Stepping into Paradise: Experiencing St. George’s Cruise Port
As our ship glided toward the emerald hills of Grenada, the vibrant colors of St. George’s welcomed me like an old friend. The horseshoe-shaped harbor, often called the most beautiful in the Caribbean, cradled our vessel while the terracotta rooftops created a stunning contrast against the lush tropical backdrop. After visiting this port dozens of times over my 30-year cruising career, I can confidently say that St. George’s remains one of the Caribbean’s most charming and authentic cruise destinations.
For other Bermuda Cruise destinations check out our Bermuda Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
Map of St. George's Cruise Ship Port
Why Cruise from St. George’s?
Unlike many Caribbean ports that have become overly commercialized, St. George’s maintains its colonial charm while offering modern amenities for cruisers. The port serves as the perfect gateway to Grenada’s pristine beaches, spice plantations, and rainforest adventures.
“We’ve worked diligently to preserve the authentic character of St. George’s while enhancing the cruise visitor experience,” explains Maria Fontaine, Grenada Port Authority’s Tourism Liaison. “Our approach balances local culture with visitor needs, ensuring cruisers can experience the real Grenada from the moment they step off the ship.”
The port’s location puts you immediately into the heart of St. George’s historic district, meaning no shuttle buses or long walks before your adventure begins—a rarity in today’s cruise industry.
Cruise Terminal(s) Overview
St. George’s features two main berthing options for cruise ships, each offering distinct experiences for arriving passengers.
| Terminal | Luggage Storage | Facilities | WiFi Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melville Street Cruise Terminal | Available ($5-8 per bag) | Tourist information, duty-free shopping, craft market, restrooms | Yes (paid) |
| Carenage Pier | Limited | Basic amenities, local vendor stalls | No |
The Melville Street Terminal handles most larger ships and offers a more polished entry experience, while Carenage provides a more authentic “straight into town” arrival. Having experienced both, I slightly prefer Carenage for its immediate immersion into local life, though first-time visitors might appreciate Melville Street’s organized welcome center.
Transport Options to the Port
Getting to and from St. George’s cruise port is relatively straightforward, with several reliable options available.
| Transport Option | Cost Estimate ($) | Travel Time | Frequency | How to Book/Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi from Airport | $25-30 | 15-20 minutes | On demand | Available at airport exit or pre-book through hotel |
| Water Taxi (harbor crossings) | $2-5 | 5-10 minutes | Every 15-30 minutes | Pay cash directly to operator |
| Local Bus | $1-2 | Varies by route | Every 15-30 minutes | Flag down on route, pay driver directly |
| Rental Car | $50-80/day | Self-driven | N/A | Book online or at airport counters |
Having tried all options, I recommend taxis for convenience—just ensure you agree on the fare beforehand. The colorful local buses are an adventure in themselves if you’re comfortable with less structured travel and want to experience everyday Grenadian life.
Parking and Accessibility at the Port
For those arriving by private vehicle, St. George’s offers several parking options, though they’re not as extensive as at larger ports.
Short-term parking is available at the Esplanade Mall parking area, approximately 200 meters from the Melville Street Terminal. Expect to pay about $5-8 for a full day. For long-term parking during your cruise, you’ll need to use private lots like Bruce’s Parking Service near the port (around $12-15 per day) or the Fort George paid lot (approximately $10 per day with security). I’ve used Bruce’s several times and found the service reliable, including their complimentary shuttle to the terminal.
As for accessibility, St. George’s has made improvements in recent years, but remains challenging for those with mobility issues due to the city’s steep hills and some uneven pathways. The Melville Street Terminal offers the best accessibility features with ramps and dedicated assistance. When I visited with my mother who uses a walker, we found the terminal staff exceptionally helpful, but the surrounding streets required careful navigation.
Best Restaurants Within Walking Distance of the Port
One of St. George’s greatest assets is the selection of excellent dining options within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
- BB’s Crabback – Just 5 minutes from the terminal on the Carenage waterfront. Chef Brian Benjamin’s seafood dishes, especially the namesake crabback (seasoned local crab meat baked in its shell), are legendary. The waterfront setting is unbeatable.
