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Stacy
Trip Date 02/02/2022 Posted On 07/06/2022 09:56:57 |
Destinations | Cruises | Norwegian Dawn | Royal Caribbean | Symphony of the Seas | Eastern Caribbean | US Virgin Islands | USVI | St. Thomas | Charlotte Amalie | DIY | Shore Excursions | National Parks | Walking Tour | Shopping | Beach | Snorkel | Driving Tour | History | Magens Bay
Over the past 12+ years, we've spent multiple days docked at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. During our port days, we've experienced both do-it-yourself exploring and organized shore excursions. Our most recent two visits to the USVI were aboard the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas and the Norwegian Dawn.
Although we usually prefer DIY options, our 35+ cruises together have taught us to keep an open mind when searching for the best way to spend our day. If you are planning for an Eastern Caribbean cruise with a day in St. Thomas, this article will give you three options for optimizing your day in port:
- Option 1, a walking tour, will provide you with a chance to see some of the history of the island and also do some shopping;
- Option 2, the organized sailing excursion, is perfect for beach lovers (with options to snorkel or hike) at a national park; and
- Option 3, a driving tour, will bring you to several scenic overlooks further from the port as well as the popular Magens Bay Beach.
Read on to choose your favorite ... or combine them to create your perfect day!
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United States Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands, located in the northeastern Caribbean, are positioned to the east of Puerto Rico and west of the British Virgin Islands. With white sand beaches and reefs that are home to amazing sea life, the islands attract a variety of travelers - not just cruisers. Over fifty smaller islands and three larger islands make up this United States territory:- The easternmost point of the USA, Saint Croix is the largest of the three islands. Also the southernmost of the three islands, St. Croix is home to the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted;
- The Virgin Islands National Park comprises over half of Saint John, the smallest of the three islands; and
- Home of Crown Mountain, the island chain's highest peak, Saint Thomas is sometimes referred to as the most sophisticated of the three islands.
While the US dollar is the currency used in the USVI, driving is on the left side of the road - unlike driving in the states.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
St. Thomas is the most popular of the U.S. Virgin Islands for passengers arriving by cruise ship. Charlotte Amalie, the country's capital city, has cruise ports located both east and west of the downtown area. With two docks, the Crown Bay Cruise Ship Dock is located approximately two miles to the west. The three docks comprising the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock are about a 20 minute walk east of Charlotte Amalie. (On really busy days, you might also find passengers tendering to shore while their ship sits anchored in the bay.)
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Option 1: Self-Guided Walking Tour
Shopping, dining, history and views are all within a short distance from the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock. Start off by enjoying a fantastic view from a high point, see some of the island's history and wrap up your time in port by doing some retail shopping (or dining) near the ship. Option 1 is perfect for those looking to get some exercise and see some sights near the port. (Of course, the order of the sights on this walking tour can easily be adapted to meet your personal interests.)Before you head out walking, don't forget to walk on the right!
Skyride to Paradise Point
As you leave the immediate area surrounding the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock, one of the first attractions that you will see is the Skyride to Paradise Point. A short ride up Flag Hill aboard an aerial tram takes passengers to Paradise Point.In addition to some awesome views from the top, visitors can also enjoy a Bushwacker at the place where this adult beverage was reportedly first created.
Blackbeard's Castle
A bit further away, but still reachable for those who don't mind adding to their daily step count, DIY travelers have several additional options. Although currently closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, you can still peek through the gate of Blackbeard's Castle and enjoy a view of the harbor.To get to this National Historic Landmark that is believed to have been built in the late 17th century, walk toward downtown on Edward Wilmot Blyden Road. Continue at a slight angle to the left on to the Veterans Drive pedestrian sidewalk. When you reach the big parking lot at Hospital Gade, turn right and walk uphill. After about three blocks, turn left on Dronningens Gade which will merge into Blackbeard's Hill Way after two blocks. You will be walking up Government Hill and will pass Three Queens Fountain on your right. One block beyond the statue, be on the lookout for the iron gate which you can peer through to see the tower.
