St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Mountaintop views, one of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches and duty-free shopping in a Danish colonial harbor town. Here’s how to make one day ashore count.
An Eastern Caribbean favorite
St. Thomas is the busiest stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands and one of the easiest days in the Caribbean. It’s a U.S. territory, so you’re using dollars and speaking English, and the harbor town of Charlotte Amalie, with its Danish colonial warehouses and steep hillside streets, wraps around the bay between the two cruise piers.
The trick is choosing. In one day you can take in the view from Mountain Top, spend the afternoon on the calm, mile-long curve of Magens Bay, snorkel the reefs around St. John or shop the duty-free lanes downtown, but probably not all four. Below are the excursions we’d book and the details that keep the day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Your pier is set by the port, not by you, and it can change close to your sailing date, so confirm yours on your itinerary a few days before you arrive.
Havensight (WICO Dock)
The island’s main cruise dock, run by the West Indian Company, about a mile and a half east of downtown Charlotte Amalie. Havensight Mall’s duty-free shops sit at the foot of the pier, and the Skyride to Paradise Point is a short walk away. Most tour operators meet guests near the start of the pier.
Used by: Norwegian, Disney, Princess, Holland America, MSC, Virgin Voyages, Oceania, Regent, Viking, Azamara, Explora Journeys and Margaritaville at Sea.
Crown Bay
West of downtown and run by the Virgin Islands Port Authority. This is where the largest ships berth, including Royal Caribbean’s Oasis- and Icon-class ships. Crown Bay Center, with a few shops and places to eat, is beside the terminal. Other lines are assigned here on busy days.
Used by: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
Excursions we’d book
Hand-picked shore excursions from local operators, bookable through our partner Project Expedition. Every tour here carries Project Expedition’s Back to Ship Guarantee. Prices are per person and can change; check the live price when you book.
St. Thomas Shopping, Sightseeing and Beach Tour/ Shopping and Sightseeing
A lively open-air safari tour with a local guide: shopping time in Charlotte Amalie and the view over Magens Bay from Mountain Top. You can add beach time at Magens Bay when you book.
View on Project ExpeditionExploring St. Thomas: Private 4-Hour Guided Jeep Tour
Four hours in a jeep for your group only, with your own guide setting the pace. History, viewpoints or beaches: you choose the mix.
View on Project ExpeditionSt. Thomas Half-Day Private Excursion (1-10 People)
A private vehicle for up to 10 people for four hours. Build your own day, for example two or three beaches like Magens Bay, Coki and Lindbergh Bay, then sightseeing and a stop downtown.
View on Project ExpeditionThe Back to Ship Guarantee and refunds if your ship skips St. Thomas are covered by Project Expedition’s shore excursion terms. Your advisor can walk you through them.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- St. John & Trunk Bay. A boat ride to St. John, most of it national park, for a swim and snorkel at Trunk Bay. It’s a longer day with a crossing each way, which is why we suggest booking it through your cruise line.
- Coral World Ocean Park. An undersea observatory, sea lion and turtle encounters and a Sea Trek helmet dive at Coki Point. A strong pick for families.
- Magens Bay & Mountain Top. The island’s classic half day: the panorama from Mountain Top, then calm, shallow water and soft sand at Magens Bay.
- Sail & snorkel. Catamaran trips to nearby cays and turtle spots, usually with snorkel gear, drinks and a light lunch on board.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie
Main Street and its alleys are lined with duty-free jewelers and shops in old Danish warehouses. Nearby are the red walls of Fort Christian, Emancipation Garden, the 99 Steps and one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, with sand still on the floor.
Paradise Point
The Skyride climbs about 700 feet above the harbor for a sweeping view of the ships and the bay, with a bar known for its Bushwacker. It’s a short walk from the Havensight pier and costs extra. Hours follow the ship schedule, so check before you go.
Magens Bay
A mile-long, sheltered curve of white sand on the north shore, with calm water, chairs and a snack bar. A small entry fee applies. On busy ship days it fills up by late morning.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Know your pier. Havensight and Crown Bay are on opposite sides of downtown. Tour meeting points differ, so tell your operator which pier your ship uses.
- St. John days are long. Trunk Bay and the national park mean a boat crossing each way. If St. John is on your list, book through your cruise line.
- Shop with a bigger allowance. U.S. citizens get a larger duty-free allowance in the U.S. Virgin Islands than in most foreign ports. Keep your receipts.
- Smaller ships may anchor at St. John. Some luxury and yacht-style ships call at Cruz Bay, St. John instead and tender guests ashore. Check your itinerary for where you’ll actually be.
Sailing to St. Thomas
Most Eastern Caribbean itineraries call here, from Florida, New York and Boston, plus Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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