St. Croix, USVI

A top excursion is a trip to Buck Island Reef National Monument, world-famous for its underwater snorkeling trail and pristine beach. Reaching Buck Island requires a boat tour, most of which depart from Christiansted, about a 30-minute taxi ride from the port.

For a taste of local history and flavor, visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery. Located mid-island, it's about a 20-minute drive from Frederiksted and offers guided tours and tastings of its famous spirits.

Explore the Christiansted National Historic Site, which preserves a collection of 18th and 19th-century buildings, including the impressive yellow Fort Christiansvaern that guarded the harbor.

Another key sight is the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, the only known site where Christopher Columbus's crew made landfall on U.S. soil. It is a hub for kayaking and learning about the area's rich history and biodiversity.

Christiansted, the larger of the island's two historic towns, is a popular destination located about 30 minutes (17 miles) by taxi from the cruise pier in Frederiksted.

This charming town is known for its well-preserved Danish colonial architecture, a lively boardwalk with shops and restaurants, and the Christiansted National Historic Site.

The town of Frederiksted itself, where the ship docks, is a worthwhile destination. It features its own historic fort, Fort Frederik, Victorian-era buildings, and several beaches within walking distance of the pier.

Cruise ships dock at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted, on the western end of St. Croix.

The pier is conveniently located directly adjacent to the town of Frederiksted. Passengers can easily walk off the ship and into town in just a few minutes.

The immediate area around the pier has a few bars, restaurants, and souvenir stalls. No shuttles are needed to explore Frederiksted, but taxis are required to visit Christiansted or other attractions across the island.

Ships dock directly at the long pier, so tendering is not used.

The official currency of St. Croix is the U.S. Dollar (USD), as it is a U.S. territory.

Cruise passengers do not need to exchange currency if arriving from the United States. ATMs are readily available in the main towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted for cash withdrawals.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and tour operators, but it is always advisable to carry some cash for taxis, small purchases, or tips.

St. Croix is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but visitors should exercise standard precautions.

Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark in both Frederiksted and Christiansted. Avoid leaving valuables like cameras, wallets, or phones unattended on beaches or visible inside vehicles.

Exploring the main towns independently during the day is typically safe. For trips to more remote beaches or attractions, using a licensed taxi or booking a guided shore excursion is a reliable and safe option.

St. Croix enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit (24-31°C).

The primary cruise season falls within the drier months of December through May, offering plenty of sunshine ideal for beach and water activities.

A rainier season occurs from September to November, though rainfall usually comes in the form of brief, passing showers.

It's important to note that the official Atlantic hurricane season is from June to November. Visitors should pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Taxis are the most convenient way for cruise passengers to get around St. Croix. They are typically large vans that carry multiple passengers, and fares are regulated by zone rather than by meter.

It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before beginning your trip. A list of official rates is often available near the taxi dispatch area at the pier.

The public bus system, VITRAN, connects Frederiksted and Christiansted and is very affordable, but schedules can be infrequent and may not be ideal for visitors on a tight schedule. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not reliably available on the island.

The best shopping can be found in the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Christiansted offers a wider variety of boutiques, art galleries, and jewelry stores along its boardwalk and colonial-era streets.

Look for unique local souvenirs such as the St. Croix hook bracelet, larimar jewelry, local artwork, and of course, Cruzan Rum. As a U.S. territory, St. Croix provides a generous duty-free shopping allowance for U.S. citizens, particularly on liquor and tobacco products.

Prices in most stores are fixed. While there may be some room for haggling with street vendors, it is not a common practice in established retail shops.