Saturday, April 20, 2024

I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

us virgin islands cruise

It was exactly what my family and I wanted in a sunset cruise! If you’re looking for a high-quality souvenir of your time on the island, St. Thomas is known for fine rum and stunning, hand-crafted jewelry, both of which are available everywhere. Daytime temperatures drop to the low 80° F range, with chances of showers also rising. Again, hurricanes can still be an issue deep into the fall, so you will want to watch weather reports and cruise line updates before setting sail. Most restaurants, cafés, and bars near the ports also offer Wi-Fi. You may have to make a purchase to request the Wi-Fi password in some places, but places like Jen’s Island Café & Deli and the Shipwreck Tavern near Havensight Pier have the password openly posted.

Inclement Weather Continues to Rock The Caribbean Islands - Cruise Hive

Inclement Weather Continues to Rock The Caribbean Islands.

Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise Lines Calling at St. Thomas

Your ship will either dock on the west side of the island at Frederiksted, or further east at Christiansted, a little over 30 minutes away by car. Frederiksted Beach makes a perfect day-long excursion for those who want to stay closer to the cruise port. The beach features crystal waters and exactly the beach vibe you’d expect from the Virgin Islands.

us virgin islands cruise

Culture & History of the St. Croix Cruise Port

But we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival, as the suite was filled with plenty of space to accommodate all of our clothes and toiletries. When my best friend suggested we needed some one-on-one girl time, we knew we wanted to spend a week in the Caribbean sun and escape winter’s wrath. Always one to enjoy Sir Richard Branson’s hotels and airlines, a trip aboard the Valiant Lady seemed like an ideal match. Meanwhile, Hon Rymer said there will be a renewed relationship with Disney and Carnival cruise lines and the VI will also look to build stronger partnerships with other players.

US Coast Guard Calls Off Search for Missing Crew Member

Enjoy drinks on the beach and rent an umbrella for a much-needed chance to do absolutely nothing. On your cruise to St. Croix, it’s likely you’ll dock in Frederiksted, which is on the west side of the island. While in Frederiksted, check out the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, or the historic Fort Frederik, built in the 18th century to protect the area’s exports from pirates.

Virgin Islands Cruise Port Makes Things Easier for Passengers - Cruise Hive

Virgin Islands Cruise Port Makes Things Easier for Passengers.

Posted: Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Period this period, the sugar and rum trades boomed as a result of slave labor, and cotton and molasses were major exports of the island as well. Danish influence is obvious in St. Croix, and a huge part of their history. In 1917, the Danish West Indies Company sold St. Croix and St. Thomas to the United States.

us virgin islands cruise

Things to Do Within Walking Distance

Shopping in St. Croix is a little simpler than the bigger name shops on St. Thomas. There are duty-free stores selling local rum and souvenirs in Frederiksted by the cruise port, and more shopping—like boutiques, clothing, and local markets—in the town center. In Christiansted you’ll find waterfront seating and boardwalk views at Rum Runners.

Virgin Islands Cruise Ship Dock Locations

Celebrating over 30 years in business, Cruz Bay Watersports is the oldest and most well respected watersports company in the Virgin Islands. Pack light clothing for the daytime, with a sweater for the evening. Although the weather is usually pleasant during the summer, the US Virgin Islands have a fairly lengthy hurricane season, with a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms from mid-May to the end of November. If you book during these months, regularly check with your cruise line for departure delays and itinerary alterations.

Featured U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Port

Divers and water lovers will find plenty to do at Cane Bay Beach, which even has a full-service dive shop for anything you might need to rent. Diving and snorkeling are big here, and the beach is lined with shady palms. A St. Croix cruise wouldn’t be complete without touring the Cruzan Rum Distillery just outside of Frederiksted. For just $8, you’ll get a twenty minute tour that’ll take you through the facilities. Our most cosmopolitan island, St. Thomas has something for everyone.

Virgin Island’s biggest island, but it remains a little under the radar. Tourists tend to flock to the more famous St. Thomas, but there’s plenty to see and do in St. Croix for all types of travelers on a Caribbean cruise. But there’s more to this island than just natural, unspoiled beauty. You can also tour the Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins, explore local businesses and enjoy great shopping and dining.

Taxi tours are also popular in this area, but you won’t find ride-sharing services on the island. You’ll be able to hail a taxi from the cruise port, where drivers frequently wait. Experience white sand beaches, sapphire-blue sea, and the rhythm of reggae on the breeze aboard one of our Virgin Islands cruises. Once the hangout of pirates and buccaneers, these laid-back islands are perfect for the pleasurable pursuits of sailing, snorkeling, shopping, and simply snoozing in a hammock strung between two coconut palms.

For a more secluded experience, visit Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve on St. Croix, where you can find a number of small, sandy coves to relax in before heading back on board. Sleepy St. John is an easy boat journey away, should you want to get away from it all. St. John’s Trunk Bay is known for its clear turquoise waters and fascinating snorkel trail. Here, underwater signs tell you about the reef creatures that live here, making this a great trip for families.

The sold-out cruise featuring 1,400 cabins across 16 decks of Valiant Lady could have turned our vacation into a nightmare – trapped on a smaller cruise ship than, say, Oasis of the Seas, at full capacity worried us. But our fears were for naught because even during our one at-sea day, Valiant Lady never felt crowded. I can’t believe I am going to say this after years of giving my mother grief for not getting off cruise ships and exploring, but my friend and I loved Valiant Lady so much that we wished we spent more time onboard!

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Part of the reason why St. Thomas is such a popular Caribbean cruise destination is because both of its main cruise piers are located a convenient distance from the island’s main airport – Cyril E. King Airport. Given it is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, there are regular flights to and from the continental United States and beyond.

We weren’t the only ones who loved this spot; every passenger we spoke to said it was their favorite, and we failed to secure a second reservation due to its popularity. The ship’s food court-styled dining, found on Deck 15, was nothing like a traditional food court. Instead of pizza, burgers, French fries, and chicken fingers, the Galley featured Bento Boxes at Bento Baby, made-to-order salads at Daily Mix, and açai bowls at The Sweet Side. We could even find freshly made juices at Juice Sea on Deck 7 and poke bowls at Sun Club Café on Deck 16. The boat was pristine, as was the route and information about the islands and spots to snorkel.

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