St. Thomas is the most visited of the US Virgin Islands and one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. With its dramatic mountainous terrain, beautiful beaches, world-class duty-free shopping, and historic Charlotte Amalie harbor, St. Thomas offers something for every traveler — including a historic synagogue that's the second-oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
Highlights
- Magens Bay Beach — Often ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches. A heart-shaped bay with calm, clear water and lush green hills. About 20 minutes by taxi from the port.
- Charlotte Amalie — The island's capital city, with Danish colonial architecture, cobblestone alleys, and extensive duty-free shopping. Walkable from the cruise pier.
- Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas — The second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and a National Historic Landmark, founded in 1796. The current building (1833) features a sand floor, mahogany ark and bimah, French crystal chandeliers, and an 11th-century Spanish menorah. Open Mon–Thu 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–2pm. Free tours available.
- Skyride to Paradise Point — A tramway to the top of Flag Hill with panoramic views of the harbor. Walking distance from the cruise terminal.
- Coral World Ocean Park — A marine park with an underwater observatory, sea lion encounters, and snorkeling at Coki Beach next door.
- Sapphire Beach — A popular east-end beach with excellent snorkeling, beach chair rentals, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tips for Kosher Travelers
- Historic synagogue — a must-visit — The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas (Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Chasidim) at 2116 Crystal Gade on "Synagogue Hill" is a National Historic Landmark. The sand-floored sanctuary, mahogany furnishings, and Weibel Memorial Museum documenting Jewish history on the island are not to be missed.
- Chabad of the Virgin Islands — Rabbi Asher Federman runs Chabad at 6501 Red Hook Plaza. Contact in advance for Shabbat meals, kosher food assistance, or mikvah arrangements: 340-998-8889 or jewishvirginislands.com.
- Jewish heritage walk — Beyond the synagogue, visit the Camille Pissarro birthplace at 14 Main Street — the childhood home of the famous Impressionist painter of Sephardic Jewish descent. Also nearby: the historic Savan Jewish Cemetery (consecrated c. 1792), one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
- Eat on the ship — No kosher restaurants on St. Thomas. The port is close to the ship, making it easy to return for meals.
- Bring sealed snacks — For beach days and excursions. See our packing list.
- Duty-free shopping — Charlotte Amalie is one of the best duty-free shopping destinations in the Caribbean. Jewelry, liquor, and electronics are popular purchases.
Port Guide
St. Thomas has two cruise ship docks: Havensight and Crown Bay. Havensight is walking distance from Charlotte Amalie's shopping district. Crown Bay is a short taxi ride from town. Both have shops and services at the pier.
US dollars are the local currency (it's a US territory). Credit cards are accepted everywhere. English is the primary language. Taxis use set rates posted at the port.
Sailings That Visit St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas appears on our Eastern Caribbean itineraries:
- Caribbean sailings from multiple departure ports
- Florida departures
- New York departures
Client Testimonials
Unforgettable Journeys, Exceptional Kosher Experiences
"Chanah, Shimon, and the entire Go Beyond team arranged an incredible cruise for us! The Fresh Kosher dining onboard was outstanding, truly gourmet, and having everything taken care of under reliable supervision allowed us to relax completely. Your attention to detail, from booking the kosher package to ensuring smooth sailing, was remarkable. We can't wait for our next kosher adventure with you!"
Alexandra
Oasis of the Seas • Caribbean
"Booking our European cruise with Fresh Kosher Cruises by Go Beyond was the best decision! Finding a cruise with truly fresh, high-quality kosher food can be challenging, but they made it seamless. The selection was excellent, the service top-notch, and knowing Rabbi Weberman was onboard overseeing everything gave us peace of mind. Highly recommended for any kosher traveler!"
