By the Caribbean Journal staff

Getting to the island of St Croix just got even easier.

Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced plans to launch new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and the island of St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands.

“Spirit is proud of its strong connection to the Caribbean, and we’re thrilled to bring more ultra-low fares to the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Mark Kopczak, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning. “With this new service to St. Croix, and our continuing resumption of service to the other islands impacted by last year’s hurricanes, we are excited to expand on our 12 years of service to the region and continue to deliver ultra-low fares for tourists and locals alike.”

It’s a big boost for St Croix, which has been making a strong comeback in the wake of last year’s storms, particularly the town of Christiansted.

Many of the island’s top hotels are already open, from The Buccaneer and Hotel Caravelle to the hip new boutique hotel in Frederiksted, The Fred.

The lobby at The Fred hotel in Frederiksted.

“The U.S. Virgin Islands is making tremendous progress in its recovery from last September’s hurricanes,” said Kenneth Mapp, Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. “The decision by Spirit Airlines to provide service to St. Croix not only provides additional options for travelers to and from the mainland, but also signals confidence in the Territory’s continued growth and progress.”

The new flights, which will begin May 24, will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

“This additional service helps to meet the growing demand for air service into St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Beverly Nicholson Doty, Commissioner of Tourism U.S. Virgin Islands. “We thank Spirit Airlines for its commitment to the Territory and look forward to developing our expanding partnership.”