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Historic sites, stunning peaks offering panoramic views and a varied marine life are only some of the things you’ll find as you step off your cruise ship. As our journey through the wondrous realms of St. Thomas comes to a close, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the tapestry of experiences the island offers. St. Thomas isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling, a vibrant dance of history, nature, culture, and adventure, all set against the backdrop of cerulean waters and golden sands. The St. Thomas cruise port's main dock is the West Indian Company Dock, which is also often referred to as Havensight Cruise Pier. When it's a busy day at the port, overflow ships dock at the Crown Bay Dock.
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During a past cruise we did a snorkeling excursion which included a stop at this beach, and we enjoyed it. Although it’s only about a 30 minute walk, the weather in St. Thomas is usually hot and sunny, so a cab or open air shuttle may be more comfortable. If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of booking shore excursions with the cruise line versus on your own, I’ll leave a link to a helpful article at the end of this post. That said, both Havensight and Crown Bay have shopping close by, restaurants and bars, and transportation to the best attractions in St. Thomas. You may even want to head up to the top deck of your cruise ship and take some amazing photos before heading ashore. Just make sure you book your excursions through your cruise line, as these excursion providers have been vetted and will be aware of arrival and departure times for your ship.
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Garden staff also enjoy teaching others about the importance of conservation. If your stomach starts to growl, head to Magens Bay Beach Bar and Café. Here you’ll find everything from grilled sandwiches to pizza plus pre-made salads and sandwiches. This procedure usually goes fairly smooth and your ship may even distribute tender tickets to time your departure and avoid overcrowding at peak times. Have you been to St. Thomas or will you be going there on a cruise?
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If a lazy swim is right up your alley, make sure you swim out a little bit -- the area is home to sea turtles that tend to stay away from the shallowest waters and the crowds. Wander through the lanes and alleys of historic Charlotte Amalie with a local expert to discover more about the island’s cuisine and local history. The tour also weaves in the city’s top sights, from the 99 steps to Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle. For every traveler will carry a piece of you with them, a beacon calling them back to your shores.
St. Thomas Cruise Port Facilities?
The indigenous Arawak and Carib tribes were the original settlers, cherishing the island’s bounty long before the European sails dotted the horizon. No one knows if he used the bench to watch over his own ships or if he plotted to invade the others as he sat. It’s said that Sir Francis Drake used to sit on the bench to use as a vantage point.
This colorful city features colonial architecture as well as modern stores and restaurants. Make sure you visit the historic district packed with 17th-century churches and other buildings. You can even explore Blackbeard’s Castle, located within the city center. We are going to take an in-depth look at the two main cruise ports in St. Thomas so you can enjoy a stress-free experience when you visit. After we have discussed the ports and their facilities, we’ll also explore some of the nearby attractions and various excursion opportunities St. Thomas offers visitors. Depending on your cruise line and the time of year, your ship will dock at Havensight Pier, the primary dock for cruise ships, or Crown Bay.
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Luckily, the city’s historical landmarks aren’t too far of a walk from each other. Make sure to check out the St. Thomas synagogue with its sand floor, try to climb the steep 99 Steps, and the Three Queens statue. St. Thomas sightseeing is a great way to get a feel for the island, but you can cool off by diving deep into the waters of Coral World Ocean Park, located on the east side of the island by Coki Beach.
Most restaurants, cafés, and bars near the ports also offer Wi-Fi. 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. Virgin Islands are on AST (Atlantic Standard Time) and do not participate in daylight saving time. 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. 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. If you are looking for something unique, make sure the Skyride to Paradise Point is on your list of things to do in St. Thomas, USVI.
World's Largest Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Call to US Virgin Islands - Cruise Hive
World's Largest Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Call to US Virgin Islands.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Havensight Mall provides free Wi-Fi, and it is located just a five-minute walk from the Havensight Pier. At just under 1.5 miles away from Crown Bay Cruise Port, it is the closest of the two ports to the airport. Most taxis and shuttles will only take a few minutes to shuttle passengers to and from the airport, as the entire drive involves one simple turn from Airport Road to Terence A. Todman Drive. The on-board guide will be offering all sorts of bargains, coupons, deals, and promotions.
For those history buffs, you have several places you'd like to see, as this historic district has over 500 ancient buildings. Blackbeard's Castle is one example, a 17th-century hilltop building offering beautiful views of the harbor. Fort Christian and St. Thomas Synagogue are also notable historical stops. Read on for our breakdown of the St. Thomas cruise port, including address information, cruise line terminals, services and more. 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!
This schedule displays the information for all three islands together. As busy as Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas beaches can be, there are actually amazing places that are off the beaten path, that are worth a visit. Check out St. Thomas’ Mangrove lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve where you can for a moderately active kayak tour. If you’re in St. Thomas on a cruise, you may want to do an excursion either with your cruise line or with a local tour operator. To get to Honeymoon Beach, you can either take a ferry to Water Island, or you can go with a cruise line excursion.
St. Thomas is not just a feast for the eyes and soul but also a shopper’s paradise. From high-end boutiques to bustling local markets, there’s a shopping experience waiting around every corner. St. Thomas is a symphony of stories, where each alley, dish, tune, and artifact narrates a chapter of its multifaceted journey. Immersing oneself in these historical and cultural attractions offers a deeper understanding of the island.
Hence, there is a need for two cruise ports, even though the entire island is only 32 square miles. You can take a look at the upcoming cruise schedule for the cruise ports right here. 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.
In fact, a number of sites in Charlotte Amalie are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sample local spiced rums in St. Thomas and feast on freshly caught fish along the boardwalk in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Snorkel the scenic waters of St. Maarten’s Great Bay, and swim alongside dolphins at Ocean World Adventure Park in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Spend your days sunning on the white sands of breathtaking Caribbean beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying a cooling rum punch on these fun-filled luxury cruises.
If you are on a cruise with Royal Caribbean or with a sister company then expect to dock at the Crown Bay cruise dock. If you are with another cruise line then expect to dock at the Havensight cruise terminal. Both have great facilities and will make sure you have all you need to have a good time ashore. 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.
Cruise ships typically spend eight to nine hours in Charlotte Amalie before continuing on to other Caribbean destinations. However, this time frame includes the time it takes for everyone to get off and on the ship, and traveling to and from the places you wish to visit. Planning your time there will be crucial if you want to do more than just one thing. Virgin Islands filled with cobbled lanes and steep flights of steps. The 99 Steps is one of the most colorful, with flowers banked on either side. Visit Blackbeard’s Castle, a 17th-century watchtower, and tour some of the city’s historic homes.
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