Question about shopping distance from port...

[OnlineMom]

We will be in St. Thomas in March. We are planning on taking a shore excursion (through Princess) that is supposed to end at 11:30 AM. Afterwards, we are thinking about doing a little shopping on our own since our excursion doesn't include a stop for that - is there an area near the ship we could walk to? What, exactly, is at the Havensight Mall? I understand that that isn't very far away from the port...

 

Also - we would like to (before boarding the ship to leave for St. Maarten) ride the Skyride up to Paradise Point. I've read that that is just a 10-15 minute walk from the ship - for those of you who know/have been there, is that accurate? (Being first-time cruisers, we are wary of "be-back-onboard" times and don't want to do something on our own and risk being late!)

 

Thanks!

[gypsygirl]

The mall is right at the dock as soon as you get off the ship. There are quite a few shops there. Also, it's correct that the cable car is within walking distance of the ship. I believe it cost $16.00. A beautiful view from the top. There's a small restaurant there and a bird show. Oh, don't forget - a gift shop. LOL

[CaribbeanBlue]

The Havensite shopping area is right where the ship docks unless you dock at Crown Bay. There is a wonderful variety of stores located there.

 

The Historic area is a quick ten minute cab ride or 30 minute walk from the cruise ship docks.

 

It is up to each persons particular preference which area they want to shop at. Not all of the shops located in the historic area have additional stores in the Havensite mall, their stores will be rather unique and have only one location such as Pierres, Ballerina, Gem Casa, Magnums or Crown.

 

A walk thru the Royal Dane Mall is a walk thru history. Read the plaques on the walls and it will send your mind realing. Find the tree where Pirates were hung, the old boarding house where the Mamas and the Papas spent their creative years before becoming famous, the variety of old cobblestones brought over from the old world as ballast to allow the merchant ships to load up with goods from the new world to bring back to the royal families of Europe. In this mall you will find the unique artists shops, which is what most folks seek out and rarely find on trips. Lunch at Gladys cafe is a must do, rated one of the best lunch venues in the Caribbean. Carsons antique store is one of my favorite places.

 

The building where the ***** office is located used to be the Governors house and is several hundred years old. The walls are over a foot thick and many of the doors are 10 feet tall. A peek into the front offices will find sculpted ceilings with gold leafing where fancy dress balls were held. The original kitchen still remains with the wood burning ovens and stoves. A central courtyard for a breeze and cooling baked goods.

 

CaribbeanBlue

 

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