Port Review: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s longstanding, major cruise hubs, with something to offer everyone - including some of the world’s best duty free. 

Overview 

St. Thomas is one of the US Virgin Islands and an unincorporated territory of the United States. Almost every eastern Caribbean cruise will stop there, and at times as many as six ships can be in port at once. Although it’s regarded today as an idyllic holiday island, St. Thomas has a quite torrid history at the centre of pirate culture, famous for swashbuckling characters such as Blackbeard. In 2017 the island suffered damage due to storms, but it’s back in business today; power has been restored, beaches and attractions have reopened, restaurants are serving up extraordinary dishes, and the USVI spirit is as warm and inviting as ever.  

The Facts

Location: The eastern Caribbean. 

Language: English.

Currency: US dollar.

Docking/Anchoring: Ships dock at Havensight Pier or Crown Bay, both of which are a five-to-10-minute drive to Charlotte Amalie. If there are many ships visiting St. Thomas at once, some will anchor in the harbour and use tender boats to drop guests into the heart of town.

Transport: There are taxis where both ships dock, but a more common way to get to Charlotte Amalie is by public van or safari truck, or you can rent a car at the cruise terminal. Walking is also an option if it’s not too hot - takes about 20 minutes.

Don’t Miss

Shopping might not be the key reason why you take a cruise, but on St. Thomas it is second to none - some call it the shopping bazaar of the Caribbean. Hundreds of shops line the centre of Charlotte Amalie, and there are around 50 or so right at the cruise terminal at Havensight. 

Historic Charlotte Amalie can be easily explored on foot, with must-see sights including Fort Christian, which is located on the waterfront and dates back to the seventeenth-century, Haagensen House, an 1820s townhouse which is also a museum, and Blackbeard’s Castle.

The 99 Steps starts next to Hotel 1829, and takes you up to one of the downtown area’s finest neighbourhoods, featuring lovely nineteenth century homes and architecture.

Coral World Marine Park is a must if you’re travelling with kids, and a great place to get up-close-and-personal with all manner of critters. It’s located at Coki Beach with highlights including an underwater observatory, providing a way to see fish without getting wet.

Adrenaline-pumping sports include zip lining on St. Peter Mountain, also fly boarding and jet-packing on the water are on offer for the more adventurous. For a leisurely round of golf in a gorgeous setting, tee off at Mahogany Run Golf Course. 

St. Thomas is packed with beaches, but pick of the best includes Magen’s Bay, which is a 20-minute taxi ride from Charlotte Amalie, while Coki is best for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Best Photo Op

Take a ride on the Paradise Point Tramway for a spectacular view of St. Thomas Harbor, or go to Mountain Top, the highest point on the island, for views of Magens Bay, and one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.

Shopping

Options abound at the Havensight cruise terminal, or you can head for the slew of shops on Veterans Drive and Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, with the best bargains to be found on precious gemstones, fine jewellery and watches. You will also have access to electrical goods, cameras, and plenty of designer clothing, along with alcohol (check your ship’s policy about bringing some duty free back on board before you buy) and perfume. Yacht Haven Grande Marina is another spot for upmarket shopping and dining, featuring designers such as Gucci and Coach, but the prices aren’t duty free.

Food and Drink

Charlotte Amalie is packed with places to eat from casual cafés to fine dining, but if you’re looking for something a bit different head to the Frenchtown, an eclectic neighbourhood settled in the eighteenth-century by French Hugenots. A popular food to try, which also makes a great souvenir, are rum cakes or rum balls made with local Cruzan rum.   

Pick of the Excursions

If your ship is docked at Crown Bay you can easily take a ferry across to Water Island. The journey only takes about 10 minutes, and Honeymoon beach is a quiet haven away from the crowds a short walk from the dock.

Take a taxi to Red Hook Ferry dock and make the 20-minute crossing to St. John - they depart every hour. At the other end taxis are available to drop you at a local beach or take you on an island tour.