Credit: DisneyDisney Cruise Line has embarked on an ambitious expansion journey over the past few years, marking a pivotal moment in its history. With new vessels hitting the seas at an unprecedented rate, the cruise line is transforming its fleet and itinerary offerings like never before. Previously, the cruise line operated a modest fleet of just four ships for nearly a decade. However, the line is now on track to almost double its number of ships, which has generated a wave of excitement among cruise enthusiasts. Each new ship not only adds to the fleet but also necessitates new destinations and ports of call to accommodate the growing number of passengers eager to explore the world.
In this context, the small yet vibrant Caribbean island of St. Maarten is stepping into a larger role in the Disney Cruise Line narrative. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant duty-free shopping, and the thrilling experience of low-flying aircraft approaching the nearby airport, St. Maarten has long been a favorite destination for cruisers. It officially deepened its collaboration with Disney following the inaugural call of Disney Destiny to the island on July 1. This momentous occasion was marked by an announcement from Disney Cruise Line and the government of Sint Maarten, revealing ambitious plans to significantly increase the number of ships visiting the island in the coming years.
For Disney fans and cruisers with a particular affinity for the Eastern Caribbean, this development is noteworthy. The expansion of Disney’s presence in St. Maarten heralds not only greater accessibility to this beautiful destination but also the promise of thrilling new experiences for passengers seeking to immerse themselves in the island’s unique culture and attractions as part of their Disney cruise adventure.
From Three Calls to Fourteen, and Counting
The Disney Destiny’s July 1 visit was a milestone in itself, marking the ship’s first ever call to St. Maarten. But it was only the beginning. That stop is the first of three scheduled Disney Cruise Line visits to the island this year, and according to the island’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, approximately 14 calls are expected in 2027, with even further growth planned for 2028.
Speaking aboard the Destiny during its visit, the Minister pointed directly to Disney’s growing fleet as the engine behind the expansion, noting that with five additional ships in development, the island sees tremendous opportunity for continued growth. She said the island is committed to positioning itself as a premier cruise destination and increasing the number of calls from the company as the fleet expands.
A Disney Fleet That Keeps on Growing
The timing makes sense when you consider how quickly Disney Cruise Line has been expanding. The Disney Destiny launched in November 2025, arriving just one year after the Disney Treasure. The Disney Adventure debuted earlier this year, though that ship sails exclusively out of Singapore for the Asian market. Next up is the Disney Believe, set to launch in late 2027, with at least four more ships on the way after that.
Every one of those ships sailing Caribbean itineraries needs ports to visit, and the company has been steadily assembling a network of destinations to support the growth, from its private island, Castaway Cay, to the newer Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. Adding a marquee Eastern Caribbean stop like St. Maarten with this kind of frequency gives them more itinerary flexibility and gives repeat cruisers a fresh reason to book again.
What It Means for St. Maarten and Disney
For the island, the stakes are just as high. The St. Maarten government noted in an official release that each Disney call brings thousands of visitors ashore, driving business to taxi operators, tour companies, restaurants, retailers, and attractions across the island. Beyond the immediate spending, officials believe the increased Disney presence will raise St. Maarten’s profile among families and repeat cruise travelers, strengthening its reputation as a top-tier Caribbean destination and supporting tourism jobs throughout the economy.
The Minister credited Port St. Maarten’s work on strategic partnerships and route development for attracting a brand of this caliber, describing the growth as the product of sustained collaboration between the port and its cruise partners.
Growing Without Growing Pains
Notably, the announcement was not all celebration. The Minister was candid that as cruise tourism scales up, the island has to keep pace. She emphasized the need to improve traffic flow, strengthen transportation and visitor services, and invest in infrastructure so that growth benefits visitors and residents alike, framing sustainable, responsible expansion as the goal rather than growth at any cost.
That balance will be worth watching as the call count climbs from three this year to fourteen next year and beyond. Cruise destinations across the Caribbean have wrestled with how to welcome more ships without overwhelming the experience that made them popular in the first place.
What Disney Cruisers Should Watch For
For guests, the practical takeaway is simple. Expect to see St. Maarten showing up on far more Disney Cruise Line itineraries beginning in 2027, particularly on Eastern Caribbean sailings. With the fleet growing and the island investing in its cruise experience, this partnership appears to be a long-term commitment on both sides. If St. Maarten has been sitting on your Caribbean wish list, a Disney ship may soon be one of the easiest ways to get there.
