The Port of St. Thomas
This guide is tailored for cruise passengers visiting St. Thomas.
The port of St. Thomas is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. All major cruise lines call to this island. On busy days, the island can host up to 6 or 7 ships at one time. Excellent infrastructure makes it possible to get to most points on the island in relatively short time. There are many of people offering tours, hundreds of shops, many beaches and abundant sunshine to make this port of call one you will likely not easily forget.
St. Thomas is the only location under US jurisdiction where people drive on the left side of the road.
The average temperature is fairly constant throughout the year with highs around the upper 80's and lows in the mid 70's. Most rainfall occurs in the months Sept through Nov, these are the last months of the hurricane season.
Three cruise ships (Cel. Equinox, Carnival Victory and Adventure ots) docked in St. Thomas.
Beaches
A paradise for beach lovers! St. Thomas offers some amazing beaches all across the island for snorkeling, diving, swimming and other water activities.
Beautiful blue crystal clear water and white sandy beaches gives it a post card, breathtaking sight. The palm trees and the mountains in the distance complete the picture. Most beaches are located on the eastern side of the island, approx 30 minutes drive from the cruise ship pier.
The sun can get quite intens at times and it is thus very advisable to take all necessary precautions. Use sufficient sun block and limit your time in the sun. Many beaches offer beach chairs and umbrellas.
Popular beaches include:
- Megans Bay
- Coki Beach
- Sapphire Beach
- Bolongo Bay
- Turtle Cove
- Secret Harbor
- Lindberg Bay
When you arrange transportation on your own, do make sure you also prepare the return journey. Make sure there are taxi's available to go back to the ship and if not, then make good arragements with you taxi driver to arrange pick up.
Shopping
St. Thomas is paradise for shoppers. Hundreds of duty free shops can be found in and around the capital of Charlotte Amalie. Numerous gift shops, luxury boutiques and jewerly stores are located here.
This port is specially popular for items like jewelry, diamonds, china, perfumes, electronics (small) and alcohol. You will most likely be overwhelmed by the number of shops and bargains so it is advisable to prepare if you intend to go shopping.
The shops can be found in the center. From the main ship pier it will take you about 30 minutes to walk. Due to the heat and busy roads, do consider taking a taxi for a few dollars per person (negotiate the price before getting in a taxi). Ask to be dropped off on Main Street (Dronningens Gade). The two parallel roads, Back Street and the Waterfront as well as smaller alleys will boast a huge variety of shopping for all occassions. Some popular locations include Vendor's Plaza and Havensight.
Most shops on the island are open from 9am to 5pm (Mon - Sat). Sundays the shops are usually open until 1pm but they might stay open longer to accomodate cruise ship passengers when many ships are in port.
Do take into consideration that there are restrictions regarding the import of duty free items.
Charlotte Amalie as seen from the ship
Welcome to the port of St. Thomas
This AI-generated guide, courtesy of ChatGPT, is tailored for cruise passengers arriving in St. Thomas for the first time.
General Port Facts
St. Thomas Port, situated in the U.S. Virgin Islands, welcomes cruise passengers with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere.
Touristic Information
Explore the beauty of St. Thomas, known for its duty-free shopping, historic sites, and stunning views from mountaintop vistas.
Transportation Options
Discover nearby attractions with these transportation options:
- Taxis are readily available at the port for easy island exploration.
- Consider taking a taxi or ferry to visit:
- Magens Bay - 8 km (5 miles), 15 minutes
- Charlotte Amalie - 2 km (1.2 miles), 10 minutes
- Red Hook - 16 km (10 miles), 20 minutes (for ferry to St. John)
Local Foods
Savor Caribbean flavors with local dishes like conch fritters, callaloo, and the famous "Painkiller" cocktail at waterfront restaurants.
Top 5 Attractions
- Magens Bay Beach - Relax on one of the world's most beautiful beaches (Entrance: $5)
- Charlotte Amalie - Historic downtown with duty-free shopping
- Coral World Ocean Park - Marine park with underwater observatory (Entrance: $20)
- Paradise Point - Scenic tramway with panoramic views (Tram ticket: $25)
- St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point - Cable car with stunning vistas (Ticket: $20)
Nice to Know Facts
- St. Thomas is a popular cruise port and shopping destination in the Caribbean.
- It has a duty-free shopping status, offering great deals on jewelry, watches, and electronics.
- St. Thomas is known for its vibrant Carnival celebration with colorful parades and festivities.
Local Customs
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a friendly greeting is appreciated, and the currency is the United States Dollar. Tipping around 15-20% is customary in restaurants.
Fun Things for Children
- Up to 6 years old: Enjoy a day at Magens Bay Beach, perfect for family picnics and calm waters.
- 7-12 years old: Visit Coral World Ocean Park for interactive marine experiences.
- 13-18 years old: Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Google Maps
Explore the location near the cruise port on Google Maps.
Main Tourism Office Website
For more information, visit the official tourism office website.
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.