Ronit
Odyssey of the Seas • Mediterranean
"Go Beyond helped us plan two different Fresh Kosher cruises – Alaska and the Caribbean – for our large family. They expertly handled coordinating our rooms and ensuring everyone had the Fresh Kosher Dining package booked. Having delicious, Glatt Kosher meals readily available, including Cholov Yisroel options, without any hassle, made the vacation truly special. Their professionalism and knowledge of kosher travel needs are unmatched."
Nora
Discovery Princess • Alaska
"A huge thank you to Shimon, Chanah, and the Go Beyond team for organizing our Wonder of the Seas kosher cruise! The dedicated dining in the Solarium Bistro was fantastic, and the food was fresh and plentiful for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your team's dedication ensured every detail, including the kosher arrangements, was perfect. We look forward to booking our next Fresh Kosher Cruise with you!"
Yossi
Wonder of the Seas • Caribbean
"Our Fresh Kosher cruise exceeded all expectations! We never thought cruising could be so easy while keeping strictly kosher. The food was delicious, the planning meticulous, and the onboard atmosphere with daily Minyanim was wonderful. Thank you, Go Beyond, for a truly terrific and worry-free kosher vacation."
Judy
Harmony of the Seas • Caribbean
"Shabbat at sea was absolutely beautiful! Sailing on the Symphony of the Seas while enjoying delicious, Fresh Kosher meals and meaningful Tefillot organized by Go Beyond was a unique and special experience. Thank you for making kosher cruising so accessible and enjoyable!"
Devory
Symphony of the Seas • Caribbean
"Five stars for Fresh Kosher Cruises by Go Beyond! From securing our spot on the sold-out Allure of the Seas sailing to ensuring our kosher meals were perfect every day, they handled everything flawlessly. Knowing we could explore amazing destinations without compromising on Kashrus made all the difference. Truly memories of a lifetime!"
Tova
Allure of the Seas • Mediterranean
"We sailed the Norwegian Epic through the Mediterranean and it was a dream come true. Waking up to the Italian coastline with a Fresh Kosher breakfast waiting for us every morning – that's something you just can't get anywhere else. The kids loved the ship and we loved not having to worry about a single meal. Go Beyond thought of everything."
Miriam
Norwegian Epic • Mediterranean
"Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas was breathtaking, and having Fresh Kosher meals while watching glaciers pass by was surreal. The Go Beyond team coordinated everything so smoothly – from the kosher package to shore excursion tips. We've cruised before, but never this worry-free. Already planning our next one!"
Eli
Quantum of the Seas • Alaska
"Our family of twelve sailed from Galveston on the Harmony of the Seas and it was pure magic. Coordinating rooms and kosher dining for that many people sounds impossible, but Chanah and Shimon made it effortless. The grandchildren are still talking about the food! We're already booked for next winter."
Batsheva
Harmony of the Seas • Caribbean
"The Southern Caribbean on the Norwegian Epic was exactly what we needed. Seven nights of incredible ports, gorgeous weather, and gourmet kosher dining every single day. What surprised us most was the variety – different menus each night, and everything tasted homemade. Go Beyond really understands what kosher travelers want."
Daniel
Norwegian Epic • Southern Caribbean
"We took the Sun Princess to the Caribbean and were blown away. The ship was stunning, the ports were beautiful, and having Fresh Kosher dining included made the whole experience seamless. Not having to think twice about what we could eat meant we actually got to relax on vacation for once!"
Sarah
Sun Princess • Caribbean
"As a solo traveler, I was nervous about joining a cruise, but the Minyan Sailing on the Liberty of the Seas was perfect. Having a frum community onboard, daily Minyanim, and Shabbat together with like-minded travelers made it feel like home – on the ocean! The Go Beyond team was warm and welcoming from the very first call."
Avi
Liberty of the Seas • Bahamas
"Cruising from Seattle to Alaska on the Discovery Princess was a bucket-list trip, and the kosher dining made it possible for our family. Breakfast with mountain views, lunch as we sailed through the Inside Passage, and elegant dinners each evening – all fresh, all kosher, all taken care of. We can't thank Go Beyond enough."