The Legacy, a four-masted Windjammer Barefoot Cruise sailing ship, will homeport at Crown Bay beginning in April 1999.
Debbie Kelley, Windjammer advertising director, said the company chose St. Thomas because it can provide easy accessibility for passengers, according to Friday's Daily News.
The Legacy now homeports at the Conquistador Hotel in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. People must travel by bus from San Juan to Fajardo to start their cruise.
"St. Thomas will be easier for us. They'll fly in and be right there," Kelley said.
The Legacy carries 130 passengers and has a crew of about 50. It runs six-day cruises that begin on Sundays.
Joe Aubain, St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce executive director, said he was thrilled by the news and hoped more small ships will consider St. Thomas as a home.
Richard Doumeng, president of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel Association, said it could help the hotels too.
"They may come early and stay late," he predicted.
Tourism Commissioner Wylie Whisonant said Windjammer's move may help the territory make its case for increased airline service.
