Out of the roughly 50 distinctive islands that make up the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is without doubt one of the three largest. Since additionally it is one of many US Virgin Islands, it’s a well-liked vacation spot for American vacationers and cruisers.
Apart from the island having all of the allure and pure fantastic thing about a picture-perfect Caribbean Island, passports are not required for Americans, and the US greenback is the official forex, making it a very tourist-friendly vacation spot.
We’re going to take an in-depth have a look at the 2 most important cruise ports in St. Thomas so you may get pleasure from a stress-free expertise while you go to. After we’ve mentioned the ports and their amenities, we’ll additionally discover a number of the close by sights and numerous tour alternatives St. Thomas affords guests.
The St. Thomas Cruise Ports
Since St. Thomas is without doubt one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean and simply probably the most visited of the US Virgin Islands, it’s really dwelling to 2 cruise ports – The West India Firm Dock, extra generally referred to as Havensight Cruise Pier, and Crown Bay Cruise Port.
Havensight Pier is the most important of the 2 ports, with three most important berths alongside a single pier. Passengers exit and board ships alongside retractable gangways.
Crown Bay is a bit smaller, because it was not purpose-built for cruise ships. The truth is, it was as soon as used as a United States naval base however has since been reworked to accommodate three full-sized cruise ships alongside the identical single-pier design discovered at Havensight Pier.
Each cruise ports are positioned on the southern aspect of St. Thomas close to the capital and largest metropolis within the US Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Havensight Cruise Pier is positioned 1.7 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie, whereas Crown Bay Cruise Port is positioned 2 miles to the west, that means town is bookended by two main cruise ports. The rationale for that is merely as a result of immense recognition of town as a port of name and departure level for cruise ships.
For these planning to lease a car whereas they go to St. Thomas, loads of parking spots can be found close to the 2 ports. It’s significantly simple to search out parking at Havensight Pier, because the Havensight Mall has a big parking space that’s free to make use of. Automotive rental amenities are additionally positioned a brief stroll from every cruise port, so car pickup and drop-off couldn’t be simpler.
Attending to and From the Cruise Ports
Havensight Pier is the place most cruise ships dock, so there’s a good probability you will see that your self there. Fortunately, it’s only a five-to-ten-minute taxi to the downtown of Charlotte Amalie.
Whereas site visitors may be a difficulty in the course of the busy season, most cab rides will value lower than $5 and take about ten minutes, so it’s nonetheless a simple commute. Plus, taxi providers working out of the port are plentiful, particularly when you go to the pickup zone simply exterior the cruise terminal.
In case your cruise ship docks at Crown Bay Cruise Port, journey time and prices are virtually equivalent, however you could need to give your self extra time to return to port, as fewer taxis journey to and from Crown Bay.
Distance from the Airport to the Ports
A part of the explanation why St. Thomas is such a preferred Caribbean cruise vacation spot is as a result of each of its most important cruise piers are positioned a handy distance from the island’s most important airport – Cyril E. King Airport. Given it is without doubt one of the busiest airports within the Caribbean, there are common flights to and from the continental United States and past.
At slightly below 1.5 miles away from Crown Bay Cruise Port, it’s the closest of the 2 ports to the airport. Most taxis and shuttles will solely take a couple of minutes to shuttle passengers to and from the airport, as your entire drive entails one easy flip from Airport Highway to Terence A. Todman Drive.
Havensight Pier is somewhat additional, with 4.2 miles separating the port from the airport, however that is nonetheless solely a couple of 15-minute drive in St. Thomas site visitors. Not solely is it a comparatively brief drive, it’s a easy one, with the Waterfront Freeway straight connecting the 2.
With each ports positioned such a handy distance from a significant airport, you shouldn’t have problem discovering your solution to your ship when you fly into St. Thomas.
Cruise Strains Calling at St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a particularly well-liked port of name, particularly for American cruise strains. Therefore, there’s a want for 2 cruise ports, though your entire island is simply 32 sq. miles. You possibly can check out the upcoming cruise schedule for the cruise ports proper right here.
Every port is utilized by totally different cruise strains. Crown Bay is at all times utilized by Royal Caribbean as it’s massive sufficient for Oasis-class ships. All cruise strains, together with some Royal Caribbean ships, use the Havensight Cruise Pier. Here’s a breakdown of which cruise strains primarily use which port:
Crown Bay is principally utilized by Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. Havensightis is principally utilized by Movie star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean (non-Oasis class ships).
St. Thomas Terminal/Port Services and Accessibility
Each ports use the identical single-pier design, so passengers will exit and return to the ship by way of prolonged gangways. After you have left the gangway, you will see that trendy terminal amenities outfitted with all of the facilities you’d count on, like clear washroom amenities, well-marked taxi pickup zones, vacationer info facilities, and merchandising machines the place water bottles and different drinks may be bought.
