St. Thomas Cruise Port, Everything You Need to Know

St. Thomas is one of three islands, including St. Croix and St. John, that make up the United States Virgin Islands. It is the second-largest island in the USVI. St. Thomas is a beautiful island with colorful buildings, incredible history and culture, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, featuring breathtaking turquoise waters. Its size of 32 square miles makes it possible to explore a large part of the island during a port stop in St. Thomas on a cruise.

If you are lucky enough to have this incredible island on your cruise itinerary, you will either port at the Havensight Cruise Port or at the Crown Bay Cruise Port. Keep reading to learn about both of these ports and the wonderful excursions that await you on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Thomas.

Welcome To St. Thomas sign — Welcome to St. Thomas sign

Table of Contents

Two Main Cruise Ports in St. Thomas, Havensight and Crown Bay

There are two main cruise ports on the island of St. Thomas: Havensight Cruise Port and Crown Bay Cruise Port. When cruising to St. Thomas, you will generally sail out of the Miami Cruise Port. The port you visit in St. Thomas will depend on the cruise line you are sailing with.

Both cruise ports offer beautiful views as you arrive on the island of St. Thomas. It is worth spending time on deck to take the perfect shot of the beautiful bay as you sail into your cruise port. Regardless of the port you visit, both cruise ports offer modern amenities for cruise passengers, including shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The main difference between the two cruise ports is that Havensight Cruise Port is larger and closer to downtown Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands. You can choose to walk to downtown Charlotte Amalie if you’d like. You can also take a quick taxi ride rather than walk.

Crown Bay Cruise Port is a bit farther away from downtown Charlotte Amalie, about two miles. While you can walk, it is much quicker to take a taxi if you would like to visit Charlotte Amalie.

Havensight Cruise Port

The Havensight Cruise Port is located in the southern part of the island. The cruise port is located in St. Thomas Bay, which is a deep-water bay. Making it a perfect place for cruise ships. Havensight Cruise Port can accommodate three docked cruise ships. If the port is busy, it can also accommodate a fourth cruise ship in the bay using tender boats to move passengers to and from the island of St. Thomas.

The main dock at this St. Thomas Cruise Port is the West Indian Company dock, the WICO dock. This dock is normally referred to as the Havensight pier and is the most forward docking point at Havensight. The other two docks are referred to as the Inner Anchorage and Outer Anchorage.

Ships that dock at Havensight

There are several cruise lines that routinely dock at Havensight Cruise Port. The cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Cruise Line. This is important to know in case you book a cruise and are interested in visiting a specific cruise port. Keep in mind that schedules can change based on need and the number of ships in port.

Cruise ship at Havensight Cruise Port in St. Thomas.

Location of Havensight Cruise Port

Havensight Cruise Port is located in the Havensight area of St. Thomas, near downtown Charlotte Amalie. Its location makes exploring Charlotte Amalie fairly easy.

Disembarking at Havensight Cruise Port

The first thing you will notice when disembarking at the Havensight Cruise Port is that you are essentially disembarking straight onto the island of St. Thomas. While there is a pier at the further end of the port at the Outer Anchorage, you are more than likely not going to disembark on the pier itself. You disembark directly on the island.

Taxi Services at the Cruise Port

One of the first things you will encounter as you leave the cruise ship is locals offering their services, such as taxi rides into town and excursions throughout St. Thomas. Your first instinct might be to try to negotiate taxi fares with locals. It’s important to know that taxi prices are standardized on St. Thomas.

Taxi prices listed include prices for one passenger and two or more passengers and are priced per passenger. Prices range from $6.00 to $23.00 and are set based on the destination you would like to visit.

In addition to taxi services, you can also book a taxi for an island tour. Prices are per person and range from $75.00 for one person to $38.00 for two or more persons. As taxi service costs can change, information signs with taxi prices are posted throughout the area. You should consult the signs so you know exactly what your taxi will cost you.

Taxi Rates from Havensight Mall St. Thomas — Taxi Rates from Havensight Mall

Amenities Available at Havensight Cruise Port

There are several amenities available at Havensight Cruise Port to make your visit to St. Thomas much easier. Amenities include restrooms, restaurants, and a car rental agency. ATMs are also available on the grounds of the Havensight Mall.

