The Virgin Islands Port Authority, Royal Caribbean Group, and Cruise Terminals International Commemorate Crown Bay District Redevelopment Signing
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), Royal Caribbean Group (RCG), and Cruise Terminals International (CTI) celebrated the signing of a landmark agreement to redevelop the Crown Bay District
into a vibrant, mixed-use destination for residents and visitors during a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas. The agreement marks a transformative collaboration between the public and private sectors, representing a major investment in the Territory’s tourism and economic prospects.
The redevelopment of Crown Bay will modernize the waterfront by transforming Crown Bay Center into a vibrant, tourism-focused area with improved commercial, recreational, and cultural spaces. The project will deliver significant financial benefits for the community, including generation of new jobs during the construction phase and ongoing operations, creation of entrepreneurial opportunities for local businesses, and significantly enhanced opportunities for local taxi drivers and tour operators.
In attendance at the ceremony were USVI Governor Albert B. Bryan Jr., Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, President of the 36th Legislature Senator Milton Potter, Commissioner Designee of Tourism Jennifer Matarangas-King, members of the VIPA board of directors, and executives from Cruise Terminals International, iCON, and Royal Caribbean Group.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe shared his excitement for the landmark agreement, stating, “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.”
“Royal Caribbean Group proudly supports the revitalization of the Crown Bay District. 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 U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Melissa Morales, senior director, Destination Development, Americas, Caribbean, and Europe, Royal Caribbean Group.
Kevin Goldstein, head of development for the Americas for Cruise Terminals International, emphasized, “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 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.”
(The Virgin Islands Port Authority, Royal Caribbean Group, and Cruise Terminals International Commemorate Crown Bay District Redevelopment Signing)
