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Havensight Harbor in St Thomas (USVI) Cruise Port Guide and Review (2023)

Practical guide to the Havensight Dock for cruises to St Thomas: what's in the cruise terminal, all services and amenities, tourist info, duty-free shops, taxi fares, car rental, and more.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: June 1, 2023

The Havensight Dock is the closest docking spot to Charlotte Amalie and within walking distance to the main town of St Thomas. The Havensight Terminal is a vast open-air mall with all services and amenities cruisers may need, and a large area with duty-free shops.

Close to the long pier of the Havensight Dock, cruise passengers will find two exciting highlights of St Thomas: the Butterfly Farm (temporarily closed) and the famous Skyride to Paradise Point with stunning views of St Thomas.

Panoramic View of the Havensight Harbor

Photo © IQCruising.com

Docking, Piers and Shopping Mall

There are three docking spots in the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock on its 3/4 of a mile (1 km) long pier. Next to each docking spot, there is an exit gate to a large area - the Havensight Mall - where cruise ship passengers will find almost all amenities.

Cruise Tip: cruisers must have both the ship card and one photo ID to re-enter the pier.

Havensight Pier - St. Thomas

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.

Havensight Mall Entrance

As you walk out of any of the four exit gates there will be taxis offering transportation to all main attractions, beaches, a simple ride to Charlotte Amalie or even a sightseeing tour of the Island. Taxis are the best way to travel around in St Thomas. More about taxis below .

Tourist Information

Close to both Gate 1 and Gate 2 there is a large and excellent Tourist Information office where you can pick up maps, brochures, printed guides to St Thomas and the US Virgin Islands. This is the ideal place to go if you wish to explore the Island on your own or discover hidden gems of St Thomas.

Tourist Information in Havensight

Shopping in Havensight

St Thomas is famous for being a shopper's paradise. And in the Havensight Mall, the cruise passenger will find a number of one-story buildings with some of the major shops in St Thomas like Diamonds International, Colombian Emeralds, or Boolchand's amongst other well-known shops in the Caribbean.

Most cruise travelers interested in duty-free jewelry, watches, and electronics do travel to Charlotte Amalie where the top shops are located. But the shops in Havensight shouldn't be missed. To learn more about these shops read our shopping guide to the Havensight Mall.

Close by, the Yacht Haven Marina use to have the best and high-end shops in St Thomas, like Bulgari, Coach, Gucci or Salvatore Ferragamo. Sadly, all these shops have closed after the Hurricane Season in 2017.

Convenience Stores in Havensight

If all you are looking for is liquor, spirits, fragrances, tobacco, gifts or souvenirs the cruise ship passenger doesn't really need to go all the way to Charlotte Amalie for a shopping spree. There are many shops carrying this type of merchandise in the Havensight Mall. In reality, it is easier to find these type of convenience stores in the Havensight Mall than in Charlotte Amalie.

Amenities, Services and Restaurants

As mentioned before, the Havensight Dock is very well serviced. Keep in mind that St Thomas legal tender is the US Dollar and that if you need cash there are Banks with ATMs.

Bank with ATM in Havensight

The Post Office (USPS) is very close to the piers and there are a few quite nice restaurants. Senor Frogs and the Delly Deck are within the Mall, and just outside you will find Mojos, Hooters, the Barefoot Buddha and the Shipwreck Tavern.

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.

Avis in Havensight

How to get Charlotte Amalie: on foot or by taxi

Charlotte Amalie is only 1 mile away from the Havensight Dock and can be an easy walk. The most pleasant way to walk downtown is through the Yacht Haven Marina. The marina used to be an upscale shopping and dining area designed for the exclusive clientele of the luxurious yachts visiting St Thomas.

The Yacht Haven Marina was severely hit during the 2017 Hurricane Season. All the high-end shops have closed, but the restaurants are back (some have changed hands), and the grounds are back into their former glory. Walking through the Yacht Haven Marina is still the most pleasant to get to Charlotte Amalie.

Taxi Fares from Havensight Dock

Taxi fares are clearly displayed and are official so you don't really need to worry about getting a good deal and it isn't worth to haggle.

Taxi Dispatch in Havensight

Cruise Tip: as the taxi lines close to the gates can get very full, if you walk to the exit of the mall you may find better service in that Taxi Dispatching area. Taxis in St Thomas are shared and you will need to wait for other cruise companions but it usually doesn't take longer than a few minutes.

Taxi Fares from Havensight Dock *

* Fares are person sharing a Taxi. Taxi fares may have been updated since our visit in May 2022. Prices from Crown Bay and Charlotte Amalie are very similar.

Attractions close to the Havensight dock

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.

Paradise Point

The Skyride to Paradise Point is outside the Havensight Mall. Turn left, once outside the exit in the direction of Charlotte Amalie. 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.

Closed Attractions within Walking Distance

The Butterfly Farm is on the grounds of the Havensight Mall, on the right end of the pier, behind Senor Frogs . Both were devastated during the 2017 Hurricane season .

Butterfly Farm in Havensight

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. And it doesn't look like it will be opening any time soon.

Havensight Service and Amenities

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursion of St. Thomas. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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15 Best Things To Do In St Thomas Cruise Port + Port Guide

Welcome to St Thomas cruise port!

Nestled in the northeast Caribbean Sea and home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, prime snorkeling spots, and duty-free paradise, the island of St Thomas is the most popular U.S. Virgin Islands cruise port and a frequent stop in the Caribbean cruise itineraries. In this article, I share with you:

• St Thomas cruise port (St Thomas cruise terminal, getting around the port)
• 15 best things to do in the port of St Thomas and best St Thomas shore excursions

Visit also our cruise guides to  Grand Cayman ,  Labadee , St Maarten , St Kitts , St Lucia , Barbados

St Thomas Cruise Port

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.

1. Havensight Cruise Terminal

Havensight cruise terminal is the primary port and it is the closest to the city center, approximately 2 km/1.2 miles, or a 20-25 minute walking distance. It has 3 berths and a pier is around 1 km/0.6 miles long.

Right by the exit of the port, you will find Havensight Mall, a large area filled with duty-free shops, souvenir and jewelry stores, a tourist information center (make sure you pick up maps, brochures, and guides to St Thomas), tour operator booths, ATMs (the currency is US dollar), and a variety of other amenities.

1.1. Getting Around Havensight Cruise Terminal 

• The port area is flat and suitable for people with walking difficulties/wheelchair users.
• Havensight Mall consists of dozens of shops housed in one-story buildings and some of the brands you’ll find are Diamonds International, Colombian Emeralds, Little Switzerland, Pandora, Effy, Boolchand’s (electronics), Harley Davidson, and numerous clothing and souvenir stores. There are also a variety of bars and restaurants offering international and Caribbean cuisine, such as Cravin’ Crabs, Wendy’s, The Smoking Rooster, Barefoot Buddha, Beni Iguana’s Sushi Bar & Restaurant, China King, Subway, Dog House Pub, Pizza Amore, Great Wall (Chinese restaurant), and many others.
• The bus parking and a large taxi rank are available right outside the cruise terminal gates. This is where you normally meet your tour guides for your shore excursions (however, make sure you double-check your meeting time and location indicated on your tour ticket).
• Upon exiting the ship, in the northern part of the Havensight dock, you will spot Yacht Haven Grande , a beautiful marina filled with luxury yachts and recreational boats. This is where you will find some high-end stores including the renowned Louis Vuitton. Here, you will also find several upscale cocktail bars and restaurants, as well as tour operator booths offering tours and car rentals. Yacht Haven Grande is located only a 10-15 minute walk from Havensight cruise terminal.
• To get to Charlotte Amalie downtown , you can take an easy 20-25-minute walk through the Yacht Haven Grande Marina, passing by Bluebeard’s Castle, one of the historic landmarks of the city. The alternative is to take a taxi that you can easily find at a designated taxi station right by the exit gates of the port.
• The majority of taxis in St Thomas are open-air taxis and shared (minivan style), so prices are per person. Rates are regulated so there is no chance to bargain. From the Havensight pier to Charlotte Amalie downtown, a taxi rate is approximately $5 per person each way. There are also wheelchair-accessible taxis in St. Thomas, however, they are very limited.
• As for public transport , it is available but not very reliable, so it’s not recommended to use it especially due to the limited time in port.
• Some of the attractions near the Havensight cruise terminal are Skyride to Paradise Point (the view in the picture above), and Pirates Treasure Museum .

IMPORTANT INFO : Cruise ship passengers in St. Thomas are required to have both the ship card and a valid photo ID to re-enter the pier. There might be delays in getting off the ship/tour departures as St Thomas is a U.S. cruise port, and the immigration process takes place upon coming to the port.

2. Crown Bay Marina Cruise Terminal

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. Crown Bay Pier consists of 2 berths and offers a variety of amenities.

Right by the exit of the security gates, there is a Crown Bay Center shopping mall where you can find a tourist information desk, ATMs, restrooms, duty-free shops, souvenir stores, tour operator booths, bars, restaurants, and free wi-fi (close to the bank).

