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Havensight Cruise Pier is located 1.7 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie, while Crown Bay Cruise Port is located 2 miles to the west, meaning the city is bookended by two major cruise ports. The reason for this is simply due to the immense popularity of the city as a port of call and departure point for cruise ships. The beach has a horseshoe shape that gives visitors spectacular views of the turquoise waters with a lush green backdrop. At just four miles from the two main cruise ports, it’s a perfect place to spend the day. If you're looking to sit back and relax on the beach instead of exploring, there are several beautiful beaches on St. Thomas to discover.
Buck Island
Discover more about the island’s cuisine, or sample some of the magnificent rum cocktails for which the island is famous. Leave time for shopping, too, as St. Thomas offers some of the best duty-free shopping you’ll find on a Caribbean cruise. 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.
Transportation in Charlotte Amalie
Only a 5-minute drive from St John’s capital Cruz Bay, this picturesque piece of heaven offers a perfect retreat from the bustling St Thomas. Here, you can unwind and soak up the Caribbean sun with a glass of cocktail in your hand, or go for activities such as hiking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Crown Bay Pier consists of 2 berths and offers a variety of amenities. 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.
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You’ll quickly lose yourself in the two floors of exciting exhibits and interactive learning opportunities. Make your way into the fishing village, Frenchtown, to give this business a try. Paradise Point offers a delicious restaurant and a highly rated bar famous for their Bailey’s Bushwacker or bananas daiquiris. The gardens are educational for those interested in plants and flowers such as orchids, succulents, and palms.
View All Cruises to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
A cruise to St. Thomas will take you to the largest of the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), a laid-back archipelago fringed by white sand beaches and sparkling sapphire seas. Unwind under a sun umbrella, snorkel over rainbow-colored reefs, take a sailing trip, or explore some of the island’s nature trails and viewpoints. You can also head to sleepy St. John, a pristine spot for snorkeling and admiring marine life. It's also an easy jaunt via 20-minute ferry to tranquil St. John from the town of Red Hook.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, St Thomas has it all! With its incredible scenery and laid-back lifestyle, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit this beautiful island each year. The most convenient way to get from the Cyril E. King Airport to either cruise ship dock in St. Thomas is by taxi.
In the heart of Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find the synagogue located just two block up from Main Street. In Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find hundreds of brand name and local shops along Main Street and the cross streets. You’ll also find a local straw or flea market with some handmade jewelry, t-shirts and other souvenirs.
Huge Cruise Port Expansion Set for US Virgin Islands - Cruise Hive
Huge Cruise Port Expansion Set for US Virgin Islands.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Each terminal is about a five- to 10-minute taxi ride to downtown Charlotte Amalie. If more than six ships call on St. Thomas in one day, your ship could be anchored in the harbor; the tenders will drop you in the heart of Charlotte Amalie. Even if it's your first time on St. Thomas, don't be afraid to explore.
Visit the St. Thomas Synagogue, the second-oldest of its kind in the western hemisphere and a symbol of the area’s diverse religious history. Walk in the footsteps of the actual pirates of the Caribbean at Blackbeard’s Castle, where you’ll find authentic artifacts, monuments, and life-sized replicas of St. Thomas’ most infamous visitors. If you simply want to buy a souvenir or a small duty-free item before boarding the ship, the Havensight Mall, located right by the Havensight cruise pier, is a good option. There are plenty of shops to choose from, and prices are comparable to those you would find in the downtown area. A visit to Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden makes for a pleasant break from the sun and the crowds. It’s a small, shady garden about a 15-minute drive from the harbor, full of local plants and flowers and a stunning selection of orchids.
In addition to a duty-free shopping scene that's virtually unparalleled, other on-the-beaten-track sites include the world-famous beach at Magens Bay. 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.
Considered the duty-free capital of the Caribbean, St Thomas port offers a wide variety of luxury items, diamonds, liquors, perfumes, watches, cameras, and leather goods. Nearly all shopping areas are located in Charlotte Amalie downtown and Havensight mall, but at some places of interest and tourist attractions, you will also be able to shop. Magens Bay is located in the north of St Thomas, approximately 6 km/3.7 miles from Charlotte Amalie and the cruise ports. Havensight cruise terminal is the primary port and it is the closest to the city center, approximately 2 km/1.2 miles, or a minute walking distance. St. Thomas has beautiful crystal clear water and underwater sea life, which makes snorkeling excursions quite popular. Some snorkeling excursions include at stop at one of St. Thomas’ beautiful beaches.
Located in the Northeastern area of the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas is part of the Leeward Islands enjoying both a wonderful and reliable weather in the winter months. When you're finished with your free time for shopping and exploring, head back to the ship via prearranged return transportation. The generous duty-free allowance available for U.S. residents makes shopping a favorite among cruise passengers visiting St. Thomas. Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street is a lovely road lined with duty-free shops selling everything from chocolate to jewelry. The adjacent streets also offer a good array of stores, including souvenir shops and clothing boutiques.
If you decide to take a food tour on your own, be sure to leave plenty of time to get back to your ship after the food tour. The short 15 minute drive can take over 30 minutes where there are many ships docked at Havensight. While you can head into Charlotte Amalie and shop on Main Street, if you’re doing an excursion and time is limited, consider doing your duty free shopping close to the cruise port. 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.
Lindberg Beach is a great beach for swimming offering a front beach bar, restaurants, and water activities for rental, however, don’t expect snorkeling to be good here. There is also a small playground for families traveling with kids. Havensight Pier is where most cruise ships dock, so there is a good chance you will find yourself there. Luckily, it is just a five-to-ten-minute taxi to the downtown of Charlotte Amalie. Our favorite beaches include Magen’s Bay and Lindquist Beach, both about a 20-minute drive from either of the cruise ports.
A tour of the island of St. Thomas is great for an overview of the whole island and visits to some of the most popular spots. You’ll drive to Mountain Top, where you’ll have amazing views of the island and a chance to take some photos. Some sightseeing tours will include a stop at Magens Bay or one of the other St. Thomas beaches. Located at Coki Beach, the Coral World Ocean Park is one of St. Thomas’ most popular attractions for families.
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