Sadly, neither of the 2 ports affords complimentary public Wi-Fi, nevertheless it’s not too troublesome to search out. Havensight Mall gives free Wi-Fi, and it’s positioned only a five-minute stroll from the Havensight Pier.
Most eating places, cafés, and bars close to the ports additionally provide Wi-Fi. You will have to make a purchase order to request the Wi-Fi password in some locations, however locations like Jen’s Island Café & Deli and the Shipwreck Tavern close to Havensight Pier have the password overtly posted.
Each ports are additionally very accessible. With the 2 welcoming over 1.5 million guests yearly, there was a transparent effort to ensure all guests get pleasure from a snug expertise. Each ports are all on floor stage, so no want to fret about elevators or stairs. Wheelchair ramps additionally guarantee curbs and different obstacles don’t intrude with accessibility.
Seasonal Climate Circumstances in St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a year-round journey vacation spot, however climate situations can fluctuate from month to month. That can assist you discover a time that matches your preferences and pack the proper clothes, right here’s a easy breakdown of what you may count on:
Summer time (June to August)
Temperatures are normally within the mid-80° F vary, with average humidity. It’s best to count on occasional showers, however they are typically transient—pack gentle, breathable clothes, and solar safety.
Though the climate is normally nice in the course of the summer time, the US Virgin Islands have a reasonably prolonged hurricane season, with a danger of hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-Might to the tip of November. For those who e book throughout these months, commonly test together with your cruise line for departure delays and itinerary alterations.
Learn Additionally: When is the Greatest Time to Go to US Virgin Islands?
Fall (September to November)
Daytime temperatures drop to the low 80° F vary, with possibilities of showers additionally rising. Once more, hurricanes can nonetheless be a difficulty deep into the autumn, so you’ll want to watch climate experiences and cruise line updates earlier than setting sail.
Pack gentle clothes for the daytime, with a sweater for the night. Chances are you’ll need to pack a rain jacket, simply in case.
Winter (December to February)
Daytime highs settle down and have a tendency to remain within the higher 70° F vary, however the winter can also be very sunny and dry. This makes it a preferred time to go to St. Thomas and the opposite US Virgin Islands. You shouldn’t have to fret about rain, however you could need to pack a sweatshirt and light-weight pants for the evenings.
Spring (March to Might)
The spring is pleasant in St. Thomas, with temperatures within the mid 80° F vary being widespread. Additionally it is comparatively dry, however you could encounter occasional showers, particularly in a single day. Pack gentle clothes that won’t trigger you to sweat.
Issues to Do Inside Strolling Distance
A part of what makes St. Thomas such an interesting port of name is the wide range of facilities and sights inside strolling distance of the island’s two most important ports.
If, like most guests, you arrive at Havensight Pier, there are many issues to do throughout the quick neighborhood of the port. Provided that your entire island of St. Thomas is thought to be a client’s paradise, it’s no shock that they’ve even included a mall straight beside the primary cruise port.
The Havensight Mall is only a 5-minute stroll from the cruise terminal, and it affords quite a few shops carrying duty-free jewellery, imported liquors, designer watches, sun shades, fragrance, name-brand electronics, and a lot extra.
Severe buyers will need to take a taxi into Charlotte Amalie to go to the various shops town affords, however the Havensight Mall continues to be a handy distance for these simply seeking to do a little bit of duty-free buying earlier than or after having fun with an tour.
There are additionally loads of eating places inside a brief stroll of the pier, together with some port-of-call classics, like Senor Frogs and Hooters. You’ll additionally discover some island exclusives, like Mojo’s, Barefoot Buddha, and the long-lasting Shipwreck Tavern.
For these seeking to get pleasure from extra of the island’s pure aspect, there may be additionally the Skyride to Paradise Level, only a five-minute stroll from the Havensight Pier. This gondola is without doubt one of the hottest sights within the Caribbean, because it shortly takes passengers 700 toes above the port, having fun with beautiful views and even a completely stocked bar! Though it’s not the island’s highest level, it’s nonetheless a must-do, and it couldn’t be in a extra handy location.
Sadly, there may be far much less to do in Crown Bay Cruise Port. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless discover some primary comfort shops, a number of duty-free outlets, and memento stalls promoting locally-made objects. Nonetheless, you’ll need to take a taxi into town middle when you’re going to get pleasure from extra of what the island has to supply.
Distance to Well-liked Sights
For those who’re keen to journey past the cruise ports, there are loads of issues to do in St. Thomas. Fortunately, most are very accessible from the cruise ports. Listed here are only a few of the highlights:
Discover Charlotte Amalie
Each cruise ports are roughly two miles from the capital metropolis. This colourful metropolis options colonial structure in addition to trendy shops and eating places. Be sure to go to the historic district filled with Seventeenth-century church buildings and different buildings. You possibly can even discover Blackbeard’s Citadel, positioned throughout the metropolis middle.
