Cruise Port Charlotte Amalie: St. Thomas On Your Own
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Your Port Guide to the US Virgin Islands
Navigating the Island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on your own is a pretty simple task. Most sites are within walking distance or a short and inexpensive taxi ride away.
Where do Ships Dock in the US Virgin Islands?
It is most likely that your day on St. Thomas will start with your ship docking at the Havensight Cruise Pier in the city of Charlotte Amalie. From the pier, you can easily walk to many destinations in the city.
Upon exiting the ship you will be greeted with a well-developed shopping area, the Havensight Mall. The outdoor shopping area caters to ship passengers. You’ll find numerous tourist shopping options for your vacation collectibles and local treasures. Options include a Sunglass Hut, Crocs store, and many jewelry stores. For a good deal on local packaged food visit Gourmet Gallery, a small well-stocked grocery store.
For some, the port area will provide all the shopping needed on the island.
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Things To Do in St. Thomas
Ride the Skyride to Paradise Point
Our top pick for your day in St. Thomas is a ride on the Skyride to Paradise Point. You can walk to the lower tram station from the port in about ten minutes.
If your ship’s schedule allows it, wait until the sun is setting to take the tram to the top. It’s the best place to watch a sunset in all of St. Thomas.
The Skyride hours vary depending on the day, it’s best to check their website (http://www.paradisepointvi.com/) for the most up-to-date schedule.
The round-trip scenic ride to Paradise Point costs about USD$25 per person with discounts for one-way rides, kids, seniors, locals, ship crew, and active US military. You can also add on the adjacent Pirates Treasure Museum with a USD$34 combo ticket.
At the top, you have your pick of numerous platforms to enjoy the view of the island and harbor below. If you’d like to take a seat and enjoy the view we recommend the restaurant’s signature drink the Bailey’s Bushwacker, a vodka, Irish cream, and amaretto-based cocktail.
While shopping at the top, make time for My Brother’s Workshop a local non-profit shop that works with local youth.
Walk to Fort Christian
After you’ve made your way back down on the Skyride, a twenty-minute shoreline walk will get you to another top attraction on the island. Fort Christian. The uniquely colored deep red brick building was built by Norwegian and Danish settlers in 1671. Inside you can learn more about the island’s rich history at the St. Thomas Museum. Admission is USD $ 10 per person.
After leaving the fort, be sure to look across the street at the historic Legislature Building.
Take in the view from Emancipation Garden
Continue your walk through the adjacent Emancipation Garden with its central gazebo. You’ll be greeted with numerous, larger-than-expected iguanas catching some sun in the grass.
Continue up the hill with a visit to the small but beautiful First Lady’s Garden. Find the white fountain for a picturesque photo spot and view. Nearby, view the starkly white Government House and the famous red Danish Style Guard House.
Just up the road is an Instagram hot spot, the 99 Steps. The view from the top is less spectacular than the stairs themselves, but if you’re looking to burn off some cruise desserts feel free to make the climb.
Best Shopping in St. Thomas
Just down the hill from here is the main shopping area of Charlotte Amalie. There are lots of jewelry stores along the narrow streets and passageways. Don’t miss S.O.S. Antiques a nautical antique store selling real treasures from the sea at surprisingly affordable prices.
After weaving through all the local shops trace your steps back to the port on foot (about 30 minutes) or with a local taxi.
If you have the time, end your day with a drink at the Rum Hut. The outdoor bar is near the cruise port. Here you can mingle with locals while enjoying cheap drinks on barstools or wooden swings.
How to get to the Beach from St. Thomas Cruise Port
There is no shortage of beaches on St. Thomas. You can book an expensive cruise excursion for the easiest experience to and from the beach. If you’d like to go on your own, numerous taxis will take you to any of the local beaches for posted rates rarely over USD per rider. Sadly, there are not any beaches within reasonable walking distance from the port.
Things To See on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands:
Havensight Mall
Skyride to Paradise Point
My Brother’s Workshop
Fort Christian
Emancipation Garden
First Lady’s Garden
Government House
Danish Style Guard House
99 Steps
S.O.S. Antiques
Rum Hut
