Mountainous St Thomas, one of the three US Virgin Islands, is a favorite cruise port. The volcanic island was discovered by Columbus in 1493. Today, St Thomas is home to the chilled-out capital of Charlotte Amalie. Named after a Danish Queen, Charlotte Amalie is where the ships dock and the white and pastel houses are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront and down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center. A picturesque town built on three hills, Charlotte Amalie is a major tourist resort. Of special interest is Fort Christian, built in 1671; Beretta, the shopping area; and the Frenchtown section.
St Thomas Cruises are the beat way to explore magnificent Virgin Islands.
Caribbean cruises have become one of the most popular ways to visit the Caribbean. Cruises feature great food, entertainment, interesting ports of call and fascinating tours of ancient ruins and cultures along way. There are a number of different cruise itineraries for the Caribbean offered by most of the major lines. 7-Night Eastern Caribbean - Roundtrip from Port Canaveral is a cruise that starts in Port Canaveral with stops at St. Marten, St Thomas, St John and Castaway Cay.
When walking in St Thomas, you will see the bustle of Main Street, and cool emerald hills. Look also for the view from Mountain Top. The spiral of winding streets from the base of Savan. The quiet French countryside feeling on the far side of the island. Take the scenic Paradise Point Tramway from Havensight up a 700ft peak over Charlotte Amalie for a stunning view of the town, the island, and the nearby islands of St John and St Croix.
Hoteliers offer accommodations to suit all tastes. Find peace and tranquility in the island's unspoiled interior, romance along its white-sand beaches washed by emerald-green water and snap up duty-free shopping bargains. Drink up some heady rum punch.
In the morning whiz around the duty-free shops of Charlotte Amalie. In the afternoon, enjoy being a beach bum on Magen's Bay Beach.
If you only have time to laze, swim or dive at one beach, it has to be Magen's Bay Beach, a 20-minute taxi trip from the port. Voted one of the top-ten world beaches by National Geographic Magazine, it oozes romance. Morningstar Beach is five minutes' walk from Charlotte Amalie and the port, while Coki Beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
When the sun sets, have a romantic evening meal and Daiquiri cocktail on the Mountain Top, St Thomas' highest point. If you're playing it safe, enjoy international cuisine in Charlotte Amalie's Frenchtown. Otherwise, experiment with local specialties - try conge fritters, kallaloo okra stew and freshly caught mahi-mahi fish. Choose a classic daiquiri cocktail or try the locals' favorite, the intoxicating Maubi - a mix of ginger, herbs and the bark of the maubi tree.
St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands, is included in almost all Eastern Caribbean and many Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries. Visit between December and June for the dry season, January to April for whale-watching, and April to May for Carnival.
Keep I mind that no matter when you go, you're guaranteed to have a great time!