What Cruise Lines Go to St Thomas Top Picks for 2024

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line regularly sail to St. Thomas in 2024, offering diverse itineraries and shore excursions. Whether you’re seeking luxury with Celebrity Cruises or family-friendly fun with Disney Cruise Line, there’s a top-rated option for every traveler. With convenient departures from Florida and the East Coast, St. Thomas remains a premier Caribbean destination on most major cruise routes.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers frequent, budget-friendly St. Thomas sailings from Florida.
• Royal Caribbean: Features luxury ships with private island stops near St. Thomas.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible itineraries including St. Thomas with extended port stays.
• Princess Cruises: Scenic routes with cultural excursions in St. Thomas included.
• Disney Cruise Line: Family-focused voyages with kid-friendly St. Thomas activities.
• Celebrity Cruises: Upscale experience with gourmet dining and curated island tours.

What Cruise Lines Go to St. Thomas: Top Picks for 2024

St. Thomas, a jewel of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a dream destination for cruisers seeking turquoise waters, golden beaches, and vibrant island culture. With its world-class port facilities, duty-free shopping, and proximity to stunning natural attractions like Magens Bay and Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas has become a must-visit stop on Caribbean itineraries. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, the island’s accessibility and diverse offerings make it a favorite among cruise lines and passengers alike.

In 2024, St. Thomas continues to shine as a premier cruise destination, with major lines expanding their routes to include this tropical paradise. From luxury vessels to family-friendly mega-ships, there’s a cruise line to suit every traveler’s style and budget. This guide will explore the top cruise lines sailing to St. Thomas, highlight their unique offerings, and provide insider tips to help you plan your perfect island getaway. Let’s dive into the best options for 2024 and discover why St. Thomas remains a top pick for cruisers worldwide.

Major Cruise Lines Sailing to St. Thomas in 2024

St. Thomas is a staple on Caribbean itineraries, attracting a wide range of cruise lines. Below are the major players offering sailings to the island in 2024, each with its own distinct vibe and amenities.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury and Scenic Routes

Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its upscale ambiance, innovative cuisine, and breathtaking itineraries. In 2024, their Edge Series ships, including the Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, feature 7- to 10-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean voyages that stop in St. Thomas. Passengers can enjoy the ship’s rooftop garden, immersive dining experiences, and the iconic Magic Carpet—a cantilevered platform offering panoramic views.

• Why Choose Celebrity? Ideal for couples and luxury seekers, with a focus on relaxation and cultural immersion.
• Port Experience: St. Thomas is often paired with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten, making it a well-rounded itinerary.
• Insider Tip: Book a suite to access the exclusive Retreat Lounge and private sundeck.

Royal Caribbean International: Family-Friendly Adventures

Royal Caribbean dominates the family cruise market, and their Oasis and Quantum class ships frequently call at St. Thomas. The Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailings, combining thrill rides (like the FlowRider surf simulator) with serene island escapes.

• Why Choose Royal Caribbean? Perfect for families, with kid-friendly activities, Broadway-style shows, and a dedicated Adventure Ocean kids’ club.
• Port Experience: St. Thomas is often a mid-week stop, allowing time to explore Charlotte Amalie’s historic sites or snorkel at Trunk Bay.
• Insider Tip: Reserve a balcony cabin for views of the ship’s arrival at Crown Bay.

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line): Freestyle Cruising at Its Best

NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept appeals to travelers who prefer flexibility. The Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries with stops in St. Thomas. Passengers enjoy 20+ dining options, a top-notch spa, and the thrilling Speedway go-kart track.

• Why Choose NCL? Great for solo travelers and couples who want to dine when and where they choose.
• Port Experience: NCL’s ships dock at the West Indian Company Dock, just a 10-minute walk from downtown Charlotte Amalie.
• Insider Tip: Take advantage of NCL’s “Free at Sea” perks, like free shore excursions or specialty dining credits.

Luxury and Small-Ship Cruise Lines to St. Thomas

For travelers seeking a more intimate and upscale experience, luxury and small-ship cruise lines offer exclusive access to St. Thomas with personalized service and unique itineraries.