- The Nutmeg – A 7-minute walk from port, offering authentic Grenadian cuisine in a colonial setting. Their nutmeg ice cream changed my understanding of what dessert can be.
- Umbrellas Beach Bar – A 15-minute walk to Grand Anse Beach, perfect for casual dining with your toes in the sand. Their rum punch and grilled fish sandwiches have sustained me through many port days.
- Sails Restaurant & Bar – Overlooking the harbor just 3 minutes from the terminal. Great for watching the ships while enjoying reasonably priced seafood and international dishes.
After dozens of visits, BB’s Crabback remains my personal favorite for its perfect balance of local flavor and reliable quality. Make reservations if visiting during peak cruise times.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Hamilton for a different Bermuda Cruise destination.
Short Walks and Things to do Before Boarding
St. George’s compact layout makes it perfect for short explorations before your cruise.
- Carenage Harbor Walk – Start: Melville Street Terminal; Distance: 0.5 miles circular. This gorgeous stroll takes you around the horseshoe harbor with stunning views of colorful buildings reflecting in the water. The slight elevation changes offer different perspectives of the harbor and your ship.
- Market Square Exploration – Start: St. George’s Market; Distance: 0.3 miles. Saturday mornings are best when the market buzzes with local farmers selling spices, fresh produce, and handcrafts. The heady aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves is something I look forward to on every visit.
- Fort George Climb – Start: Young Street; Distance: 0.7 miles round trip. Moderately steep but rewarding with panoramic views of the harbor and your ship. The fort itself offers fascinating colonial history and costs just $2 to enter.
- Underwater Sculpture Park – For something truly unique, take a quick water taxi to the world’s first underwater sculpture park in Molinere Bay. Allow 2-3 hours for the round trip and snorkeling.
The Fort George walk remains my favorite pre-cruise activity—the views help you appreciate the beautiful approach your ship made into this spectacular harbor.
Common Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make at the Port
- Underestimating the tropical heat – St. George’s can be intensely hot, especially when climbing the town’s hills. I’ve seen many fellow cruisers retreat to the ship early, exhausted from heat exposure. Carry water, wear a hat, and pace yourself.
- Ignoring local currency needs – While many vendors accept US dollars, having some Eastern Caribbean dollars is helpful for smaller purchases and often gets you better deals. The port has several ATMs and exchange services.
- Missing the upper town – Many visitors stay near the waterfront, missing the charming upper town with its historic churches and authentic eateries. The uphill walk is worth it!
- Tight scheduling – St. George’s relaxed “island time” means services may not operate with split-second precision. Always leave buffer time when planning to return to your ship.
Bonus Tips From a Seasoned St. George’s Visitor
After countless visits to this port, I’ve gathered some insider knowledge worth sharing.
- The best local souvenir isn’t in the cruise terminal but at the Grenada Chocolate Company shop (10-minute walk from port), where you can find organic chocolate bars made from local cocoa.
- For an authentic rum experience, skip the tourist-focused shops and visit the West Indies Rum Distillery’s small outlet. Their Rivers Rum is potent and truly local.
- If you’re in port on a Friday night, consider delaying your return to the ship until sunset to experience the local “Fish Friday” event in nearby Gouyave (transportation required) – it’s a street festival of seafood and music that showcases the real Grenada.
- The small beaches nearest to the port (a 10-minute walk) may look inviting but aren’t the island’s best. If beach time is priority, take a water taxi or regular taxi to Grand Anse Beach instead.
St. George’s remains one of those special cruise ports that balances tourist accommodation with authentic local experiences. Unlike some Caribbean destinations that have lost their identity to cruise tourism, Grenada continues to welcome visitors on its own terms—making every visit feel like a discovery rather than a manufactured experience.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Royal Naval Dockyard Cruise Port (King’s Wharf and Heritage Wharf).