99 Steps
Retrace your steps downhill past the statue until you reach a stairway which will take you downhill to Kongens Gade. Turn right and walk about one block until you see the island's famous 99 Steps (Store Taarne Gade). Adorned with flowers on both sides, all 103 steps of this historic staircase are thought to have been constructed in the mid-1600s of bricks imported from Denmark.After taking photos (or raising your heartbeat by hiking up and down the steps), continue walking on Kongens Gade until you reach a multi-way intersection. Turn left onto Dronningens Gade for a short distance before turning right on to Tolbod Gade. On your right, you'll see a bandstand in Emancipation Garden Park. At the far end of the park, turn right on Forte Strade. Both Fort Christian and a Vendor Plaza are approximately one block ahead.
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Fort Christian
Built in the same era as Blackbeard's Castle, the fort is one of the island's oldest structures. Fort Christian currently operates as a museum and is on the list of National Historic Landmarks. The fort has had many previous uses including serving as the police headquarters, governor's headquarters and a prison.Old Town Charlotte Amalie
Before returning to the ship, spend some time exploring and shopping in Old Town Charlotte Amalie. Walk three blocks west from the fort on Veterans Drive and turn right on to Nye Gade to reach the main street of Dronningens Gade (Queen's Street).If your port day coincides with the island's annual month long Carnival celebration (typically after Easter in April / May), Old Town is the place to be. You won't want to miss hearing the Caribbean tunes and seeing locals dressed in their colorful costumes as they parade through the city.
Return to the port by walking around the bay via Veterans Drive.
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Shopping and Dining
Located just outside of the Havensight cruise terminal, passengers will find a wide assortment of both shopping and dining. In addition to being able to "shop and dine local", there are also options for those missing both current and former "comforts of home". Those longing for fast food will see two restaurants reminiscent of many home towns. A McDonald's is found near one of the handful of K-Mart discount stores still in operation anywhere in the world. (Reaching these two locations on Rumer Drive requires approximately a 10 minute walk to the northeast from the Havensight terminal.)The Wendy's fast food restaurant is nearer the souvenir and apparel shops surrounding the port. As you wander through the shops nearest the ports, you'll find some fun photo opportunities. Be on the lookout for fountains, statues and even some frames ready for you to create a digital postcard. You'll have the perfect digital memory for yourself or to send to family or friends who stayed home during your adventure.
Option 2: Virgin Islands National Park Beach and Snorkel Tour
St. John, the smallest of the three main islands which make up the US Virgin Islands, is reachable only by water. In addition to a variety of snorkel and beach day trips and charters offered by both cruise lines and private operators, visitors can take a ferry or car barge to reach the island.Once on the white sandy shore with crystal clear blue waters all around, it's easy to understand why you made the extra effort to get there. The Virgin Islands National Park, one of the nation's 63 national parks, covers nearly two-thirds of the island. The park is most well known for water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and, of course boating / sailing. But, the park is also home to more than 20 hiking trails for those who prefer exploring on land.
When searching for day trips to St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park, some of the most popular tours include Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Bay, Maho Bay, Salomon Bay or Trunk Bay in the titles.
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We originally reserved the St. John Trunk Bay Beach & Snorkel Tour through Royal Caribbean which was unfortunately cancelled for "operational reasons". We later found the St. John Half Day Champagne Cat Sail Beach and Snorkel that brought us to the national park. From the time of our departure to our return to the port, the excursion was about four hours long.
Once we arrived to St. John, we had the option of snorkeling, beach time or relaxing on the catamaran. In addition to a short stroll along the beach, we spent most of our visit snorkeling. The highlight of our time in the water was watching the sea turtles swim and surface.
Champagne, punch and snacks were served by the staff as we traveled back to the port area.
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Option 3: Magens Bay Driving Tour
There are plenty of ship sponsored and private shore excursions (and even taxi tours) that bring cruisers to the most popular scenic overlooks and beaches on St. Thomas. Depending on the size of your travel group, you may be able to save money by renting a car and planning your own beach day. This route will take you past several viewpoints on your way to Magens Bay Beach. (That is, if you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road!)Skyline Drive Overlook
Because St. Thomas is volcanic in origin, the island is quite mountainous. A scenic ride along the east-west ridge known as Skyline Drive takes you through the center of the island and past several panoramic views. Nearest the port with a southern view is Skyline Drive Overlook (also sometimes referred to as Valdemar Hill or Charlotte Amalie Overlook) with a panoramic view of the harbor. See the downtown area of Charlotte Amalie, both the Havensight and Crown Bay cruise ports as well as the nearby Water Island and Hassel Island from the hillside lookout.A small market offering souvenirs and local crafts is often set up and open at the overlook.
