DCL-Disney Cruise Line and the Government of Sint Maarten have announced an expansion of their partnership following the inaugural visit of Disney Destiny to the island on July 1st. The maiden call marked the first of three scheduled Disney Cruise Line visits to St. Maarten in 2026, with ~14 calls expected in 2027 and additional growth anticipated in 2028.
Speaking during the ship's inaugural visit, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten stated that the expansion reflects the strengthening relationship between Disney Cruise Line and St. Maarten. She noted that the planned fleet growth at Disney Cruise Line, including the addition of five new vessels, presents opportunities to further increase the number of calls to the island and reinforce its position as a leading Caribbean cruise destination.
The minister also indicated that the increase in Disney Cruise Line deployments demonstrates confidence in St. Maarten's tourism product and its ability to deliver quality visitor experiences while generating economic benefits for the destination. According to the government, each ship call supports a wide range of tourism-related businesses, including taxi operators, tour providers, restaurants, retailers and attractions, while strengthening the island's appeal among family and repeat cruise travellers.
The government further emphasized the role of Port St. Maarten in expanding the island's cruise business through strategic partnerships and route development. The minister stated that continued investment in transport, visitor services, traffic management and infrastructure will be essential to ensuring that future growth benefits both cruise guests and local residents, while supporting sustainable development of the destination.
The expanded cooperation comes as Disney Cruise Line continues to enlarge its global fleet. Following the introduction of Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, the company plans to launch additional ships over the coming years, creating further opportunities to expand its Caribbean deployment.