Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruz Bay, Saint John

U.S. Virgin Islands

Dive into pristine underwater coral gardens and hike lush rainforest trails through Virgin Islands National Park's untouched Caribbean paradise.

Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $1,315-$7,575 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the pristine beaches and water sports of Saint John, featuring the Virgin Islands National Park and some of the Caribbean's most beautiful coastal scenery.

Cruises that visit Cruz Bay, Saint John

Build Your Day in Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Coral World Ocean Park Coral World Ocean Park was one of the best things on island to do. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Virgin Islands National Park Island park with forest & coral reefs National park · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Cruz Bay Watersports Onsite services Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Skinny Legs It is open for lunch and dinner which is a rarity in Coral Bay. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 2k
The Windmill Bar Best views on the island, the staff are friendly and the food is fresh. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 2k
The Lime Inn Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Morgan's Mango Best food and service on St John. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
The Longboard Definitely a solid choice for lunch/ dinner on the island. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Opens soon · 2 PM
The Beach Bar The Beach Bar is by far one of our favorite places to eat on the island. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Cruz Bay Landing Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closes soon · 2 PM
Maho Bay Onsite services Park · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open now
High Tide Beachfront spot for seafood & TV sports Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Annaberg Sugar Plantation Would definitely recommend it as something to do on the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Lime Out VI Dine-in·Delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Karma Beach Lounge Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Extra Virgin Bistro Fantastic 5 star dinner and drinks on St. John. Mediterranean · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Honeymoon Beach Crystal clear water, amazing snorkeling, come to see the sea turtles. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Sun Dog Cafe Casual spot for fish, burgers & pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Our Market Smoothies Onsite services Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
North Shore Deli Great coffee and breakfast sandwiches and fast, friendly service! Fast Food · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Hawksnest Beach Perfect, smooth sand, no crashing waves enables swimming. Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Miss Lucy's Dine-in·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k
1864 The Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 2 PM
The Banana Deck Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Shambles Island Bar and Grill Great, casual food in a nice, laid-back atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Tap & Still Cruz Bay Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Maho Bay Beach We swam with sea turtles, sting ray, starfish, and other tropical fish Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Cruz Bay Water Sports Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k 85C4+PMG
The Terrace Amazing ocean-front views, and the Filet mignon was outstanding. American · ★ 4 · 0k Temporarily closed
The Roti King Dine-in·Curbside pickup Caribbean · ★ 4.9 · 0k
OCEAN|362 Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Hansen Bay Beach Both great places to snorkel with crystal clear waters. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
La Tapa Great Dinner spot right along the water of Cruz Bay. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
ZoZo's at Caneel Bay Five star food on an isolated beach at sunset. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 0k Temporarily closed
Lovango Rum Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Giovanni Gelato & Coffee Shop In-store shopping Ice Cream · ★ 5 · 0k
The Marketplace On-site parking·Bakery·Pharmacy Grocery store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Cinnamon Bay Beach Clear water, white fish swimming in water, calm, relaxed beach. Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Island Refinery St. John Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM Wed
Mongoose Junction Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open now
Parrot Club No delivery Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Love City Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
STJ Speakeasy Amazing food, fantastic service with a beautiful view overlooking Cruz Bay. Caribbean · ★ 4.6 · 0k Temporarily closed
Heading East Bar & Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Irie Pops Onsite services Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Salt Pond Beach Scenic cove for snorkeling & camping Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Cruz Bay Visitor Center Office for local tourist information Visitor center · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Drink No delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar Cafe & Rum Shop Onsite services Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k
St John Ferry to Lovango Resort Restaurants Absolutely incredible food, service, and view. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Lind Point Trail Trail network overlooking the sea Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Francis Bay Beach Solid location for snorkeling, saw a nurse shark and ray Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Trunk Bay Plantation Ruins Fantastic snorkeling around the rock. Historical place · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open now
Tamarind Court Restaurant and Bar Flank Steak, Mac & Cheese, and Grilled Caesar were all amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Temporarily closed
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins Great excursion to see a cool historical site. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open now
Hillside Terrace Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Downtown Sips Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
Islandbuddy Tours St John History, snorkeling, food and tons of fun. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
St John Back Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Jumbie Beach Great beach for snorkeling Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Salomon Beach Nice secluded place to go for a swim or have a little beach party. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
St. John Spice In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
RainTree Café Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Waterfront Restaurant at Lovango Resort Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Upstairs Bar & Grille Great place to catch a game Good bar food, pleasant staff. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Made in St-John Onsite services Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Big Planet Onsite services Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Oppenheimer Beach Awesome spot lots of privacy Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Aerial It was so fresh and flavorful, and for St John it was reasonably priced. American · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Cruz Bay Beach Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Wharfside Landing Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open now
Comida Latina Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Blind Donkey Takeout Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Caravan Gallery In-store shopping·Curbside pickup Jewelry store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Turquoise Turtle USVI Onsite services Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Cap's Place Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Pink Papaya Onsite services Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Salt + Strand awesome location and selection of clothes, jewelry, and locally made items! Women's clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Brown Bay Beach They are on a lot of beaches here. Beach · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Reef Bay Beach phone went for a swim and bugs kept biting me, highly recommend Beach · ★ 5 · 0k
Dockside Mall, Inc Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k Open now

