Just a Day in St. Thomas USVI
Date: 6/26/2006
By Don & Maureen Anderson, Owners of the Cruise Store
The most picturesque Caribbean port to sail into is Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. The Port side of a cruise ship will provide you with post card photo ops of a harbor filled with a variety of sailboats and yachts dotting the beautiful blue waters the Caribbean is known for. Something will seem odd when one first views a street. Being a US possession, American cars with the driver side on the left are the norm; however they drive on the opposite side of the street than we do. So do be careful crossing the streets and think twice before renting a car.
St. Thomas has a population of slightly over 51,000 people. It is just 13 miles long and 4 miles wide and located in the eastern Caribbean, and very close to the island of Puerto Rico. On his second voyage to the New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus "discovered" St. Thomas. The United States purchased three islands from the Danes in 1917 for $25 Million dollars. The islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix make up what is now called the US Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas is known for two things Beaches and Shopping. Some of the more popular beaches on the island are Magens Bay, Coki Point, Sapphire Beach, and Secret Harbor. Magens Bay is our personal preference. It is a relatively short taxi ride from the Port to get there. National Geographic Magazine has called Magens Bay Beach one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The heart shaped pristine beach has tranquil turquoise blue waters that would make you swear you were in a Corona Beer commercial. The Magens Bay Beach Bar ranks amongst our favorite Caribbean bars. For adults, the must have libation is the "Bushwhacker", which is a frozen drink somewhat reminiscent of a Mudslide. Let's just say that every one of our clients have thanked us for the recommendation.
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of Caribbean duty free shopping. Hundreds of shops line the streets and alleys in the downtown area. In fact, there is even great shopping right at the cruise port. Havensite Mall alone has over 100 shops. So whether you venture by cab, walk the two miles into town, or just stroll off the ship to the Havensite Mall, there will be plenty of opportunities to make contributions into the St. Thomas economy. Popular items are jewelry, cameras, Virgin Island Rum, and the typical souvenirs.
Golfers will like Mahogany Run Golf Course. This 18 hole, 6,022-yard, par-70 George and Tom Fazio designed course, offers beautiful holes and features the challenging "Devil's Triangle" which are the 13th, 14th and 15th holes fronting the Atlantic Ocean. If you can complete these three holes without a penalty stroke, you will get a recognition award. So far, Don is 0 for 2. Maybe next time.
Feel free to contact us at
Anderson@CruiseStore.comor call
413-525-9001 x.110 or visit
www.CruiseStore.com/Bon Voyage!
