Cruise Ships are Back!

[CrucianGal]

Our local newspaper in St. Croix had an article this week that Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas will be calling on St. Croix in '09. Hopefully this is true as it is wonderful news for the island.

St. Croix is beautiful and has not been spoiled by commercialism as so many other islands have. The history and architecture alone make the island a very interesting port stop. Alexander Hamilton grew up in Christiansted so there are many points of interest regarding Hamilton. The Danish left a mark on St. Croix which is evident in the buildings. The water is beautiful, the restaurants very good and the shopping while not as vast as other islands is of high quality.

[suziehmkr]

We just booked Serenade of the Seas for 12/2009 and we will be stopping in St. Croix!

[Lois R]

Celebrity is going there at the end of 2009 as well:)

I just put a deposit down for December 2009 on Mercury.:D

It will be my first time visiting St Croix:)

[kjacruiser]

Our local newspaper in St. Croix had an article this week that Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas will be calling on St. Croix in '09. Hopefully this is true as it is wonderful news for the island.

St. Croix is beautiful and has not been spoiled by commercialism as so many other islands have. The history and architecture alone make the island a very interesting port stop. Alexander Hamilton grew up in Christiansted so there are many points of interest regarding Hamilton. The Danish left a mark on St. Croix which is evident in the buildings. The water is beautiful, the restaurants very good and the shopping while not as vast as other islands is of high quality.

Will be on your Island aboard the Adventure of the Seas in Nov. 09....Can't wait do you know of any private tour guides...Or Taxi cost to Travel the Island

[bluewaterfortuna]

St.Croix is flatter then St.Thomas, so that should make driving easier for you.

[BILLP1]

We are scheduled in St Croix on March 19 2009 on Regent Navigator..

[CrucianGal]

Our local paper the St. Croix Avis reported yesterday that 48 ships will call on St. Croix in '09!

 

Our new tourism commissioner, Beverly Nicholson Doty has done a terrific job negotiating with the cruise lines and promoting St. Croix as the "Diverse Island" that offers beautiful scenery, beaches, culture and history. It is so wonderful to finally have a tourism commissioner who takes an interest in all 3 of the US Virgin Islands.

 

Crucians are excited about welcoming back cruise ships passengers. There was even a seminar/workshop recently which hosted over 200 business people, hospitality workers, taxi drivers etc. to review what needs to be done so that all visitors to St. Croix will have a wonderful time while staying on the "Big Island"

 

Regards from sunny St. Croix,

Ellen

[donmil723]

My husband and I will be on the Disney Magic the beginning of March when she docks in St. Croix. I am actually more excited about our stop in St. Croix than our stop in St. Thomas. I wish Disney would get their shore excursions posted for St. Croix.

 

Ellen, I'm glad to hear that the business owners in St. Croix are excited about cruise ship passengers coming to their beautiful island.

 

Donna

[ILoveScotland]

We've spent two 1 week land vacations on St. Croix and just love the island. It has a sense of being a place where real people live which I like, but Christianstad is a great town for shopping and having lunch. Frederickstad is much smaller, but lovely. And there are some good beaches.

 

The Buck Island tour is just great, too.

 

I'm glad cruise ships are going to stop there once again.

 

While we have stayed in resorts we've always rented a car for one day and just driven around the island including going to the eastern most point in the US.

 

I don't know when we'll return, but I hope it will be sooner rather than later.

[Grandmom]

Thank you ILoveScotland for your post. I will keep your comments in mind. I have to take the time to do more research on St Croix since there really isn't much on here.

[ILoveScotland]

Thank you ILoveScotland for your post. I will keep your comments in mind. I have to take the time to do more research on St Croix since there really isn't much on here.

 

If you decide to go on a cruise that stops at St. Croix just remember that it's not as commercialized as the other islands. The US Virgin Islands have a web site with home pages for each of the islands. That's a good place to start your research.

 

Beth

[CrucianGal]

~Island Tours typically stop at the rum factory, botanical gardens, Whim Plantation and a drive through the rain forest.

 

~Buck Island for those who love to snorkel and sail.

 

~If you come to Christiansted there are nice shops. Tradewinds (where I work) Quiet Storm, Hotheads, Royal Jewelers just to name a few.

 

~Some quaint restaurants for lunch are:

Cafe Christine, Lalita (health food), Rumrunners (water view), Harvey's (local food) Food service in the islands tends to be much slower than on the mainland, so plan accordingly and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

 

~Tour the Fort Christianvaern, which is part of the National Park.

 

~Visit art galleries, such as Yellow House, Danica Gallery, Maria Henle, and

Jan Mitchell

 

Sample an island drink such as a "Painkiller" or a "Bushwacker" They are made with the local rum called Cruzan Rum.