Some of the brands that you will find include Diamonds International, Cariloha, Del Sol, Effy, Cardow, Little Switzerland, Milano Diamond Gallery, Royal Caribbean Shop, and a few others. The shore excursion meeting place is usually here, in front of the terminal gates, however, always double-check the information on your tour ticket.

To get to Charlotte Amalie downtown , you can walk which I wouldn’t recommend, as it’s too long and not very scenic (30-40 minutes walking distance). The best way to get into the town is by taxi . A taxi rank is outside the pier, the rates are displayed and taxis are shared; it costs around $5 per person one way to go to the city center.

There are no attractions close to the Crown Bay cruise terminal, however, you can take a taxi to some of the nearby beaches. The most popular and beautiful ones are Lindberg Bay Beach (a 20-minute walk, or less than a 5-minute drive), and Brewers Bay Beach (a 5-minute drive or 40-minute walk).

Getting Around St Thomas Port – Useful Info

• The official currency in St. Thomas is the U.S. dollar (USD), as the island is a U.S. territory. Credit cards are accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants. ATMs and banks are available in town.
• St Thomas is a duty-free shopping paradise. You’ll find hundreds of duty-free shops in Charlotte Amalie and Havensight cruise terminal.
• The peak tourist season in Saint Thomas lasts from December to April, so you may expect crowds during this period. The weather in St Thomas is warm all year round, with breezy nights and very little rainfall during the high season. The rainiest months are August, September, October and November, and this is when tropical storms/hurricanes may occur.
• Cyril E. King Airport is St Thomas’ International Airport and is located 7 km/4.5 miles (a 15-minute drive) west of Havensight Cruise Pier and less than 2.5 km/1.5 miles (a 5-minute drive) west of Crown Bay Marina.
• Major cruise lines sailing to Charlotte Amalie St Thomas include Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises . Check out the St Thomas cruise ship schedule
• Explore St Thomas tours and activities
• Search for the best Caribbean cruise deals

15 Best Things to Do in St Thomas Cruise Port

1. historic charlotte amalie.

Start your day learning about the history of the largest capital city in the United States Virgin Islands. Founded in 1666 as Thapus, the city was renamed in 1691 as Charlotte Amalie in honor of the Danish Queen. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys and admire the beautiful Danish colonial architecture.

The main city attractions are located within a short walking distance, so you can visit the majority of them in a few hours. Below is the list of Charlotte Amalie’s highlights:

• St Thomas Synagogue – The second oldest synagogue operating in the Western Hemisphere, offering guided tours and known for its floor covered by sand.
• Fort Christian – A remarkable Dano-Norwegian fortification originally dating from the 1600s. Built for defense purposes, it is the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands and overlooks the harbor.
• Blackbeard’s Castle and 99 steps – The 17th-century Blackbeard’s Castle is a circular hilltop watchtower located in the heart of the city’s historic district. The castle features a 14-foot-tall Blackbeard statue and its lookout point offers stunning views of the capital and its bay. The easiest way to get to the castle is to take a taxi downtown and then walk around 5 minutes to get to the bottom of the 99 steps , a long, brick staircase surrounded by lush nature and colorful flowers. The staircase will lead you to the castle.
• Emancipation Garden – A beautiful park and a small plaza with a pavilion, built to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park – At a stone’s throw from Emancipation Garden, this memorial park is a shaded relaxing area featuring a playground for kids, an ideal place for families and those in search of a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
• Three Queens Statue – Built in 2005, the beautiful statue was erected to commemorate the three ladies who led the Fireburn Revolt against the Danish Government to improve the working and living conditions of plantation workers after slavery was abolished.

Check out Charlotte Amalie tours and activities

2. Magens Bay Beach

St Thomas has over 40 beaches boasting gorgeous white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by abundant vegetation and known for its sugar-white powdery sands and calm waters, a mile-long Magens Bay is a true tropical gem ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Magens Bay is located in the north of St Thomas, approximately 6 km/3.7 miles from Charlotte Amalie and the cruise ports. This stunning beach is suitable for people of all ages (very family-friendly) and features facilities such as a bar restaurant, sunbeds/umbrella rentals, as well as rentals of snorkel gear, kayaks, floats, paddleboats, and other equipment.

Magens Bay is an ideal beach for swimming and is most recommended when traveling with kids because of its calm waters. Snorkeling is also possible, however, the marine life right there is not the best due to the beach’s sandy bottom.

If you seek awe-inspiring sceneries, go for an uphill hike to enjoy some great scenic views of the bay, and on your way back, check out the Mountain Top, an observation deck offering spectacular views of the Magens Bay. A taxi ride takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Check out Magens Bay tours and activities

3. Mountain Top

Visit the highest point in St Thomas to get breathtaking views of Magens Bay and neighboring islands while sipping their world-famous Banana Daiquiri. Rising 1,500 ft above sea level, Mountain Top offers not only spectacular views but also features a large duty-free shop where you can find authentic souvenirs, spirits, clothing, and much more!

There is also a bar so you can enjoy cocktails and the renowned liquor while taking in the best view in St Thomas! Many tours include a stop at Mountain Top, but if you decide to come on your own, a taxi is the best option.

Explore Mountain Top tours and activities

4. Coral World Ocean Park

One of the best family-friendly places in St Thomas, this incredible park offers marine interactive experiences, a nature trail, an Aquarium, an underwater observatory, and a glass-enclosed coral reef tank. Get up close with sea lions, turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even sharks!

The admission fee to the park includes a souvenir map, access to the undersea observatory tower, and unlimited access to the park and beach. Other water activities and animal encounters are also available for an extra fee. Due to the popularity of the site, it is recommended to make your reservations in advance.

The Coral World Ocean Park is located approximately 10 km/6.5 miles or a 25-minute drive from both St Thomas cruise terminals.

Explore Coral World Ocean Park tours and activities

5. St John Island

If you are familiar with St. Thomas, I suggest taking a scenic ferry ride over to St. John, the smallest of the three Virgin Islands located four miles east of St. Thomas. The island boasts incredible nature and a large part of it is covered by a nature reserve.

St John is known as a great snorkeling and diving spot and has breathtaking beaches, among which Trunk Bay and Honeymoon Beach are the most popular ones.

You can take an open-air taxi and tour around the Virgin Islands National Park’s coastal swamplands and sugar plantation ruins, or relax and snorkel at one of the beautiful beaches.

The capital Cruz Bay offers visitors a wide range of restaurants, bars, and locally handmade items, so you can take a break at one of the charming cafes overlooking the picturesque harbour.

The only way to get to St John’s is to take a taxi from St Thomas to Red Hook Ferry Station , located around 12 km/7.5 miles from Charlotte Amalie. The taxi ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Ferry rides over Cruz Bay take 20 minutes.

Explore St John Island tours and activities

6. Snorkel at Trunk Bay (St John)

Nestled in the north of St John, Trunk Bay Beach is the most popular beach listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Trunk Bay and its beach are known for incredible hiking and snorkeling opportunities as two-thirds of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park.

Those who seek peace and silence of nature can relax, swim or sunbathe at the beach, but those in search of an active holiday are welcome to discover tropical fish and colorful corals on the Underwater Snorkeling Trail , offering ideal snorkeling for first-timers, kids, and adults!

This 225-yard-long trail lies just 30 yards off the beach and allows visitors to enjoy an up-close encounter with St John’s vibrant marine life featuring corals, parrotfish, yellowtails, and turtles. Underwater signs give you an insight into the abundant sea life, which makes the whole experience unique and educational.

There is a small entrance fee to Trunk Bay. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear are available for rental, and other amenities include showers, restrooms, and places to buy food and drinks.

Explore Trunk Bay tours and activities

7. Honeymoon Beach

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.

The beach boasts powdery sands and crystal clear turquoise waters and offers great snorkeling with sea turtles and other incredible marine life.

To get to the beach on your own, you need to take a golf cart for a small cost. Many tours include Honeymoon Beach, and the best way to reach it is by boat as you get to take in the stunning views of St John’s coastline.

The umbrellas and chairs are available for rental, as well as food and drinks that you can purchase on the beach. The prices are not the cheapest ones, but the place itself is beautiful and well worth the trip.

If you seek a more secluded beach, Solomon Beach located next to Honeymoon Beach might be just a perfect pick for you! It is accessible via hiking trails, has no amenities, and offers amazing swimming and snorkeling.

Explore Honeymoon Beach tours and activities

8. Boss Underwater Adventure

This is the perfect opportunity to discover St. Thomas’s underwater world from a different perspective. This unique underwater scooter is custom-built with an oversized helmet that allows you to breathe normally while enjoying great views of tropical reefs and colorful fish. There is no previous diving experience required for this underwater exploration.

9. Buck Island

Embark on a sailing adventure to Buck Island, the National Wildlife Refuge located only 2 miles south of St Thomas. This little island is known for its rugged coastline, colorful coral reefs, and an old, hilltop lighthouse offering breathtaking ocean views.

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.

