During a recent legislative session, Virgin Islands officials laid out ambitious plans to boost tourism on St. Croix, emphasizing efforts to attract more cruise ships, extend port stays, and enhance the island’s appeal as a premier destination in the Caribbean. These initiatives were outlined by Virgin Islands Tourism Department Commissioner Joseph Boschulte and other stakeholders at Wednesday’s Committee of the Whole Senate hearing.
One of the key proposals discussed was to allow cruise ships to operate their onboard casinos while docked on St. Croix. This move, officials argued, would encourage ships to extend their stays, providing passengers with more time to explore the island and infusing the local economy with additional revenue. “This legislation makes St. Croix a more attractive destination compared to our competitors,” said Boschulte. “It enhances the value proposition for cruise lines, leading to additional cruise calls, longer port stays, and ultimately, a positive economic impact on the island.”
The proposal builds on an existing law that already permits cruise ships to operate casinos while docked on St. Thomas and St. John. Boschulte and other officials emphasized that extending this benefit to St. Croix could significantly boost tourism, as cruise passengers often leave early to reach international waters where gambling is permitted. “Allowing casinos to remain open while the ships are docked can be a game-changer,” Boschulte noted. “It’s about enhancing the overall visitor experience and making St. Croix a destination that cruise lines want to return to.”
Assistant Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Bill Rollins, also testified in support of the proposal, underscoring its potential economic benefits. Rollins highlighted that cruise ships currently spend an average of 10 hours in port in Frederiksted but often depart earlier than planned due to restrictions on onboard casino operations. By extending the time ships can remain docked, local businesses stand to gain significantly. “Longer stays mean more time for passengers to shop in local stores, dine at restaurants, and take part in land and sea excursions,” said Rollins. “This will not only improve the visitor experience but also strengthen St. Croix’s position as a desirable cruise destination.”
The proposed legislation is part of a broader strategy to revitalize St. Croix’s economy, which has long lagged behind St. Thomas in terms of cruise traffic. Officials have been working to expand the island’s appeal, citing recent efforts to clean up and modernize facilities in Frederiksted, prune vegetation, improve lighting, and resurface roads. “We need to ensure that St. Croix is not just a stop on the itinerary but a highlight of the trip,” said Boschulte. “We’re investing in infrastructure improvements that will make the island more welcoming and enjoyable for all visitors.”
Officials are optimistic that these efforts will result in a tangible economic boost. Rollins noted that the Virgin Islands Port Authority anticipates an 18 percent increase in cruise ship calls across the territory, with over 600 scheduled visits in the 2025 fiscal year, spanning from October 2024 to September 2025. St. Croix is expected to see the most significant growth, with 102 scheduled calls, up from 67 the previous year. This increase is largely attributed to strategic partnerships with major cruise lines, including the Royal Caribbean Group, which has committed to increasing its presence on the island.
“The growth we are seeing is no accident,” Rollins said. “It’s the result of dedicated efforts to improve the cruise experience on St. Croix, making it a destination that cruise lines see value in bringing their guests to.”
Officials are also exploring partnerships with cruise lines for water provisioning, a move that could further benefit the local economy. “This is an opportunity to engage in long-term collaboration with cruise companies, ensuring that their needs are met while also supporting local businesses,” Boschulte said. In addition, there are plans to improve safety measures, including increased police presence in high-traffic tourist areas, to ensure visitors feel secure while exploring the island.
The legislative session also saw debate over the need for infrastructure improvements. Some senators raised concerns about Frederiksted’s readiness to handle an influx of visitors, pointing out issues like inadequate restroom facilities and a lack of evening activities. Boschulte acknowledged these concerns, stating that the Tourism Department is committed to addressing them. “We want to make sure that when passengers disembark, they have plenty of options to experience the best of what St. Croix has to offer,” he said.
While the new tourism initiatives have been met with enthusiasm from many lawmakers, some remain cautious. “We need to ensure that any investments are sustainable and actually lead to long-term economic benefits,” one senator said. “It’s important that we not just increase traffic but also create lasting opportunities for local businesses and residents.”
