There are numerous things to see and do in beautiful St. Thomas, including white sandy beaches, a breathtaking aerial tram ride up a mountain overlooking the scenic port, the famous Trunk Bay snorkling, terrific restaurants, and outdoor cafes/bars along the waterfront and elsewhere.
But shopping till you're dropping is THE thing in S.T. One of the most famous malls in the world, "Havensight" is right where our ship docks. Chock full of the finest international jewelry, perfume, clothing stores, native craft shops, outdoor kiosks with snacks/tropical rum drinks, plus everything else imagineable, it's literally a shopper's paradise and hubby's worst nightmare!
You'll find plenty of intriguing, reasonably-priced items to take home for yourself or for gifts and souvenirs. ST is duty-free, so there's nice bargains to be found.
The shore tours brochure you'll find in your cabin is loaded with wonderful St. Thomas excursions you can sign up for beforehand at the ship's excursion desk.
Or you can make your own deal with a cab driver for even less money. The drivers are knowledgeable, articulate and voluble in English, and great "tour" guides". They are regulated, are to be trusted, and will give you an itinerary before you climb in the cab.
A part of the ST countryside looks very much like the tranquil countryside of France, with cattle grazing in green fields. "Drakes Seat" on top a gentle mountain is a scenic lookout point where explorer/navigator Sir Francis Drake used to sit and "count his ships". Just below Drakes Seat is Magen's Bay Beach, said by National Geographic Magazine to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Our ship arrives early AM and departs midnight. Plenty of time to cab or ferry across a channel to nearby St. John if shopping ain't your thang. St. John is one of my all-time favorite tropical paradises. More on St. John later.
Leni
Tortola is one of the places I haven't made it to yet. All the rest of the stops are great. If anyone needs the name of a St. Thomas jewelry store that will do you right, please contact me. The deals to be had are out of this world.
We are already booked for a 10 day Mexican cruise on the Star Princess for September '04 or I could have talked my wife into this one. Good luck to you all and happy cruising.
ladyinred Check out a San Francisco cruise to Mexico or Alaska.. We are leaving from and sailing back into San Fran and back.. no flying necessary (or at least only a short flight) for west coast folks.
Maybe the FR cruise committee will explore that as a future offering.