Which Ships Call On The Bvi
Most of the ships here are in the 2,000- to 3,500-passenger range, and only on occasion do you find more than two large ships in port at a time. Royal Caribbean, Costa, Norwegian, Carnival and Disney Cruise Line tend to be the biggest of the ships here. Smaller ships — such as those from Star Clippers, Windstar, SeaDream and Silversea — represent the other end of the scale.
In Tortola, the larger ships dock at Road Town, the capital city, where much smaller vessels will find a home in Soper’s Hole Marina. On Virgin Gorda, the third-largest island, ships call on Spanish Town or more commonly drop anchor at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, where tenders carry passengers to shore, .
Which Islands Are Part Of The Us Virgin Islands
Officially known as the Virgin Islands of the United States, the USVI is made up of three main islands:
- St. Thomas
- St. John
- St. Croix
Water Island is often considered a fourth, and many cruise lines offer shore excursions there, along with Buck Island. The three major islands and outlying cays have an area of 133.7 square miles.
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What Is There To Do In The Usvi
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, cruise lines offer shore excursions to a variety of beaches, to the national park and to snorkel/dive sites along with other activities such as shopping and ziplining. On St. John, Trunk Bay is consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world, along with Maho Bay . Magens Bay, a heart-shaped beach in St. Thomas, is world-famous.
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On St. John, in and around the national park, there are beaches for lazing and snorkeling, hiking trails, bike routes, mill ruins and even Indian petroglyphs.
More adventure awaits on St. Croix, where ATVs and rum factory tours are available, in addition to historical/cultural excursions — and don’t forget about the incredible food scene.
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Cocktail Sunset Cruise Aboard Breakaway Charters
Sunsets in the Caribbean are spectacular. The best way to enjoy the sunset is, of course, from the water, where the view is unobstructed, and a friendly crew is there to see to your every need.
We board at the Sapphire Beach Resort Marina, at 5pm. You are greeted, given a brief history of the boat and orientation, along with your first cold drink of the evening and a starter of many complimentary Hors Doeuvres.
Take time to bask in the cool island breeze as you watch the dramatic shoreline being bathed in a pallet of spectacular sunset shades. A great day to end your day in the Virgin Islands.
Tour times: 5pm to 7pm
Price: $105 per adult $65 per child
340-775-1171 or Text 340-690-1926
About St John’s Cruise Port
The largest capital city of Antigua and Barbuda and a significant port island of Antigua. The port is famous for its shopping malls where you will find handmade and designer jewelry and haute-couture clothing. To learn about the culture and history, consider visiting the local museums and galleries of Barbuda and Antigua. If you’re a foodie, you must try some national and regional cuisines and dishes, including drinks like local dark, light rums, or famous Antiguan beer. Plan a day of outdoor activities, and water sports. Don’t forget to see and admire the culture of St. John’s.
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Take A Hike To The Beach
Pick up a map at the Visitors Center. The trail head to the various park beaches is accessible directly in back of the Visitors Center. The path takes you along a meandering tropical trail, traversing high plateaus overlooking the white sand beaches and sparkling aquamarine water.
Off-trail paths lead downhill to various beaches. My advice: bring a towel, wear walking shoes, stay on the path and bring water as there arent any cafes or vending machines. Facilities are limited to restrooms.
If you dont feel like hiking, there is always shopping. Despite the fact that it was Easter Sunday when I was there, the tourist shops adjacent to the port area were open.
Simply turn left out of the dock area, walk along the narrow sidewalk about twenty yards and youll come upon the shopping mall. Nestled under a canopy of trees, if you dont feel like shopping, is a nice place to sit and relax in the shade.
My mission accomplished checked out the Visitors Center and the shopping mall I returned to the dock, hopped onto my awaiting tender and headed back to my ship in time for lunch. For me, it was a short day on the islandjust a taste to get my bearings for next time.
But if you want to really experience as much as possible on the island, here are my suggestions on what to do in St. John in one day.
The Ultimate St John Sunset Cruise
We met at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center, which has a dock right next to it. It was about 20 or 30 minutes before the Kekoa was set to arrive at 5:45, so we waited under a pavilion nearby. There were a handful of other parties waiting as well.
While a few people were antsy that the boat wasnt there yet, sure enough it pulled up to the dock right on time. We then lined up and boarded without delay. A young girl checked us all in, while having everyone remove their shoes on the way up.
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Us Virgin Islands Cruise Ship Schedule
Cruise ships visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands stop in , and . This schedule displays the information for all three islands together. The dock or port is indicated.
