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English is the official language, but locals speak their own dialect of Creole. The summit of St. Peter Mountain is St. Thomas’ highest point, 1,500 feet above Magens Bay. Come up here for stupendous views from the observation deck; on a clear day, you’ll be able to see 15 islands, including the British Virgin Islands, scattered across the sea like jewels. There’s a big duty-free shop here, but perhaps equally alluring is the banana daiquiri that was invented here, a tasty frozen concoction featuring Cruzan rum, a banana liqueur, ripe bananas, and lime. If your cruise ship is docked until late at night, consider the ultimate romantic excursion, a sunset catamaran sail.
Shopping
In St Thomas cruise port, ecotourism isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life. The island offers a delicate blend of beauty and sustainability, encouraging visitors to not just witness its marvels but also understand the intricate web of life that sustains it. Even if you’re not particularly interested in plants, the views of neighboring islands are also worth the visit. It’s generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but cruise ship passengers can email or call the gardens to request a visit on those days as well. Shore excursions can be an excellent way to see the island’s highlights, as is to explore independently. Taxis are readily available everywhere you go, and since the island is just 13 miles long, you can get anywhere within 25 minutes from the St. Thomas cruise port.
Duty-Free Shopping in St Thomas
Although the Zip Line is currently closed it is advisable to check the Zip-line Facebook Page for updates as it is scheduled to open at any time soon. The Coral World Ocean Park is open and offers exotic aquatic adventures. St Thomas is one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean and the most popular of the U.S. Located in the Northeastern area of the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas is part of the Leeward Islands enjoying both a wonderful and reliable weather in the winter months.
World's Largest Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Call to US Virgin Islands - Cruise Hive
World's Largest Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Call to US Virgin Islands.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Explore Charlotte Amalie
Therefore if you sail with Royal Caribbean of their sister company you will most likely dock at this terminal. The cruise line will be able to tell your exact docking location. 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. 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 port provides some entertaining facilities and a representative of the tourist information in the first couple of hours after the ship docks.
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Virgin Islands archipelago, along with the islands of St. John and St. Croix. The island was first settled around 1500 BC by the Ciboney people and later, Arawaks and Caribs. St. Thomas was colonized by Denmark in the 17th century, which is why you’ll find remnants of the Danish language in the street names of the island’s capital. Charlotte Amalie was named in honor of the wife of the Danish king, Christian V. Fort Christian is part of the Danish legacy, built between 1666 and 1680, and the oldest structure on the island today. Wander through the lanes and alleys of historic Charlotte Amalie with a local expert to discover more about the island’s cuisine and local history.
Coral World Ocean Park
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’re only in St. Thomas for a day, it might be hard to choose what to do. 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. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is a popular attraction in and of itself.
But to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, arm yourself with some insider knowledge. From navigating the port area to maximizing your time on the island, here’s a handy guide to ensure cruisers have the best of times in St. Thomas. To check out one of the best scenic overlooks, visit Drake’s Seat on Mullbay Road, south of Magens Bay. This lookout area is one of the must-see St. Thomas tourist attractions offering views you can’t find anywhere else.
Best Things to Do in St Thomas Cruise Port
The most convenient way to get from the Cyril E. King Airport to either cruise ship dock in St. Thomas is by taxi. Cyril E. King Airport is a 15-minute drive from the West Indian Company Dock and a five-minute drive from the Crown Bay Dock. The public bus is also an option, but that usually requires a taxi ride from the closest bus stop to either pier. Cruise ships offer excellent tours to most of St. Thomas attractions and highlights but if you wish to explore the island on your own the taxi services are very good alternatives. Taxis are fairly priced and can literally take the cruise ship traveler to all highlights, beaches, main sites and attractions of St Thomas. A cruise to St. Thomas will take you to the largest of the beautiful U.S.
Things to Do Within Walking Distance
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. 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.
Long before cruise ships dotted the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas was known as the playground of many well-known pirates. While the buccaneers have been replaced by tourists and locals, the stories of the island’s pirate past have been preserved in the Pirates Treasure Museum. Our favorite beaches include Magen’s Bay and Lindquist Beach, both about a 20-minute drive from either of the cruise ports. St. Thomas is known for its sugar-white sand beaches - Magens Bay is rated amongst the top 10 in the World - although sometimes these can get a bit crowded when there are 5 to 6 ships in port. However, there are so many beaches to explore that you will surely find a nice spot to enjoy the spectacular Caribbean Sea with its crystal clear turquoise waters.
The tour also weaves in the city’s top sights, from the 99 steps to Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle. 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. This large zipline course soars through St. Thomas’ Caribbean rainforest and offers breathtaking views of the island and it’s famous beaches. 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.
If a lazy swim is right up your alley, make sure you swim out a little bit -- the area is home to sea turtles that tend to stay away from the shallowest waters and the crowds. With over 40 major beaches and a number of smaller coves, St. Thomas is a beach-lover’s paradise. You’ll find one at every turn, each one more beautiful than the next, making exploring the island’s many stretches of sand one of the best things to do in St. Thomas.
While St. Thomas worked to quickly recovered its most popular tourist destinations, some have sadly closed their doors indefinitely -- including the SkyRide to Paradise Point. However, new restaurants and attractions have popped up in their place, solidifying the island's commitment to welcome visitors. The town of Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking harbors in the world. Once home to pirates of long ago, today visitors find treasures of a different kind, for now beautiful beaches and bountiful duty-free shopping are truly its claim to fame. If you're able to venture a bit outside of the city, there is a lot more for you to do. Visit the Coral World Ocean Park, which is a 30-minute drive from Crown Bay Dock and 26-minutes from Havensight Cruise Pier, and meet various marine animals, like sea lions, sea turtles, stingrays and beyond.
Flourishing hubs of flora and a testament to the island’s biodiversity. St. Thomas isn’t just about the breathtaking beauty of nature; it’s also a living, breathing tapestry of rich history and vibrant culture. Nothing says relaxation like dining by the sea, letting the flavors of the island dance on your palate.
Head to Havensight Mall (maybe your ship will dock there) and explore more of the island’s pirate history by visiting the Pirate Treasure Museum. Give yourself plenty of time during your visit to tour the brewery and sample some of their most popular brews. The advantage of booking that type of tour with your ship is that the tour will begin and end at the port, but it will likely be quite a bit more expensive and not as relaxed. Sapphire beach is also the best spot on the island to do a parasailing experience.
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