SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Government of Sint Marten in collaboration with the St. Maarten Christian Council, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Church invites the community to the 26^th Annual Service with the theme “God is our rock & our shelter” at the New Testament Baptist Church in Philipsburg on Sunday December 7^th, 2025.

Thanksgiving on St. Maarten is a call for all residents in the community come together to give God thanks on the first Sunday in December for all his blessings and protection marking the end of the annual Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1^st – November 30^th.

Twenty-six years ago, following the decision of the then Executive Council on December 1^st 1999, the first public Thanksgiving Service was held on December 5^th, 1999.

"The reality of climate change is that storms will become stronger and more powerful as time goes on, so each year that we are spared is a year to reflect, give thanks, and continue to assess, prepare and be ready for the following season”, stated Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Melissa Gumbs.

This year’s Thanksgiving Service will feature songs of praise, prayers of thanksgiving and much more. The public is encouraged to attend the Thanksgiving Service that begins at 4:30 pm with Praise & Worship followed by the Church Service at 5:00 pm sharp.

PORT ST. MAARTEN – The upcoming inaugural calls of MSC Grandiosa, Celebrity Xcel, and Marella Discovery 2 in the first week of December mark another significant moment for Port St. Maarten, emphatically confirming the island’s position as one of the most popular and strategically essential destinations in the Caribbean.

MSC Grandiosa made its inaugural call on Monday, December 1, and this will be followed by Celebrity Xcel on Thursday, December 4 and Marella Discovery 2 on December 7.

These three distinct vessels—representing mega-ship, next-generation luxury, and major international operators—collectively demonstrate that St. Maarten possesses the infrastructure, diversity, and passenger appeal required by the world's most demanding cruise lines. Since October, Port St. Maarten received seven inaugural calls.

Such a concentration of high-profile maiden visits within a single week sends a powerful message to the global tourism market: St. Maarten is a reliable, high-volume, and deeply desired port of call.

The inclusion of the Celebrity Xcel, a new ship often associated with premium, experience-driven passengers, reflects the island's success in attracting higher-yield tourism markets. These passengers typically spend more on curated excursions, fine dining, and luxury retail, thereby maximizing the economic benefit to local businesses.

Concurrently, the arrival of the MSC Grandiosa on Monday highlights St. Maarten's capability to handle and efficiently process passengers from the largest contemporary class of mega-ships. As MSC is a major player in the European market, this inaugural call is crucial for maintaining and expanding the island's market reach beyond traditional North American source countries, validating the port’s capacity to serve diverse, global passenger loads.

The third vessel, Marella Discovery 2, further diversifies the port's portfolio by strengthening ties with the key United Kingdom (UK) tourism sector. Marella Cruises, a prominent British line, choosing St. Maarten for a prominent inaugural signals confidence in the island's ability to cater specifically to the preferences of UK-based travelers, including their demand for varied and safe excursion options.

This mix of vessels—mega-ships that test capacity limits, luxury lines that demand high service standards, and international operators that require reliable logistics—underscores that St. Maarten is not reliant on a single market segment but rather serves as a crucial, versatile anchor in multiple Caribbean itineraries.

This continuous influx of inaugural visits serves as an indisputable validation of St. Maarten’s long-standing appeal. The island’s unique proposition—combining the dual Dutch and French cultural experiences, famous beaches like Maho, and world-class duty-free shopping—is unmatched in the region.

Cruise line itinerary planners are clearly recognizing the successful efforts made by Port St. Maarten Group management to invest in modern facilities, ensure efficient processes, and foster constructive relationships with the local service sector.

This collaborative success allows the destination to maintain the superior operational performance required for tight scheduling while consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences.

This popularity translates directly into job security and prosperity for the taxi drivers, tour operators, restaurants, and retailers that collectively make the St. Maarten visitor experience so highly rated.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Cabana Bar & Restaurant located at Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm Resort near the Simpson Bay Bridge is a place to visit while you enjoy your stay on the ‘Friendly Island.’

Bill H from Saint Louis, Missouri, told Tripadvisor that Cabana is a great pool bar and restaurant. “The food is very good. The service is great! Kenny at the pool bar took very good care of us…attentive, courteous and knows his cocktail.”

James W.R. from Altamonte Springs, Florida, in his Tripadvisor review stated the following about Cabana: “Ate there twice, lunch and dinner. Good afternoon happy hour, 4-7. Fun place to hang out and talk with other guests.”

Make sure to check out Cabana Bar & Restaurant which offers American, Caribbean and Barbeque dishes.

They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For the local scene its a great location to meet up with friends as well.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Prosecutor’s Office OM SXM, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) and the St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) have launched the awareness campaign “Respect the Sky – Fly Safe, Stay Safe” to promote safety around Princess Juliana International Airport and preserve the Maho Beach experience.

The campaign focuses on preventing two key dangers at Maho Beach: drone activity in the airport’s approach zone, and throwing or launching objects (phones, GoPros, hats, etc.) toward low-flying aircraft. Both acts are prohibited by law because they can cause serious danger to air traffic and to people on the ground.

Legal Framework

Under Ministerial Decree 2019/223 and the Luchtvaartlandsverordening, Maho Beach and the area around Princess Juliana International Airport are officially designated as “No Fly Zones” for drones, unless an exemption permit is issued. Intentionally violating this regulation is punishable by up to two (2) years imprisonment and/or a fine up to XCG 100,000/ USD $55,555.

Under Articles 2:111a and 2:111b of the Penal Code, anyone who intentionally or negligently causes danger to air traffic, including by throwing or launching objects toward an aircraft, can face up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment or a fine up to XCG 100,000/ US $55,555 if done intentionally; or up to one (1) year imprisonment or a fine up to ANG 25,000/ US $13,873 if done by negligence or recklessness.

These penalties may sound severe, but they exist for a simple reason: to protect lives. Even a small object or drone can be sucked into an aircraft engine or hit the cockpit, putting passengers and crew in danger.

Authorities emphasize that this campaign is not meant to discourage visitors, but to ensure everyone can continue enjoying the thrill of Sint Maarten’s famous low-landings safely and responsibly.

For more information and safety updates, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1 (721) 545-2024. To report a suspected violation, call Police on +1 (721) 542-2222.