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When you arrive by cruise ship, you’ll be docking near the town of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas. Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas and is known for its beaches, resort hotels, water sport activities, near perfect weather and duty free shopping. It is considered the shopping capital of the Caribbean by many cruise enthusiasts. St. Thomas is known for its extensive duty-free shopping, and downtown Charlotte Amalie is where you’ll find bargains galore, from perfume to jewelry and electronics. Shops stocking everything imaginable line Main Street, while there’s a small market nearby with vendor stands selling jewelry, clothing, crafts, and other Caribbean-inspired artifacts.
DCL-Disney Cruise Line's summer 2025 fleet deployment (Europe & Caribbean itineraries)
If you’ve dreamed of swimming with turtles (me!), consider this St. Thomas snorkeling excursion. These step streets were originally built from ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the Old World. The St. Thomas Synagogue is full of history and a must see for those of all faiths.
Things to do close to the cruise port in St. Thomas
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. If you need information or maps walk no more than 100 yards (more or less 100 meters) to the east side of the waterfront (to your right) where there is a tourist information kiosk by the entrance of the A.H. 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. 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.
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Cruise ships could be back in St. Thomas by end of October - USA TODAY
Cruise ships could be back in St. Thomas by end of October.
Posted: Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. The St. Thomas cruise port's main dock is the West Indian Company Dock, which is also often referred to as Havensight Cruise Pier.
Read our review of the Havensight Dock to learn about all its services and amenities. Read our review of the Crown Bay Dock to learn about all its services and amenities. A sightseeing tour of the island will take you to the Mountain Top, Drakes Seat or the Paradise Point where you will enjoy astonishing sceneries. The latter is easy to explore on your own if docked at Havensight Cruise Ship Dock. For those that prefer to explore off-the-beaten-track sites or that have been in St. Thomas before, an excursion to the pristine beauty and quaint charm of St. John should be in your plans.
Cyril E. King Airport Taxi Service to the St. Thomas Cruise Port
The official currency in Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port is the United States Dollar (USD). Being a U.S. territory, the same currency is used as in the mainland United States, making transactions and currency exchange easy for American visitors. Additionally, it is important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities. Revealing clothing may be seen as disrespectful, so it is advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port also caters to vegetarian and vegan options.
The beach boasts powdery sands and crystal clear turquoise waters and offers great snorkeling with sea turtles and other incredible marine life. 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. It’s the juxtaposition of tranquil beaches and bustling bazaars, of historic forts and hip nightclubs, of coral reefs teeming with life and mountainous terrains waiting to be trekked. 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.
Journey back in time as you uncover intriguing tales of pirates and colonial settlers, all while marveling at iconic landmarks like Fort Christian, the island's oldest standing structure. Immerse yourself in the island's vibrant culture and admire the colonial architecture as you wander through the narrow streets. Coki Beach – Located next to Coral World, this is a great option for families who want a bit of sightseeing and time at the beach.
The professional and courteous crew will greet you with complimentary drinks and snacks. 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. As you exit from the cruise port, you’ll see that cabs, shuttles and tours sold through local vendors, are plentiful.
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. 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. For those looking to enjoy more of the island’s natural side, there is also the Skyride to Paradise Point, just a five-minute walk from the Havensight Pier. This gondola is one of the most popular attractions in the Caribbean, as it quickly takes passengers 700 feet above the port, enjoying stunning views and even a fully stocked bar! 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. Havensight Pier is where most cruise ships dock, so there is a good chance you will find yourself there.
Head up 700 feet to the top of the mountain by tram and experience incredible views of St. Thomas and the harbor. 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. The bustling town of Charlotte Amalie is a main attraction in St. Thomas and is a 15 minute cab ride away from both cruise ports. 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). If you're a fan of arts and culture, Charlotte Amalie is an absolute treasure trove.
Climb, snorkel, swim, bike or chill in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Skyride gondolas take you all the way to Paradise Point for stunning views of the bay. Havensight pier has several shops and is located near the Yacht Haven Grande Marina, where there are several luxury boutiques. On busy days, some ships can anchor offshore and tender boats will take you directly to the centre of Charlotte Amalie. The Butterfly Farm used to be a great place for those traveling with children and it is advisable to check if and when it reopens. Senor Frogs wasn't open in March 2020 when IQCruising last visited the Havensight Dock.
One of the best times to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, you can expect sunny days with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful beaches. This elevated area provides stunning panoramic views of the port and surrounding islands. There are restaurants and cafes located here that offer both local and international cuisine, allowing you to enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious bite while exploring the port, don’t miss out on the street food and snack options available. The streets of Charlotte Amalie are lined with food stalls and carts offering a variety of local delicacies.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins that might grace you with their presence. Embark on a snorkeling adventure and discover the vibrant underwater world of St. Thomas. The coral reefs teem with tropical fish and other fascinating marine creatures.
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.
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