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Cruise to St. Croix
The Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, located in the heart of Frederiksted, is the only cruise ship port on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The 1,526-foot pier has drafts of 29 feet on the north and 36 feet on the south side of the pier. The dock can accommodate Voyager-Class vessels on the south berth and smaller cruise ships on the north berth. Anchorage is also available in the outer harbor for larger ships and is arranged via the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). The platform of the pier is equipped with a fendering system that is designed for submarines.
A shopping area is located within walking distance of the pier. Additionally, ground transportation and tours are available from the pier to historical sites, beaches, and other excursions. There are public restrooms located near the entrance of the pier. Several restaurants and stores are within walking distance of the pier.
The History of the Abramson Pier
The original Frederiksted Pier was constructed in the early 1900s but was badly damaged during Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It was opened as a cruise pier in 1994 and damaged again by Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. Most of the old pier was removed and used to construct the existing pier.
In the early 2000s, a multi-million dollar revitalization of the waterfront park and pier transformed the historic Frederiksted waterfront and pier into the picturesque port that it is today.
The facility was named in honor of Ann Elizabeth Christian Abramson of Frederiksted, St. Croix by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands via Act No. 6041, in honor of the former USVI Public Works Commissioner and VIPA Board Member who was responsible for much of the rejuvenation of the Frederiksted area.
THE OLD CARGO CRANE AT THE PIER
The historic cargo crane in Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, dates back to the island's colonial period. Known as a wharf or port crane, it was vital for loading and unloading cargo from ships in the harbor, as large vessels couldn't access the dock directly. Instead, lighters were used to transfer goods, and the crane facilitated the handling of essential exports like sugar and rum, highlighting the island's significance in maritime trade.
Originally built in 1751 by the Danish West India and Guinea Company to boost regional commerce, the pier underwent a major revitalization in the early 2000s, moving the crane to its current site. The crane stands as a historic landmark, attracting visitors and serving as a testament to St. Croix's vibrant maritime history.
CLAIRE L. ROKER
VISITORS CENTER
Claire Lorraine Brown Roker was born on the island of St. Croix and held the positions of Assistant Director and Assistant Commissioner of Tourism for the Government of the Virgin Islands from 1987 to 1995. She was recognized by the Virgin Islands Legislature (Act No. 8858), the Virgin Islands Port Authority, and the Department of Tourism, along with many Virgin Islanders, by naming the visitors center at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility on the Frederiksted Pier in St. Croix as the “Claire L. Roker Visitors Center.”
Known affectionately by many as Auntie Claire, the Queen Mother of Pageants, and the Mayor of Frederiksted, she is a respected community leader whose extensive contributions have impacted tourism, youth development, women’s advocacy, and cultural preservation.
