The Ann E. Abramson Pier Cruise Ship Pier at Frederiksted
DOCKING
Unless your ship
carries less than 200 passengers where it can dock in Christiansted, you'll
dock at the main cruise ship port in Frederiksted, the island's second
largest town.
The Ann E.
Abramson Pier is named in honor of the Virgin Islands Public Works
Commissioner who was responsible for much of the rejuvenation of the
Frederiksted area. Not only do most of the large cruise ships dock here -
military ships, submarines, and other naval vessels do also. From time to
time, tall-ships especially from Denmark, can be seen here.
The pier is 1,526 feet long, allowing two cruise ships to tie up at the
same time. A kiosk filled with tourism information sits at the end of the
pier. Public restrooms are nearby. The pier is the gateway to shopping in
Frederiksted, and where taxis and tour buses take visitors to Christiansted
for shopping, sightseeing, and on round-the-island tours.
The Millennium docked at Frederikstad Entrance to pier area
Visitors arriving at the pier can walk through the small town of Frederiksted to nearby beaches and beach clubs. A shopping area is located within walking distance from the pier. Even by Caribbean standards, Frederiksted is on a much slower pace than her sister city to the east. You'll find a few beachfront restaurants, boutiques and several accommodations that take advantage of the leisure lifestyle. There isn't much else to see beyond the several block area in this little town.
Mock Jumbies New waterfront rejuvenation
The Tourism Department’s
Frederiksted Visitor's
Center is right near the pier. You might want to pick up a town
brochure that explains each structure in the nearby area and its history.
Visitors to St. Croix will see traces
of St. Croix's rich cultural diversity in the island's distinctive arts,
crafts, music and festivals. “Mocko Jumbies” (traditional stilt dancers
thought to chase away evil spirits), reggae and calypso, steel pan bands and
pulsating salsa are among the captivating sights and sounds that add to the
island's cultural mix.
Frederiksted, like Christiansted, has its share of special events that keep
the town jumping. Harbour Night is held every other Wednesday when cruise
ships call. You'll find yourself dancing in the streets to live music and
shopping to your heart's content-stores and street vendors welcome shoppers
all evening long.
GETTING AROUND
St. Croix travelers may choose from a variety of transportation options, from buses to car rentals to limos. A full-service bus line operates throughout St. Croix. Taxi and Jeep services are readily available. Most taxi drivers are able to provide their passengers with comprehensive tours of their island. Taxi rates are based on destination rather than mileage and regulated by the US Virgin Islands Taxi Commission. Driving on the left side of the road is only one of the differences you will experience while touring the island of St. Croix.
RENTAL CARS: Island roads tend to be poorly surfaced due to the terrain, and may take sharp turns. Cars drive on the left hand side of the road, but nearly all the automobiles on the island have left side steering columns. This has proven difficult for new residents and visitors from right-hand drive locales such as the mainland United States and Puerto Rico. Parking in Christiansted is limited. There is daytime paid parking on Hospital Street next to the Fort, and on the West side of town at Strand and King Cross Streets. Major roads are asphalt and well-maintained. The Melvin H. Evans Highway is the only four lane divided highway, running from mid-island West to within one mile of Frederiksted and the speed limit is 55 MPH with sections that are 35 MPH. In rural areas the 35 MPH limit applies. In town, 20 MP
BUS SERVICE: There is a public bus service called Virgin Islands Transit VITRAN, operated by Department of Public Works. The fare is $1 a person. Senior Citizens receive a discounted fare of $.55. The Bus System is not very reliable, if you are limited in time it is not recommended.
TAXIS: In addition to taxis and buses, St. Croix has shared taxis, locally known as "taxi buses" (these are also found on the other U.S. Virgin Islands). Taxi buses are full-sized vans which follow a predefined route from Frederiksted to Christiansted. These taxi buses are privately owned and operated; they do not follow a regular schedule, and there are no pre-specified stops. Instead, people simply wait by the side of the road until a taxi bus approaches, then flag the driver down by waving. Passengers can be dropped off anywhere along the taxi route. Taxi buses charge a flat rate for the trip, regardless of where a rider gets on and off. Taxis to specific locations are much more expensive and are mostly used by tourists. They are not metered and are required by law to charge a flat fare that varies by destination.
