Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie

U.S. Virgin Islands

Wander through pastel-colored streets lined with duty-free shops, then hike to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Currency U.S. Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
Typical Duration 7-9 nights
Price Range $395.50–$15,409 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a premier Caribbean cruise destination known for its duty-free shopping, pristine beaches, and rich colonial history.

Cruises that visit Charlotte Amalie

Build Your Day in Charlotte Amalie

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Coral World Ocean Park Coral World Ocean Park was one of the best things on island to do. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k
The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery American · ★ 4.1 · 3k
Mountain Top Beautiful view, nice souvenir shop with normal island pricing. Duty free store · ★ 4.6 · 3k Open · Closes 5 PM
Havensight Mall Loads of great shopping and restraints right off the cruise ship. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 5 PM
Skyride to Paradise Point Beautiful view of Charlotte Amalie with great places to eat Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closes soon · 2 PM
Duffy's Love Shack Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery Grill · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Virgin Islands National Park Great snorkeling, hiking, and historical places. National park · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Charlotte Amalie Overlook Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k Open now
Coki Point Beach Swimming & snorkeling destination Beach · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Gladys' Café Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
The Smoking Rooster Great casual atmosphere outdoors and inside dining with more limited hours. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Drake's Seat Point with scenic bay & island views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The VI Cat The snacks, drinks and boat ride around the island was icing on the cake. Tour operator · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Greengos Caribbean Cantina Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Mexican · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Crown Bay Center Visitors can find everything from unique clothing to delicious local spices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM
Bluebeard's Castle They have nightly activities and the Rum flows freely. Historical landmark · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Petite Pump Room Bar & Restaurant St. Thomas Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Oceana Restaurant & Bistro Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline St. Thomas Adventure outfit offering zip-line tours Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Lindquist Beach Picnicking, swimming & a lifeguard Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Amalia Café Restaurant Breezy, open-air Spanish restaurant Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Brewers Bay Beach Clear, calm water great for snorkeling and children swimming. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Cruise Ship Excursions Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open now
Stone House Cafe Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Hull Bay Beach Good sand and clvert clear and calm water. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Emancipation Garden Local events, live music, local dance, food, and arts. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Side Street Pub Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Fort Christian Historic fort built by Denmark & Norway Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
99 Steps Historic staircase to a watchtower Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Pirates Treasure Museum They had some displays and interactive things to do as well. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 2 PM
Stir It Up Coffee Shop & Bakery Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Barefoot Buddha ... is amazing, the food is amazing, smoothies are bomb, coffee is 🔥. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Old Stone Farmhouse The service was impeccable and everything I ate was absolutely delicious. Fine Dining · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Smith Bay Beach White sand, clear water, great shade. Public beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Blackbeard's Castle Historic tower with tours & harbor views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
The Twisted Cork Cafe Great, friendly service, premium wines, excellent food. Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Shack at Hull Bay Great drinks, great food, really laid back setting outside Hull Bay. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Island View Restaurant By far the best food, service, and atmosphere on the island. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Temporarily closed
Lindbergh Bay Beach Calm water and inflatable water house that they enjoyed playing. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Island Grind Main Street Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k
Mermaid's Chair Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Rum Island Pub You get ocean views, seats at the bar and most drinks under $10. Pub · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Vendor's Plaza Love it here.. Great options to buy from shirts to dress to home decor. Market · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Virgin's Haven Good vibes, friendly staff, reasonably priced food & drinks! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Lost Turtle Local beers and liquors, great cocktail menu, amazing service. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Charlo’s Cuisine Onsite services Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Parley Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Fri
Cutlass & Cane Fantastic cocktails, great wine list, delicious food, and a great staff! Caribbean · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Heidi's Honeymoon Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Jolly Roger's Restaurant & Pirate Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Surf N' Turf Bistro Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
St Thomas Social Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
Buccaneer Mall All kinds of stores and an excellent BBQ restaurant Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 11:59 PM
A. H. Riise Mall High end shopping with affordable options. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Cruise Port of Charlotte Onsite services Port authority · ★ 4.4 · 0k
The Box Bar No delivery Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Tuck Shop DOWNTOWN Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Port of Sale Mall Not a lot of "touristy" shops here. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Island Love Coffee Takeout·No dine-in·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Tue
Sunnyside Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Calypso Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Broken Plate Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Mafolie Restaurant The view is truly exceptional and the food was excellent! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k
The Castle Grill Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
The SHOPS at Yacht Haven Grande We went the both nights to go eat - very good food for but shops closed. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Taste Me Local Cuisine Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Veranda Escape Bar & Restaurant Dine-in Family-friendly · ★ 5 · 0k
Sol at Mafolie Hotel Stunning views, great service, and delicious food. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Tequila's Bar & Restaurant Adult environment,great music, Wifi,friendly service, safe establishment. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Palm Passage Lunch, shopping, moving around in Charlotte Amalie. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Lavalettes at Hotel 1829 Dine-in·No takeout Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Three Queens Statue at Blackbeard's Castle We live on a boat and are cruising the Caribbean. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Xcape VI This was a very fun experience! Escape room center · ★ 4.9 · 0k Temporarily closed
HOMEGROWN BAR AND GRILL, LLC Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
758 Daily Drip Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Mandahl Bay Beach ... is a north shore beach that is a local fishing hole and camping spot. Beach · ★ 3.8 · 0k
Long-Bay Beach This is not a beach but more of a bay. Beach · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Tree of Lost Soles Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Mystic by the Sea A wonderful store with a fantastic collection of items from local artists. Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 5 AM Fri
Caret Bay Beach Very clear water, lots of shells and brain coral. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.4 · 0k
Michelle's Beach Park · ★ 3.7 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Charlotte Amalie

About Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie stands as one of the Caribbean's most vibrant cruise destinations, offering visitors a perfect blend of colonial charm, natural beauty, and duty-free shopping. As the capital of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this historic port has long captivated cruise passengers with its picturesque harbor, colorful architecture, and rich maritime heritage. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Charlotte Amalie delivers an authentic Caribbean experience that keeps guests returning year after year.

Primarily serving as a port of call, Charlotte Amalie features prominently on seven-night Caribbean itineraries operated by major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and others. The port's strategic location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the Eastern Caribbean, with many cruises combining Charlotte Amalie with nearby ports like San Juan, Philipsburg, and Saint John's. With nearly 550 upcoming cruises calling here, you'll find excellent availability throughout the year, with peak travel during the winter months from November through March.

The moment you arrive at this bustling port, you'll discover why it's beloved by cruisers. The downtown waterfront is just steps away, where you can explore historic Blackbeard's Castle, browse the famous Emancipade Park shops, or relax on nearby beaches. Modern port facilities ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation, while the welcoming local culture and excellent dining options make every visit memorable.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Blackbeard's Castle & History

Explore Charlotte Amalie's pirate past at Blackbeard's Castle, a 17th-century watchtower offering panoramic views of the harbor and town. This National Historic Landmark tells the story of the Caribbean's most notorious pirates and provides fascinating insights into the island's colonial heritage and strategic importance.

2

Fresh Conch Salad & Local Cuisine

Savor authentic Caribbean flavors at waterfront restaurants serving fresh conch salad, a local specialty prepared with lime juice and fresh vegetables. The cruise port area offers easy access to traditional Virgin Islands dishes and fresh seafood that capture the authentic taste of the islands.

3

Magens Bay's Pristine Waters

Relax on one of the world's most beautiful beaches at Magens Bay, just minutes from the cruise port. This crescent-shaped paradise features calm turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities where you'll spot vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs.

4

Duty-Free Shopping Paradise

Browse world-class duty-free shopping along Main Street and in the historic Emancipation Garden area, where you'll find jewelry, perfume, and luxury goods at exceptional prices. The charming colonial architecture creates an inviting atmosphere as you explore boutiques and local artisan shops selling Caribbean crafts.

5

Coral World Ocean Park

Discover vibrant marine life at Coral World Ocean Park, featuring an underwater observatory, sea turtle pools, and interactive touch tanks. This family-friendly attraction showcases the Caribbean's incredible biodiversity and offers educational experiences about local ocean ecosystems just a short ride from the port.

Cruise Lines at Charlotte Amalie

Cruises Departing From Charlotte Amalie

Cruises Visiting Charlotte Amalie

Ship Schedule at Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie Location

Other Cruise Ports in U.S. Virgin Islands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VICHA?

VICHA is the UN/LOCODE for Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Where is VICHA Port located?

Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands (lat 18.3419, long -64.930701).

What type of port is VICHA?

Official port.

What attractions are near the port?

Historic downtown, shops, harbor views, and local dining.