The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) and Cruise Terminals International (CTI) have celebrated the signing of a landmark agreement to redevelop the Crown Bay District into a mixed-use destination for residents and visitors.
The signing was held during a ceremony on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said: “This initiative represents the future of tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To remain competitive in the rapidly changing global tourism sector, we must continue to innovate and invest in experiences that meet modern travelers’ expectations while benefiting our local community.”
“The redevelopment of the Crown Bay District aims to achieve this goal. It will enhance our current standing and lay the groundwork for the next generation of economic growth, opportunities, and destination development,” added Dowe.
“Royal Caribbean Group proudly supports the revitalization of the Crown Bay District,” said Melissa Morales, senior director of destination development, Americas, Caribbean and Europe at Royal Caribbean Group.
“By providing elevated experiences for our guests while also paying respect to the local culture and delivering significant economic benefits to the community, we can collectively usher in a new future for the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Kevin Goldstein, head of development for the Americas for Cruise Terminals International, said: “Crown Bay is a priority destination within CTI’s global portfolio, and this agreement provides the underpinning for a very significant and substantial long-term investment into St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
“We are extremely excited to continue our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group and Virgin Islands Port Authority partners toward the realization of this ambitious and exciting redevelopment of Crown Bay,” added Goldstein.
Royal Caribbean said in a press release that the redevelopment of Crown Bay will modernize the waterfront by transforming Crown Bay Center into a tourism-focused area with improved commercial, recreational and cultural spaces.
In attendance at the ceremony were:
- USVI Governor Albert B. Bryan Jr.
- Governor Tregenza Roach
- President of the 36th Legislature Senator Milton Potter
- Commissioner Designee of Tourism Jennifer Matarangas-King
- VIPA board directors, and
- Executives from Cruise Terminals International, iCON and Royal Caribbean Group.
