stcroixoff

The Wall Street Journal reports that in an unusual move, several cruise lines have stopped sailing to St. Croix because of concerns over local crime.<BR>The article in the 7-12 Weekend edition says Holland America and Windstar have canceled plans to sail there and Carnival canceled calls there in May citing a spate of thefts reported by passengers and crew members.<BR>"We had voiced concerns to St. Croix officials, but the problems didn't seem to be abating," a Carnival spokeswoman says.<BR>Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and some smaller lines will continue to stop there, says the USVI Dept. of Tourism.

Lenore

We stopped there on a Celebrity cruise and were very disappointed with St Croix. Most shops were closed and they didn't seem to care that tourists were in town. Very boring island in my opinion.

a Travel Professional

NCL has also cancelled most of their STX stops. There must be a problem, because there is a law that a ship stopping at STT and STX both only pays the Port Charges once. Since all ships usually have the same port charges quoted, I imagine the cruise line pockets the rest.

Cathy

Travel professional, Paul or anyone else, I am curious to know how islands get dropped or added. I like St. Croix - spent several days there. Doesn't have as many nice beaches as the other two VI, but very good snorkeling and diving.<BR><BR>Another island that fewer ships are going to is St. Lucia. Yet Carnival added Martinique when many cruise lines have dropped it. I am suprised at this since many American tourists have problems with the fact that Enlish is not spoken very much in Martinique.

Paul Therault

According to the industry news there is not much passenger interest in St. Croix. This adds to the mix.<BR><BR>Paul

love2travel

The reason why Carnival and now Holland has dropped them is because of increased muggings of crew and passengers on the island. This information was given to each agency by the cruise lines. <BR><BR>Until the government starts to crack down on the problem, the cruise lines are going to avoid it. It's a shame, because I think it is a beautiful island, but passenger safety is utmost.<BR>

cathyml

I was just in St. Croix this past April, 2013. I spent a week there at the King Christian Hotel on the Boardwalk. Went snorkeling with the Caribbean Sea Adventure Tours, shopped and had dinner at several of the local spots. I didn't have any trouble and everyone was very nice. The island is simple and out of the limelight. It is very sad that the local law enforcement can or won't clean up this issue. Many of us prefer this island style. Perhaps the U.S. should take a look at this crime issue. After all, the U.S. does own these islands. Thank you, Cathy

jacketwatch

This post was created 11 yrs ago.

julie152

It depends on what you enjoy!! I find St. Croix beautiful as a nature lover, and with a slower pace of life. Historic Frederiksted is small scale, and funky authentic island atmosphere. Within walking distance of the cruise ship pier is MILES of interesting beaches with different amenities and character, some with few or no people present, including a famous rare turtle nesting ground in a federal wildlife sanctuary. There are shuttle buses to other touristy attractions in Christiansted, Whim Plantation, etc. The Frederiksted pier was/is listed among the top 10 dive locations in the world, according to a local Texan I met, who retired there to enjoy the island scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports.