American Tourist Missing After Getting Off Cruise Ship in Sint Maarten

A 55-year-old American woman has disappeared during a Caribbean cruise. Ann Evans vanished on November 20, 2025, in Sint Maarten. She was a passenger on the Holland America Line ship Rotterdam. Evans left the vessel for a shore excursion and never returned.

The incident was confirmed by local police and the cruise line. Authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island are searching. According to PEOPLE, the cruise line immediately notified officials and is assisting.

Search Intensifies Across Dual-Nation Island

The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) issued a formal missing person alert. Evans was last seen in Marigot, the capital of the French side of Saint Martin. The French Gendarmerie has joined the cross-border investigation.

No confirmed sightings have been reported as of November 27. Officials are asking the public for any information. They have also appealed directly to Evans to contact her family or police.

Timeline of a Disappearance

The Rotterdam was on a 12-day round-trip voyage from Fort Lauderdale. Its itinerary, tracked by CruiseMapper, included several popular Caribbean ports. Sint Maarten was a scheduled stop.

Evans disembarked for a group bus tour around 10 a.m. Police state she got off the bus in Marigot and did not rejoin. The ship later departed without her, triggering the emergency protocol.

Cruise Safety and Protocol Under Scrutiny

This case highlights passenger safety during independent shore time. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act mandates reporting missing U.S. nationals to the FBI. Statistics show several Americans go missing from cruise ships each year.

Holland America Line stated it is providing full support to investigators. The company’s response follows established procedures for such incidents. The ship continued its scheduled journey after authorities were engaged.

The family of Ann Evans is awaiting news. Law enforcement continues to pursue all leads. The international nature of the search adds complexity to the investigation.

The search for the missing tourist from the cruise ship underscores the vulnerabilities travelers can face abroad, even on organized vacations. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by both the cruise industry and traveling families.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Which cruise line was involved?

The missing passenger was aboard the Holland America Line ship Rotterdam. The vessel was on a 12-day Caribbean itinerary. The line is cooperating with the investigation.

Q2: Where exactly did she disappear?

Ann Evans was last seen in Marigot, on the French side of Saint Martin. She had left a ship-organized bus tour there. The island is jointly administered by France and the Netherlands.

Q3: How often do people go missing on cruises?

Official U.S. data shows a handful of cases each year. According to PEOPLE, six Americans were reported missing from cruise ships in the first nine months of 2025. Each case triggers a major search and investigation.

Q4: What should you do on a cruise shore excursion?

Always stay with your group or travel buddy. Keep your ship’s contact information and local emergency numbers on hand. Be aware of the all-aboard time and allow plenty of margin to return.

Q5: What is the cruise line doing about this?

Holland America Line notified authorities immediately per protocol. The company is assisting law enforcement with the ongoing search. They are also in contact with the guest’s family.