The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) developed the Crown Bay Marine Terminal and Village over 20 years ago as a cruise-destination port. While the facility was innovative at the time, Crown Bay now requires significant reinvestment to remain competitive with other regional cruise destinations. VIPA is pursuing a leasehold partnership with a private developer that will bring major private funding to modernize and expand Crown Bay while maintaining government ownership of the property.

Cruise Terminals International (CTI) is partnering with VIPA to lead the redevelopment. CTI is an experienced global developer, owner, and operator of cruise infrastructure. CTI is jointly owned by iCON Infrastructure, a global equity investment platform specializing in essential infrastructure, and Royal Caribbean Group (RCG). The project is being designed and developed in close collaboration with VIPA and is subject to all required local and federal government requirements and regulations.

VIPA remains the landlord and long-term owner of Crown Bay. The developer will operate under a leasehold agreement, making private improvements at its expense. Upon completion of the lease term, all improvements will revert to VIPA and the people of the Virgin Islands. VIPA’s financial contribution is limited to a dedicated portion of port revenues and lease income – no new taxpayer dollars are required for Crown Bay. VIPA will enjoy significant revenue streams from cruise traffic and the retail operation over the life of the leasehold.

Development plans, which are presently under preparation, call for modernization of the existing village, expanded parking and ground-transportation areas, and a new pier that can safely berth additional cruise vessels. A day-use recreation area and upgraded retail and dining spaces are also contemplated. Designs will improve public access, traffic flow, and the visitor experience while maintaining a welcoming space for residents. The project is being purposefully designed to bolster the local economy, engage the community, and support environmental cleanup and sustainable use of the site.

The project represents more than $200 million in direct private investment—entirely funded by CTI and RCG. It will generate new jobs, business opportunities, and tax revenue, while providing VIPA with long-term lease revenue to support other port operations across the territory.

Absolutely – maintaining and enhancing public access is a core principle of the redevelopment. The revitalized Village will remain a welcoming destination for residents, visitors, and cruisers, with improved parking, gathering spaces, and new food & beverage and retail offerings designed to create a vibrant, family-friendly environment year-round.

VIPA has been communicating with tenants since 2018, including through public meetings and lease extensions during the planning phase. Businesses in good standing in the revitalized Village will have opportunities to remain in and/or relocate within the Village as part of the redevelopment. Industrial tenants in good standing in Subbase are being assisted in relocating to new improved facilities offsite, with VIPA coordinating relocation and continuity of operations.

The project is anticipated to result in a significant and notable improvement in environmental conditions at Crown Bay. CTI and RCG’s investment will directly support the cleanup of legacy contamination from the site’s industrial usage. Comprehensive environmental and engineering studies have confirmed the suitability of the new pier location. CTI is incorporating sustainable technologies such as solar energy and high-efficiency building systems to further minimize Crown Bay’s environmental footprint.

Yes. The development team intends to preserve key historic elements, including the steel naval structure within the parking area, and to integrate interpretive displays and other elements that will honor Crown Bay’s military and maritime heritage. CTI is engaging with a resident architect and historical specialist to ensure that the project design carefully considers and highlights the site’s rich history.

The project, which is still early in the entitlement process, will undergo all required regulatory and environmental reviews and associated public comment processes. This includes regulatory oversight from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Coastal Zone Management Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Service, the Department of Public Works, and other agencies as necessary. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending these approvals, and will be phased to allow cruise and retail operations to continue.