Another popular snorkeling and scuba diving location is a wartime-era shipwreck, lying at a depth of around 40 ft (12 meters). Buck Island is a blast and easily accessible by catamaran, speedboat, or sailboat on a guided tour.

Note : There are two Buck Islands; the little one I mentioned lies a couple of miles south of St Thomas, whereas the other Buck Island is a protected area and part of the Reef National Monument, located 1.5 miles north of St Croix Island (U.S. Virgin Islands).

Explore Buck Island tours and activities

10.  Sapphire Beach

This beautiful beach is located on the east end of St. Thomas, around 11 km/6.5 miles from the city, and is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and water activities (jet skis, kayaks, parasailing). Beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment are available for rental, and you can also purchase food and drinks at a small open-air grill nearby. Sapphire Beach Resort , Condos, and Marina are also within walking distance from the beach.

Check out Sapphire Beach tours and activities

11. Cas Cay Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve

Tucked in the southwest of St Thomas, approximately a 20-minute drive from St Thomas cruise port, this beautiful mangrove lagoon is a protected area spread across a multitude of tiny islands fringed with red mangroves covering an area of 680 acres.

The lagoon is home to rare birds and fish species, mangrove forests, and a Marine Sanctuary that you can explore accompanied by a tour guide in kayaks, or by snorkeling and hiking. One of the points of interest is Red Point Blow Hole , an impressive geyser-like formation where you get to witness the wild side of nature!

Explore Cas Cay Mangrove Lagoon tours and activities

12. Secret Harbor Beach

This beautiful Eco Park Beach is tucked in Nazareth Bay located on the east end of St Thomas, around a 30-minute drive from the terminals. Home to the Secret Harbor Beach Resort , this beach is popular for its light pink sand and calm waters and is a great choice for families with small children and couples.

You can swim, relax, snorkel, or walk along the rustic lagoon and admire the ecological preservation of marine life and birds. There is natural shade but umbrellas, chairs, and other amenities are available for rental. It has a nice waterfront beach bar and restaurant.

Check out Secret Harbour Beach tours and activities

13. Lindberg Bay Beach

Located a stone’s throw from Charlotte Amalie, this is the closest beach if your ship docks at Crown Bay Marina cruise terminal. 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.

Lindbergh Beach can be accessed by a short taxi ride from the port or about a 20-minute walk from Crown Bay Marina. I’ve been to this beach a couple of times and I absolutely loved it!

14. Skyride to Paradise Point

If you are looking for unforgettable views and sceneries, hop aboard a tram that will take you to Paradise Point, rising 700 ft above the town of Charlotte Amalie. The trams can accommodate 8-12 people each, and the ride takes 5 minutes one-way.

Once you arrive at the top, you can enjoy Paradise Point amenities including a bar restaurant, shopping deck, sun deck, patio, harbor terrace, and free wi-fi! The base station is located a few minutes’ walk from Havensight cruise port, near Havensight Mall.

15. Enjoy Duty-Free Shopping

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.

Wrapping Up

The most popular island in U.S. Virgin Islands, St Thomas has a lot to offer and it’s recommended to plan your day ahead to get the most out of this beautiful port of call.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Aruba , Curacao , Bonaire , Falmouth , Cozumel , Costa Maya , Grand Cayman , Perfect Day at CocoCay

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

St. Thomas cruise port

St. Thomas – US Virgin islands

A great port of call on any Caribbean cruise would be St. Thomas on the US Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands are a tropical paradise, located in the Caribbean Sea. With its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, it’s no wonder why the US Virgin Islands are a popular destination for tourists from around the world. 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.

The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. These islands are composed of three main islands: Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas. Each island has its own unique culture and landscape, offering visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. From beautiful beaches to historic sites, there is something for everyone on the US Virgin Islands.

St Thomas is one of the three main islands. This Caribbean paradise is known for its stunning natural beauty, warm climate, and relaxed atmosphere. From pristine beaches to vibrant culture, St Thomas offers something for everyone. 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.

Saint Thomas cruise port guide

St. Thomas offers two docking locations for cruise ships. Both cruise terminals are at the west and east part of the town Charlotte Amalie. Expect the center to be about a 10 to 15 minute walk.

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. How to know where your cruise ship is are going to dock? If you are on a cruise with Royal Caribbean or with a sister company then expect to dock at the Crown Bay cruise dock. If you are with another cruise line then expect to dock at the Havensight cruise terminal. Both have great facilities and will make sure you have all you need to have a good time ashore.

Havensight cruise terminal

Usually cruise ships dock at the Havensight cruise terminal also known as WICO cruise ship dock. See the description of the Crown bay cruise dock to see why you would be docking here. Havensight cruise terminal is a lovely cruise dock located right by a large shopping area, the cable car and a 10 minute walk from the city center of St. Thomas. However you can also grab a taxi to the city center for just 6 us dollar per person.

The port provides some entertaining facilities and a representative of the tourist information in the first couple of hours after the ship docks.

At the cruise dock you will find taxi’s and car rentals nearby.

Taxi prices at Havensight cruise terminal

Taxi’s can be found at the cruise dock. The taxi’s are either larger 15 passenger seat trolleys or taxi vans.

Usually a representative of the taxi union will be at the cruise dock asking guests politely if they are interested in a taxi and if so he/she will tell you the price and point you towards the taxi.

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.

Expect that an island tour per taxi will cost about $75 per person / 2-more $38 ea.

Prices as there are displayed are as follows:

From – to: – Havensight cruise terminal to Airport / emerald beach = $11 for 1 person – $9 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Bologo Beach = $15 for 1 person – $12 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Coki beach / Coral world = $18 for 1 person – $14 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Crown Bay Marina = $10 for 1 person – $6 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Downtown Charlotte Amalie = $6 for 1 person – $6 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Magens Bay Beach = $15 for 1 person – $12 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Mahogany Run Golf Course = $15 for 1 person – $12 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Morning star beach = $10 for 1 person – $8 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Mountain top = $17 for 1 person – $12 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Red Hook ferry dock (to catch the ferry to St. John) = $20 for 1 person – $15 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Sapphire Beach = $21 for 1 person – $15 for 2 people or more – Havensight cruise terminal to Secret Harbor Beach = $23 for 1 person – $15 for 2 people or more

The prices above are one way prices, from Havensight cruise dock to destination. Make sure to agree on a time and price to get back to the ship. Higher fares might apply if this is a single fare.

You can always ask to see the official tariff sheet when in doubt. Taxi fares are subject to change.

Crown bay cruise dock

Royal Caribbean has a cooperation with this specific cruise dock. Therefore if you sail with Royal Caribbean of their sister company you will most likely dock at this terminal. However this is just a rule of thumb. The cruise line will be able to tell your exact docking location.

The crown bay cruise dock is located near a lovely yacht area full of restaurants and shops. From here it is about a 15 to 20 minute walk to the city center of Charlotte Amalie. You can also grab a taxi for 9 dollar per person.

Taxi prices at Crown bay cruise dock

Taxi’s can be found near the cruise dock. Find a representative of the taxi union to agree on a price and get you on a taxi to your destination of the day.

Here are the taxi prices as they have been printed by the local tourist information of St. Thomas.

– Crown bay cruise dock to Downtown Charlotte Amalie = $6 for 1 person – $6 for 2 people or more – Crown bay cruise dock to Magens beach = $15 per person – Crown bay cruise dock to Havensight = $9 per person – Crown bay cruise dock to Coral world = $15 per person – Crown bay cruise dock to Emerald beach = $6 per person – Crown bay cruise dock to Red Hook (to catch the ferry to St. John) = $17 per person

Taxi prices are based on one way fares. Taxi prices are subject to change.

Since the island of St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands it will be no surprise that the official currency is the US dollar. Creditcards are widely accepted at most shops and attractions.

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.

Things to see and do in St. Thomas

Coral world ocean park

Get up close with the Caribbean marine life

Mountain Top

Take the cable car up to enjoy great views over the southern part of the island. Do some shopping or have a nice lunch while enjoying one of the best views of the island. If your ship is docked at Havensight cruise dock than you’ll only be a 10 minute walk away from the cable car starting point.

St. Thomas offers a great shopping experience. There is an abundance of shopping opportunities available in the close proximity of both cruise docks. Find a wide variety of shopping from jewelry, clothing, shoe, crafts shops and pharmacy’s close to either cruise docks.

The Havensight cruise dock is located in front of the Havensight open air mall. Crown Bay cruise dock is located at the Crown Bay center.

You can also chose to travel a little bit further afield to other major shopping area’s like Downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook.

St. Thomas offers great beaches to visit for the day. These are however not within walking distance. You will need transportation to get to them.

On the south side of the island you will find these two beaches close to where the airport of St. Thomas is located: Brewer’s Bay beach Emerald reach Resort

On the north coast of the island you will find St. Thomas’ most famous beaches: – Magens beach – The most famous beach of the island is Magens beach. It is a 1 mile long beach is a public park with picnic tables. – Coki point beach – Known for white sandy beaches, snorkelling and diving. All facilities including dive shop, vendors, restaurants and beach chair rental are available. – Lindquist beach – Also known as Smith Bay Park. This is one of St. Thomas’ most pristine beaches. It is owned and maintained by the government and offers some basic facilities. – Sapphire beach – Known for sapphire blue waters, great for snorkelling and windsurfing.

