Cruise passengers heading to the US Virgin Islands will face increased port fees in 2025, as St. Thomas becomes the latest Caribbean destination to raise its charges for visiting vessels. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) confirmed multiple fee increases that will affect travelers arriving at this popular cruise destination.
The new fee structure, which received approval from VIPA in September and was discussed at a public meeting on December 17, includes several distinct charges. Port dues will see a $3 increase per passenger, rising from the current $6.84 to $9.84. This specific increase will help fund the Charlotte Amalie Harbor Dredging Project, a significant infrastructure improvement requested by major cruise lines including Disney and Norwegian.
Additionally, wharfage fees will increase by $0.44 per passenger for ships entering the district, bringing the total from $7.80 to $8.24. This particular fee will support the Port Authority’s marine operations and expenses. The collection process varies depending on where ships dock – the West Indian Company handles collection for vessels berthing at the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight, while the Port Authority collects fees for ships docking at the Austin ‘Babe’ Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay and on St. John.
Cruise passengers will continue to pay a $1 marine terminal tax for their visits to St. Thomas, which remains unchanged. These fee adjustments come as part of broader agreements between the port authority and various cruise lines that regularly visit the
destination, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney Cruise Line.
St. Thomas, part of the US Virgin Islands, remains one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after ports of call, known for its stunning harbor views, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Despite being a US territory, the destination offers visitors an authentic Caribbean experience complete with colorful markets, colonial landmarks, and distinctive island atmosphere.
The port’s Charlotte Amalie Harbor will undergo dredging to a depth of 40 feet, a project specifically requested by Disney and Norwegian cruise lines. This improvement project will be funded through a combination of the increased port fees and support from the US Virgin Islands government.
This development follows a trend of Caribbean ports implementing fee increases to fund infrastructure improvements. Nassau, Bahamas, recently completed the first phase of a major port renovation project, partially funded through similar fee increases. Mexican ports are also planning significant fee changes, with a controversial $42 per passenger charge scheduled for implementation.
Port fees are a standard component of cruise vacations, with passengers required to pay these charges for each port visit, regardless of whether they choose to disembark. While such fees help maintain and improve port facilities, there’s an ongoing discussion within the industry about balancing necessary infrastructure funding with maintaining reasonable costs for cruise passengers.
The implementation of these new fees in St. Thomas represents a structured approach to port development, with clear allocation of funds toward specific improvements requested by the cruise lines themselves. This collaborative approach between the port authority and cruise operators demonstrates how Caribbean destinations can work to enhance their facilities while maintaining their appeal as crucial stops on Caribbean itineraries.