St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Uncover the Beauty of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, a stunning gem in the Caribbean, is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lush tropical scenery. Cruising to St. Thomas offers an excellent opportunity to explore this idyllic destination and enjoy its rich history and diverse activities. Fun fact: St. Thomas is home to the famous Charlotte Amalie, named after a Danish queen, which is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and boasts historic buildings and breathtaking views!

Activities and Attractions in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

When your cruise ship docks in St. Thomas, there are countless adventures waiting just for you:

• Explore Charlotte Amalie: Discover the capital city’s vibrant streets filled with shops, restaurants, and history. Stroll along the waterfront, visit the historic Fort Christian, and explore the charming shops at Main Street.
• Relax on the Beaches: St. Thomas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Spend your time at Magens Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sands, or head to Sapphire Beach for water sports and seaside relaxation.
• Visit Blackbeard’s Castle: Step into history with a visit to this famous pirate’s lair. Tour the well-preserved complex, learn about the island's pirate past, and enjoy stunning views from the lookout point atop the castle.
• Snorkel or Dive in Trunk Bay: Just a short ferry ride away, Trunk Bay is famous for its underwater snorkelling trail. Swim among vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in this stunning natural paradise.
• Take the Skyride to Paradise Point: Enjoy breathtaking views of the island during the scenic gondola ride up to Paradise Point. Once at the top, relax with a drink at the bar while soaking in panoramic views of the harbour and surrounding islands.

Nearby Harbours to Explore

When cruising to St. Thomas, make the most of your trip by visiting these beautiful nearby ports:

• San Juan, Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico's capital is a blend of rich history and modern charm. Visit Old San Juan's colourful streets, experience the local cuisine, or explore the historic forts, including El Morro.
• Philipsburg, Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles: Philipsburg offers fantastic shopping, lively beaches, and water sports. Explore Front Street's duty-free shops or relax at Great Bay Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
• Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda: This beautiful island is known for its stunning beaches, with 365 of them to explore! Take a tour of Nelson's Dockyard, enjoy a beach day at Half Moon Bay or St. John's vibrant local market.
• Bridgetown, Barbados: The capital city of Barbados boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Visit historic sites like the Garrison or enjoy rum tasting at one of the local distilleries.
• Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: This private island owned by Carnival Cruise Line features stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a day of relaxation on the beach, or try exciting water sports like snorkelling and kayaking.

Regions You Can Explore When Cruising to St. Thomas

Cruising to St. Thomas provides the perfect opportunity to explore various incredible regions:

• Caribbean: This spectacular region offers some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Cruise the Caribbean to enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant cultures, delicious cuisines, and countless adventure opportunities.
• Eastern Caribbean: Known for its charming islands, the Eastern Caribbean invites explorers to discover hidden gems, lush landscapes, and unique local traditions, while enjoying pleasant tropical climates.
• Southern Caribbean: Experience breathtaking scenery and rich culture as you cruise through the Southern Caribbean, where you can explore islands known for their vibrant local lifestyles and stunning natural beauty.
• Western Caribbean: This region boasts a variety of cultural experiences, stunning tropical destinations, and exciting recreational opportunities, including beautiful beaches and rich diving sites.
• Central America: This diverse region features lush jungles, bustling cities, and rich history, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourism, cultural exploration, and adventure activities.

Major Cruise Lines Visiting St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of 17 ships, 10 of which explore St. Thomas, Princess Cruises features the Grand Princess and Enchanted Princess. These ships are known for their premium onboard experiences, exceptional hospitality, and a variety of dining options, making them a great choice for families and couples alike, departing most often from Fort Lauderdale or San Juan.
• Holland America Line: With 11 ships, Holland America Line has 6 of them offering itineraries that visit St. Thomas. The Koningsdam and Zuiderdam are both celebrated for their elegant design, award-winning dining, and enriching onboard activities that cater to diverse tastes, departing from Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian operates a fleet of 20 ships, with 16 ships offering itineraries to St. Thomas. The Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Pearl are known for their vibrant entertainment, variety of dining options, and flexible cruising experiences, usually departing from Miami or New York.
• Carnival Cruise Lines: With a fleet of 27 ships, 10 of which call on St. Thomas, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Vista are designed for fun and family-friendly experiences, featuring exciting entertainment and delicious dining options, mostly departing from Port Canaveral or Miami.
• Cunard: With a smaller fleet of 4 ships, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth also include itineraries to St. Thomas. Known for their luxurious and sophisticated cruising experiences, Cunard encompasses fine dining and grand entertainment, typically departing from Miami or New York.

Best Times to Visit St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

• Spring (March, April, May): Average temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. Spring brings excellent weather, fewer crowds, and is great for enjoying outdoor activities and events held on the island.
• Summer (June, July, August): Summer temperatures can soar to around 25°C to 32°C. It’s a popular time for tourists, with vibrant local events and water activities in full swing, making it perfect for beach lovers.
• Autumn (September, October, November): Autumn temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C. While it’s hurricane season, many visitors enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds during this time; just be sure to check the weather forecasts.
• Winter (December, January, February): Winter temperatures can drop to around 23°C to 28°C. This is the peak tourist season, with great weather, festive holiday celebrations, and plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

What is the typical cost of a cruise?

A one-week cruise visiting St. Thomas typically costs around $1,800 for standard options, while luxury cruises may range from $4,500 to $12,000, depending on the cruise line and accommodations selected.

What should I expect for the costs of food and beverages?

Onboard meals are generally included in your cruise fare. Dining in St. Thomas can vary, with meals costing between $15 and $40 at local restaurants and eateries, featuring fresh seafood and Caribbean delicacies.

What are some of the dining and shopping possibilities to know about?

St. Thomas features numerous dining options, from local beach shacks to upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood. Visitors can also explore the duty-free shopping opportunities available in Charlotte Amalie for unique souvenirs and luxury items.

What are transportation options?

Transportation for shore excursions is typically arranged through your cruise line. On St. Thomas, local taxis and safaris (open-air buses) are available, making it easy and convenient to explore the island.

What should I know about the local currency and making payments?

The local currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD), meaning no currency exchange is needed for most visitors. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.

What are safety and health tips to be aware of?

St. Thomas is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to stay alert and secure your belongings while enjoying the local attractions. Be aware of weather conditions, especially during hurricane season.

What are some helpful language or cultural tips?

English is the primary language spoken, making communication straightforward for most visitors. Familiarising yourself with local customs and phrases can enhance your experiences and connections with locals.