Oceania Cruises: Culinary Excellence and Cultural Immersion

Oceania Cruises combines gourmet dining with immersive shore excursions. The Oceania Riviera and Oceania Insignia offer 10- to 14-night voyages that include St. Thomas as part of a Southern Caribbean circuit. Passengers can enjoy cooking classes at the Culinary Center or wine tastings curated by sommeliers.

• Why Choose Oceania? Ideal for foodies and culture enthusiasts, with included shore tours and a focus on local cuisine.
• Port Experience: Oceania’s smaller ships dock at the Crown Bay Pier, offering easy access to the island’s attractions.
• Insider Tip: Book a Concierge Level stateroom for priority boarding and complimentary laundry services.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury

Regent Seven Seas is synonymous with all-inclusive luxury. The Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor feature 12- to 14-night itineraries that include St. Thomas. Passengers enjoy unlimited premium drinks, gratuities, and airfare included in the fare.

• Why Choose Regent? Perfect for travelers who want a stress-free, high-end experience with no hidden costs.
• Port Experience: Regent’s ships often stay overnight in St. Thomas, allowing time to explore the island’s nightlife and beaches.
• Insider Tip: Opt for a suite with a private balcony for unparalleled views of the harbor.

Windstar Cruises: Intimate Yacht-Like Experience

Windstar Cruises operates small, yacht-like vessels that can access ports larger ships can’t. The Star Pride and Wind Surf offer 7- to 10-night Eastern Caribbean sailings with stops in St. Thomas. Passengers enjoy a relaxed, casual ambiance and water sports right from the ship’s marina.

• Why Choose Windstar? Great for adventure seekers and those who prefer a low-key, personalized cruise.
• Port Experience: Windstar’s ships dock at the West Indian Company Dock, offering a quick walk to the island’s highlights.
• Insider Tip: Participate in a beach barbecue hosted by the crew—a unique Windstar tradition.

Affordable and Budget-Friendly Cruise Options

St. Thomas isn’t just for luxury travelers—budget-conscious cruisers have plenty of options too. These lines offer affordable fares without sacrificing the island experience.

Carnival Cruise Line: Fun and Value

Carnival’s Carnival Freedom and Carnival Sunrise offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyages with stops in St. Thomas. Known for its lively atmosphere, Carnival provides endless entertainment, from poolside games to live music.

• Why Choose Carnival? Perfect for families and groups looking for a fun, affordable cruise.
• Port Experience: Carnival’s ships dock at the West Indian Company Dock, with shuttle buses to downtown Charlotte Amalie.
• Insider Tip: Book early for the best rates and take advantage of Carnival’s “Cheers!” beverage package.

MSC Cruises: European Flair on a Budget

MSC Cruises blends European elegance with affordability. The MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia feature 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries that include St. Thomas. Passengers can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired buffet, a world-class spa, and family-friendly activities.

• Why Choose MSC? Great for travelers who want a mix of European style and Caribbean sunshine.
• Port Experience: MSC’s ships dock at the Crown Bay Pier, with easy access to taxis and shore excursions.
• Insider Tip: Upgrade to the “Yacht Club” for private lounge access and personalized service.

Specialty and Expedition Cruise Lines to St. Thomas

For travelers seeking unique experiences, specialty and expedition cruise lines offer off-the-beaten-path itineraries to St. Thomas and nearby islands.

Lindblad Expeditions: Eco-Adventure and Wildlife

Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer eco-conscious voyages. The National Geographic Islander features 7- to 10-night itineraries that include St. Thomas as part of a Lesser Antilles circuit. Passengers can snorkel with sea turtles, explore coral reefs, and attend lectures by naturalists.

• Why Choose Lindblad? Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, with a focus on sustainability and education.
• Port Experience: Lindblad’s small ships dock at the West Indian Company Dock, with guided excursions to the island’s hidden gems.
• Insider Tip: Bring a waterproof camera—Lindblad’s snorkeling and kayaking opportunities are unmatched.