 

Crucian folks are very friendly and helpful. Remember that it is customary for men to where shirts when not on the beach, and also for ladies to have cover ups over their swimsuits when not on the beach. The locals love to give helpful information to visitors. It is polite to greet someone here first by saying "good morning or good afternoon" before asking for directions.

 

Regards from Sunny st. Croix,

Ellen

[Grandmom]

Thanks Beth and Ellen. I appreciate your help.

I will be on The Jewel of the Seas in Nov 2009, where one of our ports of call is St Croix. You both have made me very axcious to be visiting St Croix.

[fuzzywuzzy]

Celebrity has St Croix on the itinerary in late 2009 going into

the spring 2010.:D

I just booked for Dec 2009 on Mercury and it will be my first

time visiting there:)

 

The Maasdam is stopping at this island also in Jan. 09 and I'm excited to be going there. I assume we can probably hire a taxi driver there at the dock but I'm doing a little research in advance so we have an idea what we would like to see.

[CrucianGal]

Taxis will be waiting at the pier in F'sted. A typical tour will be to the Whim Plantation, Botanical Garden, Rum Factory and a stop in Christiansted for some shopping. If you would like to do something else or only part of that itinerary make sure you discuss it with the taxi driver so there is no mis-understanding. Some people prefer to do their own thing and rent a car. This is a good option if you are the type of visitor that likes to see things on their own time frame. Keep in mind that taxis here are actually vans, so you will likely be with several other people (I think the max is 15). The island is quite large and with the high price of gas and vehicle upkeep the drivers must maximize the amount of guests they can carry. The drivers are knowledgable about the island and love to discuss the local scenery. Make sure to greet your driver with a pleasantry such as "good morning" or "good afternoon" It is a local custom here to always greet people before asking for directions, information or advice. It is part of what makes St. Croix charming!

 

Ellen

[Chasey]

 

 

Crucian folks are very friendly and helpful. Remember that it is customary for men to where shirts when not on the beach, and also for ladies to have cover ups over their swimsuits when not on the beach. The locals love to give helpful information to visitors.

I didn't find the locals to be too friendly. I spent 5 days in St. Croix and the staff at most of the venues I visited were rude. Just my experience.

[harcin]

Hi Ellen,

I checked the St Croix website for the cruise ship schedules and it looks like there is never more then one ship in port/day...that is good news! What are Sundays like on the the island? Will an excursion to Buck Island be crowded because it is a Sunday? Any beach suggestions, quiet but with a good lucnch/bar nearby? You are a wealth of information and I appreciate it. My husband and I booked another cruise next November that also goes to St Croix so whatever we don't do this time we are sure to do next year!

 

Cindy

[abenaki]

Ellen (or others)

If looking for a somewhat secluded beach but with a drink not far away, what is your opinion about Shoys, Davis, Jack's and Isaac's Bay. Not interested in renting water toys etc, just the ideal swaying palm tree to lie under..... thanks

[TexasMommy]

What great information! We will be there next Oct. Long time away. But it is fun to start thinking about what to do. Bigbeards esp looked awesome. What is the minimum age recommended for snorkeling Buck Island....DS will be almost 5 at the time.

[abenaki]

Each and every one of these beaches looks better than the cold grey rain of Montreal today. I wish my feet were in the sand right now.

[The Islander]

Cindy - don't think a daysail to Buck Island will be any more crowded because it’s a Sunday. There will likely be several excursion boats since Buck Island is a popular trip for St. Croix and it’s likely to appeal to folks on the cruise ship; and also recreational boats with residents out enjoying the day. Buck Island offers great snorkeling and the beach is beautiful. Beaches on the island that are good with beach bar nearby; actually there are a few right in the Frederiksted area. You can also try Cane Bay. Sunday tends to be a popular beach day with residents, since it’s usually a day off from work.

 

abenaki - of the beaches you listed. Shoys is nice, somewhat secluded, no amenities. You’d need to arrange pick up with a taxi as there usually aren’t taxis just waiting there. Davis is also nice, can be wavy and parts are rocky. Carambola Resort is right there so there is food/drink. There are usually a couple taxis outside the resort and if there aren’t you can ask the front desk to call one for you. Jack's and Isaacs are secluded. They are out east; Frederiksted is on the west end. You have to hike to Jacks & Isaacs. The drive plus hike would take up a lot of time and you'd need to find out if taxis would be willing to take you out there and pick you up. If not then you'd need to rent a car.