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During particularly busy times (i.e. January through March), your ship will dock at Havensight also called West India Company Dock, the primary dock for cruise ships, or Crown Bay , which opened a new port facility in early 2007. 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.

Havensight: Right at the dock at Havensight is, in essence, a mini-downtown. There are more than 50 shops, many of which are outposts of Charlotte Amalie's better-known boutiques. The dock is 15 to 20 minutes walk from town. Plenty of taxis available.

Also within the expansive Havensight shopping area is Dockside Books, the island's only bookstore; Gourmet Gallery, with a terrific selection of wine and Caribbean beer; a post office;

Across the main drag running outside Havensight's facility are convenience stores, coffee shops and Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers. New -- and within walking distance from the Havensight pier -- is the Yacht Haven Grande Marina; when you exit your ship, turn left and follow the dock around the harbor. It's the first genuinely upscale shopping and dining area to open in St. Thomas in years.

Beyond the immediate facility, the best bargains on duty-free liquor can be found at K-Mart.

Crown Bay: It is quite difficult to (40 min) walk from Crown Bay to downtown. However, taxis can usually be found waiting in a designated area. Taxis are shared, about $5 par person.

Printable map to take along.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Cruise calendar for this port and which dock will be used.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Havensight and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Crown Bay and Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Saint Thomas US Virgin Islands

Sightseeing:

Many visitors explore Charlotte Amalie to shop rather than to look at history. The proximity of the historic buildings to the stores however, makes it easy to enjoy both. To really embrace the historical sights you must look beyond the shops, vendors and people. Try to picture the past; complete with forts, plantations, warehouses and pirates, among the many other images of St. Thomas ' History. Exploring Charlotte Amalie is a rewarding experience and easily done on foot (wear comfortable shoes).

Take a ride on The Skyride to Paradise Point and enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Harbor. Then travel to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas, and see spectacular views of Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Check out Coral World Marine Park , where you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon off the Coastal Trail.

Sit back and enjoy a relaxing half-day sail to Buck Island aboard a large sailing yacht, then snorkel in Turtle Cove.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Getting around any of the Virgin Islands is fairly easy. All of the islands have bus service and/or a regulated taxi service. You can "bargain" for most things on the islands, but the taxi and bus rates are regulated. Taxi rates are charged per person one way and are expensive.

Use the safari dollar buses. Wait for one at a bus stop. Pay the driver when you exit $1 for short distances and $2 for longer distances.

Nearby Places:

If you want a real treat for a beach then walk over to Crown Bay Marina right beside the cruise ship dock and take the ferry over to Water Island. This is a short ferry ride five to ten minutes. Honeymoon beach is a short walk from the ferry dock on Water Island. It rivals any beach on the islands and won't be crowed or over run with other cruisers.

St. John: To get there, regardless of where you dock, hop in a taxi and head to the Red Hook Ferry dock. The ferry to Cruz Bay St. John leaves every hour on the hour. If you make the 9:00 AM ferry, you'll beat the crowds and have more time on the island. It's only about a 25-30 minute ferry ride. When you get off the ferry there are bunches of taxis waiting to take you to the beach or on an island tour or both. It's about $8 per person from the dock to Trunk Bay with a couple of wonderful scenic overlooks on the way.

Heading back, it is recommended you take a ferry that leaves Cruz Bay no later than 3 hours prior to your ships departure. There are always plenty of cabs at Red Hook waiting to take passengers back to ships, too.

Magens Bay features a well-protected white sand beach stretching for nearly three quarters of a mile. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, as well as a gathering place for locals.

Shopping and Food

St. Thomas is the bargain-shopping bazaar of the Caribbean. There are over 400 shops along the Main Street area in Charlotte Amalie and some 50 more in Havensight Mall. Great bargains are found on precious gemstones, and on fine jewelry and watches. Cameras, electronic goods, and designer clothing are also available, as are a selection of island rums and liquors, with great bargains on your favorite spirits.

Custom allows $1200 worth of goods per person duty-free. And there's no sales tax!

Communication:

English is the official language but you may also find Spanish being spoken.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1700. When cruise ships are in port, some larger shops open on Sunday.

1 Jan New Year's Day. 6 Jan Three Kings' Day.  Jan Martin Luther King Day.  Feb Presidents' Day. Holy Thursday.  Good Friday.  Easter Monday.  May Memorial Day. 3 Jul Emancipation Day. 4 Jul Independence Day. Jul Hurricane Supplication Day. Sep Labor Day. Oct Columbus Day. Oct Virgin Islands Thanksgiving Day. 1 Nov D Hamilton Jackson Day/Liberty Day. 11 Nov Veterans' Day. Nov US Thanksgiving Day. 25 Dec Christmas Day.

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23 Best Things to Do in St Thomas on a Cruise

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What to Do in St. Thomas While on a Cruise

If you’re going on a Caribbean Cruise, and visiting beautiful St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., you’re in luck! St. Thomas is an amazing Caribbean cruise port and a long time favorite of many cruisers!

There are so many fabulous things to do in St. Thomas, from dreamy white sand beaches, interesting sightseeing tours, snorkeling excursions, duty-free shopping opportunities, and more. Perfect for kids and families, as well as adults and couples, St. Thomas has a lot to offer!

One of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is an Eastern Caribbean port of call, as is often included as part of many Southern Caribbean cruises as well. When you arrive by cruise ship, you’ll be docking near the town of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas.

Arrival in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – The Harbor

Have your camera ready as you sail into St. Thomas harbor. The view and landscape is picture perfect! You may even want to head up to the top deck of your cruise ship and take some amazing photos before heading ashore.

Depending on your cruise ship, ou’ll either dock in Havensight or Crown Bay. Havensight is the older and more established cruise port of the two, and it’s a bit easier to maneuver and get around in St. Thomas from here. 

That said, both Havensight and Crown Bay have shopping close by, restaurants and bars, and transportation to the best attractions in St. Thomas.

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).

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.

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.

If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of booking shore excursions with the cruise line versus on your own, I’ll leave a link to a helpful article at the end of this post.

Currency in St. Thomas

Since St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, US dollars are taken. Major credit cards are also accepted widely.

Top Attractions, Activities and Excursions in St. Thomas

If you’re only in St. Thomas for a day, it might be hard to choose what to do. While St. Thomas is known for it’s stunning beaches and snorkeling, you can also find interesting sight-seeing tours full of culture and history, shopping and even some adventurous activities that will keep you busy as well.

Personally, we don’t like to over saturate our port days and get too busy. So we remind ourselves that when we enjoy a cruise port, we’ll make plans to take another cruise and return!

Here’s a list of the very best things to do in St. Thomas while on a cruise

Things to do in charlotte amalie, capital of st. thomas, 1. charlotte amalie.

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 like, you can actually walk into town from Havensight. Although it’s only about a 30 minute walk, the weather in St. Thomas is usually hot and sunny, so a cab or open air shuttle may be more comfortable.

If you enjoy an easy day of visiting on your own, you can create your historic own “walking tour”, do some duty-free shopping, and stop in at a local bar or restaurant to soak in a bit of the St. Thomas island life.

3. Duty-free Shopping

St. Thomas is known for it’s duty free shopping deals, especially for gold jewelry and gemstones and quality tablecloths and linens. You’ll also find lots of items that make great souvenirs.

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.

Downtown Charlotte Amalie National Heritage Sites

In the Historic district of Charlotte Amalie, there are several building and sights history buffs will enjoy.

4. Blackbeard’s Castle

Blackbeard’s Castle, a historic site, is named for the famous pirate Edward Thatch (they called him Blackbeard because of his… you guessed it – black beard. The castle is really a watchtower, which overlooks Charlotte Amalie and boasts breathtaking views.

5. Fort Christian

Built in the late 1600’s, Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure in St. Thomas. While this fort was built by King Christian V to protect Danish settlers on the island of St. Thomas, over time it’s been used as administrative offices, a church and even a prison. It is now a museum, housing artifacts

6. St. Thomas Synagogue

The St. Thomas Synagogue is full of history and a must see for those of all faiths. In the heart of Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find the synagogue located just two block up from Main Street.

Inside the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, you’ll get a brief history of the synagogue, the Jewish history of the island, and the significance of it’s sand floor.

Although guided tours are available, this is an active synagogue and working congregation. 

7. 99 Steps

Another tourist attraction located in Charlotte Amalie, closeby to the synagogue, is 99 Steps. Although 99 Steps is the most famous and most photographed, there are many of these “step” streets which cut through the hills in St. Thomas.

These step streets were originally built from ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the Old World.

Funnily enough, there are actually 103 steps in this historic St. Thomas landmark.

Best Beaches in St. Thomas

St. Thomas’ white sand beaches are gorgeous and each one has a special character. Depending on what you enjoy most, you’ll likely have a preference.

