The St. Thomas Carnival Food Fair was last held at Crown Bay in 2022. By. REEMY-REEMZ PHOTOGRAPHY/VI CONSORTIUM
ST. THOMAS — Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ship, will make an unscheduled stop at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay on Wednesday, May 1. The ship, which can accommodate up to 7,084 passengers and 2,369 crew members, will be berthed from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing everyone on board to experience the local Food Fair.
The Food Fair, set to take place at the Crown Bay Center from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., coincides with the ship's visit and is expected to offer a vibrant showcase of the island’s cuisine, arts, and music. “The Carnival Food Fair is one of the ultimate showcases of our local cuisine, treats, arts and crafts, fresh produce, and music," said V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe. "We are certain that this unique cultural experience will entice our cruise visitors to return for a longer stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In addition to the fair, stores and restaurants at the Crown Bay Center will remain open throughout the day to cater to the needs of visitors and locals alike.
Enhanced Transportation and Traffic Measures
To facilitate smooth transportation to and from the event, the V.I. Department of Tourism will provide free ferry shuttle service. This service will operate every 90 minutes between the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront, directly opposite Gold Corner, and the Crown Bay Center Excursion Dock.
Land shuttle services will also be available every 45 minutes, connecting the Emile Griffith Park Parking Lot, Emancipation Garden, and the Schneider Regional Medical Center to Crown Bay.
For the convenience of those attending the fair, one-way traffic will be implemented from the intersection of Addie Ottley Drive and Nisky Lane, extending to the intersection of the Cyril E. King Airport Road and Sarah Hill. Parking will be free and available on a first-come, first-served basis in the VIPA auxiliary parking lots adjacent to the Crown Bay Center. However, parking within the center will be restricted to ensure the safety of the vendors and fair attendees.
Taxi operations will also see adjustments; VI Taxi franchise members will exclusively pick up passengers at the southern parking lot of Crown Bay Center, adjacent to the main office. Pick-ups in the eastern parking lot are prohibited, and non-franchise taxi drivers will not be permitted within the center.
The V.I. Port Authority extends its wishes for a safe and enjoyable Carnival season to both the community and visitors to the territory.
