  Travel and Leisure on Thu, Oct 16th, 2025 by al.com

Royal Caribbean International, one of the world’s largest cruise operators, announced on Friday that it will no longer include stops at the island of St. Martin in its upcoming Caribbean itineraries for the 2025 season. The decision, made during a routine quarterly review of the company’s western Caribbean routes, is intended to give the cruise line more flexibility amid a series of operational challenges that have plagued the region over the past year.

The company cited “logistical constraints at the Port of St. Martin” as the primary reason for the cancellation. In a statement released to the press, Royal Caribbean explained that ongoing renovations at the island’s main terminal – including new security checkpoints and expanded berthing facilities – have caused a ripple effect of scheduling delays. “These delays have translated into longer port times, increased crew costs, and a higher likelihood of crew fatigue,” the statement read. “To preserve the quality of service and maintain our safety standards, we are temporarily eliminating St. Martin from our itineraries for 2025.”

St. Martin is a perennial favorite of cruise passengers, boasting a blend of French and Dutch heritage, high-end dining, and a relaxed beach vibe that appeals to families and couples alike. In 2024, the island’s port welcomed an estimated 800,000 cruise visitors, contributing roughly $45 million to the local economy through tourism spending on accommodation, food, and entertainment. The Royal Caribbean move will therefore have a measurable impact on the island’s revenue stream, and officials from the St. Martin Tourist Board have expressed concern.

In an interview with Al Daily, Tourism Minister Jean‑Pierre Lemoine noted that “we understand the operational needs of large cruise carriers, but the loss of even a single port call can have cascading effects on local businesses that rely on a steady flow of tourists.” Lemoine added that the government is working closely with the port authority and with Royal Caribbean to expedite the completion of the terminal upgrades, with the goal of welcoming cruise ships back in the spring of 2026.

Royal Caribbean’s announcement was not made in isolation. Earlier in the year, the company had already announced that it would skip a number of stops in the Eastern Caribbean due to a combination of rising fuel costs, increased port fees, and the looming threat of hurricanes. In a July 2025 article, Al Daily reported that Royal Caribbean was redirecting its displaced itineraries to ports in the Greater Antilles, such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Santiago, Cuba. The shift reflects a broader industry trend toward “long‑haul” cruises that begin and end in the United States, thereby avoiding the logistical headaches of smaller ports.

Norwegian Cruise Line, which also operates in the region, announced last month that it would cancel its 2025 stops at St. Martin for similar reasons. The dual‑carrier decision underscores the systemic nature of the problem. “Both companies have identified the same constraints,” said Lemoine. “We need a coordinated response that addresses port infrastructure, staffing, and regulatory hurdles.”

While the cancellation may disappoint some passengers, the company has offered a number of solutions for those who had already booked itineraries that included St. Martin. Royal Caribbean’s customer service team is offering to re‑book affected passengers on other Caribbean cruises that still call at the island, or to provide a full refund. The cruise line also announced that it will provide a $200 travel credit to all passengers who were scheduled to disembark at St. Martin, to help offset the inconvenience.

Local tour operators are already planning to fill the void left by the cruise line. “We will ramp up our day‑tour packages and extend our shore excursions to other islands that the ships will be calling at,” said Maria Cruz, director of St. Martin Shore Adventures. “While the cruise traffic may be reduced, we see an opportunity to attract more independent travelers who are looking for a customized island experience.”

The cancellation also highlights the growing importance of resilience in the tourism sector. In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, many Caribbean destinations have been working to diversify their visitor base. The Port Authority of St. Martin has announced plans to invest in a new, modular berth that can accommodate larger vessels without requiring extensive permanent infrastructure. The project, slated to be completed by the end of 2025, will allow the island to re‑join the Caribbean cruise circuit when the market conditions are more favorable.

Despite the short‑term setback, the long‑term outlook for St. Martin remains positive. The island’s strategic location, coupled with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes it a prime candidate for a return of cruise traffic once the new terminal is fully operational. As Royal Caribbean and other carriers adjust their itineraries to accommodate a changing economic and regulatory environment, the Caribbean’s cruise industry is poised to adapt, offering new opportunities for both operators and destination communities alike.