8. Magens Bay Beach

Without a doubt, Magens Bay is the most famous as well as most popular beach in St. Thomas for cruise passengers. For many years, it was on several top ten lists of most beautiful beaches in the world.

Magens Bay Beach is a horseshoe shaped beach with pristine, crystal clear and calm waters. The colors of the blues and turquoise waters set against the lush mountains where it nestles, is picture perfect!

Magens Bay has good facilities. You can rent chairs and loungers, and there’s a nice beach bar and restaurant on site.

It does get crowded, but if you’d like to find a quieter spot to sit, head to either end of the beach and you’ll be fine.

Read more: All You Want to Know About Magens Bay Beach (on your own)

9. Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach is known for it’s stunning sapphire blue waters of course! However, you’ll also get a beautiful view of the neighboring island of St. John.

Sapphire Beach is located on the Eastern end of St. Thomas, and has a lot to offer those who enjoy an active beach day. Not only is the snorkeling pretty good, but there’s also jet skiing, parasailing and other activities available.

10. Coki Beach

Coki beach is another popular beach for cruisers. It’s located on the Northern coast of the island and most enjoyed for it’s snorkeling and diving.

Coki Beach is a bit smaller than Magens Bay, but does also have facilities, and is very pretty.

Coral World Ocean Park is located here, so this can make a great full day to combine a beach and aquarium visit.

11. Lindquist Beach

The quietest of the beaches, Lindquist Beach is known to cruise passengers who prefer to avoid the crowds. Located on the Eastern side of the island, this secluded beach has shallow and calm waters and a breathtaking view of the island of St. John.

While it has basic facilities, such as washrooms and picnic benches, other amenities are limited. You’ll need to bring any food or drinks with you, if you decide to head to Lindquist Beach.

Neighboring Islands of St. Thomas

12. Trunk Bay, St. John

One of the excursions that comes most recommended, is a visit to the neighboring island of St. John. In contrast to bustling St. Thomas, St. John is a much less busy and not commercialized as most of the island is part of the US Virgin Islands National Park.

The most popular beach for cruisers and those who want to snorkel, is Trunk Bay. Perfect for families and kids, this beach has an underwater snorkeling trail that’s accessible from the beach and close to the shoreline.

The island of St John is accessible by ferry and you can go your own, or book an excursion with your cruise line. If you do take the ferry on your own, do make sure to pay close attention to the ferry schedule so that you get back to the cruise ship on time (and avoid being a pier runner/missing the ship )

Recommended: 11 Cruise Shore Excursion Do’s and Don’ts

13. Honeymoon Beach / Water Island

One of the quieter beaches you can enjoy is Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. It’s a small and simple beach, but the water is beautiful and clear. There’s a cute little hot dog and burger restaurant, where you can grab a bite to eat in paradise.

To get to Honeymoon Beach, you can either take a ferry to Water Island, or you can go with a cruise line excursion. During a past cruise we did a snorkeling excursion which included a stop at this beach, and we enjoyed it.

Things to do close to the cruise port in St. Thomas

Closeby to the cruise port are bars and restaurants, as well as duty-free shopping. If you’re looking for free or inexpensive things to do in St. Thomas, there are a few ideas.

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.

14. Skyride to Paradise Point

Just a few minutes walk from the Havensight cruise port, you’ll find the Sky Ride to Paradise Point. Head up 700 feet to the top of the mountain by tram and experience incredible views of St. Thomas and the harbor.

This has been a favorite shore excursion for many cruisers over the years for taking Instaworthy photos of the stunning harbor. Plus, there’s a gift shop, restaurant and bar where you may want to stop for a famous Bailey’s Bushwacker.

You can easily visit in about an hour or two, and still have time for an afternoon excursion if you like.

15. Havensight Mall

The Havensight Mall is made up of over 50 shops and boutiques. 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.

St. Thomas is a bit of a shopper’s paradise; shops include jewelry and gemstones, liqueur and spirits, clothing boutiques and souvenir shops. You can find some bargains (don’t be afraid to haggle a bit).

There’s also a pharmacy in the area, if you need some essentials or over the counter medications you may have forgotten to bring on your cruise .

Noteworthy Shore Excursions in St. Thomas

If you’re in St. Thomas on a cruise, you may want to do an excursion either with your cruise line or with a local tour operator. 

While you can easily head to the beach on your own, some activities and tours require a bit more organization, but the experience might be worth it!

16. Catamaran Snorkeling Excursions

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.

17. Turtle Cove to Buck Island Snorkeling Excursion

If you’ve dreamed of swimming with turtles (me!), consider this St. Thomas snorkeling excursion. We actually booked this one in the past and enjoyed it. 

I will say, we didn’t see as many turtles as we hoped, but we still had a great time and it was a cool experience.

18. Sunset Sail

If your cruise ship is docked until late at night, consider the ultimate romantic excursion, a sunset catamaran sail. 

Cruise Tip: If you’re doing an evening activity, consider booking your shore excursion with the cruise line for peace of mind. The cruise ship won’t wait for you if you’re late and are not with a cruise line sponsored tour.

19. Coral World Ocean Park

Located at Coki Beach, the Coral World Ocean Park is one of St. Thomas’ most popular attractions for families. This aquarium offers many opportunities to interact and learn about a variety of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and sea turtles.

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.

Sightseeing and tours

20. st. thomas island tour.

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.

Adventurous Things to Do in St. Thomas

21. tree limin’ extreme ziplining.

For solo travelers, couples or families that prefer a more adventurous activity while in St. Thomas, the Tree Limin’ Extreme Ziplining is an awesome experience.

This large zipline course soars through St. Thomas’ Caribbean rainforest and offers breathtaking views of the island and it’s famous beaches.

If you enjoy a fun and off the beaten path activity, check out this shore excursion.

22. St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon and Kayak Tour

As busy as Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas beaches can be, there are actually amazing places that are off the beaten path, that are worth a visit. Check out St. Thomas’ Mangrove lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve where you can  for a moderately active kayak tour.

Foodie Experiences in St. Thomas

Along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, there are many local restaurants and bars where cruise travelers can enjoy the day. There are also some food and drink tours that are available.

23. St. Thomas Food and Rum Tour

If you love sightseeing, food and culture, then a food and rum tour is a great way to visit and experience St. Thomas. This tour takes place in the Downtown Charlotte Amalie Historic district, and includes eating Caribbean dishes at local restaurants. 

You’ll also sample and learn to make one of the St. Thomas’ local drinks, the Painkiller.

Here’s a video about how we spent our day in St. Thomas at Magen’s Bay on a recent cruise on Crown Princess

One you visit St. Thomas, you’ll know why it’s a favorite Caribbean cruise port for so many! This gorgeous Caribbean paradise has some of the most beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountain views. In addition, it’s history, wide choice of activities and awesome shopping deals makes St. Thomas a cruise port that you won’t soon forget!

Have you been to St. Thomas or will you be going there on a cruise? If so, what activity or excursion do you recommend? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Havensight Mall: Exploring the Cruise Port

When you’re visiting a new destination off of a cruise ship, your natural first question is “what is the cruise port like?” It is, after all, your first impression of this place that is brand new to you. Whether you are looking for adventure at your port or simply hoping to get off your ship, walk around the port, and get back to the pool and all day buffet, you will of course have questions. Is the cruise port open air? Do I feel like I’m experiencing this destination at all? Is there shopping? Is there transportation and nearby excursions? As a fellow cruiser, a St. Thomas local, and a lover of Havensight Mall , I am perfectly fit and thrilled to be your guide on your virtual welcome tour to the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock !

Havensight St Thomas - Overview

In addition to offering convenience and fun ways to spend your day in port, Havensight is one of the most scenic cruise ports in the Caribbean. From your cruise ship, you will wake up to amazing views of Charlotte Amalie harbor with its bright red roofs against the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. When you exit your ship, you will be welcomed to Havensight, St Thomas by the sounds of island music. A shot of free Cruzan rum awaits at the entrance to the open air Havensight Shopping area. You can stop nearby for a photo op with your ship or in the provided St. Thomas postcard photo spot. From the Havensight Shopping Mall you will have access to tax and duty free shops of all kinds, restaurants, island tours, transportation to St. Thomas excursions, and walking access to nearby attractions.

Havensight Cruise Ship Dock - Location & Transportation

The St Thomas Havensight cruise port is located on the southern side of the island, and there are many local attractions nearby. The Skyride to Paradise Point is located across the street from the entrance to Havensight Mall . The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande, where you will find tax and duty free deals at luxury stores such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, is just a short walk away. If you enjoy a nice long walk and time is of no mind, you can make the scenic stroll (approx. 20 min.) along the waterfront to Downtown Charlotte Amalie to do some shopping, experience the local history, or sample our Caribbean cuisine. Of course if you are like most cruisers, and time is of the essence as you have serious shopping, touring, excursions, or a certain destination in mind, taxi and tour services are available right from Havensight to excursions and  St Thomas Beaches Near Cruise Terminal '> St Thomas Beaches Near Cruise Terminal . With convenient pick up at the Havensight Pier, St Thomas is your oyster to explore! Since the island is only 32 square miles, you can go just about anywhere, even on a cruise ship schedule!

