St. Croix, the largest of the US Virgin Islands, is a popular Caribbean port of call thanks to its rich history, beautiful beaches, and ease of travel for American cruise passengers.
Located in the town of Frederiksted, the St. Croix Cruise Port is the island’s main gateway for visiting cruise passengers. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the port and surrounding areas.
St. Croix Cruise Port Location and Address
As the name implies, the St. Croix Cruise Port is located on the island of St. Croix, the largest of the US Virgin Islands.
The port is on the island’s western side, right on the edge of the town of Frederiksted, which is one of the island territory’s most populated urban centers. Thanks to its strategic location along the island’s southwestern side, St. Croix Cruise Port provides easy access for visiting cruise ships, especially those with Eastern Caribbean itineraries.
The location on the edge of Frederiksted also makes it easy for visiting cruise passengers to explore the town’s unique culture and attractions.
Frederiksted is also just 15 miles from the island’s other major town, Christiansted, on the northern coast of St. Croix, so visiting cruise passengers can easily explore both towns and the numerous tourist attractions between them.
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Since St. Croix is part of the US Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States, it is one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations for US travelers because they do not need to worry about presenting passports or dealing with customs checks.
St. Croix Cruise Port Address:
Saint Croix Cruise Port, 7 Strand Street, Frederiksted, Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands, 00820
St. Croix Cruise Port Piers and Terminal
Cruise Pier in St. Croix (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
The entire St. Croix Cruise Port is built around a single pier located right on the edge of the Frederiksted waterfront. The pier, named the Ann E. Abramson Pier, is 1,526 feet in length, making it the largest pier on the island.
More importantly, this impressive length allows the pier to stretch out to the deeper waters off the town’s coast, enabling large cruise ships to use it as a docking point.
The double-sided pier allows up to two cruise ships to dock simultaneously. With a cruise ship berth on either side, the port can accommodate two full-sized cruise ships, but due to overcrowding concerns, they rarely schedule more than one cruise ship at any given time. In fact, so-called “two-ship days” are rare at the port but occasionally happen.
In addition to serving an essential role in the island’s cruise tourism industry, Ann E. Abramson Pier is one of Frederiksted’s most iconic sites. When cruise ships are not in port, the pier is open to the public for fishing and diving.
The contrast of modern cruise ships docking on the edge of this historic town, which can trace its origins to the 1600s, gives Frederiksted a charming appearance that only enhances its appeal as a port of call.
Terminal Facilities
At the end of the pier, visiting passengers are greeted by a tourism information kiosk, where representatives from the visiting cruise ship and local tourism staff can address passenger questions.
This kiosk is difficult to miss, and it is operated by the USVI Department of Tourism, so the staff can easily address inquiries about Saint Croix and any other questions you may have relating to your time in the US Virgin Islands.
You can also find shaded waiting areas and clean public restrooms. You can even access complimentary Wi-Fi along the Ann E. Abramson Pier, provided by viNGN, a free public Wi-Fi hotspot provider operating in certain locations throughout the US Virgin Islands.
While the port is relatively small, especially compared to some of the larger cruise port complexes found throughout the Caribbean, it still has all the basic amenities you would expect. Plus, it is entirely wheelchair accessible, ensuring all passengers can easily navigate the pier and the port facilities beyond it.
Unlike larger cruise ports with their own attractions and tourism facilities, St. Croix Cruise Port is limited in this regard. However, it sits right on the edge of Frederiksted, so dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities are within walking distance.
Cruise Lines that Visit St. Croix and Where They Dock
Even though St. Croix Cruise Port is relatively small, it is still an attractive cruise destination thanks to Frederiksted’s colonial charm and the island’s natural beauty. The following are just some of the major cruise lines that regularly dock at Ann E. Abramson Pier:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Viking Voyages Ocean Cruises
Holland America Line
While most cruise ships dock directly at Ann E. Abramson Pier, some cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, occasionally anchor offshore and use tender boats to bring passengers to the pier. This only occurs during the peak travel season, which tends to run from late November to early spring.
Parking St. Croix Cruise Port
Since St. Croix Cruise Port is used almost exclusively as a port of call rather than a homeport where cruise itineraries begin, most visitors arrive by cruise ship, so they do not need overnight parking.
That said, there is a pickup and drop-off point near the edge of the pier. This temporary parking lot serves the cruise port and Fort Frederik, a historic fortress and highly popular tourist attraction dating back to the 1700s.
For long-term parking, Lagoon Street Parking is just 0.3 miles east of the cruise port, so you can easily walk between the two. This fairly large open-air parking lot is free to use during the day, but there is a $15 fee for overnight parking.
You also have the option to park on most of the streets, but overnight parking is rarely permitted unless the signs say otherwise. Just make sure you do not park alongside any curbs that are painted red or yellow or if they have a sign that says VITRAN, as these are reserved for the island’s public transit buses.
