cruise ships to St. Croix

Hello Diane,

St. Croix used to get a few ships in every other day or so, however for quite a few months now ships have not called on St. Croix due to a combination of political and social issues (crime/robbery). If your move is far away then you can stay tuned to the cruise visit issues on St. Croix, if your move is soon then St. Thomas has the cruise #'s. Your St. Croix business could cater to hotel guest/villa guest which St. Croix does receive.

--Islander

Do you know how many tourists STX receives annually?

Diane

Coming to St Croix by ship in May. Is it safe? are there areas where a tourist shouldnt go?
Beverley

Hello Beverly,

I have heard of one or two ships lately that are planning to go to St. Croix - which one are you on if you don't mind me asking? The local offices in St. Croix have taken measures to increase security, more lighting, more police presence. I would give the same advice I always did which is; be alert to your surroundings as you would any where, not really a bright idea to go to beaches that are way out in the middle of no where that have no one on them, don't leave expensive items unattended and exposed like cameras, watches, put them in backpacks or under a towel at least so you are not tempting anyone and don't try to participate in any that is illegal here and thats about it. Areas you shouldn't go; its not a good idea to go to desolate beaches for several reasons including that if anything happened even an accident you would be stuck and try to stay out of public housing areas in terms of walking around or taking pictures. Other then that sightsee Whim Plantation, maybe the Rum Factory, Botanical Gardens, a scenic drive maybe, maybe horseback riding in the northshore rain forest or beach, diving, snorkling, beach day - lots of great fun. Have you decided what you will do for your day in St. Croix?

--Islander

Hello there, we are on the MSC Lirica arriving 7am and leaving at 5pm. We thought a walk around Fredicksted then taxi via Whim Museum and Botanical Gardens to Christiansted. Lunch and a lazy afternoon with a couple of rum punches then back to the ship. The date of the ships arrival is May 19th.
Happy New Year
Beverley

You are just as safe getting off a cruise ship in St Croix as you are in St Thomas. MAYBE safer...The perception that st Croix has more crime is simply not true.

Personally I feel more comfortable in St Croix than I do in St Thomas. there is less traffic, less congestion and you do not have the pressure to "buy" something.

St Croix is very lucky to not have the cruise ship mess that exists in St Thomas...but we sure would like the income...

My saying this will not change anything, but at least I feel better....

I spent an entire day on STX back in 99 off of a Carnival cruise ship, and I never once even thought about feeling less than safe. Everyone was just as great as they were on STT the next day...but like said before...without any pressure of feeling like a tourist getting milked. I think the only person who came up to us to buy something was a "hair braider" girl...but I suppose that's common throughout the Islands.

The kicker for me was we were supposed to leave STX at around 5:00pm, but the folks of STX had a festival planned at the docks and we (our ship) ended up staying until about 11:00pm partying with the locals. So we were wandering around the dock area in the dark, half drunk on rum punches, enjoying life and never once felt threatened.

I'm guessing that if you look at the population of STX compared to the population of a fairly large city, the crime rate is probably a lot lower.

Hello Beverley,

Sounds like a great day, Whim Plantation and the Botanical Garden are worth visiting in my opinion - the Plantation is interesting and the Gardens are very nice. Lots of nice places to eat and have a few drinks in Christiansted!! Not sure if any renovations have been done in Frederiksted but last time I was there it was in need of some tlc - there are a few stores there that sell nice things though and the fort is worth visiting as is the fort in Christiansted. There is more shopping in Christiansted however when ships come in vendors usually set up a vendor market by the Frederiksted pier where you can pick up souvenirs.

--Islander

Hello Diane,

You might contact http://www.usviber.org/
The Bureau for Economic Research for the USVI

--Islander