The Crown of Redevelopment represents a transformative public-private collaboration to modernize the Gulf waterfront.
US Virgin Islands -National law firm Schumacher represented the US Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) in connection with a long-term lease agreement to renovate VIPA’s Crown Bay Cruise Port in St. Thomas.
The lease agreement was signed on December 17, 2025 through a joint venture between VIPA and Crown Bay Destinations, LP, a subsidiary of Cruise Terminals International (CTI), funds advised by Royal Caribbean Group and Icon Infrastructure.
The signing ceremony was attended by USVI Governor, Albert B. Bryan Jr., USVI Lieutenant Governor, USVI President of the 36th Legislature, Tregenza Roach, Senator Milton Potter, and USVI Executive Director, USVI Senator Milton Potter, WIPA Executive Director, Senator Milton Potter, Executive Director of CTT, Tregenza Roach, President of the USVI. of Icon Infrastructure LLP.
The Schumacher team, led by partner Howard King, advised VIPA on a long-term lease that gave Crown Bay Destinations the right to develop, operate and maintain the cruise port and related facilities at Crown Bay. The US Virgin Islands is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, and Crown Bay serves as an important gateway, welcoming a significant volume of travelers each year and supporting the region’s tourism-driven economy.
The Crown of Redevelopment represents a transformative public-private collaboration to modernize the Gulf waterfront. Once completed, the project will expand Crown Bay’s footprint from about eight acres to about 25 acres and add a third berth. The expansion will allow the port to accommodate two Icon-class cruise ships and one Quantum-class cruise ship simultaneously, significantly increasing the port’s capacity.
The rehabilitation will also include substantial infrastructure improvements, including the deepening of the Charlotte Amalie Channel. abatement, demolition, and environmental remediation work; Development of a new day resort and land transportation area; and additions to the Crown Bay Center and existing cruise pier at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal.
“We are honored to have worked with VIPA over the past four years on what has been the most significant cruise port project in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Howard. “This redevelopment will help solidify the US Virgin Islands’ position as a premier Caribbean destination and as cruise lines continue to invest in larger ship deployments and shore experiences, we expect to see increased development of cruise destination projects by world-class companies such as CTI and Royal Caribbean.”
Additional Schumacher attorneys involved in the transaction include partners David Ricco, Trey Baker, Krista Sullivan, and Mike O’Callaghan.
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