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: Also Susie, what are the prices like for sightseeing? Your being a great help, this isn't my first cruise but it is my children's first and it's our first time in St Thomas so I want it to be nice for them but this year I don't have the spending money I would like to have.
Answer Aside from our beautiful scenery and beaches, there really isn't anything much else for sightseeing. The taxis can be pretty expensive here. You're probably best just talking with perhaps another couple or two on the ship also with kids, that would be willing to split the costs of your own tour. Then when you come off the ship, there will be PLENTY of taxi drivers offering to take you sightseeing. Or perhaps rent a car along with another couple & their kids. Just remember, we drive on the opposite side of the road here. Right at the Havensight Mall when you come off the ship, will be a tourists building that offer plenty of free maps, brochures, guides for places to go & things to do, etc.
If you did want to walk with your kids to the historic downtown shopping area just to experience of flavor of the old danish buildings, it's only about a 30 minute walk from the cruise ship docks. Don't let the taxi drivers get you to believe otherwise!!!!
The closest beach from the dock would be Bolongo so you might want to find out what it would cost to go there. It's only about a 10-15 minute car ride from the dock. Note that all taxi prices are regulated by the taxi association and they must adhere. At the Havensight Mall, get your hands on a "St.Thomas This Week" guide. They are free and will give ALL the costs to go from the dock to any major point of interest on the island. Also- I'm basing all my info on the notion that your ship will be docking at the WICO dock in Havensight. Find out to confirm. The secondary dock here is located in Crown Bay and that would change things altogether.