Virgin Voyages: Adults-Only Cruising with a Twist

Virgin Voyages caters to adults (18+) with a rock-and-roll vibe. The Scarlet Lady offers 7-night Caribbean itineraries that include St. Thomas. Passengers enjoy trendy dining, late-night parties, and a focus on wellness.

• Why Choose Virgin? Perfect for millennials and Gen Xers who want a fun, stylish cruise without kids.
• Port Experience: Virgin’s ships dock at the Crown Bay Pier, with easy access to the island’s bars and restaurants.
• Insider Tip: Book a “Sea Terrace” cabin for a private outdoor lounge area.

Top Shore Excursions and Tips for Visiting St. Thomas

St. Thomas offers a wealth of activities, from beach relaxation to cultural exploration. Here are the top shore excursions and insider tips to make the most of your visit.

Must-Do Shore Excursions

• Magens Bay Beach: Rent a lounge chair and enjoy the calm, turquoise waters.
• Coral World Ocean Park: Swim with stingrays or take a sea lion encounter.
• Skyride to Paradise Point: Take a gondola up the mountain for panoramic views.
• Historical Walking Tour: Explore Fort Christian and the 99 Steps in Charlotte Amalie.
• Snorkeling at Coki Beach: Spot colorful fish and coral reefs just offshore.

Insider Tips for Cruisers

• Book Early: Popular excursions sell out quickly, so reserve online before your cruise.
• Bring Cash: Many local vendors and taxi drivers prefer cash (U.S. dollars are accepted).
• Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The island has banned harmful sunscreens to protect marine life.
• Check Tendering: Some ships tender to shore, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Explore Beyond Charlotte Amalie: Rent a car or take a taxi to hidden beaches like Sapphire or Lindquist.

Comparing Cruise Lines: A Quick Reference Guide

Cruise Line	Ship Example	Itinerary Length	Best For	Port Dock
Celebrity Cruises	Celebrity Beyond	7-10 nights	Luxury seekers	Crown Bay
Royal Caribbean	Symphony of the Seas	7 nights	Families	Crown Bay
NCL	Norwegian Encore	7 nights	Freestyle cruisers	West Indian Company
Oceania Cruises	Oceania Riviera	10-14 nights	Foodies	Crown Bay
Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Explorer	12-14 nights	All-inclusive luxury	Crown Bay
Carnival Cruise Line	Carnival Freedom	7 nights	Budget travelers	West Indian Company

Conclusion

St. Thomas remains a top Caribbean destination for cruisers in 2024, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury of Regent Seven Seas, the family-friendly fun of Royal Caribbean, or the intimate experience of Windstar Cruises, the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty are just a cruise away. By choosing the right cruise line and planning your shore excursions wisely, you can create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore the best of St. Thomas—one cruise at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines go to St. Thomas in 2024?

Majestic cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises regularly visit St. Thomas in 2024. These operators offer diverse itineraries, from Eastern Caribbean highlights to longer voyages combining other tropical destinations.

What cruise lines go to St. Thomas with family-friendly amenities?

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are top picks for families, featuring onboard water parks, kids’ clubs, and spacious family staterooms. Both lines dock in St. Thomas, giving easy access to beaches and attractions like Coral World Ocean Park.

Do luxury cruise lines visit St. Thomas?

Yes, luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises sail to St. Thomas, offering all-inclusive packages with premium dining and curated excursions. Their smaller ships often dock at the quieter West Indian Company Dock, minimizing crowds.

Are there budget-friendly cruise lines that go to St. Thomas?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Carnival provide affordable options to St. Thomas with frequent deals and flexible dining packages. These lines balance cost savings with fun onboard activities and short port stays (typically 6–8 hours).

Which cruise lines go to St. Thomas and also stop at private islands?

Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line combine St. Thomas with stops at their private islands (Perfect Day at CocoCay and Castaway Cay, respectively). These itineraries offer a mix of adventure in St. Thomas and exclusive beach time.

How long do cruise ships typically stay in St. Thomas?

Most cruise lines spend 6–10 hours in St. Thomas, allowing ample time for beach visits, snorkeling, or island tours. Longer stays are common on premium lines like Holland America, which often feature overnight port calls.