Canonical page: /p/us-virgin-islands/st-croix/ Collected: 2026-10-18 JSON: /p/us-virgin-islands/st-croix/index.json [Ports](/ports/) US Virgin Islands # St Croix [About the port](/p/us-virgin-islands/st-croix/)[Timetable](/p/us-virgin-islands/st-croix/timetable/2026-12/) Getting ashore Frederiksted pier for large ships Into town Taxi, shuttle or rental car Best starting point Frederiksted waterfront Currency [US dollar - USD](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/?Amount=1&From=USD) ## Getting ashore Most large ships dock at Frederiksted, on the island's west side, at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, usually called Abramson Pier. The pier is 465 metres long and can berth two ships at once, taking ships up to 142,000 gross tons with a maximum draft of 9 metres. Larger vessels may anchor in the outer harbour instead. Smaller ships and superyachts usually go to Christiansted, where they anchor at Gallows Bay Dock, about 1.6 km east of the downtown area. The pier has a tourist kiosk and public restrooms. Check your cruise line's notice for the berth on your day, since it decides how far you have to travel to the main town. A 2019 report put the largest ship the pier could take at about 2,500 passengers, up to the Radiance class, so check current berth limits with the port authority if your ship is large. Passengers from the US mainland or Puerto Rico clear US customs without a passport, but need proof of US citizenship or nationality. ## For beach lovers The pier area is popular with divers and snorkellers, and first-timers are well catered for. A large public beach with restaurants and bars lies directly off the pier, and several other beaches are within walking distance. All USVI beaches, including those on St Croix, are public and free. Sea conditions change, so ask the dive or tour staff before you go in the water. The pier area also hosts sport fishing, swimming and paddleboarding competitions. The beach and restaurants directly off the pier make a simple first stop for a short call. ## For walkers and architecture fans The Frederiksted waterfront is the best starting point, and the shops are within walking distance of the pier. Inland, the St George Village Botanical Garden is a former plantation with grounds to stroll. Whim Plantation is another historic estate, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Its hours are 10am to 4pm from November to April, and 10am to 3pm from May to October. Opening times may have changed, so check them on the day. Christiansted, at the eastern end of the island, is the other main town. ## For nature and outdoor fans The pier is deep enough for sailing and scuba boats to tie up alongside, and a reef dive from the pier stays at 10 metres or shallower. The Armageddon dive site, about 3 km north of the new pier, is where most of the old Frederiksted pier was sunk in 30 metres of water after Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is closed from April to August to protect leatherback turtle nests. At other times it is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am to 4pm. ## For eaters and drinkers The beachside restaurants and bars along the pier are the most reliable place to eat close to the ship, so a sit-down lunch there suits a short call. For rum, the Cruzan Rum Distillery in Frederiksted was founded in 1760 and is now owned by Beam Suntory. It is a major local employer, and it now imports molasses rather than relying only on local cane. The tour and tasting costs $8, payable by credit or debit card only. The distillery is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm, though these times may have changed. A short walk and a sit-down lunch suit a short call better than a long shopping trip. ## Getting around and money Taxis, tour vehicles and shuttle buses take passengers from Frederiksted to Christiansted. St Croix covers about 215 square kilometres and is the largest island in the US Virgin Islands. Its two towns sit at opposite ends, which is why it is nicknamed the Twin City. A rental car, collected at the airport (STX), is the simplest way to see more of the island. Fares change, so agree the price before you leave the pier and ask whether the driver will wait for you. The island uses the US dollar (USD), so carry small notes for taxis and drinks. Check your phone's roaming charges before you land. From 1 January 2024, a Capital Cost Recovery Charge of US$5 per passenger applies to Royal Caribbean Group brands when they dock at St Thomas or Frederiksted, so check whether it has been added to your fare. ## Accessibility & mobility The sources describe a kiosk and public restrooms at the pier, and taxis and shuttle buses to Christiansted, but they do not describe step-free routes or wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Ask the cruise line about the gangway and the berth transfer, and request an accessible vehicle from your taxi or tour operator before leaving the pier. Plan your call ## Who's in port? 9 calls in the collected schedule. [View timetable](/p/us-virgin-islands/st-croix/timetable/2026-12/) ## Maps & transport - [Frederiksted pier on Google MapsPier and town ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Frederiksted+Pier+St+Croix+USVI) - [Frederiksted town outlineWikivoyage town outline ↗](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Frederiksted) ## Useful links - [CruiseMapper port wiki and schedulePort wiki and calls ↗](https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/st-croix-island-usvi-port-823?tab=wiki) - [Convert US dollars to your currencyDaily reference rates ↗](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/?Amount=1&From=USD)