Havensight Mall Stores

Havensight mall directory, shop building i                  .

• Dynasty/ Dazzlers                           
• Diamonds Forever
• Captain’s Corner
• Penha Duty Free
• Bliss Jewelers
• Tic Toc & Rock
• Miner’s Gems
• Milano Diamond Gallery
• Turkish Grand Bazaar
• Treasures Forever
• American Paradise Gift Shop
• Ram’s Jewelers

Shop Building II

• Little Switzerland
• Casa Blanca
• Mayfair Jewelry & Gifts
• Jewels A H Riise
• Diamonds International
• Omni Jewelers
• Jewels & Diamonds
• Celebrity Jewelers
• Iguana Jacks

Shop Building III

• Dockside Bar
• Caribbean Gems
• Shoppers Haven
• Fascination Jewelers Inc.
• Miners Gems
• Blanc Du Nil
• Caribbean Surf Co.
• Music Shoppe II
• Great Wall Restaurant

Shop Building IV

• The Medicine Shoppe

Shop Building V

• Southern Exposure
• Body Glove Surf Shop
• Milan Jewels
• Carnival Bazar

Shop Building VI

• The Smoking Rooster
• Tammi Pearl Spa
• The Draughting Shaft
• Gourmet Gallery

Shop Building VII

• Sunglass Hut
• Island in the Sun
• Post OFfice
• Jewel House
• Local Color
• The Tap & Still
• Nova Scotia Bank

Havensight Mall Hours

Luckily for cruisers, the Havensight Mall St. Thomas Hours are really based on cruise ship schedules, and in fact many stores won’t open at all if no ships are in. Most stores will run on about a 9 to 5 schedule, but you can pretty much be sure that while your ship is still in port, they won’t close up if you are shopping. Of course dinner spots and bars are open late for locals and long term visitors. If you happen to be on a ship that is in extra late (after 6pm), Havensight Mall Hours will extend in a way for the late shoppers; some shops will start to close around the 5 or 6pm mark, but as long as people are out browsing, many shops will stay open late with the cruisers. If you are on a late ship schedule, I recommend checking with the shop clerks if you plan to come back later to browse to make sure they will be open for you.

Havensight Mall St Thomas - Shopping

You will find shops of all kinds at the Havensight Mall St Thomas from souvenirs and apparel to liquor and electronics. The whole island is tax and duty free in St Thomas. Havensight offers even bigger deals on top selections such as name brand sunglasses, all types of jewelry and gems, and specialty alcohol such as Havensight Liqueur. The best part of Havensight Shopping is that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island, take a tour or do an excursion, and then rack up on great shopping deals before heading back to your ship! 

Havensight Port - Excursions from Cruise Port

These awesome island excursions pick up directly from Havensight Mall for your convenience. Just get off your ship, and be on your way!

• Island Tour in St Thomas '> Island Tour in St Thomas - Get your camera ready for this 2-hour tour that’s the perfect way to see the top sights in St. Thomas! Learn about the history and culture of the island from your local tour guide on a fun party ride to all the best lookout points, and enjoy shopping at Mountain Top, the highest point in St. Thomas featuring amazing island views! Prefer a private tour? Arrange for a Private Island Tour '> Private Island Tour .
• Island Tour with Shopping stop in St Thomas '> Island Tour with Shopping stop in St Thomas - Take in all the views and local culture offered on the island tour with the added bonus of shopping in Downtown Charlotte Amalie! Rack up on tax and duty free deals on jewelry, liquor, luxury brands, apparel, souvenirs, and more! Grab some lunch from a Caribbean cafe. Experience the best sights and shops on St. Thomas! Prefer a private tour? Arrange for a Private Sightseeing and Shopping Tour in St. Thomas '> Private Sightseeing and Shopping Tour in St. Thomas .
• Island Tour with Beach stop in St Thomas '> Island Tour with Beach stop in St Thomas - Experience the best sights in St. Thomas from the top of the highest mountain to the shore of one of our famous beaches! Island culture, amazing views, white sand, and the sparkling Caribbean sea- what more can you ask for? Prefer a private tour? Arrange for a Private Sightseeing and Beach Excursion in St Thomas '> Private Sightseeing and Beach Excursion in St Thomas .
• Island Tour with Shopping and Beach Stop in St Thomas '> Island Tour with Shopping and Beach Stop in St Thomas - See the sights, hit the shops, and soak in the Caribbean Sea on this all day tour that highlights all the best of St. Thomas! Snap postcard perfect pics, score tax free deals downtown, and spend your afternoon with a cocktail in hand or snorkeling in a school of fish at one of the best beaches in St. Thomas. Sample the island on this tour that’s a favorite for cruisers!
• Parasailing St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands '> Parasailing St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands - Soar sky high over the crystal Caribbean Sea as you experience St. Thomas from a bird’s-eye view on the only excursion that combines the thrills of powerboating, parachuting, ballooning, and gliding! If your cruise ship comes in on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, you can leave straight from Havensight. If your ship comes in another day of the week, you can still experience this top St. Thomas excursion with a short taxi ride to Sapphire Marina.

Havensight Port St Thomas - Other Cruise Ship Friendly Excursions

If your excursion of choice doesn’t pick up from Havensight , have no fear! All St. Thomas excursions are just a taxi ride away, and the local drivers waiting as you disembark your ship, know the island well and will make sure you reach your excursion on time. No matter which excursion or tour you choose, our local guides know how important your cruise ship schedule is, and they will guarantee you are back on your boat with time to spare.

• Discover Scuba Diving '> Discover Scuba Diving - Have you dreamed of diving in the Caribbean? Did you know that you don’t need certification to give it a go? With a discover dive, a quick lesson and practice session is all you need to explore under the sea in St. Thomas! Your PADI-certified Scuba Instructor will take you on an amazing guided tour of the vibrant reef where you’ll get up close with schools of tropical fish and unique sea life as deep as 40 feet!
• St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay Ecotours '> St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay Ecotours - Explore exotic wonders of St. Thomas on this awesome nature tour as you kayak through the mangrove lagoon! Hike to the beautiful shell beach and red cliffs found on the island of Cas Cay, and discover for yourself how these unique salt water trees and the lagoon create amazing snorkel spots!
• Half-Day Powerboat Adventure '> Half-Day Powerboat Adventure - Hit all the highlights of the USVI from the water on this 32ft charter for up to 8 passengers. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and explore the pristine beaches of St. John on this custom boat rental! Visit top snorkel spots chosen with the help of your expert captain and all your gear included.
• Half Day to St. John with Lunch '> Half Day to St. John with Lunch - Set sail for beautiful Honeymoon Beach in St. John with top snorkeling spots and amazing views along the way! All your gear is included along with a buffet lunch and very open bar on this breezy sail that’s the perfect way to spend a day in port!
• Large Group Power Catamaran Tour - USVI '> Large Group Power Catamaran Tour - USVI - Cruising with a large group? Cruise, snorkel, and dance your way through USVI waters on a custom party at sea for up to 32 passengers with open bar, snacks, and snorkel gear included!

Shop, explore, or simply take a stroll and admire the island views. One thing is certain, the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock makes it easy for all cruisers to experience St. Thomas their way! Your visit to St. Thomas may be short, but your experience is sure to be grand! We hope you fall in love with the island and come back to visit again. You must just end up becoming an islander yourself one day. My first visit was off a cruise ship too!

Be sure to check out our blog article on A Locals Guide to St. Thomas: Know Before You Cruise '> A Locals Guide to St. Thomas: Know Before You Cruise , and visit our  Shore Excursions '> Shore Excursions page to book the best shore excursions on St. Thomas! See our Havensight Dining Guide '> Havensight Dining Guide for all your dining options in the area. If you have any questions about Havensight St Thomas or any questions about the island, call or e-mail us for authentic local insight!

Welcome to Paradise,

Click Here for the Official Site for Havensight Mall

CaribbaConnect Mentioned Excursions:

Island Tour in St Thomas '> Island Tour in St Thomas

St. Thomas Private Island Tour '> St. Thomas Private Island Tour

Island Tour with Shopping stop in St Thomas '> Island Tour with Shopping stop in St Thomas

St Thomas Private Sightseeing and Shopping Tour '> St Thomas Private Sightseeing and Shopping Tour

Island Tour with Beach stop in St Thomas '> Island Tour with Beach stop in St Thomas

St Thomas Private Sightseeing and Beach Stop Tour '> St Thomas Private Sightseeing and Beach Stop Tour

Island Tour with Shopping and Beach Stop in St Thomas '> Island Tour with Shopping and Beach Stop in St Thomas

Parasailing in St Thomas - Havensight '> Parasailing in St Thomas - Havensight

Discover Dive '> Discover Dive

St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay Ecotours '> St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay Ecotours

Half Day Powerboat Adventure '> Half Day Powerboat Adventure

Half Day to St. John with Lunch '> Half Day to St. John with Lunch

Large Group Power Catamaran Tour - USVI '> Large Group Power Catamaran Tour - USVI

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How to Explore the St Thomas Cruise Port, USVI

Posted on Published: April 12, 2018  - Last updated: January 27, 2024

Categories Blog , Caribbean , Cruise , MSC Divina 2018 , US Virgin Islands

There’s lots to see and do right in the St Thomas cruise port!