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Cruz Bay, Saint John

About Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruz Bay, nestled on the island of Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, stands out as one of the Caribbean's most enchanting cruise ports. This picturesque harbor town captivates visitors with its laid-back island charm, pristine beaches, and lush tropical landscapes. As a primary port of call, Cruz Bay welcomes guests from three distinguished cruise lines—Explora Journeys, Emerald Cruises, and Seabourn—offering an average of 53 upcoming cruises throughout the year. The port is particularly popular during the peak season from November through March, when travelers seek warm weather and Caribbean adventures.

Cruises calling at Cruz Bay typically feature 7-night itineraries that explore the broader Caribbean region, with many vessels venturing to nearby ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy; and the charming islands of Saint Kitts and Basseterre. The port's strategic location makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring multiple Caribbean destinations while maintaining that coveted island-hopping experience.

What truly sets Cruz Bay apart is its proximity to extraordinary natural attractions and cultural experiences. Passengers can easily access Virgin Islands National Park, featuring some of the Caribbean's most spectacular beaches and hiking trails, or explore the town's vibrant local shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or authentic Caribbean culture, Cruz Bay delivers an unforgettable port experience that keeps cruise travelers returning season after season.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Virgin Islands National Park Beaches

Explore pristine white-sand beaches within minutes of the cruise terminal. Trunk Bay's underwater snorkel trail and Coral World features vibrant marine life just offshore. The park encompasses two-thirds of Saint John's island, offering world-class hiking trails through lush tropical forests with panoramic Caribbean views.

2

Fresh Conch Salad & Local Cuisine

Savor authentic Caribbean flavors at waterfront restaurants serving fresh conch salad, mofongo, and grilled fish caught daily. Cruz Bay's dining scene celebrates local ingredients and traditional recipes passed through generations. Pair your meal with a rum punch while watching sailboats drift across the harbor.

3

Historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins

Discover Saint John's colonial past at these well-preserved 18th-century plantation ruins nestled in the national park. Interpretive signs detail the island's complex history, including the lives of enslaved workers. The scenic coastal location offers stunning views and a poignant connection to Caribbean heritage.

4

Mongoose Junction Shopping & Art

Browse eclectic boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops in this charming open-air marketplace near the waterfront. Local artists showcase handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and island crafts. The relaxed atmosphere and shaded walkways make it perfect for finding unique souvenirs while escaping the tropical heat.

5

Sunset Sailing & Water Adventures

Experience the Caribbean's legendary sunsets aboard a catamaran or sailboat departing directly from Cruz Bay harbor. Snorkel pristine reefs, swim in turquoise waters, and spot sea turtles and tropical fish. Local captains share insider knowledge about Saint John's marine ecosystem and hidden coves.

Cruise Lines at Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruises Departing From Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruises Visiting Cruz Bay, Saint John

Ship Schedule at Cruz Bay, Saint John

Cruz Bay, Saint John Location

Other Cruise Ports in U.S. Virgin Islands