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Drake's Seat
Although not the island's highest peak, the view from Drake's Seat is usually considered a must see for anyone visiting St. Thomas. It's the perfect place to get a bird's eye view of Magens Bay and the beach which is next up on your driving tour. (If your ship stays docked late into the evening, it is also said that Drake's Seat is a fantastic location to capture shots of the setting sun.)Named after Sir Francis Drake, it is believed that Drake's Seat is the actual place where the explorer stood on lookout for enemy vessels. He may have even ordered an attack or two from this very spot!
Magens Bay Beach
Located less than five miles north of the Havensight Cruise Pier, Magens Bay Beach is one of the most sought after of all of the beaches in St. Thomas. Protected by peninsulas on two sides, beach enthusiasts flock to the one mile long stretch of sand and calm, shallow Caribbean waters. The soft white sand at the public beach is perfect for sunbathing or picnicking (in the sun or shade). When you are ready to cool off, the water is great for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and pedal-boating.Parking at Magens Bay Beach is currently $2.00 per car and the entrance fee is $5.00 per non-island resident.
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"World Famous Mountain Top"
At 1,476 feet above sea level, St. Peter Mountain, aka Mountain Top is one of the island's highest points. What is often advertised as the World Famous Mountain Top is known for three things:- an observation deck which offers some of the island's best panoramic views of Magens Bay as well as the neighboring St. John and British Virgin Islands;
- being the birthplace of a secret concoction of Cruzan rum (made on the island), sugar cane extract, lime juice, locally grown bananas and homemade banana liqueur (a stop at the mountain top bar can help ensure that you don't miss sipping on one of these tasty banana daiquiris); and
- a huge duty free shop where you can find beachwear and other clothing, hats, jewelry, shoes and other accessories, art and other home goods, perfumes plus so much more!
Upon leaving the Mountain Top, head back to Charlotte Amalie on Brewers Bay Road where you'll find two more stops on your driving tour.
Perseverance Bay Overlook
The major airlines bringing passengers to St. Thomas land at Cyril E. King International Airport. The airport is located just west of the cruise ports, with its runway surrounded by water on three sides. A stop at the Perseverance Bay Overlook will give you an amazing view of Perseverance Bay. Peering out just a bit further, you'll also be able to see the end of the runway where you can watch for airplanes landing in the distance.The overlook is well shaded, and there's a wall ledge plus a couple of benches available for your viewing pleasure.
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Brewers Bay Beach
Brewers Bay Beach is known for its clear, calm water with a soft white sandy floor. Although rarely crowded, those who do spend time at this beach can often be found playing games on the wide shore, taking a stroll beside the water or wading / swimming in the water. You may even see snorkelers trying to spot one of the sea turtles who call the bay home.Whether you choose to sit under the shade of the trees or sunbathe closer to the water, you'll likely see sailboats in the bay and planes landing at the nearby airport. Although there are often food trucks or vans offering lunch or snack items, there are no tables or chairs - so make sure to bring your beach towel!
Shopping, Dining, History and Other Attractions
Depending on how much beach time you choose to enjoy, you can always hit some of the points of interest in Option 1: Self-Guided Walking Tour above before returning your rental car.
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Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
If your cruise through the Eastern Caribbean islands includes a port day in Puerto Plata, be sure to check out our 1-Day DIY Guide to the 'Silver Port' of Puerto Plata. Whether you enjoy relaxing at beach resorts, shopping, exploring historical sites, strolling along the water's edge, bonding with monkeys or admiring panoramic views, you'll find plenty of ideas to make the most of a day in Puerto Plata.St. Thomas, USVI
What are your top recommendations for anyone who visits the island of St. Thomas?Weather:77F Partly Cloudy
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