Saint Croix Island (Frederiksted-Christiansted, USVI)

Saint Croix Island is a Caribbean island, as well as a county and constituent district of the USVI (United States Virgin Islands), an unincorporated territory of the U.S. With its area of 214.7 km2 (82,88 ml2), St. Croix is the largest island in the territory. However, the capital, Charlotte Amalie, is on Saint Thomas Island. St Croix Island's population is around 50,000, its highest elevation point (Mt Eagle) is 355 m (1165 ft) and the island's nickname is "Twin City" for the two towns located on its opposite ends - Christiansted (eastern) and Frederiksted (western).

Saint Croix was once a Caribbean agricultural powerhouse. However, this period ended with the industrialization of island's economy during the 1960s. Just like many other Caribbean islands, Saint Croix Island has tourism as one of the major sources of revenue. A number of other industries also contribute to the economy.

Although Saint Croix is a US territory, the USVI are maintained as free port in anindividual customs zone. Therefore, travelers to / from mainland USA and Puerto Rico must clear USA's customs but don't have to present a passport, and just need proof of US citizenship / nationality. All USVI beaches (including on St Croix) are public and free of charge (no entry fees required).

In early-February 2019, USVI Port Authority approved a feasibility study to look at the possibility of bringing bigger (Quantum-class) liners by upgrading the cruise terminal (Ann E Abramson Marine Facility) at Abramson Pier. Currently, the berth can't handle larger-sized vessels, the largest now being RCI's Radiance-class (passenger capacity 2500). Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class (world's 3rd largest) could bring 4900+ tourists per port call. St Croix Port Authority contracted the local marine consult company "Moffat & Nichol" to start the USD 86,500 study - to be paid from USVI's FY2019 budget for capital projects.

Saint Croix Island cruise terminal