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 Taxi's were plentiful and easy to access from Port Charlotte Amalie. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar Ate there a couple times while visiting Charlotte Amalie. American · ★ 4.1 · 3k
Mountain Top 4. The prices for clothes and travel accessories inside are great prices. Duty free store · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closes soon · 5 PM
Havensight Mall Great selection of shops with jewelry and goods in all price points. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closes soon · 5 PM
Skyride to Paradise Point Best views of Charlotte Amalie! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closes soon · 5 PM
Virgin Islands National Park Everything in the USVI is an adventure. National park · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Charlotte Amalie Overlook Amazing way to see Charlotte Amalie Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k Open now
The VI Cat Toured harbor area and Charlotte Amalie, rounded hassle island. Tour operator · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Crown Bay Center This is a clean, open air shopping area for tourists and locals alike. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closes soon · 5 PM
Bluebeard's Castle Charlotte Amalie was one of the stopovers on a Disney Cruise we took. Historical landmark · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Dinghy's Beach Bar & Grill Great beach bar and restaurant, perfect Caribbean ambiance! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Amalia Café Restaurant Possibly our best dinner in Charlotte Amelie. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Stone House Cafe Excellent lunch and dinner location in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Cruise Ship Excursions Awesome time in the Caribbean as always. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open now
Side Street Pub The best grilled shrimp tacos and Carib Beer in St. Thomas. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 5:05 PM
Fort Christian A good site to visit if you're in Charlotte Amalie. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
99 Steps Great views of Charlotte Amalie and it's harbor. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Pirates Treasure Museum We visited the Pirate Treasure Museum while visiting St. Thomas! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Fish Bar Definitely one of the best restaurants in St. Thomas! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Twisted Cork Cafe This was BY FAR our BEST meal during our stay on St. Thomas!!! Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 0k Opens soon · 5 PM
Dog House Pub For a high-quality bar experience in St. Thomas, start here. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Island View Steakhouse Food was the best we had on our entire stay in USVI and BVI. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Opens soon · 5 PM
The Shack at Hull Bay This has been the best food we have tried on St. Thomas yet!! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Blackbeard's Castle If you are ever in St Thomas USVI, I highly recommend visiting the site . Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Wheatley Shopping Center Great selection of high quality lical stores Stores and shopping · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Mermaid's Chair Must visit this spectacular natural beauty when you are in St. Thomas, USVI. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Rum Island Pub Best little ally bar on St Thomas. Pub · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Coral World Observatory Tower If you do any of the special events like swimming with animals or sea trek! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Vendor's Plaza Hecklers with mass produced items that you can get on Temu for cheap. Market · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Taphus Beer House Good stop in Charlotte Amalie. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Virgin's Haven Great drinks, shots with locals. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Lost Turtle We stopped by The Lost Turtle when we ported in St. Thomas and we loved it!! Bar · ★ 5 · 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 Great Duty-free Shopping with super friendly staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closes soon · 5 PM
Al Cohen Mall Good food in this plaza with sun things to do. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
The Box Bar Our favorite place to grab a drink in St. Thomas! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Port of Sale Mall has amazing chain shops at the day and very incredible bars at night Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Perseverance Bay Overlook The CharlesWorks crew always stops here to relax and enjoy the view! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The SHOPS at Yacht Haven Grande Great for accent pieces in a fine home of the aspiring world traveler. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Veranda Escape Bar & Restaurant When deciding where to eat in St. Thomas you must eat here. Family-friendly · ★ 5 · 0k
Sol at Mafolie Hotel A mandatory dinner stop while in St Thomas! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Opens soon · 5 PM
Tequila's Bar & Restaurant They don't serve food but the music & drinks are FABULOUS! Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Palm Passage Lunch, shopping, moving around in Charlotte Amalie. Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Crème Lounge Delicious drinks, great music and amazing events! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Three Queens Statue at Blackbeard's Castle We live on a boat and are cruising the Caribbean. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Xcape VI We were greeted warmly and got the waivers signed quickly. Escape room center · ★ 4.9 · 0k Temporarily closed
HOMEGROWN BAR AND GRILL, LLC Avi is a delight and makes the best drink on the island! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Tree of Lost Soles it’s a tree with some flip flops on it would return. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Lavalettes at Hotel 1829 Dine-in·No takeout Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu

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.