Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Sunil Pereira (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Ejvind Andersson, Ricky Quamina, Dean Griffith, Jermaine Lie-A-Lien, Phil R Hamar · via Google Maps
- Country:
- US Virgin Islands
- Region:
- Caribbean
- Coordinates:
- 18.3500° N, 64.9500° W
About Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, the capital and largest town of the U.S. Virgin Islands, sits on the southern shore of Saint Thomas at the head of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The port provides access to a range of attractions, with eight sites located within short distances, making it convenient for cruise passengers to explore during a port call.
Visitors can discover historic sites and Danish colonial architecture throughout the town. Key attractions include Drake's Seat and Charlotte Amalie Overlook, both highly-rated scenic points, along with historical landmarks such as Bluebeard's Castle, Fort Christian, and the 99 Steps. For those interested in maritime history, the Pirates Treasure Museum offers a unique perspective, whilst Emancipation Garden provides a peaceful park setting.
What to explore
Coral World Ocean Park, an aquarium located 9.1km from the port, attracts visitors interested in marine life. The town is known for its shopping opportunities and harbor views, making it a popular stop for Caribbean cruises. Nearby ports include Basseterre, Bridgetown, Castries, and Costa Maya, allowing for varied itineraries in the region.
Charlotte Amalie, on Saint Thomas, is the capital and largest town of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is on the island's southern shore at the head of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The town is known for its historic sites, Danish colonial architecture, harbor, and shopping. In 2020, it had a population of 8,194, making it the most densely populated town in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Charlotte Amalie on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Coral World Ocean Park · via Google Maps Aquarium
Coral World Ocean Park
4.4 (3,224) 9.1 km from port
Marine park with 5 acres of activities such as a touch pool, undersea observatory tower & aquariums.
Near: CWORI Dive Center (42 m) · Coral World Observatory Tower (183 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “We booked the Helmet Dive/Sea Trek shore excursion from Carnival Celebration, and loved our time at Coral World. When we…” — Felicia Ramsaran
- 5 · “We loved this place! Very friendly and helpful staff! Loved the Sea Trek! Special thanks to Katie, Connor, Andre, and…” — Steve “Blackbead” Sanders
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Photo: Bevin Jett · via Google Maps Scenic point
Charlotte Amalie Overlook
4.8 (1,648) 2.7 km from port
Near: Valdemar A. Hill, Sr. Drive Scenic Overlook (19 m) · Skyline Vista Villa (23 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- 5 · “I must see if you're in st Thomas. Incredible viewers beautiful waters we took an excursion when we cruised to…” — Nabil Salama
- 5 · “The Charlotte Amelie is beautiful. You can see the entire city and ports. You can also view other Islands such…” — Nicalena Neary
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Photo: Shanna Bailey · via Google Maps Landmark
Drake's Seat
4.8 (1,217) 2.4 km from port
Parking is available at this popular lookout point with panoramic views of Magens Bay & the islands.
Near: Valdemar A. Hill, Sr. Drive Scenic Overlook (399 m) · Charlotte Amalie Overlook (416 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The views are amazing! No one was there when we got there and we just relaxed and looked at the…” — Desiree Butts
- 5 · “LOVE LOVE LOVE ST. THOMAS! Great view, people and beaches. Mr. Ogando took us in a awesome tour, we had…” — Maria Santos
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Photo: Bluebeard's Castle · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Bluebeard's Castle
4.2 (835) 2.9 km from port
17th-century building with colorful rooms offering kitchenettes & balconies with harbor views.
Near: Vacation Villas At Bluebeards Castle (51 m) · The Castle Grill (56 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
- 5 · “What a cool place, with a great little museum full of artifacts from various shipwrecks around the islands. You also…” — William Ruting
- 5 · “So much better than expected. First night here, and fantastic so far! I know its dark, but thats the Amalie…” — Jason Schmeltzer
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Park and Garden
Emancipation Garden
4.4 (543) 2.3 km from port
Built to commemorate the abolition of slavery, this park features a gazebo & replica Liberty Bell.
Near: Vendor's Plaza (56 m) · Fort Christian (92 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Lovely, but sad to see this historic Cannon in this position” — Rickie Roberts
- 5 · “Weather and people were all great. Nice relaxing spot” — Paul Kriston
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Historical landmark
Fort Christian
4.4 (481) 2.4 km from port
Historic fortification originally dating to the 1600s & built by Denmark & Norway.
Near: Vendor's Plaza (27 m) · Side Walk Grill Express (46 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Love the history. Admission was $10/person, which seems pretty fair. You can tour the whole place on your own. The…” — Dalton Watt
- 5 · “Interesting place to visit. Historical fort from late 1600s. $10 per person to get in and self-guided tours with signage…” — James Oldham
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Tourist attraction
99 Steps
4.4 (449) 2.3 km from port
Long brick staircase leading up a hill to a 17th-century watchtower known as Blackbeard's Castle.
Near: Hotel 1829 (32 m) · Galleon House (53 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Beautiful and historic. Loved walking all of the steps and seeing the strands of other steps going up. We walked…” — Leslie Touassi
- 5 · “Its a beautiful place. When you enter you will see the statues and if you walk a little more you…” — Beaucoup Beauty
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Museum
Pirates Treasure Museum
4.6 (419) 3.8 km from port
Near: The Virgin Islands Children's Museum (8 m) · Skyride to Paradise Point (35 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Arrr, matey! 🏴☠️⚓️ The Pirate’s Treasure Museum in St. Thomas is definitely worth a visit! So many fascinating pirate treasures…” — Yudishthir Boabul
- 5 · “A bit pricey but worth. The people working here make sure you have a good experience. They are genuinely interested…” — Sailing the World
Map of Charlotte Amalie and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Charlotte Amalie
Cruises to Caribbean mostly sail november to April.
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Cruises calling at Charlotte Amalie
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