Renting a Car at Havensight Cruise Port

If you would like to rent a car, Budget Car Rental is located toward the farther end of the cruise port, going towards Gate 4. If you plan on exploring the island on your own, keep in mind that you will need to drive on the left side of the road. The United States Virgin Islands is the only United States territory where residents drive on the left side of the road, as opposed to other areas of the United States.

ATM Machines at Havensight Cruise Port

If you are in need of an ATM, you will find a couple of ATMs within a short walking distance from the cruise port at Havensight Mall. The ATMs are located at the farther end of building seven of the Havensight Mall area.

Havensight Mall

Havensight Mall is a great first stop for cruisers who port at Havensight Cruise Port. It is an outdoor mall located across the street from the cruise port. Several buildings make up the mall. The mall is quite large, making it a duty-free haven for cruise ship passengers.

Getting around Havensight Mall is relatively easy. The mall is very walkable and right across the street from the cruise port. The mall is also wheelchair accessible for those who need mobility assistance.

At the Havensight Mall, you will find a variety of places to shop. There are smaller venues where you can purchase local souvenirs from local vendors. There are also larger shops with name-brand merchandise, as well as Diamonds International, a well-known cruise staple found in many ports of call. There are also a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes to visit.

Besides the various shops, there are also venues where you can book tours and a couple of ATMs if needed. There are also restrooms available for visitors.

The different stores you will find include Diamonds International, Caribana, Little Switzerland, Crocs, Penha Duty Free, Caribbean Gems, and many more.

Thanks for visiting Havensight Mall sign in St. Thomas. — The Havensight Mall in St. Thomas.

Exploring Charlotte Amalie from Havensight Cruise Port

Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands. It is the largest town on St. Thomas and relatively close to the cruise port. It is a great town to explore as it is rich with history and colorful architecture.

If you want to explore Charlotte Amalie at your leisure, you can walk along the waterfront to downtown Charlotte Amalie. Downtown Charlotte Amalie is a 20-30 minute walk from the cruise port, depending on how fast you walk.

An easier and faster way to get to Charlotte Amalie is to take a taxi. A taxi ride to downtown Charlotte Amalie is just a few minutes and relatively inexpensive at $6.00 per person.

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Crown Bay Cruise Port

Crown Bay Cruise Port is also located on the southern part of St. Thomas Island in Crown Bay. As you enter Crown Bay, you will have a beautiful view of the bay and the island of St. Thomas. It is worth spending time on deck to take photographs as your ship enters Crown Bay.

The cruise port can accommodate two cruise ships at the same time. Crown Bay is the smaller of the two cruise ports in St. Thomas. However, Crown Bay has many amenities for cruise passengers.

Ships that dock at Crown Bay

Cruise Lines that routinely dock at Crown Bay include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Sea Dream Yacht Club. This is important to know in case you book a cruise and are interested in visiting a specific cruise port. Keep in mind that schedules can change based on need and the number of ships in port. If you do dock at Crown Bay but were hoping to dock at Havensight, the Havensight area is a short taxi ride away.

Location of Crown Bay Cruise Port

Crown Bay Cruise Port is about 2 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie and about 3 miles from Havensight Cruise Port. That is about a 7-minute drive to downtown Charlotte Amalie and a 10-minute drive to Havensight, depending on traffic.

Because it is farther from the downtown area, it is better to use a taxi if you would like to visit Charlotte Amalie. If you decide to walk, it will take about 25 or 30 minutes.

Disembarking at Crown Bay Cruise Port

When you disembark at Crown Bay Cruise Port, you will disembark directly on a pier and make your way to the cruise terminal. The walk to the terminal is short, taking about 5 minutes or less.

Crown Bay Center

After disembarking, you will enter Crown Bay Center, which is the main shopping area for the Crown Bay Cruise Port. Crown Bay Center is located only 500 feet from the dock.

Crown Bay Center is full of amenities for its visitors, including a welcome center and various shops and restaurants. At the entrance to Crown Bay, you will more than likely encounter vendors offering taxi services and shore excursions to explore St. Thomas.