You should also avoid roadside parking if you see blue markings on the curb or road, as these spots are designated handicapped parking spots, and you will be ticketed without a proper permit.
It is also worth noting that almost every hotel also offers complimentary parking, so if you plan on staying overnight on the island, you will not have to worry about where to park your rental vehicle.
Traveling From Nearby Airports
For those planning on flying into Saint Croix, one main international airport serving the entire island is Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). This airport is just 7.7 miles southeast of Frederiksted, and it offers daily flights to and from several major U.S. cities, including Miami, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. It also offers domestic inter-island flights and regular flights to other Caribbean destinations.
If you plan on arriving by air and heading directly to the cruise port or even just the town of Frederiksted, a taxi ride is the most popular mode of transportation for visitors.
Anticipate your taxi ride to take between 15 and 25 minutes, with fares ranging from $25 to $35, depending on when you arrive, how much luggage you are traveling with, and the number of passengers in your group. While shuttle buses are available at the airport, most only offer routes to Christiansted rather than Frederiksted.
There are also car rental kiosks available directly at the airport for those who want to rent their own vehicle beforehand.
How to Get to St. Croix Cruise Port
The island of Saint Croix is relatively small, so getting around is not overly complicated or expensive. If you are hoping to get to St. Croix Cruise Port from elsewhere on the island, the following are the most popular and widely available modes of transportation:
Taxis
Since tourism makes up a significant percentage of the island’s economy, tourist-friendly taxis are widely available. With friendly drivers and affordable fares, they also happen to be the most convenient and popular way to explore the island and get to and from the cruise port.
While the island does not regulate taxi rates or have mandatory flat fares, they are still affordable. For example, a taxi ride from the other major town of Christiansted to the St. Croix Cruise Port in Frederiksted, which is about 15 miles, would only cost in the region of $35 to $50.
Rental Vehicles
Rental cars are also popular, especially amongst those hoping to do some sightseeing and explore everything the island and its towns have to offer at their own pace. Luckily, car rentals are available both at the airport and in Frederiksted. Rates vary, but you should expect to pay about $60 per day, plus other fees.
Once you have secured a vehicle, driving on the island is easy, as the roads are well-maintained, and parking is usually free. Just keep in mind that the US Virgin Islands is the only place under United States jurisdiction where you drive on the left, like in the United Kingdom, so that might take some getting used to.
Public Buses
The VITRAN Bus System is the main public transportation throughout the US Virgin Islands. With stops and routes that can take you to most of the main attractions on the island, including the cruise port, it is an affordable option for those looking to explore the island on a budget.
Fares are just $2.00 for one-way travel, so you really can’t beat it for cost. Plus, it is much safer than some of the public bus systems found elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Beaches Near St. Croix Cruise Port
Like the rest of the US Virgin Islands, Saint Croix is world-renowned for its picture-perfect beaches. Lucky for cruise passengers, many of these stunning beaches are within easy reach of the St. Croix Cruise Port. The following are just some of the highlights:
Rainbow Beach
Located just 1.3 miles north of the cruise port, Rainbow Beach is one of the most popular beach options for visiting cruise passengers. Just a short 5-minute drive or a scenic 25-minute walk along the waterfront, visiting cruise passengers can easily reach the white sands and calm waters that make this popular rest and relaxation spot so iconic. The beach is lined with shady palm trees and some of the softest white sand you will find anywhere in the Caribbean.
For those with more adventurous tastes, West End Water Sports is directly beside the beach, where you can rent equipment for kayaking, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. Rhythms at Rainbow Beach is an amazing beachside restaurant and bar. The beach also offers chair and umbrella rentals and a free parking lot for those planning to drive.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
If you go to the far south side of Frederiksted, you can find the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. Just 2.8 miles south of the cruise pier, this stunning wildlife preserve is completely open to the public, but only on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.
It serves as a critical nesting habitat for leatherback sea turtles, and the entire coast of the refuge is lined with some truly pristine beaches. While you are welcome to relax on the beaches, you do need to keep in mind that this is a wildlife preserve, so respecting the local marine life is essential.
If you arrive on a weekend and you are looking for a peaceful spot to unwind after getting off a crowded and busy cruise ship, you really can’t miss out on the opportunity to hike the trails of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge or even just take in the sounds of the rolling waves on its untouched beaches.
Dorsch Beach
For a more traditional beach experience, Dorsch Beach, or Sandcastle Beach as locals know it, is just 1.3 miles south of the pier. Located within the town of Frederiksted, Dorsch Beach is a bit quieter than Rainbow Beach but not quite as tranquil as the beaches of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, so it is a bit of a happy medium.
