St Thomas Cruise Port: Piers, Overview and What to Do
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From snorkeling and scuba diving to exploring historical sites and taking in the vibrant culture, there is something here for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply want to relax in paradise, the US Virgin Islands is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Wherever your cruise ship docks in St Thomas it will always be very easy to travel around by taxi.
Local Crafts & Souvenirs
In reality, it is easier to find these type of convenience stores in the Havensight Mall than in Charlotte Amalie. Instead, areas steps away from the piers have Wi-Fi, especially in eateries and cafes. If you're able to venture a bit outside of the city, there is a lot more for you to do.
Walking Distance Attractions
If you are from the United States, your driver’s licence is valid for 90 days in St. Thomas. If you are from a country other than the U.S., you will need to purchase a temporary international driver’s permit. Within walking distance of the Havensight Dock, there are two top attractions of St Thomas - the Butterfly Farm, which is under restoration works, and the Skyride to Paradise Point. Both sites can easily be enjoyed after or before a half-day tour of the Island. There are three docking spots in the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock on its 3/4 of a mile (1 km) long pier.
Where Cruise Ships Dock
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Explore the vibrant streets lined with colonial architecture, indulge in duty-free shopping, or visit the iconic Blackbeard's Castle. 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. Take the cable car up to enjoy great views over the southern part of the island.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
You’ll also find some island exclusives, like Mojo’s, Barefoot Buddha, and the iconic Shipwreck Tavern. With both ports located such a convenient distance from a major airport, you shouldn’t have difficulty finding your way to your ship if you fly into St. Thomas. After no more than a 5-minute walk, the colorful Skyride will be on your right. The views from Paradise Point are spectacular and a photo-op not to be missed.
Shopping and Dining
Renting a car may be a good way to enjoy and exploration of St Thomas on your own. Right in front of the pier the cruise traveler will see the Budget Car Rental sign and as you walk out of the Havensight Mall, is impossible to miss Avis. For those on shore excursions booked onboard, there will be ship staff guiding the cruise traveler to the tour buses. If you booked on-line with independent tour operators, the local guides will be waiting outside the exit gates. 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. The taxi rates are fixed and displayed in the port on a sign as well as in the guides printed by the local tourist information of St. Thomas.
St. Thomas Cruise Port: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
Havensight Cruise Pier specifically has a large shopping mall and restaurants, while Crown Bay Dock has a small shopping mall and a welcome center. Charlotte Amalie, the capital city, is bursting with restaurants, bars, cafes and landmarks to visit. Havensight Cruise Pier and the Crown Bay Dock are a seven-minute drive and a 10-minute drive respectively from the capital. However, I’ve been on Holland America cruise lines multiple times to St. Thomas, and we’ve always docked at Havensite cruise port. There are a lot of shops within walking distance of the St. Thomas cruise port. Taxis are a popular mode of transportation on the island, and they are readily available at both the Crown Bay Dock and the West Indian Company Dock.
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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. While traffic can be an issue during the busy season, most cab rides will cost less than $5 and take about ten minutes, so it is still an easy commute. Plus, taxi services operating out of the port are plentiful, especially if you go to the pickup zone just outside the cruise terminal.
Explore Charlotte Amalie
The shore excursion meeting place is usually here, in front of the terminal gates, however, always double-check the information on your tour ticket. 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. If you’re looking for a high-quality souvenir of your time on the island, St. Thomas is known for fine rum and stunning, hand-crafted jewelry, both of which are available everywhere. Crown Bay is mainly used by Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. Havensightis is mainly used by Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean (non-Oasis class ships).
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port is a paradise for water enthusiasts. From snorkeling to kayaking, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and make the most of your time in the Caribbean. Turtle Cove is the most popular spot on the island, as it’s home to Green Sea Turtles that you can often spot swimming in the blue azure, crystal clear waters. Besides the turtles, you can snorkel/scuba dive around a fascinating coral reef teeming with abundant marine life including surgeonfish, squirrelfish, snapper, and other tropical sea creatures. However, you’ll still find some basic convenience stores, several duty-free shops, and souvenir stalls selling locally-made items. Still, you’ll want to take a taxi into the city center if you’re going to enjoy more of what the island has to offer.
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.
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. For those planning to rent a vehicle while they visit St. Thomas, plenty of parking spots are available near the two ports. It is particularly easy to find parking at Havensight Pier, as the Havensight Mall has a large parking area that is free to use.
The Information Center is located close to the exit of the Mall - on the north side - and is impossible to miss considering that the building replicates a windmill. Here you will find maps and all information you may need to explore St Thomas on your own. IQCruising visited St Thomas on February 14, 2022, and docked at the Crown Bay. A week later, we called at St Thomas again on another cruise; and we docked at the Havensight Dock Terminal.
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