PHILIPSBURG:---- Minister of TEATT Roger Lawrence announced on Wednesday that discussions were had with the port and airport as it relates to MSC cruise calls not only from a transit standpoint but also homeporting. Lawrence said the homeporting initiative, has reached a very positive conclusion, whereby they are anticipating the homeporting calls from early December until March 2022.
St Maarten can expect a total of 18 calls from MSC. The ships will operate at approximately 60% capacity. 85% is the current maximum capacity, St. Maarten can expect approximately an additional 54,000 visitors from this home port.
Also, from a destination standpoint, home-porting will increase destination growth by adding flights and stay over accommodations. This will positively impact the hospitality industry such as hoteliers, transportation, and restaurants.