St. Thomas is the most popular port of call for cruise lines: it has two docks, West Indian Co. Dock and Crown Bay Dock additionally ships can remain at anchorage within the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Ships docking in St. Croix will say St. Croix and those anchoring off of St. John will say Cruz Bay, St.John.
07/21/2022: The July September 2022 cruise ship schedule was updated. (Note: Cruise ship schedules are subject to change.
Virgin Islands National Park
When on an island like St. John where 2/3 of land is covered by forest then you are bound to explore nature. The Virgin Island National Park located on the northern side of St. John covers 60% of the island.
You can spend hours and hours on end in this park. It has plenty of beautiful beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Hawksnest, Salt Pond and many others. Apart from the beaches, it has plenty of hiking trails too.
This trails cut through its varying landscape from thick rain forests to semi-arid areas. The trails help explore flora, fauna and even the islands history. With trails that take you through sugar plantation ruins and petroglyph rocks by the Taino Indians.
Some of the most popular trails include Reef Bay Trail, Lind Point Trail, Bordeaux Mountain Trail, Ram Head Trail, and Cinnamon Bay nature trail. A day trip to the park will create some of your most memorable experiences in St. John.
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Virgin Islands: Cruise Ship Guide
Cruise ship passengers will be in awe when they dock in St. Thomas, one of the most beautiful cruise ship ports in the Caribbean. St. John does not have a cruise ship dock however a few ships do stop there. There is also a cruise ship dock in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Cruise ships usually sail at night and dock in the early morning. Passengers generally have from 8-5 to get all their shopping and sightseeing completed. The Virgin Islands have a lot to offer. To help you make the most of your visit, explore this site and decide what attractions, beaches and shopping sites interest you the most. This cruise guide is a special guide that discusses the most frequently asked questions cruise ship visitors to the Virgin Islands ask.
Cruz Bay Aka Love City
Cruz Bay is the perfect first place to visit because its where your ferry will dock when you land. Cruz bay is the main town of St. John. Many spend the day strolling around the quaint streets and popping in and out of the local boutiques for souvenirs.
Admire the local street art and be sure to visit the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library. This library has a wide range of exhibits and is the ideal place to learn more about the history and culture of St. John.
There are also many delicious restaurants in Cruz Bay that you can treat yourself to only a short walk away from the ferry dock. After dinner, head to Wharfside Village for drinks and dancing. With everything this town has to offer, youre sure to fall in love with Love City.
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What Is There To Do In The Bvi
In Tortola, you can shop, scuba, take a stunning helicopter tour or hike Sage Mountain, though many cruise passengers opt for day trips out to the renowned beach bars of Jost Van Dyke or the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda.
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The main draw in Virgin Gorda is a collection of massive granite boulders on the beach and in the sea called “The Boulders.”
On the lesser-visited islands, there are beaches to explore reefs, wrecks and rocks to dive and snorkel and a few resorts and accommodations.
Check Out Elaine Lone Sprauve Library
Take a break from your city tour and escape sun or rain at the popular Elaine Lone Sprauve Library. Its located just off Cruz Bay and is one of the best ways to learn about St. Johns history.
The 1751 plantation building hosting the library is in itself an attraction. However, venturing inside the well-stocked quiet library introduces you to an even bigger attraction. The history of the island. The Library displays the islands past with unbelievably well-preserved photographs and newspaper clippings from previous centuries.
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Browse Our Yachts For Charter In Us Virgin Islands
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- Matching any competitive offer
- Sourcing boats with discounts available
- Personalising our proposal just for you
- Qualifying the operator as well as the boat
- Advising without bias based on 25+ years of experience
- We do more than just book yachts!
We will match any discount website offer on charter boat price, and still provide our customary high level of service.
Cruises Filled With Splendor And Calmness
Be prepared to get yourself lost in the beauty of the island as the sun falls below the horizon with the most perfect sunset one could ever have seen. Begin the evening with relaxing on the spacious aft deck with your favorite drink in your hands, taking in sip by sip and feeling the real essence of the place.
You can always book your trip from anywhere at any time. Our vigilant staff is available 24/7 to provide the best possible customer care services.
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Which Islands Are Part Of The British Virgin Islands
On paper, the British Virgin Islands are known simply as the Virgin Islands, but they’re more commonly called by the longer name that denotes the differences between the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands is not a country, but a British Overseas Territory, located within the Caribbean.
BVI is made up of approximately 60 islands, islets and cays, the largest of which is Tortola, where the capital of the British Virgin Islands, Road Town, lies. All told, the BVI encompasses about 58 square miles, making it smaller and more compact than the USVI. The major cruise port of the BVI is Tortola, with small ships visiting Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.
