The Virgin Islands—which include both the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI)—are known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, an adventurous getaway, or a laid-back retreat, choosing how to get there is just as important as choosing where to stay.
At iCruiseApp, we help travelers find the best way to reach the Virgin Islands, whether it’s by cruise or direct flights, and explore top all-inclusive resorts that make for an unforgettable stay.
Getting to the Virgin Islands: Cruise vs. Flying
By Cruise 🚢
Cruising is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to visit the Virgin Islands, allowing you to experience multiple islands in one trip. Several major cruise lines offer itineraries with stops in the USVI and, occasionally, the BVI.
✔ Cruise Lines That Visit the Virgin Islands:
- Carnival Cruise Line – Stops in St. Thomas, offering excursions to beaches, shopping, and snorkeling.
- Royal Caribbean – Includes St. Thomas and St. Croix in Caribbean itineraries.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Features stops in St. Thomas, known for its beautiful harbor.
- Celebrity Cruises – Offers luxury Caribbean cruises with USVI destinations.
- MSC Cruises – Occasionally includes St. Thomas as a port of call.
🚨 Things to Know About Cruising:
✔ Pros:
- Visit multiple islands in one trip.
- No need to book separate flights or accommodations.
- Meals, entertainment, and activities included.
✔ Cons:
- Limited time in port (usually 6–8 hours).
- Fixed itineraries with little flexibility.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Explore Feature to find cruise itineraries that visit the Virgin Islands and compare different cruise lines.
By Air ✈️
Flying directly to the Virgin Islands is the best option if you want to stay longer at an all-inclusive resort without the time restrictions of a cruise.
✔ Main Airports:
- Cyril E. King Airport (STT) – St. Thomas, USVI
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) – St. Croix, USVI
- Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) – Tortola, BVI
✔ Airlines That Fly to the Virgin Islands:
- American Airlines – Offers direct flights to St. Thomas & St. Croix.
- United Airlines – Connects major U.S. hubs to St. Thomas.
- Spirit Airlines & Frontier Airlines – Budget-friendly flights to the USVI.
- Cape Air & InterCaribbean Airways – Provide regional flights between the USVI and BVI.
🚨 Things to Know About Flying:
✔ Pros:
- More flexibility to stay as long as you want.
- Direct access to all-inclusive resorts.
- No time limits in each location.
✔ Cons:
- Must book separate accommodations, meals, and excursions.
- Travel between the USVI & BVI requires ferries or flights.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Comparison Tool to see whether a cruise or direct flight is the best fit for your vacation goals.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)
The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) offer beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and duty-free shopping. While most resorts operate on a European plan (meals not included), these are the top all-inclusive options:
1. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort – St. Thomas, USVI
✔ What’s Included:
- Unlimited à la carte dining & premium beverages.
- Non-motorized water sports (paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling).
- Live entertainment & beach parties.
🚨 What to Know: One of the only true all-inclusive resorts on St. Thomas, featuring beachfront dining at Iggies Beach Bar & Grill.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Explore Feature to find cruises stopping in St. Thomas, so you can visit this resort as a shore excursion.
2. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino – St. Croix, USVI
✔ What’s Included:
- Beachfront accommodations with modern amenities.
- All meals, snacks, and beverages.
- Access to a casino, water sports, and entertainment.
🚨 What to Know: This adults-only all-inclusive resort is the only one of its kind on St. Croix.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Comparison Tool to compare St. Croix vs. St. Thomas all-inclusive resorts.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The British Virgin Islands are home to exclusive private island resorts, world-class sailing, and untouched natural beauty. Unlike the USVI, most all-inclusive stays here are boutique luxury experiences.
3. Guana Island – Private Island Resort, BVI
✔ What’s Included:
- Private island accommodations.
- Three gourmet meals daily, plus snacks & wine.
- Non-motorized water sports (snorkeling, kayaking).
🚨 What to Know: A secluded, eco-friendly luxury retreat with only a handful of guests at a time.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use iCruiseApp’s Excursion Search to find cruise stops that offer day visits to Guana Island.
4. The Aerial BVI – Buck Island, BVI
✔ What’s Included:
- Farm-to-table meals & organic drinks.
- Wellness activities (yoga, meditation, spa treatments).
- Adventure excursions & water sports.
🚨 What to Know: This private island resort focuses on wellness, sustainability, and relaxation.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use Traveler Reviews to see if guests found the wellness experience worth the price.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Way to Visit the Virgin Islands
Both cruising and flying offer incredible ways to experience the Virgin Islands. If you want a hassle-free way to visit multiple islands, a cruise is your best bet. If you want to stay longer and enjoy a fully all-inclusive resort, flying directly is the way to go.