Skip the crowded cruise ship beaches and spend your St. Thomas port day like a VIP. While most cruisers flock to Paradise Point or Coral World, savvy travelers know the real luxury lies in resort day passes that give you access to pristine private beaches, infinity pools, and five-star amenities. After testing dozens of options across the Caribbean, I've discovered which St. Thomas resort day passes actually deliver value – and which ones are tourist traps.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas sets the gold standard for resort day passes on the island. Available through ResortPass for $125-$175 per adult (2026 pricing), you get access to their stunning 125-foot infinity pool that seems to blend into Great Bay, plus their family pool complete with a waterslide that kids absolutely love. The real treasure is their private white sand beach – it's immaculate, never crowded, and the service rivals anything you'll find in the Caribbean.
Here's the insider scoop: book the Ritz pass for afternoons rather than mornings. Most cruisers grab morning slots, but the afternoon light is incredible for photos, and you'll have more space to spread out. The beach attendants will set up complimentary umbrellas and bring you ice-cold towels without you even asking.
Marriott Morning Star Beach Resort has become the go-to choice for experienced cruisers, and there's a good reason why. At $95-$120 per person through Viator or ResortForADay, you get full resort access plus a $25 bar credit that actually goes pretty far. Their beach consistently ranks among St. Thomas's best – soft sand, calm waters perfect for swimming, and enough space that you never feel packed in like sardines.
The real value here is in the amenities: three pools including an adults-only section, multiple bars, and restaurants where you can grab lunch without the cruise ship buffet chaos. Pro tip: their conch fritters are legendary among locals, and the poolside service is lightning-fast.
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef offers something unique – they run their own day pass platform at westinatfrenchmansreef.idaypass.com, which means better availability and sometimes lower prices than third-party sites. Expect to pay $110-$140 per adult, but this includes cabana reservations (huge advantage during busy cruise days) and access to their Heavenly Spa facilities.
What sets the Westin apart is location – perched on a cliff overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, you can actually wave at your cruise ship from their infinity pool. The views are Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, their beach setup is pristine with attentive staff who know how to treat day pass guests like resort guests.
For cruisers seeking something more intimate, The Pink Palm Hotel delivers a completely different vibe. Their day passes run $85-$95 per person and include access to their cliff-top pool with panoramic harbor views. This isn't about sprawling beaches – it's about feeling like you've discovered a hidden gem that most tourists never find.
The Pink Palm caters to adults looking for sophistication over splash zones. Their infinity pool seems to hover above Charlotte Amalie, and the poolside bar serves craft cocktails that put cruise ship drinks to shame. Fair warning: this spot gets busy with locals on weekends, so book for cruise port days when it's more exclusively yours.
Tell other travelers about your St. Thomas resort experiences in our Hotels & Resorts forum!
Here's where smart cruisers save serious money without sacrificing the experience. Magens Bay Beach Club isn't technically a resort day pass, but at just $5 for adults and $2 for kids under 12, it delivers one of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches at a fraction of resort prices.
Magens Bay consistently appears on "world's most beautiful beaches" lists, and after visiting, you'll understand why. The horseshoe-shaped bay creates calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, and the beach stretches for nearly a mile of soft white sand. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are reasonable ($7 each), and they offer taxi service from major hotels for convenience.
The facilities include a snack bar serving local favorites, clean restrooms and changing areas, plus a boutique with quality souvenirs – not the usual cruise port junk. What you won't get is resort-level service or luxury amenities, but for families or budget-conscious cruisers, Magens Bay delivers incredible value.
Timing is everything with St. Thomas resort day passes. ResortPass.com claims over 30 hotels on the island offer day passes, but availability fluctuates wildly based on cruise ship schedules. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (December through April), and always verify what's included in your pass.
Most platforms offer flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is crucial when Caribbean weather gets unpredictable. I've had to cancel Ritz-Carlton passes due to sudden squalls and rebook for afternoon sessions – having that flexibility saves your entire port day.
Here's a money-saving hack most cruisers miss: some beach resorts like Secret Harbour and Sapphire Beach don't offer official day passes but welcome non-guests at their restaurants and bars. You can enjoy their beachfront dining, use their facilities, and access the same beautiful beaches without paying day pass fees. Just expect to purchase food and drinks.
Emerald Beach Resort specifically states "We do not offer day passes" on their website, so don't waste time trying to negotiate access. I've seen cruisers show up hoping to charm their way in – it doesn't work.
Also be wary of third-party sellers on cruise ship excursion desks pushing "exclusive resort access." These are often marked up 40-60% over booking directly through ResortPass, Viator, or resort websites. Do your homework before you sail.
Arrive early, even if you booked an afternoon pass. Most resorts will let you access restaurants and bars before your official pass time begins, giving you more value for your money. Pack reef-safe sunscreen – many resorts are starting to enforce environmental policies, and you don't want to get turned away at the pool.
Bring a waterproof phone case for pool and beach photos, but leave valuables in your cruise ship cabin. Resort day pass lockers are expensive and sometimes unreliable.
St. Thomas resort day passes transform a typical cruise port day into a luxury beach retreat. Whether you choose the over-the-top elegance of the Ritz-Carlton or the budget-friendly beauty of Magens Bay, you'll return to your ship refreshed instead of exhausted from fighting tourist crowds.
Share your St. Thomas resort day pass experiences and get recommendations from fellow cruisers in our Hotels & Resorts forum!