Coral World Ocean Park
One of the crucial visited sights within the Virgin Islands, you may get pleasure from snorkeling and scuba diving classes with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, stingrays, and different marine wildlife. Though it’s on the opposite aspect of the island, it’s solely about 9 miles from the 2 ports, so a 20 to 30-minute taxi journey would get you there.
Go to Fort Christian
This Danish fort is without doubt one of the island’s most iconic historic landmarks. Not solely is it the oldest standing construction on St. Thomas, nevertheless it additionally capabilities as a museum that showcases the distinctive historical past of your entire island. Roughly two miles from both cruise port, you may get there in lower than ten minutes by way of taxi.
The Greatest Seashores
Though there may be a lot to do in Charlotte Amalie and elsewhere on the island, the seashores are the true spotlight of St. Thomas. Listed here are only a few of the extra well-liked choices:
Magens Bay Seaside
The seashore has a horseshoe form that provides guests spectacular views of the turquoise waters with a lush inexperienced backdrop. The white sand provides to the tropical ambiance. At simply 4 miles from the 2 most important cruise ports, it’s an ideal place to spend the day.
Coki Level Seaside
At seven miles from Havensight Pier, it’s a little bit of a drive, nevertheless it has a number of the finest snorkeling you’ll discover anyplace within the Caribbean. Many obtainable shore excursions will take you to Coki Seaside, so it’s extremely popular with vacationers.
Secret Harbor Seaside
Well-liked with scuba and snorkeling fanatics, this eye-catching seashore is without doubt one of the island’s true hidden gems. Due to the encircling timeshares and motels, there are additionally loads of eating places, bars, cafés, and ice cream outlets, so there’s a lot to do while you’ve had sufficient seashore enjoyable. It’s about 10 miles from Havensight and roughly 8 miles from Crown Bay, so that you’ll must take a taxi.
As talked about, St. Thomas is a client’s dreamland. With designer outlets, native craft markets, and loads of duty-free malls and shops, there’s no scarcity of locations to search out souvenirs and discounted designer items.
Whereas the Havensight Mall is nice for these not seeking to exit of their method, you’ll need to head into Charlotte Amalie for the very best buying expertise. You’ll discover loads of shops and boutiques on Fundamental Avenue in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Vendor’s Plaza is one other downtown spotlight when you’re on the lookout for locally-made items.
For those who’re on the lookout for a high-quality memento of your time on the island, St. Thomas is thought for nice rum and beautiful, hand-crafted jewellery, each of which can be found all over the place.
Eating
Foodies will love the big selection of eating places, bars, and cafes. From conventional Caribbean dishes, like jerk hen, conch fritters, and contemporary seafood, to extra recognizable American chain eating places, you’ll discover all the things you’re on the lookout for in Charlotte Amalie and the world instantly surrounding Havensight Pier.
If you wish to attempt some Caribbean meals, Sugarcane Grill is an open-air restaurant that at all times serves island favorites. Amalia Café Restaurant is one other open-air eatery with a tremendous ambiance and even higher meals. Each are positioned in central Charlotte Amalie. Irrespective of the place you find yourself going, ensure you attempt some rum cake on the finish of your meal; it’s a must-try in St. Thomas.
Excursions Provided in St. Thomas
There’s a lot to do in St. Thomas, so most cruise strains provide tour packages you may e book earlier than arriving in port. The next are simply a number of the island’s hottest choices:
- Snorkeling Experiences and Scuba Diving Classes
- Parasailing
- Sea Kayaking
- Catamaran Excursions of the Shoreline
- Tree Limin’ Excessive Jungle Ziplining
- Historic Strolling Excursions of Charlotte Amalie
- Island Rum Tasting Tour and Cocktail Courses
- Day Journey to Coral World Ocean Park
Simply ensure you e book your excursions by means of your cruise line, as these tour suppliers have been vetted and can concentrate on arrival and departure instances on your ship.
Continuously Requested Questions (FAQs)
Are you able to stroll to city from St Thomas cruise port?
Sure, you may stroll to downtown Charlotte Amalie from the 2 cruise ports, however most individuals save time by taking a taxi, as taxis are simple to get, and fares are lower than $5.
What are the 2 cruise ports in St Thomas?
The 2 most important cruise ports in St. Thomas are Havensight Pier and Crown Bay Cruise Port.
How far is Magens Bay from the cruise port?
Magens Bay is roughly 4 miles from the 2 cruise ports, making it a brief drive or taxi journey.
