Virgin Islands Port Authority secures approval for cruise port expansion

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has received approval from its Board of Governors to progress on the expansion of its cruise ports on St Croix and St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

In St Croix, the Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and VIPA are collaborating to allow larger ships to visit Frederiksted and provide access for more cruise passengers. In St Thomas, VIPA, RCG, and Cruise Terminals International (CTI) will develop the Crown Bay cruise port.

The development project will include a revitalisation of the Subbase and Crown Bay area on St Thomas, including the modernisation of the Crown Bay Center to enhance guest experience, and the potential expansion of the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal.

VIPA, RCG, and CTI entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in September with the intent to redevelop Crown Bay and build incremental berthing capacity. Additionally, the MOU incorporates a commitment by RCG to expand pier infrastructure at St Croix.