Saturday, April 20, 2024

St Croix Island USVI Frederiksted-Christiansted, US Virgin Islands cruise port schedule

st croix cruise port

Additionally, ground transportation and tours are available from the pier to historical sites, beaches, and other excursions. There are public restrooms located near the entrance of the pier. Several restaurants and stores are within walking distance of the pier. With only one cruise ship allowed to dock at a time, the small town keeps cruising an intimate affair. The single dock will have you enter the smaller of the island’s two largest towns.

Cruise Ports in US Virgin Islands

VIPA gets green light for cruise port expansion - Dredging Today

VIPA gets green light for cruise port expansion.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This is the pier where most of the large cruise ships dock, as well as military ships, submarines, and other naval vessels. From time to time, tall-ships especially from Denmark, can be seen here. Cruise ships dock by a single pier off Frederiksted, St Croix's second-largest town, near the western end of the island.

Experience Christiansted

Taste your way through the history of rum on St. Croix as you tour the Captain Morgan and Cruzan Rum distilleries, where you’ll learn about the process of making the Caribbean’s favorite spirit. This historic site in Christiansted is a preserved area showcasing the island's Danish colonial past. Key features include the 18th-century Fort Christiansvaern and old Danish customs house, providing a vivid window into the island's history and architecture. Mixed within this side of the island are unique attractions such as the beer-drinking pigs and Crucian Rum Distillery.

St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

The platform of the pier is equipped with a fendering system that is designed for submarines. All berths at this facility have access to potable water via water haulers requested through VIPA's marine office in St. Croix. Smaller cruise ships anchor at Christiansted's Gallows Bay Dock, located approx 1,6 km (1 mml) east of downtown.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Walk along Frederiksted Beach or explore the historic district to spot Danish-influenced architecture. Located approximately minutes drive from the Frederiksted cruise terminal, Sandy Point is a breathtaking beach known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. It's a popular spot for nesting turtles, making it an essential visit for wildlife enthusiasts. This beach is only open on weekends and is closed from April to August for turtle nesting season. This beach which faces the west has very calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling and even Stand Up Paddle Boarding.

Frederiksted Beach makes a perfect day-long excursion for those who want to stay closer to the cruise port. The beach features crystal waters and exactly the beach vibe you’d expect from the Virgin Islands. Enjoy drinks on the beach and rent an umbrella for a much-needed chance to do absolutely nothing.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Enjoy duty-free shopping in St. Croix for up to $1600 for US residents. The island has plenty to offer in Jewellery both high end and locally made pieces such as the hook bracelet. What’s great about St. Croix dining scene is the use of fresh ingredients in a farm to table dining experience. Some of the island’s delicacies include pates, Johnny cakes, Kallaloo, grilled lobster, fungi and fish. The wall and the reef in the place make for one of the best diving sites in St. Croix. The beach has plenty of amenities and a dive shop, where you can get outfitted for your dive session.

Virgin Islands Port Authority secures approval for cruise port expansion - Baird Maritime

Virgin Islands Port Authority secures approval for cruise port expansion.

Posted: Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Currently, the berth can't handle larger-sized vessels, the largest now being RCI's Radiance-class (passenger capacity 2500). Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class (world's 3rd largest) could bring 4900+ tourists per port call. St Croix Port Authority contracted the local marine consult company "Moffat & Nichol" to start the USD 86,500 study - to be paid from USVI's FY2019 budget for capital projects. Although St Croix is a US territory, the USVI are maintained as "Free Port" in an individual customs zone. Therefore, tourists to/from mainland USA and Puerto Rico must clear the USA's customs but don't have to present a passport - they just need proof of US citizenship/nationality.

st croix cruise port

Royal Caribbean's winter 2022-2023 Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

This intriguing jewel lies 17°45′ North latitude and 64°45′ West longitude and is considered to be one of the most beautiful resort areas in the Caribbean. We are on Atlantic Standard time, which makes us one hour ahead of Eastern Standard time in winter months when you set your clocks back one hour. It’s about a half-hour drive from Christiansted, but well worth the journey— once you arrive at the rocky bluff, you can wander up a paved road to the overlook for the best views on the island. Divers and water lovers will find plenty to do at Cane Bay Beach, which even has a full-service dive shop for anything you might need to rent.

Apart from shopping, Frederiksted is rich in historical and cultural sites. Key attractions include the Frederiksted Pier, renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities and a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The iconic Fort Frederik, an 18th-century structure, stands as a testament to the island's colonial past and played a significant role in the history of emancipation on the island. The town's layout is compact and easily explorable on foot, offering a mix of well-preserved Victorian buildings and local street art, giving visitors a true taste of the island's character and heritage.

Salt River Bay is located about 5miles from Christiansted on the northern side of the island. It’s the only place in the US territory where Columbus actually set foot on. It hosts a vibrant habitat of sea horses and night critters which emerge in the evening and makes for a special diving spot in the evening. Too bad jumping off the pier is restricted when there are ships in port. Explore the Victorian Era architecture while you pop in and out of shops and quaint restaurants. There is plenty to eat, drink and shop in and around the town area.

On the western side of the island is the rainforest and mountainous region where you can enjoy horseback riding, trail walking, or enjoy the beaches and surfing. Unlike other USVI islands, cruise ships don’t dock in the capital of St. Croix. Instead, ships dock at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted on the western side of the island.

Beaches are abundant across the island; Butler Bay, Dorsch Beach, and Frederiksted Beach are perfect for relaxed sunbathing and family fun. For a more active time on the beach, head to Coakley Bay Beach or Cane Bay Beach, where you’ll find abundant diving and snorkeling. Buck Island Reef National Monument and Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge aren’t far from the port at Frederiksted and make a great day trip for nature lovers.

Before you wander to the eastern side of the island, check out the west. From lush botanical gardens and rolling mountain background to pristine white sand beaches, Frederiksted has it all. You should check these top 20 things to do in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Mainly catered for cruise ship visitors who are on a Caribbean cruise vacation. We recommend that you book in advance to be sure to reserve a space and to ensure  that your activity will fit within your cruise ships sailing schedule. Cruise ships to St Croix USVI dock at Frederiksted (western coast/at Ann E. Abramson Marine Terminal) or Christiansted (northeastern coast).

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