St. Thomas Cruise Port Guide

Where ships dock and getting to town

Ships use one of two docks on Charlotte Amalie harbor. Occasionally ships anchor and tender guests ashore instead.

• Havensight (West Indian Company Dock) is on the east side of the harbor. Havensight Mall and the Skyride are right at the pier, and downtown Charlotte Amalie is about a mile away along the waterfront, a walk of roughly 15–20 minutes or a short taxi ride.
• Crown Bay (the Austin "Babe" Monsanto Marine Terminal) is west of downtown, near the Frenchtown neighborhood. It's quieter, with a small shopping center, and you'll want a taxi into town.

The local way to get around is the safari taxi, an open-air truck with bench seats that runs set per-person routes to downtown and popular beaches. Ask your driver about the fare and return pickup times before you set off.

Top things to do

Charlotte Amalie

The capital's Main Street (Dronningens Gade) and its narrow side alleys are famous for duty-free shopping, especially jewelry and watches. US citizens get a more generous duty-free allowance here than in most Caribbean ports. For history, see the red-walled Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the territory, and walk up the 99 Steps to the hillside historic district.

Skyride to Paradise Point

Next to the Havensight dock, an aerial tram climbs about 700 feet to a lookout with sweeping views of the harbor and the ships below. It's ideal for a short port day.

Coral World and Coki Point

On the east end, Coral World Ocean Park has an underwater observatory and marine exhibits. Neighboring Coki Beach is known for easy snorkeling close to shore.

Beaches and excursion ideas

• Magens Bay is a sheltered, heart-shaped bay on the north shore with calm water, lifeguards, restrooms and a snack bar. It's about a 15–20 minute drive from the docks and a great choice for families. A small entry fee applies.
• Sapphire Beach and Lindquist Beach on the east end are quieter and very scenic.
• St. John day trip: ferries from Red Hook cross to Cruz Bay on St. John, where much of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, including Trunk Bay and its underwater snorkel trail. On a port day, a ship excursion takes the timing worry away.
• Sailing and snorkel catamarans to nearby cays such as Buck Island off St. Thomas are a relaxed half-day option.

Food to try

Try pâtés (flaky fried pastries filled with spiced meat or saltfish), johnnycakes, conch in butter sauce, kallaloo and fungi (a cornmeal side, pronounced "foon-ghee"). Rum drinks like the Painkiller are everywhere. Frenchtown, near Crown Bay, has a cluster of well-loved waterfront restaurants.

Practical tips

• Currency and documents: US dollars. US citizens don't need a passport to enter from the US, but always follow your cruise line's document rules, and you'll need one for a side trip to the British Virgin Islands.
• Driving is on the left, and roads are steep and winding. Most visitors use taxis or tours rather than renting a car.
• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time all year, which may differ from ship's time.
• All-aboard: usually 30–60 minutes before departure. Allow a buffer for traffic, which can be heavy in Charlotte Amalie on multi-ship days.
• Beach timing: crowds tend to hit town in the morning and beaches in the afternoon, so try the reverse.

Best time to visit

December through April offers the driest weather and steady trade winds, which makes it peak season. May and June are often pleasant with fewer ships. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and it's busiest from August to October.

Docking, transport and attraction details change. Check your cruise line's port information and the ship's daily planner before you go ashore.

Related port guides

Browse all cruise port guides

Keep planning

• Current cruise deals
• Why to arrive a day early for your cruise
• First cruise checklist
• All port guides