If you’ve ever taken a cruise to the eastern or southern Caribbean, there’s a good chance that your ship will stop in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. It’s an American port that US citizens don’t even need a passport to visit. Having taken over 10 cruises (and all of them in the Caribbean), I’ve gone to St. Thomas more times than I can recall.

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In the past, I’ve embarked on quite a few adventures around this spectacular island. I’ve gone kayaking and snorkeling at Cas Cay , snorkeled at Trunk Bay in St. John, lounged on the beach at Water Island, had a drink at Charlotte Amalie’s ice bar , and dined at a vegetarian restaurant just off the beaten path.

If you’ve never been to St. Thomas, I highly recommend that you book a tour or excursion to get out of the port. Be dazzled by gorgeous Magen’s Bay or Sapphire Beach. Go snorkeling or hiking to see the natural wonders of St. Thomas.

However, on this vegan cruise of the Caribbean aboard MSC’s Divina, St. Thomas was our first port. Justin and I had snorkeling day trips, catamaran sailings, and beach days planned for our other stops in the Caribbean. While we originally thought a beach day would be fun in St. Thomas, we ultimately decided that we’d simply wander around and explore the St Thomas cruise port and downtown Charlotte Amalie.

Table of Contents

WALKING FROM HAVENSIGHT

The MSC Divina was docked at the Havensight port. In St. Thomas, there are two main cruise ports: Havensight and Crown Bay. There’s also the third option that the cruise ship might put its anchor down in the sea and passengers take tenders to and from the island. In that case, you’ll arrive right at downtown Charlotte Amalie.

It was the first time that I’ve visited St. Thomas where no other cruise ships were docked besides ours. Normally, I recall St. Thomas being quite busy with passengers from multiple cruise ships roaming around. Perhaps less cruise ships are visiting St. Thomas after the hurricane of 2017. I have no idea – this is only a speculation on my part.

RECOVERING FROM THE HURRICANES

Tourism has returned to St. Thomas after Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the island nation. The storm destroyed over 18,000 homes and businesses , and many have not yet recovered from this devastating disaster. Many residents are still waiting to receive insurance money, and several businesses have not reopened yet.

Of course, we found that downtown Charlotte Amalie was mostly open and back in business. We highly recommend that you book a holiday here or sail here as St. Thomas is absolutely beautiful.

SKYRIDE TO PARADISE POINT

Sadly, when we visited, the Skyride to Paradise Point was still closed due to hurricane damage. However, it opened the following week and it’s open again now. I’d love to do this. Ride a cable car up to Paradise Point for a spectacular view of the island.

The St. Thomas Skyride is a short walk from the Havensight dock and you can also walk from downtown Charlotte Amalie.

CHANGING WEATHER

Justin and I walked from Havensight towards downtown Charlotte Amalie. During our walk, the winds started to pick up and we felt a little bit of rain fall from the sky. All of a sudden, whooooosh! Massive downpour!

We started to run and took cover beneath the awning of a random building, where we stood huddled with a few others. As with most bouts of bad weather in the Caribbean, the storm passed in about five minutes and the sun started shining brightly once again.

The rain stayed away for the rest of the day, thankfully.

Just before the rain.

JUST WANDER

Once we reached downtown Charlotte Amalie, we simply wandered around at our own pace. Justin and I walked down every narrow alleyway and peeked around every corner. We sauntered down the cobblestone roads and main streets.

We also walked right by the edge of the waterfront, admiring views of our own cruise ship and beyond.

The two of us adored the brightly painted buildings all around. While much of Charlotte Amalie seems like a tourist trap with the typical shops you see in cruise ports over and over again, there’s a lot to discover beyond the stores. Of course, if you want to indulge in some retail therapy, the St Thomas cruise port provides a great opportunity for that.

Here’s a little photo gallery offering some glimpses of the St Thomas cruise port and Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands.

LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

We stumbled across this majestic building on our jaunt around Charlotte Amalie. It’s the Legislature of the Virgin Islands , a historic building constructed in 1828. Originally, it was home to the Danish police barracks (back when the Virgin Islands were owned by Denmark) and it underwent renovations in 1884. Today, it is part of the Charlotte Amalie Historic District , along with over 500 other buildings.

HAVENSIGHT & YACHT HAVEN GRANDE

You don’t have to travel far to check out shops, cafes, and bars. The Havensight shopping complex and the Shops at Yacht Haven Grande are a great place for souvenirs, alcohol, jewelry, and more.

Havensight is home to over 100 duty free souvenir and beachwear shops. Yacht Haven Grande provides a more upscale shopping experience with high end boutique brands. Between Havensight, Yacht Haven Grande, and Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find everything you need.

BACK ON THE SHIP

As the MSC Divina sailed away from the St Thomas cruise port around 5:30pm, the sun was starting to set. Sailing away from St. Thomas is not to be missed. There are such stunning views from the upper decks of the ship. Admire the scenery with a drink in your hand (or if you’re like me, a camera in your hand!).

While booking an excursion or tour is typically our cruising style, we really enjoyed our day of wandering in St. Thomas, USVI. It was nice to not have any plans in general and to wander aimlessly. Sometimes the magic of travelling isn’t in the planning, preparations, or organized trips. It’s in the little discoveries you make on the journey.

Leaving everything to surprise and chance in St. Thomas was an excellent choice. Having a relaxing day was a great start to our cruise where we’d be visiting five different islands in a row.

Check out more photos from St. Thomas, USVI in our travel photo album.

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Have you visited St. Thomas on a Caribbean cruise, and what did you do there?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Harmony, Momma To Go

Sunday 15th of April 2018

I have been a few times on a caribbean cruise. I have done both maegan's bay (A few times) and walking around town, getting food and doing some linen and jewlery shopping! I do love the sail away from port - but esp st. thomas!

Cynthia Mackintosh

Friday 13th of April 2018

Last time we were in St. Thomas it was 18 years ago! These photos make me want to go back so bad! Great itinerary! I especially love the photo of you both in the mirror.

I've only been to St. Thomas once - and it was as a cruise port - and many years ago. We enjoyed Magen's Bay and walked around the port area. My husband and I keep saying we're going back. Hoping that it happens next year. Wonderful to see all the different areas here to visit. I think I'd like to take the tram up to Paradise Point.

Oh, this is really lovely!! It must be great to spend a day at different places when you're on a cruise. St. Thomas seems to have a lovely relaxed feel, I like it. #WeekendWanderlust

Sunhats and Chardonnay

Where Wanderlust Meets Wisdom

St. Thomas Cruise Port Guide – Popular Things To Do For First Time Visitors

One famous cruise and vacation location in the Caribbean is the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The main cruise lines offer it as a great destination, and on Princess Cruises , it is the first port of call on the 10-day Southern Caribbean itinerary. Apart from being extremely lovely, it is most recognized for being a preferred duty-free shopping location. This article describes what it’s like to arrive at St. Thomas’ cruise port and participate in significant activities. This beautiful cruise port offers entertaining activities , superb beaches , and delicious food.

* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission. This occurs at no added cost to you. *

One can travel to numerous nations while on a Caribbean cruise without paying a lot for airfare between them. By using a cruise ship as your source of transportation, you can skip the inconveniences of travel itself. After going to bed one evening, you awake on a different island the following day, ready for a new adventure. St. Thomas creates a contemporary paradise by fusing the carefree atmosphere of the Caribbean with contemporary conveniences found in modern civilization.

Tip: Select an itinerary with fewer stops, as you could get overwhelmed.

Usually, this ten-day cruise would stop at Princess Cays, but the weather would not cooperate on this particular trip. After spending two VERY long days at sea with very gusty 50-knot winds, the feeling of seeing land and getting off the ship was indeed a sight for sore eyes! Finally, an end to the blue-grey waters of the tumultuous sea. It was truly paradise at dawn as we arrived at the cruise port of St. Thomas.

Where is St. Thomas?

One of the most stunning island locations in the world, St. Thomas is one of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John. It is adorned with powdery beaches and sunny weather. In the Lesser Antilles, St. Thomas lies 1,600 miles south of New York City, 1,100 miles east of Miami, and 70 miles north of San Juan. The Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans met at St. Thomas and its neighbor St. John.

Cruise Port of Havensight – St. Thomas – US Virgin Islands

For those that have yet to go to St Thomas, the cruise port of Havensight is in the city of Charlotte Amalie, and the bay where the cruise ship’s dock is stunning! It is a circular bay dotted with small boats, catamarans, and other watercraft. It is the color of paradise, and its protected waters make a stunning view from the upper decks of a cruise ship.

