St. Thomas, USVI

One of the most famous destinations is Magens Bay, a stunning, heart-shaped bay with calm, turquoise waters ideal for swimming. Located on the north side of the island, it is about a 20-25 minute taxi ride from the cruise ports.

For incredible panoramic views of the harbor and your cruise ship, the Skyride to Paradise Point is a must-do. This aerial tramway is located directly across from the Havensight cruise dock, making it exceptionally convenient for passengers docked there.

History buffs can explore downtown Charlotte Amalie and visit Blackbeard's Castle, a National Historic Landmark. This historic watchtower offers a glimpse into the island's past and provides great photo opportunities.

Families often enjoy Coral World Ocean Park, an aquarium on the east end of the island. The park features an underwater observatory, touch pools, and sea lion encounters, located about a 25-minute drive from the port.

A popular day trip from St. Thomas is to the neighboring island of St. John, most of which is protected as the Virgin Islands National Park. Ferries run regularly from Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas (a 25-minute taxi ride from the port) and take about 20 minutes to reach Cruz Bay in St. John. The island is renowned for its pristine beaches like Trunk Bay and world-class snorkeling.

For a quieter and closer escape, Water Island is just a 10-minute ferry ride from the Crown Bay marina, located near one of the cruise docks. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches, such as Honeymoon Beach, perfect for a relaxing afternoon away from the crowds.

St. Thomas has two main cruise ship docks: the West Indian Company Dock (WICO) in Havensight and the Austin "Babe" Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay. Both are deep-water ports capable of handling the world's largest ships.

The Havensight dock is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the main downtown shopping area of Charlotte Amalie. The Crown Bay dock is about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of downtown.

Due to the distance and hilly terrain, most passengers take a taxi to reach the city center. Both port areas are self-contained, with their own shopping centers—Havensight Mall and Crown Bay Center—offering shops, restaurants, and amenities. Tendering is very rare but may occur if all docking spaces are occupied.

The official currency of St. Thomas is the U.S. Dollar (USD), as it is a territory of the United States. Cruise passengers from the U.S. will not need to exchange any currency.

ATMs are widely available in shopping areas and near the cruise ports. Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at most restaurants, shops, and tour operators.

St. Thomas is generally considered safe for tourists, particularly in the main tourist areas like downtown Charlotte Amalie, the cruise port areas, and popular beaches. However, like any travel destination, it is wise to practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing or theft of unattended items on the beach, can occur. It is advisable to secure your valuables, not carry large amounts of cash, and avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Exploring independently during the day is common and safe, but it is best to stick to well-populated areas and avoid walking in unlit, non-tourist areas after dark.

St. Thomas enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it an ideal cruise destination. Average temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit (24-32°C). The primary cruise season, from December to May, is generally drier and slightly less humid.

The official hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk of storms from August to October. While direct hits are infrequent, travelers during this period should monitor weather forecasts. Brief, passing rain showers can occur at any time of the year, so packing a light rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea. Otherwise, light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat are essential for a comfortable visit.

St. Thomas offers several transportation options for cruise visitors. Open-air safari-style taxis are the most popular and scenic way to travel, operating on fixed routes and charging per-person fares. Private taxis are also readily available at the cruise docks and in town, with government-regulated rates posted.

While ride-sharing services exist, they are less common than the established taxi system. For a more local experience, the public bus system, VITRAN, connects the island, though its schedule may not be ideal for visitors on a tight timeline.

Ferries provide service to nearby islands like St. John and Water Island, departing from terminals in Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook.

St. Thomas is a world-famous shopping destination, largely due to its status as a duty-free port. The main shopping district is along Main Street (Dronningens Gade) in downtown Charlotte Amalie, where you'll find an abundance of jewelry stores, electronics shops, and high-end boutiques.

Each cruise port also has its own shopping complex—Havensight Mall and Crown Bay Center—offering convenience for last-minute purchases. Popular souvenirs include locally produced rum, hot sauces, and artisan jewelry. U.S. citizens enjoy a generous $1,600 duty-free allowance, which is double that of many other Caribbean islands. While prices in established stores are typically fixed, you may find some room for haggling with street vendors or in smaller craft markets.