By
Laura Hyde |
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), Royal Caribbean Group and Cruise Terminals International have signed an agreement to redevelop the St. Thomas Crown Bay District in the US Virgin Islands.
The redevelopment plan aims to turn Crown Bay into a “vibrant, mixed-use destination” for residents and cruise visitors. The waterfront will be modernised with improved commercial, recreational and cultural spaces. The project will create new jobs during construction and ongoing operations, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for local businesses and increased demand for local taxi drivers and tour operators.
“This initiative represents the future of tourism in the US Virgin Islands,” said Carlton Dowe, executive director of VIPA. “To remain competitive in the rapidly changing global tourism sector, we must continue to innovate and invest in experiences that meet modern travellers’ expectations while benefiting our local community. The redevelopment of the Crown Bay District aims to achieve this goal. It will enhance our current standing and lay the groundwork for the next generation of economic growth, opportunities and destination development.”
Crown Bay is situated on the south side of St. Thomas and during the 1940s and 1950s was a United States naval base. The Austin “Babe” Monsanto cruise terminal currently accommodates Royal Caribbean International’s Icon-class ships.
“By providing elevated experiences for our guests while also paying respect to the local culture and delivering significant economic benefits to the community, we can collectively usher in a new future for the US Virgin Islands,” said Melissa Morales, senior director of destination development for the Americas, Caribbean and Europe at Royal Caribbean Group.
A ceremony to commemorate the signing of the agreement was held at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto terminal on 17 December 2025. In attendance were US Virgin Islands governor Albert B. Bryan Jr, lieutenant governor Tregenza Roach, president of the 36th Legislature Senator Milton Potter and commissioner designee of tourism Jennifer Matarangas-King, as well as members of the VIPA board of directors and executives from Cruise Terminals International, iCON and Royal Caribbean Group.