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One famous cruise and vacation location in the Caribbean is the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. The main cruise lines offer it as a great destination, and on Princess Cruises, it is the first port of call on the 10-day Southern Caribbean itinerary. Apart from being extremely lovely, it is most recognized for being a preferred duty-free shopping location. This article describes what it’s like to arrive at St. Thomas’ cruise port and participate in significant activities.
Popular Things To Do For First Time Visitors
There is an abundance of shopping opportunities available in the close proximity of both cruise docks. Find a wide variety of shopping from jewelry, clothing, shoe, crafts shops and pharmacy’s close to either cruise docks. Once you arrive at the top, you can enjoy Paradise Point amenities including a bar restaurant, shopping deck, sun deck, patio, harbor terrace, and free wi-fi! The base station is located a few minutes’ walk from Havensight cruise port, near Havensight Mall. To get to Charlotte Amalie downtown, you can walk which I wouldn’t recommend, as it’s too long and not very scenic (30-40 minutes walking distance).
Catamaran Snorkeling Excursions
There is natural shade but umbrellas, chairs, and other amenities are available for rental. The capital Cruz Bay offers visitors a wide range of restaurants, bars, and locally handmade items, so you can take a break at one of the charming cafes overlooking the picturesque harbour. Start your day learning about the history of the largest capital city in the United States Virgin Islands. Founded in 1666 as Thapus, the city was renamed in 1691 as Charlotte Amalie in honor of the Danish Queen. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys and admire the beautiful Danish colonial architecture.
Havensight Mall: Exploring the Cruise Port
We highly recommend that you book a holiday here or sail here as St. Thomas is absolutely beautiful. In the past, I’ve embarked on quite a few adventures around this spectacular island. To get to the castle, you need to climb 99 steps – a long, brick staircase surrounded by lush nature and plenty of colorful flowers, offering unique views of the coast and the capital. 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. St. Thomas, with its undulating landscapes, azure waters, and verdant forests, is a testament to nature’s artistry. Beyond its recreational allure, the island is an ecological marvel waiting to be explored.
How to get to St. John from Ship
By using a cruise ship as your source of transportation, you can skip the inconveniences of travel itself. After going to bed one evening, you awake on a different island the following day, ready for a new adventure. St. Thomas creates a contemporary paradise by fusing the carefree atmosphere of the Caribbean with contemporary conveniences found in modern civilization. First of all we will find the Havensight cruise terminal just east of the town and the Crown Bay cruise dock at the west of the town of Charlotte Amalie. If you are on a cruise with Royal Caribbean or with a sister company then expect to dock at the Crown Bay cruise dock.
For this one, you might want to rent a car or it might be included on an island tour. Some food tours have a designated meeting point in Charlotte Amalie. This means you’ll have to find your own way to the meeting point and back to the ship. Incorporate a walking tour with a taste of the local culinary and cultural scene.
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. One of the top shops in the Caribbean with over 25 stores in the islands, it showcases a diversity of collections of jewelry, watches and accessories. Look for official taxis, which have a dome light and the letters "TP" on their license plates. The taxi rank is located in the ground transportation area outside the arrivals hall. Note that there are no ridesharing services available on St. Thomas.
Stroll Downtown Charlotte Amalie
As you walk out of any of the four exit gates there will be taxis offering transportation to all main attractions, beaches, a simple ride to Charlotte Amalie or even a sightseeing tour of the Island. The Havensight cruise port has a large shopping plaza right outside the cruise port gates, and has attractions that are close enough that you can go to your own with one of the local taxis or shuttles. It’s located on the Northern coast of the island and most enjoyed for it’s snorkeling and diving. If you’re looking for things to do close to the cruise port, you can find a few, even some within walking distance (from Havensight in particular). One of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is an Eastern Caribbean port of call, as is often included as part of many Southern Caribbean cruises as well.
It’s only a 15-minute ride between the two spots, and your taxi ride will cost about $15 each way. It’s important for planning your day to know in advance where your ship will dock in St. Thomas. Wi-fi can be found at most restaurants and bar at the cruise port, provided you are paying customer.Furthermore, if you have a mobile phone with a US plan than your phone will most likely work as usual. Royal Caribbean has a cooperation with this specific cruise dock. Therefore if you sail with Royal Caribbean of their sister company you will most likely dock at this terminal.
I've only been to St. Thomas once - and it was as a cruise port - and many years ago. We also walked right by the edge of the waterfront, admiring views of our own cruise ship and beyond. For every traveler will carry a piece of you with them, a beacon calling them back to your shores. In just a day or two, you’re given a snapshot of the Caribbean soul. Embarking on a cruise journey that anchors in St Thomas cruise port is akin to opening a treasure chest of Caribbean wonders.
While the buccaneers have been replaced by tourists and locals, the stories of the island’s pirate past have been preserved in the Pirates Treasure Museum. The entrance is right across the street from Havensight (a.k.a. WICO) cruise port and you’ll reach the top of Paradise Point in less than 10 minutes. If your ship departs in the evening, make sure to visit at sunset.
The 10 Best Beaches in St. Thomas - Cruise Critic
The 10 Best Beaches in St. Thomas.
Posted: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
St. Thomas offers beautiful beaches, delicious food, and an exciting look into the life of pirates. Whether you like to lounge on the sand or something more exhilarating like a zipline ride above the treetops, there’s something for everyone. Head to Havensight Mall (maybe your ship will dock there) and explore more of the island’s pirate history by visiting the Pirate Treasure Museum. Many hosts of the experiences create walking tours, food tours, boat tours, etc. They offer their views of the city and typically know a thing or two about the rich history.
You don’t have to travel far to check out shops, cafes, and bars. The Havensight shopping complex and the Shops at Yacht Haven Grande are a great place for souvenirs, alcohol, jewelry, and more. Once we reached downtown Charlotte Amalie, we simply wandered around at our own pace. Justin and I walked down every narrow alleyway and peeked around every corner. The St. Thomas Skyride is a short walk from the Havensight dock and you can also walk from downtown Charlotte Amalie.
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. These step streets were originally built from ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the Old World. Another tourist attraction located in Charlotte Amalie, closeby to the synagogue, is 99 Steps. Although 99 Steps is the most famous and most photographed, there are many of these “step” streets which cut through the hills in St. Thomas. The St. Thomas Synagogue is full of history and a must see for those of all faiths.
If the sun-kissed beaches are the face of St. Thomas, its rich history forms the soul. If you’re afraid of heights or are claustrophobic, you can also enjoy sweeping views of the archipelago from Drake’s Seat and the Charlotte Amalie Outlook, each just a short drive away. Set within a 12-acre protected park, Lindquist Beach is for those seeking some peace and quiet. You won’t find as many services as in Magen’s Bay, but the expansive views of Smith Bay and St. John are worth the park’s small entrance fee. Pack your lunch, though, as there are no restaurants or bars here. To help you figure out what not to miss when calling this port, we have put together a list of eight things to do in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., even for those who have visited before.
U.S. Virgin Islands to Levy Cruise Tax on Royal Caribbean Group Brands - Travel Market Report
U.S. Virgin Islands to Levy Cruise Tax on Royal Caribbean Group Brands.
Posted: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
I'm a part-time traveler and full time travel blogger and content creator, based in the Toronto area. 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.
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