AboutSusie Rano Expertise I've lived in St.Thomas for nearly 20 years. I can answer tourist-related questions regarding this island and may be able to help with questions regarding St.John too.
Experience lived on St.Thomas for almost 20 years
Education/Credentials lived on St.Thomas for nearly 20 years
Expert: Susie Rano Date: 4/29/2008 Subject: Visiting St Thomas
Question QUESTION: I would like to know what sites are in walking distance of the cruise ship port(I'll be sailing Carnival)on a tight budget traveling with a 6 and 9yr old. Also is there a Walmart or grocery store in walking distance( to buy bottled water,medicine, etc.) Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Nichole
ANSWER: Hi Nichole-
There is tons of shopping within walking distance but as for tourist attractions, nothing really. There is the aerial tramway which is similar to a ski-lift which takes you up to Paradise Point. The Tram is only about a 5 minute walk from the cruise ship dock. The only thing is that the cost is $19.00 per adult and $9.50 for children 12 & under- (children 5 and under are free).
There is shopping right as you come off the ship at the Havensight Mall. The stores downtown are very similar and items cost the same if not higher in price downtown. For your sodas, waters and misc. things- there is a pharmacy as well as a gourmet grocery store located in Havensight that has everything you will need. We do not have a Walmart here. We do have a KMart but things like bottled water, sodas, etc., is not much cheaper there. If you want to purchase like a 12 pack of soda or case of water- you can go to Pueblo supermarket. It is about a 5 minute walk from the cruise ship dock. the Kmart is about another 5 minutes from Pueblo.
You didn't mention if you wanted to take the kids to a beach. There would be a couple of options but nothing within walking distance.
Let me know if I can be of further help, Nichole.
Regards,
Susie
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Beach isn't a priority, but if you have any suggestions about sightseeing I welcome them, I happened to speak to a lady from St. Thomas breifly one day and she suggested getting a famous banana drink and great view at Mountain Top(I think), but I didn't know if it would be appropriate for children and I don't drink.
Answer That would be Mountain Top. It would cost quite a bit to taxi there. The view is just as nice from Paradise Point which has the tramway I mentioned to you. You might want to find out from the taxi drivers that will be hanging all around there, what the cost would be to just drive up. I'm guessing it might be cheaper than taking the aerial tram. As I said, it's only like a 5 minute walk from the dock. Then to go up to Paradise Point is probably 10 minute drive (give ot take). There is shopping up there, rest point, walking/hiking trails, bar/restaurants, etc. If you like the taste of chocolate, you might want to indulge in one of their famous "Bushwackers." YUM!