Ships call on other islands in the BVI but typically through shore excursions and private charters.
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Life Is Good On St John
Incredibly, thirty plus years later, life is still good on St. John. With nearly 2/3 of the island designated as National Park, commercial and even residential development has thankfully been held in check. The blessings of unblemished nature still provide an indelible panorama of eye candy landscapes. Although Coral Bay on the east side was the original settlement on the island, the only actual town of Cruz Bay maintains its endearing charm.
The Grande Bay Resort is an ideal choice for visitors that appreciate deluxe condominium-style accommodations as opposed to traditional hotel rooms. With a sweeping view of the harbor overlooking Cruz Bay, the property is isolated from the buzz of day-trip arrivals coming off the ferry yet conveniently situated just a short walk from the shops and popular beach side restaurants.
Cruz Bay | Photo: Steve Leland
Any conversation about the island will inevitably center around its trophy beaches with names like a Maho, Cinnamon, Honeymoon and a dozen others. But its the Instagram-ready crescent of white sand known as Trunk Bay that is possibly the most photographed beach site in the entire Caribbean. The crystal clear turquoise sea offers an invitation to snorkel over a uniquely marked snorkeling trail and while all of the beaches vie for itinerary inclusion, St. John is more than just sun and sand.
Trunk Bay | Photo: Steve Leland
Annaberg Ruins | Photo: Steve Leland
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Things To Do In St John Usvi For Cruise Visitors
Find out about these things to do in St. John, USVI for cruise ship visitors who are on a vacation in the Caribbean which includes the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If youre on a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean theres a good chance youll be able to experience the stunning island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. Weve done some digging and come up with a list of these things to do in St. John.
At 28 square miles, the island is the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the number of attractions. Making this small tropical paradise a perfect Caribbean destination for cruisers. When in the USVI dont miss the boat to St. John. Lets start with some essential details on getting to the island
Cruz Bay St John Usvi
Two-thirds of St. John Island has been dedicated as a national park and is the most virgin of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is blessed with many beautiful beaches and bays, fine anchorages and verdant hills. Enjoy the day with snorkeling trip to Trunk Bay with its underwater guided trail, or join our kayaking land adventure. Ask your Club Director for a guided hike to Caneel Bay stopping at beautiful Honeymoon Beach for a quiet swim. Rental Cars are available should you want to explore on your own or you could borrow a SeaDream Mountain Bike for independent exploration.
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New Horizons & Breakaway Charters
No matter the activity you do in the Virgin Islands, you will find yourself immersed into the culture and feel like a part of the environment. There are many national parks throughout the islands featuring amazing and diverse reefs, thousands of acres of land and mountainous terrain to hike and explore, or even learn about the historical fortifications of Hassel Island.
The Virgin islands offer many attractions in their resorts, restuarants, bars, and villas to ensure you have the experience you desire. The geotourst heavily enjoy volunteers and projects such as beach cleanups, learning to grow your own food, and participate in other education activities.
So, what are you waiting for?
Getting To St John Usvi From Our Ship
Typical tender morning routine. Gather up your beach towel and water bottle, and make your way down to Deck 1 or 2 to cautiously step aboard a bobbing life boat to get to port. Much to your chagrin there are at least fifty people ahead of your who shared your avoid-the-crowd strategy.
At 9am, I gather up my camera and water bottle, walk down four flights of stairs and snake my way through the corridor to the gangway exit. Immediately I think Ive made a wrong turn because Im the only one in the gangway.
With a crew member holding my elbow, I gingerly step onto the lifeboat and see maybe two dozen people already seated. Azamara Journey is running the tenders back and forth continuously throughout the day so there is barely any waiting and we are on our way to the pier in St. John.
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An Evening Worth Remembering
As you allow yourself to relax and take in the splendor of the tranquil Caribbean waters, you wont have to lift a finger as the crew of cruise will attend to your every need.
Experience on St Thomas sunset cruise for an evening under the stars on the Caribbean is without any doubt an evening that your unconscious mind would store in forever, and recall whenever you would wish to feel the same relaxing sensations. And that is where Sail Jester team would make sure you have al the accessories at hand to make this journey a truly wonderful one.
Going on sailboat charter is a definitely a worthy activity, where you can disengage yourself with the hectic daily routines of our extremely materialistic worldly lives and finally take time out to provide nourishing experiences to your soul and re-establish your relation with God, and that is where Sail Jester can be the best choice available.