Port information & tips for Port Castries
Castries is the vibrant gateway to the exotic dream island of St. Lucia and fascinates with a breathtaking backdrop of lush green mountains and deep blue sea. The charming island capital exudes pure joie de vivre and welcomes visitors with a blend of bustling markets, French colonial history, and Caribbean serenity. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the lively Castries Central Market, the historic Derek Walcott Square with its ancient Samaan tree, and the impressive Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Cruise ships dock either at the modern Pointe Seraphine Terminal or the centrally located La Place Carenage pier. From Pointe Seraphine, a picturesque walk along the waterfront promenade or a short water taxi ride leads directly into the heart of the city, where the diversity of the island can be perfectly explored.
Port Castries is the central hub for cruise ships on St. Lucia and features two modern terminals, Point Seraphine and La Place Carenage, located directly in the picturesque bay of the island's capital. Thanks to its location in the north of the island, the port is excellently integrated into the local infrastructure and enables a smooth start to your Caribbean cruise.
Airplane
International guests from the DACH region usually land at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the south of the island, which is located about 60 kilometers from the port and is reached via London or the USA. Regional flights from neighboring Caribbean islands also arrive at the smaller George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), which is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise terminal and can be reached in just five to ten minutes by car.
Transfer & Shuttle
For the approximately 90-minute journey from the international airport UVF to Castries, comfortable transfers provided by the cruise lines or licensed taxis, which are available at the official stands at the airport exit, are recommended. The route leads via the Castries-Vieux Fort Highway straight through the green heart of the island and offers initial impressive views of the tropical landscape and coastlines right upon arrival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration from Europe and the time difference, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before embarkation to start your vacation relaxed. In the Castries region as well as at nearby Rodney Bay, travelers will find numerous hotels and resorts that are geared towards cruise guests and organize convenient shuttle connections directly to the Point Seraphine or La Place Carenage terminals.
