Table Of Content
The rates vary depending on the type of car you want to rent and the duration of your rental. If you’re looking for a high-quality souvenir of your time on the island, St. Thomas is known for fine rum and stunning, hand-crafted jewelry, both of which are available everywhere. Although the weather is usually pleasant during the summer, the US Virgin Islands have a fairly lengthy hurricane season, with a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May to the end of November. If you book during these months, regularly check with your cruise line for departure delays and itinerary alterations. Crown Bay is mainly used by Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean.
Deep Sea Fishing
US Virgin Island Cruise Arrivals Nearly Double - Cruise Hive
US Virgin Island Cruise Arrivals Nearly Double.
Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link. Along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, there are many local restaurants and bars where cruise travelers can enjoy the day. It’s located on the Northern coast of the island and most enjoyed for it’s snorkeling and diving. When you’re looking for things to do in the Caribbean, one of the more obvious places to start is checking out the beach options.
Coral World Ocean Park
In reality, it is easier to find these type of convenience stores in the Havensight Mall than in Charlotte Amalie. There are three docking spots in the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock on its 3/4 of a mile (1 km) long pier. Next to each docking spot, there is an exit gate to a large area - the Havensight Mall - where cruise ship passengers will find almost all amenities. Visitors can navigate St. Thomas by taxi, rental car, or public transportation. Taxis are readily available at the cruise port, and rental cars can be reserved in advance or on-site.
Live Music & Local Performances
If you’re only in St. Thomas for a day, it might be hard to choose what to do. However, most activities will require either a shore excursion or tour, or transportation to a local beach or attraction. As you exit from the cruise port, you’ll see that cabs, shuttles and tours sold through local vendors, are plentiful. The Havensight Mall is a convenient location to hit many shops at once. As you can tell by the name, it’s right by the Havensight cruise ship dock. The Havensight shopping area also includes Buccaneer Mall and Port of Sale.
Havensight cruise terminal
Stepping away from the beaches and into the heart of the island, one finds tales of bygone eras, resonating rhythms, and a palette of colors and flavors that narrate the story of St. Thomas. From the depths of its azure waters to the canopy of its lush forests, here’s a dive into the most thrilling pursuits St. Thomas has to offer. While the island is a sanctuary of peace for many, it simultaneously offers a playground for the daring. Certain cruise lines take the experience up a notch with themed voyages.
Magens Bay, which is a 25-minute drive from the cruise port, is easily one of the most popular with its calm waters, stunning views and great facilities. Embark on a shopping adventure along Main Street, where you can find a variety of duty-free shops offering jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the island’s history by visiting historical sites such as Blackbeard’s Castle or Fort Christian. For those who love water activities, indulge in snorkeling or diving adventures in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island. And don’t forget to visit nearby beaches like Magens Bay or Coki Beach, where you can relax and unwind while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean.
Port & Docking Info
Head to Government Hill, Drake’s Seat on Skyline Drive, and Mountain Top, which rises over 1,500 feet above sea level for the most bragworthy views. Cruise ships to Saint Thomas Island dock at Crown Bay's Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal in Charlotte Amalie - a port town on the southern coast. For every traveler will carry a piece of you with them, a beacon calling them back to your shores. Whether you’re diving into crystal clear waters or trailing through emerald forests, each experience is a gentle reminder of our role as stewards of this magnificent Earth. Whether you’re in search of a keepsake to remember your trip or the perfect gift, St. Thomas offers a rich tapestry of retail experiences that cater to every taste and budget.
For cruise passengers
While traffic can be an issue during the busy season, most cab rides will cost less than $5 and take about ten minutes, so it is still an easy commute. Plus, taxi services operating out of the port are plentiful, especially if you go to the pickup zone just outside the cruise terminal. For those planning to rent a vehicle while they visit St. Thomas, plenty of parking spots are available near the two ports.
Things To Do In St. Thomas: Shopping
Daytime temperatures drop to the low 80° F range, with chances of showers also rising. Again, hurricanes can still be an issue deep into the fall, so you will want to watch weather reports and cruise line updates before setting sail. You may have to make a purchase to request the Wi-Fi password in some places, but places like Jen’s Island Café & Deli and the Shipwreck Tavern near Havensight Pier have the password openly posted. Therefore if you sail with Royal Caribbean of their sister company you will most likely dock at this terminal.
Step inside and discover the exhibits that showcase the island’s history, from its indigenous people to the colonial era. Looking for some retail therapy during your visit to Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port? Look no further than Main Street, the bustling hub of shopping in the heart of the city. This vibrant street is lined with a plethora of shops, boutiques, and duty-free stores, offering a wide array of products to suit every taste and budget. Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port is nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and lush green landscapes.
While driving on St. Thomas is a viable option, it’s not one for the faint of heart. You should also be aware that GPS is not very reliable in many areas of the island. Heading back, it is recommended you take a ferry that leaves Cruz Bay no later than 3 hours prior to your ships departure. There are always plenty of cabs at Red Hook waiting to take passengers back to ships, too. St. Thomas is a foodie’s haven, and you’ll find no shortage of bars and pubs serving up local favorites like St. John Brewers Virgin Islands beer and Blackbeard Ale™.
The taxi rates are regulated by the government, so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged. The rates are based on the number of passengers, the distance traveled, and the time of day. The two main cruise ports in St. Thomas are Havensight Pier and Crown Bay Cruise Port. While the Havensight Mall is great for those not looking to go out of their way, you’ll want to head into Charlotte Amalie for the best shopping experience. You’ll find plenty of stores and boutiques on Main Street in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Vendor’s Plaza is another downtown highlight if you’re looking for locally-made goods.
You can also take a longish walk from Havensight to downtown Charlotte Amalie and take a self-guided walking tour of some of the main historical sights. Magens Bay features a well-protected white sand beach stretching for nearly three quarters of a mile. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, as well as a gathering place for locals. And of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Magen’s Bay, named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by National Geographic. St. Thomas is more than just a port of call; it’s a call to the heart, beckoning travelers with its myriad charms.
West Indian fare, like callaloo (sautéed leafy greens) and Johnnycakes (cornmeal flatbreads), is a staple. And you absolutely can’t leave without trying some chocolate dipped coconut patties. In restaurants and bars, you may wish to add a gratuity of 15-20% to your bill if service was especially good. Sailing to Christmas and Honeymoon Coves (Royal Caribbean) is an optional sailing boat tour for snorkeling. The boat is first anchored offshore (at Christmas Cove), then Sails to Water Island (Honeymoon Beach) for swimming and sunbathing. The experience also includes freshly-made beach BBQ served on the boat.
Some of the brands that you will find include Diamonds International, Cariloha, Del Sol, Effy, Cardow, Little Switzerland, Milano Diamond Gallery, Royal Caribbean Shop, and a few others. The shore excursion meeting place is usually here, in front of the terminal gates, however, always double-check the information on your tour ticket. Both the West Indian Company Dock (Havensight Pier) and Crown Bay Dock at the St. Thomas cruise port are highly wheelchair accessible. If you enjoy a fun and off the beaten path activity, check out this shore excursion. If you’ve dreamed of swimming with turtles (me!), consider this St. Thomas snorkeling excursion.
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