St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands is a popular port of call for many major Caribbean cruise lines. It offers a variety of activities and sights for visitors to enjoy during a day-long stopover.
What cruise lines stop in St. Thomas?
- Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Windstar Cruises
These are the main ones but there are a handful of other cruise lines that offer port-of-calls in St. Thomas.
Where do cruises ships dock in St. Thomas?
Cruises typically dock at the West Indian Company Dock (WICO) in Havensight or at Crown Bay. The majority of ships will dock at Havensight, but some of the larger ships (like Oasis of the Seas) that need deeper water, port at Crown Bay. Additionally, on busy days, some smaller ships may dock at Crown Bay if the Havensight dock is full up.
Both of these ports are located on the south side of the island near Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Getting Around the Island from Port
From the port, cruise visitors can easily explore the island’s beaches, attractions, and shopping areas by taking a taxi, shuttle, or rental car. Some cruise lines also offer shore excursions and tours that depart directly from the port, giving passengers a convenient and organized way to explore the island.
Here are some ideas for what to do during your cruise visit to St. Thomas:
Visit Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and a popular destination for tourists. Relax on the white sand, swim in the clear water, or go snorkeling to see the colorful marine life. You can find many companies (including your cruise line) that offer Magens Bay excursions. If you choose to hop in a taxi without going on one of the company excursions, bring cash, as there is a $5 entry fee per non-USVI resident to the beach.
Take a sightseeing tour
There are several sightseeing tours available that will take you to some of the island’s most popular attractions, such as Charlotte Amalie, Blackbeard’s Castle, and Drake’s Seat. The tours will take your to spectacular view points and tell you some of the history of St. Thomas and the US Virgin Islands.
Go shopping
St. Thomas is known for its duty-free shopping, so take advantage of the low prices on jewelry, watches, and other luxury goods at the many shops in Charlotte Amalie. You can walk to Charlotte Amalie from the port, but if it’s a particularly hot day (or you have children in tow) I’d recommend taking an open air taxi Havensight is also filled with shops just steps from the dock.
Explore Coral World Ocean Park
This popular attraction offers visitors the chance to see marine life up close, including sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. You can also take a guided tour of the park’s exhibits and learn about the local marine ecology.
Visit the historic forts
St. Thomas has a rich history, and you can explore it by visiting the island’s historic forts, including Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle.
Take a catamaran tour
Experience the island from the water on a boat tour that will take you to some of the island’s best snorkeling spots and secluded beaches. Many of the captains around the port-of-call are locals who will take you to see some of the best Caribbean views! Additionally, the catamaran tours usually offer beverages and local lunches.
You can quickly visit Water Island, Buck Island, or even Great Saint James (don’t forget to stop at Pizza Pi – the floating pizza boat while at Christmas Cove)!
Enjoy local cuisine
St. Thomas has a diverse food scene, and you can sample local Caribbean cuisine at one of the island’s many restaurants and street food vendors. Charlotte Amalie has some delicious restaurants or you can venture away from the port for food with some ocean views!
These are just a few ideas for what to do during a cruise stop in St. Thomas. The island offers something for everyone, so be sure to explore and enjoy all that it has to offer.
A few final thoughts: make sure you bring a towel if you’re going to be on the water, double-check the time you need to be back on the boat and feel free to shoot me a message if there’s something specific you’re curious about during your cruise stopover!
