The Caribbean - St. Thomas cruise ship > airport time requirements

Arriving from a cruise at 0700 (prior port is Tortola BVI). The cruise line doesn't recommend flights before 1100..but there is an American Eagle flight at 1000 that would make life easier..
The distance from port to STT airport seems trivial but I've never been in STT before.
Presume that customs clearance is required...but even then still can't see why I couldn't catch a 1000 flight....it's a very small ship (110 PAX max)
Comments & experiences would be appreciated.

What if your boat arrives late? And do not make assumptions about the efficiency of customs in STT.

I wouldn't chance it. There's a good possibility that the ship will arrive in port early, but that doesn't guarantee a speedy debarkation process. If you have luggage, you're at the mercy of the color tag on your bags. What if you're in the last group to get off the ship? Also, and I don't know STT, airports tend to get clogged when ships discharge passengers and you might not be the only ship arriving that morning.

My mantra for cruise-related air travel is twofold: 1. arrive the day before departure. 2. plan return flights for afternoon.

If you are disembarking (not arriving in port) at 0700, and it is a small boat as you say, then there is a 90% chance you will make it. You will need to go through customs & immigration (2x actually; first when entering St Thomas, and second time at STT on your way to the gate). Getting from the port to the airport will take 30 min max assuming nothing goes wrong.

I agree with others as well, though. If anything goes wrong at any time, you could get screwed. Just have a backup plan ready (later eagle flights).