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In 2024, the US Virgin Islands shattered tourism records, welcoming an unprecedented number of visitors.
The Department of Tourism announced a new single-day arrival record of 4,606 passengers on December 28, surpassing the previous record set in March. This success also led to a new weekly record with over 24,000 arrivals, a 5.92% increase.
“As a destination, we continue to explore, elevate, and improve, which further supports the ongoing goal to build upon our commitment to be a premier Caribbean destination,” shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
In 2024, combined airline arrivals at Cyril E King Airport in St Thomas and Henry E Rohlsen Airport in St Croix totaled 932,265 passengers. This figure surpassed the previous record set during the COVID-19 pandemic by over 100,000 passengers and represented a 16.5% increase compared to 2023.
The newly released numbers culminate a year of exponential tourism growth for the US Virgin Islands, including a record-breaking month of arrivals in March with 106,026, and the introduction or return of airline routes from American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, and United Airlines.
The Territory also experienced a significant boost in cruise passengers, welcoming 1,770,922, resulting in a 9.8% increase compared to 2023. This growth was driven by the maiden voyages of several ships, including Scarlet Lady, Icon of the Seas, Disney Treasure, Explora I, Sun Princess, Explora II, Emerald Azzurra, Celebrity Apex, and Rhapsody of the Seas. The increase in cruise arrivals highlights the ongoing efforts of the Department of Tourism and local partners to strengthen and foster relationships across the industry.
In addition to welcoming more visitors, the territory also received several prestigious industry honors, including:
Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine: Best Caribbean Cruise Destination 2024
Caribbean Journal Caribbean Travel Award:
- Caribbean Culinary Destination: St Croix
- Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year
- Event Destination of the Year
USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards:
Top 10 Best Beach: Honeymoon Beach, St John
The World’s 50 Best Beaches presented by Banana Boat:
Number 1 Best Beach in the World 2024, Trunk Bay, St John
Number 1 Domestic Trending Summer Destination, St Thomas
HSMAI Adrian Awards:
Experiential Marketing Bronze Award – The US Virgin Islands’ Caribbean Way of Sports & Lifestyle Tourism Integrated Campaign
“As we look to 2025, we will continue to push the creativity of our marketing strategies, which includes advertising, social media, public relations, and partnerships to connect with and keep the US Virgin Islands top of mind for new and returning travellers,” adds Commissioner Boschulte.
Commissioner Boschulte and the Department of Tourism team continue to set their sights on an ambitious future, positioning the US Virgin Islands as the premier destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality.
For more information about the US Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
About the US Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St Croix, St John, and St Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the US Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from US citizens traveling from the US mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-US citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-US citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us @VisitUSVI on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest, and @USVITourism on TikTok, X and LinkedIn.
Alani Henneman
US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
How to book your dream cruise to the US Virgin Islands
Follow these simple steps to secure your dream cruise to the US Virgin Islands using CruiseDirect:
Step 1: Visit the CruiseDirect website
Click here to go to CruiseDirect’s homepage.
You can also type “www.CruiseDirect.com” into your browser’s address bar if you’re navigating manually.
Step 2: Search for cruises to the US Virgin Islands
On the homepage, use the search bar to input your preferences:
- Destination: Select “Caribbean” or specifically “US Virgin Islands” if available.
- Departure port: Choose the port closest to your location.
- Travel dates: Enter your desired travel window.
- Duration: Specify how long you’d like your cruise to last (e.g., 7 days).
Click the Search button to view available cruises.
Step 3: Explore cruise options
Browse through the list of cruise packages that visit the US Virgin Islands, such as St Thomas, St Croix, or St John.
Click on a cruise itinerary to learn more about:
Ports of call
Cruise line details
Ship amenities
Pricing and cabin options
Step 4: Choose your cabin type
Decide on a cabin that best suits your preferences and budget:
- Interior cabins for affordability
- Ocean-view cabins for scenic views
- Balcony cabins for private outdoor space
- Suites for ultimate luxury
Click Select to proceed with your choice.
Step 5: Add optional enhancements
Some cruises may offer optional add-ons like drink packages, excursions, or dining experiences.
Choose the enhancements you’d like to include in your booking.
Step 6: Review and confirm your booking
Double-check all details, including dates, destinations, and pricing.
Enter your personal information, including names of travelers, contact information, and any special requests.
Step 7: Make your payment
Enter your payment details to secure your booking. CruiseDirect often offers flexible payment plans, so explore options if needed.
Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your cruise details.
Step 8: Plan your adventure
Use the provided confirmation to prepare for your trip:
- Research activities in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John.
- Review embarkation and travel documents needed for your cruise.
Step 9: Set sail to paradise
On your departure date, head to your designated port, board your ship, and embark on a breathtaking journey to the US Virgin Islands!
Start your dream vacation today by booking on CruiseDirect!
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