Starting January 1, 2024, if you’re sailing on a Royal Caribbean Group ship, be prepared to pay more if you visit the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For itineraries that visit the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal in St. Thomas or the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in St. Croix, there will be a new $5 Capital Cost Recovery Charge applied to each passenger. This is on top of the taxes and port fees already in place and is designed specifically to improve infrastructure at the ports.
The new Charge will also support the development of a 3rd cruise ship pier on St. Thomas as well as “pre-development costs” that will eventually allow larger RCL ships to dock in St. Croix – likely environmental assessments and things like that.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. The Bahamas is also increasing the daily taxes per passenger starting in 2024 as well. Just like the cruise lines, the ports are seeing opportunities to raise their fees as well! 😉