The shopping area in Crown Bay is extensive. There are local vendors selling artisan products such as clothing, purses, and other souvenirs at the Caribbean Marketplace. There is also a wide variety of stores throughout Crown Bay, such as the cruise ship staple, Diamonds International, Effy, Del Sol, Cariloha, Little Switzerland, Miner’s Gems, Crocs, and many other duty-free shops.

Amenities Available at Crown Bay Cruise Port

At the Crown Bay Cruise Port, including the Crown Bay Center, you will find restrooms, convenience stores, ATMs, and a variety of places to grab a bite to eat. If you decide not to venture out on the island, you can enjoy some time here. However, there are so many great places to explore on St. Thomas that I recommend taking a taxi into town or going on a shore excursion.

Exploring Charlotte Amalie from Crown Bay Cruise Port

If your goal is to explore Charlotte Amalie, taking a taxi from Crown Bay Cruise Port is recommended. Charlotte Amalie is about 2 miles away from Crown Bay. Unless you are an avid walker, you will need a taxi to get to town. As I mentioned earlier, the walk from Crown Bay Cruise Port to Charlotte Amalie takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you would like to see Charlotte Amalie and several sights around St. Thomas, booking a shore excursion through the cruise ship or a local vendor is a great idea.

Sights to Explore in Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is a great town to explore. It has a rich history and several cultural sites to visit. There are many restaurants where you can try local dishes, and a variety of stores and shopping centers where you can enjoy duty-free shopping.

There are a few spots definitely worth visiting when exploring Charlotte Amalie, such as the 99 Steps. The 99 Steps is a step street that leads to Blackbeard’s Castle, another must-visit historical site in St. Thomas.

Fort Christian is another historical site in Charlotte Amalie. It was built in the late 1600s and used to protect and fortify the city and its harbor.

Market Square, also known as Rothschild Francis Square, functioned as a slave market during the 18th and early 19th centuries. It currently serves as a weekend farmer’s market and a venue for community gatherings. After visiting Market Square, you can stop at Emancipation Garden. Emancipation Garden was built to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in 1848.

After visiting cultural and historical sites, shopping might be in order. There are several places where you can spend time shopping, such as the Turkish Grand Bazaar, the outdoor marketplace, and the A. H. Riise shopping center.

Beaches Near the St. Thomas Cruise Port

One of the best things to do in St. Thomas is to spend time at a local beach. If you are looking for a beach break, you are in luck, as there are a few beaches near the cruise ports. Some beaches are closer to Havensight, while others are closer to Crown Bay. Regardless of the cruise port your ship is docked at, a beach break is a short taxi ride away.

Lindbergh Bay Beach (Emerald Beach)

Lindbergh Bay Beach, also known as Emerald Beach, is very close to Crown Bay Cruise Port. The beach is near the Cyril King Airport, and a short five-minute taxi ride away from the Crown Bay Cruise Port. You can also walk to Lindbergh Bay from Crown Bay. The walk takes about 20 minutes from the cruise port. Amenities at Lindbergh Bay Beach include restrooms, chair rentals, and jet ski rentals. Emerald Beach Resort is right off the beach, allowing you to order drinks and food during your stay at Lindbergh Bay.

If your cruise ship is docked at Havensight Cruise Port, you are better off taking a taxi to Lindbergh Bay Beach. Lindbergh Bay Beach is a 15-minute ride from Havensight Cruise Port.

Lindbergh Bay Beach St. Thomas — Lindbergh Bay Beach, St. Thomas

Brewers Bay Beach

Brewers Bay Beach is another beach near Crown Bay Cruise Port. It is a short seven-minute drive from the cruise port. If you are docked at Havensight Cruise Port, Brewers Bay Beach is a short 19-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.

Brewers Bay is a great beach if you want to snorkel and see turtles. If you need snorkel gear, there are vendors that rent gear at the beach. However, I’m not sure whether the vendors are there daily. A few local food trucks are available, offering a variety of food for purchase. Other amenities include restrooms and outdoor showers.

Morningstar Beach

Morningstar Beach is a little over two miles away from Havensight Cruise Port. It is an eleven-minute drive from the port. If your cruise ship has docked at Crown Bay Cruise port, Morningside Beach is a short 16-minute drive from the port.

Amenities at this beach include restrooms, chair rentals, snorkel rentals, and water sport rentals such as paddleboards and kayaks. There is also a hotel near the beach with a restaurant and a bar where you can purchase food and drinks.

Coki Beach

Coki Beach is located right near Coral World Ocean Park. If you are visiting the park, you can also spend some time at Coki Beach for a nice beach break. Coki Beach is a 28-minute drive from Crown Bay Cruise Port and a 23-minute drive from Havensight Cruise Port. Amenities at Coki Beach include restrooms and chair rentals. There are several restaurants available where you can order food and drinks.

Limetree Beach

Limetree Beach is just past Morningside Beach. It is an 18-minute drive from Crown Bay Cruise Port and a 13-minute drive from Havensight Cruise Port. Amenities at Limetree Beach include restrooms, chair rentals, and a restaurant where you can enjoy a great meal.

Magens Bay Beach

Magen’s Bay Beach is one of the more popular and well-known beaches on the island of St. Thomas. Magen’s Bay Beach is a 20-minute drive from both the Havensight Cruise Port and Crown Bay Cruise Port. There is a $2.00 per-person and $5.00 per-vehicle fee to enter the beach. Children 12 years old and younger are free. Amenities at Magen’s Bay Beach include restrooms, chair rentals, and places to purchase food.

Getting Around St. Thomas

There are a variety of ways to get around St. Thomas. The way you choose will depend on what you would like to do and see on the island, how much time you have, and how far you would like to go.

Open-air shared taxis

Open-air shared taxis are an easy way to get around St. Thomas. Taxi fares are fixed and charged per person. The taxis will fill the vehicle with passengers going to the same place. Because of this, you will not ride in a private taxi; instead, you will share the ride with other passengers.

Open air taxi on St. Thomas — Open-air taxi on St. Thomas

Walking

Walking is an option if your cruise ship has docked at Havensight and your destination is downtown Charlotte Amalie. It is also an option if your main interest is to explore the surrounding cruise port area.

If you want to go further or are docked at Crown Point and want to visit the downtown area, a taxi would be a better option than walking.

Shore Excursions

Cruise ship excursions or independent excursions are one of the easiest ways to get around St. Thomas. They usually include transportation to a variety of stops or a specific place. Many excursions include refreshments or the opportunity to purchase something to eat.

Private Guided Tour

A private guided tour is a great option if you want to explore St. Thomas and have specific places in mind that you would like to visit. Keep in mind that private tours that offer custom itineraries can be very pricey.

Popular Shore Excursions on St. Thomas

There are many excursions that you can take to explore St. Thomas and the neighboring island of St. John. Many of these excursions are offered by the cruise line as well as by companies such as Viator and GetYourGuide. If you do take an excursion on your own, make sure to stay on ship time and return by or before the all aboard time.

Skyride to Paradise Point

The Skyride to Paradise Point is within walking distance of the Havensight Cruise Port. The Skyride is an aerial tramway that ascends 700 feet above sea level. At the top, you will enjoy a spectacular scenic view of St. Thomas Harbor, the cruise ship port, and Charlotte Amalie.

There are several shops in Paradise Point where you can purchase a variety of souvenirs. There is also a restaurant where you can have a delicious lunch and get a refreshing beverage or cocktail.

Entrance to the St. Thomas Sky Ride to Paradise Point — Entrance to the St. Thomas Sky Ride

Pirates Treasure Shipwreck Museum

Pirates Treasure Shipwreck Museum is a two-story museum featuring exhibits showcasing artifacts recovered during deep-water exploration. The artifacts include authentic pirate weapons, maps, and rare coins. The Shipwreck Museum is located next door to the Skyride.

Magen’s Bay Beach and Skyride to Paradise Point

This excursion includes two of the most popular attractions in St. Thomas: Magens Bay Beach and the Skyride to Paradise Point. On the way to Magens Bay Beach, you will stop at Drake’s Seat, where you can take incredible scenic pictures. Once you arrive at Magen’s Bay Beach, you will enjoy a beach break for a couple of hours. After your beach break, you will visit the Skyride and ascend 700 feet above sea level to enjoy a scenic view of St. Thomas Harbor from Paradise Point.

