Thread: Port Review: St.Thomas

Arguably the Caribbean's most popular cruise ship port--visitors can count nine or 10 ships in port on any given day--St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is often dubbed "the shopping center of the Caribbean." Its capital city, Charlotte Amalie, certainly lives up to the moniker, offering hundreds of shops along the waterfront housed in red-roofed buildings which were formerly Danish warehouses. The U.S. acquired St. Thomas and the other U.S. Virgin Islands of St. John and St. Croix from Denmark in 1917.

The shops sell all manner of merchandise, from local rum to imported watches, cameras, liquor, china, crystal, fashions and jewelry. Best of all, the duty-free exemption when U.S. travelers visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is $1,600 per person (including the possibility to bring back five liters of alcoholic beverages).

But St. Thomas' charms go far beyond the duty-free shopping. This is a tiny (32 square miles) but beautiful island. Just taking in the panorama of its harbor from a ship's railing convinces passengers of this--clear blue water, a backdrop of green hills, white buildings with red roofs, tropical foliage and flowers including bougainvillea and hibiscus.

The island's Magen's Bay Beach appears consistently on those lists of the world's top beaches. It is an idyll with crystalline aquamarine waters and arching white sands. Other top St. Thomas beaches include Sapphire Beach, Coki Beach and Morningstar Beach.

After a few hours at one of the beaches, independent travelers may wish to opt for the Skyride that takes visitors up 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie for panoramic views of the island and sea. Popular shore excursions sold aboard ships include island tours to visit such points of interest as the 17th century Fort Christian; Market Square, once a slave market; and Blackbeard's Castle, a fortified 17th century tower on Government Hill, which is now a popular restaurant and hotel.

Another highlight is Government House, the center of government since the 19th century and located on a hill overlooking Charlotte Amalie. It has 99 steps carved onto the hillside made of bricks brought to the island as ballast by Danish and British ships.

Many passengers, particularly families traveling with children, head either independently or via an organized tour, for Coral World Ocean Park on Coki Point, next to Coki Beach. The park offers aquaria, touch tanks, optional marine creature encounters, an aviary, optional programs including snuba, and an underwater observation tower that enables visitors to view the tropical reef without getting wet at a depth of 15 feet below the surface of the water.

Coral World features lockers, changing rooms and showers--convenient for those who wish to spend time at the adjacent beach. Other available shore excursion options include all-day expeditions to nearby St. John and half-day beach party boat tours for swimming and excursions for snorkeling and diving.

Passengers who would like to sample the local cuisine may wish to try the fresh fish and seafood, often prepared with a spicy Creole sauce made with tomatoes, onions and peppers.

Would-be cruise passengers who would like to visit St. Thomas have their pick from many lines who call at the island including Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, and Windstar.

IF YOU GO: For information, visit Home | US Virgin Islands

Read more: Port of Call Spotlight: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands - OrlandoSentinel.com

St. Thomas is a very busy port! With that many ships in at one time it can get pretty crowded in the port area where Havensight is located (the red roofed shopping mall that is mentioned in the article)

Getting out to the beach or to an out island or up the mountain will give the day tripper a much better experience than shopping at Diamonds International and those other stores that have popped up on every Caribbean island.

Thanks Tim for the overview. I do have a question I am hoping maybe you or Char can answer for me. Does the Paradise Point tram I believe it is called have handicap accessibility. I saw in the picture a gazillon stairs you have to climb up or down. Looks like something fun to do. We have scheduled a tour while there in an air conditioned van for my husband. After the tour we go to Megans bay for 2hours then downtown to shop. If my husband wants they will take him to the ship after Megans Bay or after the tour if he is too tired.

I'll have to research that for you! I don't recall anyone mentioning accessibility for the Paradise Point tram.
I have emailed them with the question...
I'll get back to you on this.

Your plans for the day sound great!