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Considering that Charlotte Amalie is a top 'shopping-paradise' in the Caribbean, many a cruise ship passenger want to see what this is all about. The overwhelming majority of the shops are on the Main Street (parallel to the Waterfront) and the Alleys in between these two thoroughfares. Although some cruise ship travelers find tendering a bit of an inconvenience, a tender boat can be a pleasant and easy way to get to town if you are planning to explore Charlotte Amalie. After all, you will not need to spend time and money to get to the city. All other ships will only be assigned a docking harbor on the morning of arrival. There is a tendency to believe that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines dock exclusively at Crown Bay but the Editor has been on ships of these cruise lines docked in Havensight.
Cruise Lines and Ships
The St. Thomas cruise port at Charlotte Amalie is one of the most popular duty-free shopping destinations in the Caribbean. Embarking on a cruise journey that anchors in St Thomas cruise port is akin to opening a treasure chest of Caribbean wonders. However, as with any treasure, it’s best enjoyed when you’re equipped with the right map and tools. Nightlife in St. Thomas is a vibrant tapestry of experiences, reflecting the island’s multifaceted spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the magnetic pull of dance floors, the soul-stirring chords of local musicians, or the calm embrace of moonlit shores, St. Thomas ensures that every night is a story waiting to be woven. To truly feel the heartbeat of St. Thomas, one must sometimes venture off the beaten path or dive into its deeper waters.
Beach Bars & Oceanfront Lounges
Car rental facilities are also located a short walk from each cruise port, so vehicle pickup and drop-off couldn’t be easier. Crown Bay is a bit smaller, as it was not purpose-built for cruise ships. In fact, it was once used as a United States naval base but has since been remodeled to accommodate three full-sized cruise ships along the same single-pier design found at Havensight Pier. But beyond the activities and excursions, what truly makes St Thomas cruise port a gem in the Caribbean crown is its people. Warm, welcoming, and infused with an infectious zest for life, they turn every interaction into a memory, every experience into a story.
Local Cuisine and Restaurants
Come up here for stupendous views from the observation deck; on a clear day, you’ll be able to see 15 islands, including the British Virgin Islands, scattered across the sea like jewels. There’s a big duty-free shop here, but perhaps equally alluring is the banana daiquiri that was invented here, a tasty frozen concoction featuring Cruzan rum, a banana liqueur, ripe bananas, and lime. A few blocks further, another important historical sight – Fort Christian, dominates the bay.
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A taxi rank is outside the pier, the rates are displayed and taxis are shared; it costs around $5 per person one way to go to the city center. Inaugurated in 2007, Crown Bay Marina is the newest pier located in the western part of Charlotte Amalie’s Bay (on the opposite side of Havensight cruise terminal), approximately 2.6 km/1.6 miles from downtown. Port St Thomas Island USVI cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.
Or perhaps a historical voyage, diving deep into the island’s rich past. St. Thomas isn’t just another port on the Caribbean map; it’s a mesmerizing blend of turquoise waters, colonial heritage, and tropical wonders. The principal activities of the Danes were sugar cane production and plantation farming, using enslaved Africans as labor. The islanders’ culture blends African, European, and American influences. English is the official language, but locals speak their own dialect of Creole.
Leave time for shopping, too, as St. Thomas offers some of the best duty-free shopping you’ll find on a Caribbean cruise. St Thomas port consists of 2 cruise ship terminals (Havensight cruise terminal and Crown Bay Marina) located in Charlotte Amalie, the island’s historic capital located in the south of St Thomas. While you can head into Charlotte Amalie and shop on Main Street, if you’re doing an excursion and time is limited, consider doing your duty free shopping close to the cruise port. As in any port of call, always be mindful of the all aboard time and make sure to return to your cruise ship with ample time. A word of caution, cruise ships will not wait for late passengers unless you’re on a ship sponsored excursion. However, most activities will require either a shore excursion or tour, or transportation to a local beach or attraction.
While it has basic facilities, such as washrooms and picnic benches, other amenities are limited. You’ll need to bring any food or drinks with you, if you decide to head to Lindquist Beach. Although guided tours are available, this is an active synagogue and working congregation. In the Historic district of Charlotte Amalie, there are several building and sights history buffs will enjoy.
Coki Point Beach
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear are available for rental, and other amenities include showers, restrooms, and places to buy food and drinks. If you’ve dreamed of swimming with turtles (me!), consider this St. Thomas snorkeling excursion. It does get crowded, but if you’d like to find a quieter spot to sit, head to either end of the beach and you’ll be fine.
Although it’s not the island’s highest point, it is still a must-do, and it couldn’t be in a more convenient location. Cruise ships offer excellent tours to most of St. Thomas attractions and highlights but if you wish to explore the island on your own the taxi services are very good alternatives. Taxis are fairly priced and can literally take the cruise ship traveler to all highlights, beaches, main sites and attractions of St Thomas. The first is the Havensight Pier, also known as the West India Company Dock, where most ships will dock. There are more than 50 shops and restaurants located right at the pier, with other stores (including K-mart) located nearby.
Dive into the turquoise waters for snorkeling and swimming, and savor the flavors of Caribbean cuisine. This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Yes, you can walk to downtown Charlotte Amalie from the two cruise ports, but most people save time by taking a taxi, as taxis are easy to get, and fares are less than $5.
Given it is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, there are regular flights to and from the continental United States and beyond. If your cruise ship docks at Crown Bay Cruise Port, travel time and costs are almost identical, but you may want to give yourself more time to return to port, as fewer taxis travel to and from Crown Bay. As twilight blankets St Thomas cruise port, the island transforms, revealing a vibrant nightlife scene pulsating with rhythms, lights, and infectious energy. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away, indulge in a tranquil evening, or immerse yourself in local performances, St. Thomas offers a myriad of nocturnal delights to match every vibe. In St Thomas cruise port, ecotourism isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life. The island offers a delicate blend of beauty and sustainability, encouraging visitors to not just witness its marvels but also understand the intricate web of life that sustains it.
If you enjoy a fun and off the beaten path activity, check out this shore excursion. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the touch pool and turtle pool. You may aslo want to check out the Sea Trek Helmet Dive for a fun and different experience.
But if you do not have the time, the energy or the interest to see all of these, you should at least visit the Synagogue with its unusual sand floor. Room With a View – Bluebeard’s Castle – Known for their extensive menu, seafood dishes and, as the name suggests, a fantastic view. They have one of the largest wine cellars on the island, fine liqueurs and a flambé that can’t be passed up.
One of the highlights of visiting Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port is the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine. The island’s culinary scene is rich and diverse, with influences from Caribbean, African, and European flavors. From fresh seafood dishes to mouthwatering Caribbean specialties, you will find a variety of local restaurants that offer an authentic taste of the island.
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