Read Also: Top 10 Best St. Croix Beaches You Must Visit
Still, with its soft white sand, calm waters, and shady palm and grape trees, it’s a great spot to enjoy a nice beach picnic. Plus, you can even see the cruise pier from the beach, so it is a great place to get a snapshot of the ship you arrived on.
On top of that, the calm and clear waters also make Dorsch Beach an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. If you need snorkeling equipment, Twin City Water Sports Rentals is just steps from the beach.
Dining Near St. Croix Cruise Port
Thanks to the unique blend of Dutch, American, and Caribbean influences, Frederiksted and the entire island of Saint Croix are home to some truly amazing restaurants.
From casual beach bars serving freshly caught seafood and casual eateries serving local dishes to more formal dining establishments, you don’t have to travel too far beyond the port to treat your tastebuds.
Here are just a few of the popular spots near St. Croix Cruise Port:
Rhythms at Rainbow Beach
We already mentioned this popular beachside restaurant and bar, but it is worth repeating. Even if you don’t feel like spending time on Rainbow Beach, this hugely popular spot is worth traveling the 1.3 miles to get to.
With a menu featuring local seafood dishes, burgers made in-house, tacos filled with local ingredients, and much more, you’ll be sure to find something on the menu that catches your eye.
It is also a great location for a few cold drinks, as its cocktail menu is packed with tropical drinks that pair perfectly with the stunning views of the water.
Polly’s at the Pier Saint Croix
For something a little closer, Polly’s at the Pier is right next to the Ann E. Abramson Pier, so you can walk there in minutes. This popular café and diner serves specialty coffee beverages and all-day breakfast.
They also have a full lunch menu that offers burgers and plenty of Mexican-inspired dishes, like quesadillas and nachos. Whether you just want a quick bite, or you want to try one of their unique smoothies, like their popular PB & J smoothie, it’s well-worth visiting.
Beach Side Café at Sand Castle on the Beach
For those looking for a more formal dining experience, Beach Side Café at Sand Castle on the Beach is the perfect destination for a memorable lunch or dinner. Located just north of the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, this popular restaurant and café offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and an incredible menu packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
From island favorites to more well-known international dishes, the menu changes throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to try all kinds of different dishes and drinks.
Tap Deck Bistro and Bar
Also located just steps from the pier, Tap Deck Bistro and Bar offers more than a full food and drinks menu. They also offer live music and stunning views of the pier.
Whether you’re hungry enough to tackle their famous lobster rolls and smoked brisket or you just want to order a few drinks from their classic tiki drink cocktail menu, it’s well worth wandering over to the Tap Deck Bistro and Bar.
The Lost Dog Pub
This Frederiksted institution finds a unique mix between a dive bar and a classic pizza shop. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer, fresh-made pizza, or any type of classic cocktail you can think of.
While most people go to The Lost Dog Pub for the pizza, they end up staying for a few drinks. If you’re looking for a spot that’s just as popular with locals as it is with tourists, don’t miss out!
While St. Croix Cruise Port is not a shopping destination, the town of Frederiksted offers unique shopping experiences for those looking to pick up a few souvenirs.
From local handmade goods and crafts along the waterfront to more well-known shops at the Mall of Saint Croix, shopping enthusiasts can find what they’re looking for without having to leave the town.
If you’re looking for unique gifts and souvenirs, Molly’s Tropical Boutique is just a few steps from the pier. It is painted bright red and has a large sign, so it’s almost impossible to miss when you leave the pier. From designer swimwear to locally made goods, you’ll be able to find something that catches your eye at Molly’s.
There are also plenty of other independently owned shops and boutiques, like Ahh Boutique, Love & Light, and the One of a Kind Shop, just a three-minute walk away on King Street.
If you really want to shop, you can always take a cab to downtown Christiansted, about 15 miles away. Christiansted is more of a tourist destination, offering a more extensive shopping experience, including a duty-free shop and numerous jewelry stores.
Best Time to Visit St. Croix
Like the rest of the US Virgin Islands, the best time to visit St. Croix Cruise Port is between late November and mid-April. This is because the weather is warm and dry during these months, and the risk of heavy storms and hurricanes is minimal.
With that said, the entire island is considered to be a year-round tourist destination thanks to the abundance of sunshine, but travelers should keep in mind that the summer and early fall months tend to be very humid, with rainfall also being much more common.
Read Also: When is the Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands?
Since most of the cruise ships that visit Saint Croix tend to do so during the peak fall and winter seasons, you should anticipate larger crowds, especially at some of the more popular tourist attractions, like the Buck Island Reef National Monument, which is on a smaller island located just slightly north of Saint Croix.
If you want to enjoy a less crowded vacation, you may want to consider booking a cruise that visits in the spring rather than one that arrives in the middle of the winter.
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Publish date : 2024-11-04 09:19:00
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