Explore the Island of St. Thomas

On this type of excursion, you will visit several popular sites on the island of St. Thomas. Sites you will visit include the historic district of Charlotte Amalie and Blackbeard’s Castle. In the historic district, you will learn about St. Thomas’s cultural heritage. There will also be an opportunity for shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie. You will also enjoy a scenic drive, with opportunities to take spectacular photographs of St. Thomas.

There are a variety of tours available to explore St. Thomas. The tours usually include either Skyline Drive, Drake’s Seat, or the popular Mountain Top. Some tours include two of these options or all three.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

On this excursion, you will take a ride to a local beach and enjoy a snorkeling experience. You will enjoy seeing sea turtles, colorful fish, and other vibrant marine life. These tours can vary from two to three hours, are relatively close to the cruise port, and include all snorkel equipment.

Shop, See, & Splash

This excursion combines the best of land and sea. You will explore several sites on St. Thomas with time for shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Sites include Mountain Top, which offers incredible views of St. Thomas, and Drake’s Seat. Afterward, you will visit one of the local beaches for a relaxing beach break.

This type of excursion could last about five or six hours, depending on the itinerary.

Sapphire Beach Snorkel and Panoramic Views

This excursion is similar to the Shop, See, & Splash excursion but is a bit shorter. On this excursion, you will visit Sapphire Beach for a snorkeling experience. There are a variety of services on Sapphire Beach, including a restaurant where you can purchase lunch. After your snorkel experience, you will enjoy a scenic drive along Skyline Drive for spectacular views of the island.

Snorkel equipment is included.

Discover St. John Island Drive

On this excursion, you will take a 45-minute ferry boat ride to Cruz Bay on the island of St. John. After arriving in Cruz Bay, you will go on a scenic tour of St. John and visit sites through the National Park. There are several scenic stops where you can take amazing photographs of St. John’s beautiful beaches and incredible views. After your return to Cruz Bay, you will have time to shop before taking the ferry back to St. Thomas.

This excursion can be booked through the cruise line or independently. If you book this cruise independently, it is very important to know the ferry’s exact departure and return times and to make sure you do not miss the ferry back to St. Thomas. You will want to ensure that you are back on the ship by the all-aboard time so that you do not miss the ship.

Trunk Bay St. John — Trunk Bay, St. John

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Uber and Lyft available on St. Thomas?

No, Uber and Lyft are not available on St. Thomas. Open-air taxis are available for transportation needs. Taxi prices are set per person and depend on where you would like to go.

Is WiFi available at the cruise port in St. Thomas?

Yes, Wifi is available at both the Havensight Cruise Port and at the Crown Bay Cruise Port at certain venues. There are signs that indicate if a venue offers free WiFi while you are visiting.

What currency is used in St. Thomas?

The U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, is a territory of the United States. The official currency used in the USVI is the United States Dollar.

What language is spoken in St. Thomas?

English is the most common language spoken in St. Thomas. You will also hear Virgin Islands Creole, Spanish, and French Creole spoken on the island.

How far is Havensight from Charlotte Amalie?

Havensight Cruise Port is about 1.5 miles away from Charlotte Amalie. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk from the cruise port to the downtown area. The drive from the cruise port to the downtown area is about 10 minutes.

How far is Crown Bay Cruise Port from Charlotte Amalie?

Crown Bay Cruise Port is about 2 miles from Charlotte Amalie. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk from Crown Bay to the downtown area. The drive from Crown Bay to the downtown area is about 7 minutes.

Is St. Thomas Worth Visiting on a Cruise?

Absolutely! St. Thomas is definitely worth visiting while on a cruise. St. Thomas is rich in history and culture. There are many wonderful places to visit in Charlotte Amalie and several viewpoints with spectacular views of the island, coastline, and neighboring Caribbean islands.

Some of the best beaches on St. Thomas are incredible and easily accessible from both cruise ports, allowing you to have a wonderful beach day during your visit to the island. There are many activities to choose from, and you will undoubtedly enjoy your port day on the island of St. Thomas. Happy cruising!