Table Of Content
Considered the duty-free capital of the Caribbean, St Thomas port offers a wide variety of luxury items, diamonds, liquors, perfumes, watches, cameras, and leather goods. Nearly all shopping areas are located in Charlotte Amalie downtown and Havensight mall, but at some places of interest and tourist attractions, you will also be able to shop. Once you arrive at the top, you can enjoy Paradise Point amenities including a bar restaurant, shopping deck, sun deck, patio, harbor terrace, and free wi-fi! The base station is located a few minutes’ walk from Havensight cruise port, near Havensight Mall.
The Best Places to Shop in St. Thomas - Cruiseline.com
The Best Places to Shop in St. Thomas.
Posted: Wed, 22 Jul 2015 03:44:46 GMT [source]
More cruise ports guides
The only way to get to St John’s is to take a taxi from St Thomas to Red Hook Ferry Station, located around 12 km/7.5 miles from Charlotte Amalie. 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. If your cruise ship is docked until late at night, consider the ultimate romantic excursion, a sunset catamaran sail.
Restaurants and Shopping
With the two welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually, there has been a clear effort to make sure all visitors enjoy a comfortable experience. Both ports are all on ground level, so no need to worry about elevators or stairs. Wheelchair ramps also ensure curbs and other obstacles do not interfere with accessibility. Havensight Pier is a little further, with 4.2 miles separating the port from the airport, but this is still only about a 15-minute drive in St. Thomas traffic. Not only is it a relatively short drive, it’s a simple one, with the Waterfront Highway directly connecting the two.
The St. Thomas Cruise Ports
Skyride gondolas take you all the way to Paradise Point for stunning views of the bay. Virgin Islands is tax-free, so shopping is a very important activity in Charlotte Amalie. Occupying the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, this lush tropical garden is bursting with dazzling blooms, orchids, herbs, and other medicinal plants, the air fragrant with frangipani.
The Best Beaches
One of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is an Eastern Caribbean port of call, as is often included as part of many Southern Caribbean cruises as well. When you arrive by cruise ship, you’ll be docking near the town of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas. 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. One of the best times to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, you can expect sunny days with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful beaches.
FAQs on St. Thomas Cruise Port
In contrast to bustling St. Thomas, St. John is a much less busy and not commercialized as most of the island is part of the US Virgin Islands National Park. Coral World Ocean Park is located here, so this can make a great full day to combine a beach and aquarium visit. Another tourist attraction located in Charlotte Amalie, closeby to the synagogue, is 99 Steps.
One must-visit site is the Fort Christian, a well-preserved 17th-century fortress that now serves as a museum. Step inside and discover the exhibits that showcase the island’s history, from its indigenous people to the colonial era. This is a two-hour orientation tour of St. Thomas, with stops at some of the island's highlights and exciting views of the island itself. And of course, no visit is complete without a stop at Magen’s Bay, named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.
Arrival in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – The Harbor
All Inclusive St John Beach and Snorkelling (Royal Caribbean) is an optional shore excursion to Trunk Bay beach (white sand), featuring guided boat tour to Trunk Bay and a snorkel trail. As busy as Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas beaches can be, there are actually amazing places that are off the beaten path, that are worth a visit. Check out St. Thomas’ Mangrove lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve where you can for a moderately active kayak tour.
Fine print with a huge impact: Ports struggle with CDC terms - Travel Weekly
Fine print with a huge impact: Ports struggle with CDC terms.
Posted: Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Overall, the dining and food options at Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port are diverse and exciting. Whether you want to indulge in the flavors of the island, try some delicious street food, dine with a view, or explore vegetarian and vegan options, you are sure to find something that suits your taste buds. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the vibrant food scene of this beautiful port. At seven miles from Havensight Pier, it is a bit of a drive, but it has some of the best snorkeling you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean.
This has been a favorite shore excursion for many cruisers over the years for taking Instaworthy photos of the stunning harbor. Plus, there’s a gift shop, restaurant and bar where you may want to stop for a famous Bailey’s Bushwacker. One of the excursions that comes most recommended, is a visit to the neighboring island of St. John.
With designer shops, local craft markets, and plenty of duty-free malls and stores, there’s no shortage of places to find souvenirs and discounted designer goods. Daytime highs cool down and tend to stay in the upper 70° F range, but the winter is also very sunny and dry. This makes it a popular time to visit St. Thomas and the other US Virgin Islands.
Blackbeard's Castle is one example, a 17th-century hilltop building offering beautiful views of the harbor. Fort Christian and St. Thomas Synagogue are also notable historical stops. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, head to Secret Harbor Beach. This hidden gem offers a tranquil and intimate setting, perfect for a romantic getaway or a peaceful day of relaxation.
(Compare prices, as prices are sometimes equivalent to what you’ll find here). If you are looking for unforgettable views and sceneries, hop aboard a tram that will take you to Paradise Point, rising 700 ft above the town of Charlotte Amalie. The trams can accommodate 8-12 people each, and the ride takes 5 minutes one-way. Sailing to Christmas and Honeymoon Coves (Royal Caribbean) is an optional sailing boat tour for snorkeling. The boat is first anchored offshore (at Christmas Cove), then Sails to Water Island (Honeymoon Beach) for swimming and sunbathing.
Stepping away from the beaches and into the heart of the island, one finds tales of bygone eras, resonating rhythms, and a palette of colors and flavors that narrate the story of St. Thomas. St. Thomas isn’t just about the breathtaking beauty of nature; it’s also a living, breathing tapestry of rich history and vibrant culture. From the depths of its azure waters to the canopy of its lush forests, here’s a dive into the most thrilling pursuits St. Thomas has to offer. While the island is a sanctuary of peace for many, it simultaneously offers a playground for the daring. Certain cruise lines take the experience up a notch with themed voyages.
No comments:
Post a Comment