Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruz Bay, Saint John

U.S. Virgin Islands

Dive into pristine underwater coral gardens and hike lush rainforest trails through Virgin Islands National Park's untouched Caribbean paradise.

Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $1,315-$7,575 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the pristine beaches and water sports of Saint John, featuring the Virgin Islands National Park and some of the Caribbean's most beautiful coastal scenery.

Cruises that visit Cruz Bay, Saint John

Build Your Day in Cruz Bay, Saint John

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 St. Thomas and Coral world were by far the highlights of our trip! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Virgin Islands National Park St. Johns is beautiful if you can take an island tour! National park · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Cruz Bay Watersports Cruz Bay is the top reason we come to St. John Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
Skinny Legs The "Cheers bar" of St. John! Grill · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
The Windmill Bar A must stop location on St John USVI. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Cruz Bay Ferry Dock The way to st john is on the Cruz bay ferry. Marina · ★ 4.5 · 1k
The Lime Inn If you are going to eat out only once in Cruz Bay, this has to be the spot. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Morgan's Mango The best restaurant in Saint John USVI. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
The Longboard Fantastic restaurant right in Cruz Bay. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Cruz Bay Landing When in St John, I always try to stop by Cruz Bay Landing. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Maho Bay Free access and parking (besides the ferry ride to St John). Park · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The Beach Bar One of our fav places to eat in Cruz bay. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Annaberg Sugar Plantation Historic site of sugar plantation in the US Virgin Islands on St John. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Honeymoon Beach The hike from Cruz Bay is easy and beautiful. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
1864 The Restaurant We highly recommend 1864 The Restaurant as the best dining in Cruz Bay! Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
The Banana Deck Decent food, good portions in the heart of 'downtown' St. John on Cruz Bay. Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Karma Beach Lounge Wow is this place such a great addition in Cruz Bay! Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail Cool spot, the underwater trail is worth doing during your visit to st john. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
La Tapa Very nice beachfront restaurant right on St. Cruz bay. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 9:30 PM
ZoZo's at Caneel Bay One of the best restaurants in all of Virgin Islands hands-down. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Lovango Rum Bar And the craft cocktails are perhaps the best on St. John! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Marketplace Great store we love st John Grocery store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Parrot Club I really enjoyed my mojitos at the bar the best I had on island. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Mongoose Junction Great little shopping area with some restaurants in Cruz Bay, St. John. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k
STJ Speakeasy (Formerly STJ Hideaway) If you ever visit St. John in the USVI I highly recommend you eat here. Caribbean · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Heading East Bar & Grill Kind of half way between Cruz bay and coral bay- and well worth the stop by! Grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Cruz Bay Visitor Center It was with Carnival and we did the "St. John on your own". Visitor center · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:15 AM Thu
Drink My wife and I had a fantastic experience at Drink St. John USVI. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Lind Point Trail We did a loop back into Cruz Bay. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins Pretty interesting to stop and check out while on the Reef Bay Trail! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Trunk Bay Plantation Ruins Trunk Bay is a stunning beach on St John in the USVI. Historical place · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins Stone remains of early-1800s plantation Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Jumbie Beach Intimate with clear blue waters, there’s a 3 minute trail to the beach. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
St. John Spice Company On the 2nd floor by the ferry docks in Cruz Bay. Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
St John Back Bar A hidden gem in Cruz Bay! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Upstairs Bar & Grille Cool bar with a fun staff and good vibes. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Made in St-John Onsite services Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Big Planet Easily one of the biggest, nicest souvenir shops in Cruz Bay. Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Wine Shop VI When I get to St John this is the first place I go. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Cruz Bay Beach Beautiful view and great place to get your feet wet. Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Wharfside Landing Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Blind Donkey Such a fun new place in Cruz Bay! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Caravan Gallery You need to stop here and get your love for St. John and show it off! Jewelry store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Turquoise Turtle USVI This location is a must stop shop when visiting St.John! Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Cap's Place Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Pink Papaya What a lovely little shop in the heart of St John in Cruz Bay. Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Johnson's Reef Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Dockside Mall, Inc Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k

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

Next Departures from Cruz Bay, Saint John

About Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruz Bay, nestled on the island of Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, stands out as one of the Caribbean's most enchanting cruise ports. This picturesque harbor town captivates visitors with its laid-back island charm, pristine beaches, and lush tropical landscapes. As a primary port of call, Cruz Bay welcomes guests from three distinguished cruise lines—Explora Journeys, Emerald Cruises, and Seabourn—offering an average of 53 upcoming cruises throughout the year. The port is particularly popular during the peak season from November through March, when travelers seek warm weather and Caribbean adventures.

Cruises calling at Cruz Bay typically feature 7-night itineraries that explore the broader Caribbean region, with many vessels venturing to nearby ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy; and the charming islands of Saint Kitts and Basseterre. The port's strategic location makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring multiple Caribbean destinations while maintaining that coveted island-hopping experience.

What truly sets Cruz Bay apart is its proximity to extraordinary natural attractions and cultural experiences. Passengers can easily access Virgin Islands National Park, featuring some of the Caribbean's most spectacular beaches and hiking trails, or explore the town's vibrant local shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or authentic Caribbean culture, Cruz Bay delivers an unforgettable port experience that keeps cruise travelers returning season after season.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Virgin Islands National Park Beaches

Explore pristine white-sand beaches within minutes of the cruise terminal. Trunk Bay's underwater snorkel trail and Coral World features vibrant marine life just offshore. The park encompasses two-thirds of Saint John's island, offering world-class hiking trails through lush tropical forests with panoramic Caribbean views.

2

Fresh Conch Salad & Local Cuisine

Savor authentic Caribbean flavors at waterfront restaurants serving fresh conch salad, mofongo, and grilled fish caught daily. Cruz Bay's dining scene celebrates local ingredients and traditional recipes passed through generations. Pair your meal with a rum punch while watching sailboats drift across the harbor.

3

Historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins

Discover Saint John's colonial past at these well-preserved 18th-century plantation ruins nestled in the national park. Interpretive signs detail the island's complex history, including the lives of enslaved workers. The scenic coastal location offers stunning views and a poignant connection to Caribbean heritage.

4

Mongoose Junction Shopping & Art

Browse eclectic boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops in this charming open-air marketplace near the waterfront. Local artists showcase handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and island crafts. The relaxed atmosphere and shaded walkways make it perfect for finding unique souvenirs while escaping the tropical heat.

5

Sunset Sailing & Water Adventures

Experience the Caribbean's legendary sunsets aboard a catamaran or sailboat departing directly from Cruz Bay harbor. Snorkel pristine reefs, swim in turquoise waters, and spot sea turtles and tropical fish. Local captains share insider knowledge about Saint John's marine ecosystem and hidden coves.

Cruise Lines at Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruises Departing From Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruises Visiting Cruz Bay, Saint John

Ship Schedule at Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruz Bay, Saint John Location

Other Cruise Ports in U.S. Virgin Islands