One of the sights that caught my eye was the larger yachts anchored in the harbor. These are not just the average yacht or fishing vessels. And they are the playthings of the rich and famous. One craft was named the “Blue Moon.” It was several decks high and looked stunning in the azure waters of the mountain-rimmed bay. At one point, a man was coming onto the deck with a cell phone. He was pacing and talking on the yacht. I turned to my friends and said, “look, he’s at work.”

In all likelihood, he was probably doing a multi-million-dollar business deal. We laughed and lamented about what life would be like to live on such a yacht in St. Thomas.

Things to Do in St. Thomas Cruise Port

Sightseeing tour.

Once in St Thomas, there are several options for sightseeing which can be pre-booked through your cruise ship or separately, depending on your preference. You could also hire a taxi from the St. Thomas cruise port and take a trip to the beach.

Things to do in St. Thomas cruise port include Megan’s Bay, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, a mountain top vantage point, snorkeling, diving, and sailing options, shopping and downtown Charlotte Amalie and other adventures for thrill-seekers, including zipline, kayak, and underwater excursions.

Note: Many people ask, “Can you walk from the cruise port in St. Thomas ?’ The answer is “YES”. It is one of the most developed cruise ports in the Caribbean and easily accessible directly from the ship.

On this particular trip (since it has been 26 years since my last visit to St Thomas), I decided to take a quick sightseeing tour to get a feel for the island. Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in St Thomas on a cruise excursion, as it allows you to visit different island areas. If you stay a few days, you can see several places of interest for extended periods.

Our small group met with the tour driver for my sightseeing tour, and we started our exit through the secure area of the Havensight cruise port terminal. Once onto the main streets of Charlotte Amalie, you begin to get a feel for the local flavor. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, is a relatively modern city in certain areas as indicated by the American influence. However, St. Thomas is still a tiny Caribbean Island community.

Importance of Tourism

Upon leaving the urban area of the city, one of the common themes that the driver kept referring to was how the recent hurricanes had affected life on the island. Everywhere on the island is touched by these massive and damaging storms. Even though the storms ravished St Thomas in 2017, there is still strong evidence of their effect. Many roadways still show erosion and areas where the road was washed away. Much of the vegetation has returned for the most part, but it is still evident in some areas. This part of the sightseeing tour of St. Thomas emphasized how tourism dollars can affect the repair speed after such weather incidents.

Mountain Top View of Megan’s Bay

On our winding way through the hilly terrain to the Mountain Top, located at 2,100 feet at the highest point of St Thomas, stunning views of the harbor poke their way through the vegetation. There are lookout points on the roads that allow vehicles to pull over and take advantage of the spectacular views in some areas. This is one of the most popular activities at St. Thomas cruise port.

Once at The Mountain Top, the views are incredible. Megan’s Bay beach is so blue that it looks like a beach has been photo-shopped into reality. It is hard to believe that it seems that way in nature. However, make no mistake that even a picture-postcard beach can also be dangerous. The day that we were there, Megan’s Bay had waves of four to six feet. Only good swimmers and those with experience with large waves should venture into the water.

If you are travelling to St. Thomas during hurricane season, you might be interested in learning how cruise ships can make changes to provide a safer journey for passengers.

Charlotte Amalie Lookout

Our driver stopped at the Charlotte Amalie lookout to view the full harbor on our way down the mountain. While there, we were entertained by a local steel drum musician. After the short break, we drove back through the city and along the coastal harbor road. 

Once at harbor level, it is easy to see the difference between those that can afford the lifestyle of the sea and those that must live along the city’s hilly streets. Once back in the Havensight cruise port area, we have access to the Skyride to Paradise Point.

Paradise Point

The cable car Skyride to Paradise Point is worth the 8-minute trip. Once at the top (700 feet above sea level), there are again stunning views of the harbor and St. Thomas cruise port. Small shops will keep you occupied looking for the iconic Caribbean treasures, and the local restaurant offers a light lunch and drinks. The ride down provides a different vantage point of the cruise port harbor and the shopping district. This short excursion is well worth the walk from the terminal.

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Cruise Planning Checklist Bundle

Planning a cruise is made easy with this Cruise Planning Checklist Bundle. It has everything you need to keep you well organized. From Pre-planning to Budget Planning, Excursion Planning, and a variety of Checklists, you will have the tools to plan and enjoy your cruise.

Is There Shopping at St. Thomas Cruise Port?

Shopping. Need I say more? One of the highlights of any trip to St. Thomas is the abundance of duty-free shopping. There is a store for almost everything, but jewelry is the most common item in St. Thomas. For some reason, the availability, selection, and quality of fine diamonds and gold jewelry here are well documented. Although I am not a shopper, I did pop into several stores to check the selection and prices. For some, shopping is the only thing to do in St. Thomas.

Tip: Know your costs of items at home to determine if your item is a good value for money.

Final Thoughts on St. Thomas Cruise Port Guide

Leaving the island of St. Thomas is bittersweet. On the one hand, leaving was sad as there were so many other island areas to see and experience. Still, on the other hand, I looked forward to returning to my floating hotel, hearing the waves splash, and enjoying a glass of chardonnay while the cruise ship charts its course for the next island. On this itinerary, Dominica , Grenada , Bonaire , and Aruba cruise ports were next to be discovered.

I will return to St. Thomas, US. Virgin Islands when I plan my next Caribbean vacation. There is nothing like waking up in paradise. 

Have you been to St. Thomas?

Money Saving Tips

Flights : If you plan to arrive other than on a cruise ship, try using different sites like Cheap-O-Air or Trip.com to get the best possible price for flights. You can also try different routes. Accommodation : For land holidays, I mainly use  Booking.com  for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

Car Rental : To compare rental car company prices, I use  Rentalcars.com . They are the world’s biggest car rental site, comparing all main brands including Budget, Ace, Hertz, Avis, and Alamo. Travel Insurance : Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, it’s not worth the risk. Travel insurance from  VisitorsCoverage.com  is available to people from over 175 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

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Havensight Shopping Mall

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Right on the Cruise Ship Dock, a convenient, less crowded way to go shopping for the duty free purchases that you may be looking for. All of the major retailers have well stocked stores with the same merchandise and prices as downtown. And if you make a purchase in a Havensight Merchants' Association Member store, your purchases will be 100% guaranteed! Look for the Association logo on the doors of the member merchants. Plenty of Parking!

Information courtesy of St. Thomas this Week

CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Leading Souvenir Company since 1976 Ship Models, Silver & Larimar Jewelry, Sea Shells & Sea Craft, Resort Wear, T-Shirts, Hats, Beach Towels. Magnets, Key Chains, Gifts, Coffee, Teas, Spices, Rum Cakes, Spices, and MORE ! (340) 774-8435

Dynasty Dazzlers

Dynasty Dazzlers Everything you've ever dreamed of from exquisite jewelry and watches, designer fragrances and the finest liquor brands al in one luxurious setting conveniently located bothin the heart of the Main Street shopping district and in Havensight Mall adjacent to the cruise ship dock. Havensight Mall Building #1 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Tel. (340) 776-8935 Toll Free 1-800-225-7052 Main Street Downtown St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Tel. (340) 774-6520 Toll Free 1-888-255-3935

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Showcasing Sweeping Vistas Of The Charlotte Amalie Harbor And Overlooking A Secluded Beach, The Marriott Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Resort In St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Promises An

Royal Caribbean

Largest camera store in St. Thomas. Come and choose from the latest in Digital Cameras. We also carry the best in fine Swiss watches and designer jewelry. 776-8890

A.H. RIISE PERFUMES AND COSMETICS

Largest selection of fragrances, cosmetics and skin care at substantial duty- and tax- free savings. Beautiful gift sets and great gift-with-purchase offers. 776-2303 ext. 157

OMNI JEWELERS Fine Jewelry

Large selection of Loose Diamonds, Tanzanite, 14KT & 18KT Jewelry with Precious and Semi-Precious Jewels. Specializing in rare Gemstones, Alexandrite, Brand Name Watches and Linens for all your needs (340) 774-8866

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St. Thomas Beach Guide

St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. For more active beach goers there are sandy coves with activities like windsurfing and kayaking. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. And there are widely popular bay-like beaches with amenities such as restaurants, rest rooms, chair rentals and complete water sports centers offering a variety of rental equipment .

St. Thomas Weddings / Romance

DID YOU KNOW THAT... Many couples are opting to save the money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a combination wedding/honeymoon. Upon their return, they can share the event by showing the video and photographs at an informal reception. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have become a major promotional tool. So why should you choose St. Thomas above others?

Moving To St. Thomas

St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather. St. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

St. Thomas Cruise Ship Arrival

St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. Generally, the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean (except Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas) dock at Havensight. Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Oasis and Allure typically dock at Crown Bay. This can change depending on the number of ships in port. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay.

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Did you know... Shopping in St. Croix is a sight-seeing tour in itself! Quaint shops are tucked in historic buildings made of cut coral, molasses mortar, and Danish bricks brought as ballast on the trading ships of the 1700 and 1800s! Interesting shaded courtyards in these restored buildings house shopping arcades. Exploring is fun - there is treasure at every turn! Click here for our Shopping Duty Free Section.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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