Carnival Valor and Destiny moored at Charlotte Amalie Harbor. St Thomas is a beautiful Caribbean island with a rich history. In the 18th century, it was a thriving pirate port, the hideout of swashbucklers like Blackbeard. Thankfully today it's a peaceful place, home to gorgeous beaches, sparkling Caribbean views, and verdant hilly landscapes. Most cruise ships dock at Havensight pier, about a 5 minute cab ride from central Charlotte Amalie, others dock further out (about a mile and a half west of town) at Crown Point Marina.

Shopping in Charlotte Amalie

Shop in Charlotte Amalie and discover why St Thomas has the nickname 'the duty free capital of the world'. Shop for duty-free bargains on jewelry, watches, china, crystal glass and alcohol. Customs limits are generous, at twice that of most of the Caribbean islands. The main shopping area is along the harbor front and Main Street in Charlotte Amalie.

Paradise Point

A 10 minute cable car ride on the Paradise Point Tramway, which starts across the street from the Havensight Pier, gives a magnificent view of Charlotte Amalie and the bay, some 700 feet below. In this photo you can see ships at Havensight pier in the foreground, and two more at Crown pier across the bay.

Emerald Beach

There are many beautiful beaches to choose from in St Thomas. All are public, so are open to everyone. Emerald Beach, in Lindberg Bay, situated next to the Best Western hotel and airport runway, is a beautiful white sand beach convenient to the cruise ports. It's about a 3 minute cab ride heading west from Crown Point (or a 20 minute walk), or a 10 minute cab ride from Havensight.

Magen’s Bay

Magen's Bay is located on the north coast of the island, about a 25 minute cab ride from Charlotte Amalie. It's a gorgeous mile-wide sweep of fine sand, but the central parts can get busy. The beach has appeared several times in top ten beaches lists. Facilities are plentiful including an oper air restaurant, a snack bar, a bar, restrooms, and beach hire outlet. Other popular beaches on St Thomas are Sapphire beach and Coki Beach.

Fort Christian

Fort Christian, named after King Christian V of Denmark, is the oldest standing construction in the Virgin Islands. The bright red fort was built in the late 17th century to protect the Danish harbor and settlement from pirates. Today the fort is home to a local history museum.