The Premium Players: Resort Day Passes Worth Every Dollar
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas sets the gold standard for resort day passes on the island. Available through ResortPass for $125-$175 per adult (2026 pricing), you get access to their stunning 125-foot infinity pool that seems to blend into Great Bay, plus their family pool complete with a waterslide that kids absolutely love. The real treasure is their private white sand beach – it's immaculate, never crowded, and the service rivals anything you'll find in the Caribbean.
Here's the insider scoop: book the Ritz pass for afternoons rather than mornings. Most cruisers grab morning slots, but the afternoon light is incredible for photos, and you'll have more space to spread out. The beach attendants will set up complimentary umbrellas and bring you ice-cold towels without you even asking.
Marriott Morning Star Beach Resort has become the go-to choice for experienced cruisers, and there's a good reason why. At $95-$120 per person through Viator or ResortForADay, you get full resort access plus a $25 bar credit that actually goes pretty far. Their beach consistently ranks among St. Thomas's best – soft sand, calm waters perfect for swimming, and enough space that you never feel packed in like sardines.
The real value here is in the amenities: three pools including an adults-only section, multiple bars, and restaurants where you can grab lunch without the cruise ship buffet chaos. Pro tip: their conch fritters are legendary among locals, and the poolside service is lightning-fast.
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef offers something unique – they run their own day pass platform at westinatfrenchmansreef.idaypass.com, which means better availability and sometimes lower prices than third-party sites. Expect to pay $110-$140 per adult, but this includes cabana reservations (huge advantage during busy cruise days) and access to their Heavenly Spa facilities.
What sets the Westin apart is location – perched on a cliff overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, you can actually wave at your cruise ship from their infinity pool. The views are Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, their beach setup is pristine with attentive staff who know how to treat day pass guests like resort guests.
The Boutique Option: The Pink Palm Hotel
For cruisers seeking something more intimate, The Pink Palm Hotel delivers a completely different vibe. Their day passes run $85-$95 per person and include access to their cliff-top pool with panoramic harbor views. This isn't about sprawling beaches – it's about feeling like you've discovered a hidden gem that most tourists never find.
The Pink Palm caters to adults looking for sophistication over splash zones. Their infinity pool seems to hover above Charlotte Amalie, and the poolside bar serves craft cocktails that put cruise ship drinks to shame. Fair warning: this spot gets busy with locals on weekends, so book for cruise port days when it's more exclusively yours.
Tell other travelers about your St. Thomas resort experiences in our Hotels & Resorts forum!
The Budget-Friendly Alternative: Magens Bay Beach Club
Here's where smart cruisers save serious money without sacrificing the experience. Magens Bay Beach Club isn't technically a resort day pass, but at just $5 for adults and $2 for kids under 12, it delivers one of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches at a fraction of resort prices.
Magens Bay consistently appears on "world's most beautiful beaches" lists, and after visiting, you'll understand why. The horseshoe-shaped bay creates calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, and the beach stretches for nearly a mile of soft white sand. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are reasonable ($7 each), and they offer taxi service from major hotels for convenience.
The facilities include a snack bar serving local favorites, clean restrooms and changing areas, plus a boutique with quality souvenirs – not the usual cruise port junk. What you won't get is resort-level service or luxury amenities, but for families or budget-conscious cruisers, Magens Bay delivers incredible value.
Booking Strategy and Insider Tips
Timing is everything with St. Thomas resort day passes. ResortPass.com claims over 30 hotels on the island offer day passes, but availability fluctuates wildly based on cruise ship schedules. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (December through April), and always verify what's included in your pass.
Most platforms offer flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is crucial when Caribbean weather gets unpredictable. I've had to cancel Ritz-Carlton passes due to sudden squalls and rebook for afternoon sessions – having that flexibility saves your entire port day.
Here's a money-saving hack most cruisers miss: some beach resorts like Secret Harbour and Sapphire Beach don't offer official day passes but welcome non-guests at their restaurants and bars. You can enjoy their beachfront dining, use their facilities, and access the same beautiful beaches without paying day pass fees. Just expect to purchase food and drinks.
What to Avoid: The Resort Day Pass Disappointments
Emerald Beach Resort specifically states "We do not offer day passes" on their website, so don't waste time trying to negotiate access. I've seen cruisers show up hoping to charm their way in – it doesn't work.
Also be wary of third-party sellers on cruise ship excursion desks pushing "exclusive resort access." These are often marked up 40-60% over booking directly through ResortPass, Viator, or resort websites. Do your homework before you sail.
Making the Most of Your Resort Day
Arrive early, even if you booked an afternoon pass. Most resorts will let you access restaurants and bars before your official pass time begins, giving you more value for your money. Pack reef-safe sunscreen – many resorts are starting to enforce environmental policies, and you don't want to get turned away at the pool.
Bring a waterproof phone case for pool and beach photos, but leave valuables in your cruise ship cabin. Resort day pass lockers are expensive and sometimes unreliable.
St. Thomas resort day passes transform a typical cruise port day into a luxury beach retreat. Whether you choose the over-the-top elegance of the Ritz-Carlton or the budget-friendly beauty of Magens Bay, you'll return to your ship refreshed instead of exhausted from fighting tourist crowds.
Share your St. Thomas resort day pass experiences and get recommendations from fellow cruisers in our Hotels & Resorts forum!