St. Maarten Cracks Down on Pesky Cruise Ship Vendors

A.J. Pike 

St. Maarten - The ultra popular cruise ship port of St. Maarten has decided that enough is enough as far as pushy cruise ship vendors are concerned. A new ban has been put in place on unauthorized vendors soliciting cruise passengers. The ban is being soundly applauded by passengers who are forced to put up with the rude and unruly actions of certain vendors.

One of Royal Caribbean’s main hot stops in the Caribbean, St. Maarten, has issued a new public order banning unauthorized vendors from approaching cruise passengers. 

“The Minister of Justice has issued a Ministerial Decree establishing strict public-order controls at the island’s busiest waterfront entry points for the 2025/2026 season,” the government of St. Maarten stated on its website. “The decree follows persistent complaints from the tourism sector, visitors, the Port, and the Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) regarding aggressive solicitation and unlicensed commercial activity near key arrival locations.”

The new ban has been implemented due to individuals approaching tourists aggressively in recent years, offering services without any licenses. This has caused discomfort for visitors while hurting St. Maarten’s overall standing.

The new ruling states:

“Effective December 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, it is strictly prohibited in these areas to loiter or approach tourists with the intent to offer or sell goods or services without proper authorization.”

For those who do not follow the new ban rule, a fine of $190 USD will be imposed. 

The prosecutor’s office revealed this will “create clear and enforceable consequences for violations and it will strengthen coordinated enforcement between KPSM and OM.”

The prohibited Activities Include:

• Renting vehicles such as cars, e-bikes, quads, and bicycles.

• Offering tours, excursions, or recreational activities.

• Providing hair-braiding, massages, or similar services.

• Persistently approaching or circling visitors to solicit business.

Thus far, the decision has been met with a positive response. Whether it be on Facebook or YouTube, there aren’t many cruise passengers who are debating the new ban. In fact, a recent survey shows that cruisers would like to see this type of ruling implemented at other major ports around the Caribbean.

“These measures are not meant to punish businesses. They are intended to protect public order, improve visitor experience, and support safe commercial activity around St. Maarten’s most heavily visited waterfront areas,” the St. Maarten government stated.

St. Maarten welcomed 1.375 million cruise passengers in 2024 with a total of 513 calls.