Shopping

[BIG_Steve]

I've been reading in this forum, either I'm missing the info, or something.... In St Thomas I keep seeing land tours that include shopping. How far from the ship is the shopping area they want to take you to? And is there an area right around the ship filled with shopping too?

 

We have a couple of snorkeling/beach days already in other ports. Mrs. Big_Steve would like to do some shopping and touristy stuff in St Thomas.

[mking8288]

Carnival ships should be docking at Heavensight Pier, which is about 100 steps or 1 short city block across from the Heavensight Mall or Shopping Center - the pier can fit 3 mega ships at the same time. Just look out starboard side if you are on an open deck or from the balcony - plus, a Senor Frog with the big red roof.

 

There's probably about 50 shops offering the wide variety of usual tourism items, including duty-free goods like liquor & cigarette - and, of course, watches, jewelry and basics like t-shirts, magnets & hats, mugs & keychains, etc. The smaller Al Cohen Mall is across the street (look left first - vehicles drive on the left side) has the big selection, including one wing dedicated to duty-free booze & smokes.

 

The local taxi stand is 2 blocks thru the Mall - from the Pier - fare is $4 p/p one way to "downtown" shopping area - where you will find familiar sights like "cough, cough" Diamonds International & others along the main "strip" pretty much the same as those in HS Mall (including Del Sol with its overpriced color-changing tees) The outdoor Flea Market at the Taxi dropoff is worth a walk-thru. Ride from ship to downtown is less than 10 minutes, closer to 5 and no more than 2 or 3 miles - folks were walking back to the ship in the mid/late morning along the waterfront (too hot, sunny & long walk for us, however ....)

 

There is a Walmart too - within walking distance of the ship, but, seriously - not gonna shop there (unless it's for basic necessities or restocking bottled water, soda & chips, etc.)

 

Definitely bring a decent camera, very scenic - or, a smartphone that can take good pix for memories sake.

 

 

[O2B@Cagain]

Usually, they are talking about the downtown shopping area. It is a mile from Havensight. The area is historic with beautiful old Danish buildings, restaurants and, yes, jewelry stores, but also other shops. The tours usually include an island tour, a stop at a beach and a stop downtown. If she wants just to shop, the walk is flat and along the waterfront or she can just take a taxi.

 

There is no Walmart on St Thomas.

[BIG_Steve]

Thanks to the both of you. It makes more sense now.

[blue_water]

Charlotte Amalie is the "downtown" area mentioned, you can walk or taxi from Havensight. Many of the shops at Havensight are also in CA, but CA is definitely worth a visit to see the historic areas and to have a nice lunch at Glady's or Cuzzins. The back streets and alleyways are very neat.

This map shows where CA is in relation to Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande.

 

http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/us_virgin_islands_maps/st_thomas_island_road_map.html#.UlZ_eGt5mK0

[mking8288]

... There is no Walmart on St Thomas.

My bad & mixup. Thanks for the correction, "no" on Walmart - but, there is a "Kmart" - walk up to Long Bay Road (toward downtown & there is a Road Sign with directional arrow)

 

We spend about an hour walking around in downtown CA, interesting & historic buildings housing the stores & shops - got that rustic Bahamas feeling to it and a bit of Bermuda blended in but not as colorful. Feeling very safe walking around, unlike Old San Juan where you often see high-profile local police patrolling with bulletproof vests (as in Mexico ports.)