 

Texas Mommy – check with the excursion you choose about age and snorkeling at Buck Island. Your 5 year old should be ok for some snorkeling. Having a comfortable mask that fits well so it doesn’t leak and is comfortable is important. If you don’t already have one for your 5 year old, then consider getting one. Have them practice wearing it so they are used to it. If you have access to a swimming pool, have them practice using the mask/snorkel. The snorkeling at Buck Island is ‘in the ocean’ off an island; so you are getting off the boat and right into the water. Sometimes with small children it’s easier when it’s a beach snorkel where you can take your time moving into deeper water. Again ask the excursion you choose for feedback and then you might consider the tips on getting your 5 yr. old use to the mask and snorkeling.

 

--Islander

[harcin]

Cindy - don't think a daysail to Buck Island will be any more crowded because it’s a Sunday. There will likely be several excursion boats since Buck Island is a popular trip for St. Croix and it’s likely to appeal to folks on the cruise ship; and also recreational boats with residents out enjoying the day. Buck Island offers great snorkeling and the beach is beautiful. Beaches on the island that are good with beach bar nearby; actually there are a few right in the Frederiksted area. You can also try Cane Bay. Sunday tends to be a popular beach day with residents, since it’s usually a day off from work.

 

abenaki - of the beaches you listed. Shoys is nice, somewhat secluded, no amenities. You’d need to arrange pick up with a taxi as there usually aren’t taxis just waiting there. Davis is also nice, can be wavy and parts are rocky. Carambola Resort is right there so there is food/drink. There are usually a couple taxis outside the resort and if there aren’t you can ask the front desk to call one for you. Jack's and Isaacs are secluded. They are out east; Frederiksted is on the west end. You have to hike to Jacks & Isaacs. The drive plus hike would take up a lot of time and you'd need to find out if taxis would be willing to take you out there and pick you up. If not then you'd need to rent a car.

 

Texas Mommy – check with the excursion you choose about age and snorkeling at Buck Island. Your 5 year old should be ok for some snorkeling. Having a comfortable mask that fits well so it doesn’t leak and is comfortable is important. If you don’t already have one for your 5 year old, then consider getting one. Have them practice wearing it so they are used to it. If you have access to a swimming pool, have them practice using the mask/snorkel. The snorkeling at Buck Island is ‘in the ocean’ off an island; so you are getting off the boat and right into the water. Sometimes with small children it’s easier when it’s a beach snorkel where you can take your time moving into deeper water. Again ask the excursion you choose for feedback and then you might consider the tips on getting your 5 yr. old use to the mask and snorkeling.

 

--Islander

Thanks so much for your suggestions...much appreciated that you took the time!

[TexasMommy]

C

Texas Mommy – check with the excursion you choose about age and snorkeling at Buck Island. Your 5 year old should be ok for some snorkeling. Having a comfortable mask that fits well so it doesn’t leak and is comfortable is important. If you don’t already have one for your 5 year old, then consider getting one. Have them practice wearing it so they are used to it. If you have access to a swimming pool, have them practice using the mask/snorkel. The snorkeling at Buck Island is ‘in the ocean’ off an island; so you are getting off the boat and right into the water. Sometimes with small children it’s easier when it’s a beach snorkel where you can take your time moving into deeper water. Again ask the excursion you choose for feedback and then you might consider the tips on getting your 5 yr. old use to the mask and snorkeling.

 

--Islander

 

 

Thanks Islander! I guess we'll evaluate closer in on the snorkel trip with BigBeard. No doubt that would be our choice if it was just myself, husband and our daughter 9 but with the son in tow... maybe not as wise. Maybe that will be asking too much of him. We don't want to stress the little guy out.

 

We have also considering doing Paul and Jill's Stable and Farm on our own. I see they accomodate 4 year olds and our 9 year old will love it. Also, going to the Spratt Hall Beach afterwards sounds great. I'd be a bit waryof walking to the beach after the ride though.

 

Finally, our cruise line is offering an excursion called Carambola Beach Break at Carambola Beach Resort and includes use of their pool.

 

 

So many choices! It is still a long time off so lots of time to dream about it! Any comments you have are welcomed though. You are a godsend and so generous to share your experiences with us.

[Jonebar]

We are sailing on Azamara Journey and will be will be in St Croix on Sunday Feb15 2009Do you know where the Journey will dock? Will it be in Fredericksted? We have not been to St Croix in 20 years(at least) Would love to go to Christiansted and just bum around and relive wonderful memories. Would love to visit you.

 

Jonebar

[CrucianGal]

Yes you will dock at the F'sted cruise ship pier. There will be plenty of taxi vans waiting when you disembark to take you to C'sted. Please stop by the Tradewinds Shop in Christiansted to say hi. I am the store manager.

 

 

Regards from sunny St. Croix,

Ellen