Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas

Enjoy a scenic drive to St Peter Estate. Formerly a private hideaway of the rich and famous, the estate boasts magnificently landscaped grounds and classic Caribbean architecture. Take in panoramic views and stroll through the lovely grounds; during your visit you will also be offered a rum or fruit punch refreshment.

Afterwards, visit Drakes’ Seat, which offers a commanding view of the palm-fringed Magens Bay. It was at this vantage point that Sir Frances Drake would sit and watch his fleet. You will continue to the Skyline overlook, perched 800 feet above the Harbour. A short photo stop will allow you to capture the wonderful views of Charlotte Amalie coastline.

Finally, your bus will sweep along the skyline drive and on to Beacon Point observation platform. From here, you can admire views of St John and the British Virgin Islands.

At the end of your tour you will stop in Charlotte Amalie, where you may choose to return to the ship or stay in town and explore the Caribbean’s number one shopping port.

Note: The visits to St Peter Estate and Beacon Point will be conducted on foot, however the level of walking on this tour is limited. Guests must be able negotiate steps onto and off the safari bus. There is a flight of steps to the St Peter viewing platform; however views can still be enjoyed from below. There are also two gradual flights of steps to reach the gardens. For those who choose to stay in town, your return journey to the ship is not included. The order of this itinerary will be reversed on Sunday calls when shops close in the afternoon.

Take a scenic drive with views of nearby St John, the British Virgin Islands and on to St Peter Estate. This former private hideaway of the rich and famous boasts magnificently landscaped grounds and classic Caribbean architecture. Stroll through the lovely grounds and take in panoramic views; during your visit you will also be offered a rum or fruit punch refreshment.

Afterwards, enjoy a visit to Drakes’ Seat, which offers a commanding view of the palm fringed Magens Bay. You will continue to the Skyline overlook, perched 800 feet above the Harbour. A short photograph stop will allow you to capture the wonderful coastline views.

It is then time to climb aboard St Thomas’ high-flying attraction, the Paradise Point Skyride. The smooth 15 minute round-trip ride will whisk you to the top of Paradise Point at 700 feet above the town of Charlotte Amalie. Take in the views and explore the small shops before the return cable car ride.

Note: This tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able negotiate steps onto and off the safari bus. Guests must also be able to step on and off the moving cable cars as they cannot be stopped for alighting. There are also steps to negotiate at the viewing deck. Please note that when there are a number of cruise ships in St Thomas, the itinerary of this tour may be reversed.

Your transfer to the beach begins with a scenic drive by open-air safari bus to Drake’s Seat, with its spectacular view of Magens Bay and the surrounding area. From there, it’s on to Magens Bay to enjoy some time on the beach.

Take a stroll along the warm golden sands, a dip in the inviting azure ocean or simply laze in the shade with a good book. However you choose to spend your time at Magens, you are bound to enjoy this beautifully-appointed location.

Be sure to take note of your return pick up for the return drive to the ship.

Note: You will have approximately two hours to enjoy the beach. There are restroom facilities on the beach, a bar and food concessions, as well as watersports equipment for hire. Sunbeds and chairs are not included and not always available when there are a number of ships in port. Please remember to take swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. The photograph stop at Drake’s Seat may be on the return portion of the tour. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Step aboard your sailing catamaran for a leisurely two - hour sail to the pristine, palm-fringed beaches of St John National Park.

Glide through the Current Cut on the eastern end of St Thomas, with the shimmering shores of your destination beckoning in the distance.

At a special anchorage, you will have approximately two hours to sunbathe, beachcomb, swim, snorkel or simply relax on board the catamaran or under a shady palm. This idyllic setting is the perfect backdrop for your Caribbean-style buffet luncheon, served on board. Champagne and a complimentary bar are available after snorkelling and non alcoholic refreshments will be offered throughout the day.

What better way to spend your day in the beautiful Virgin Islands.

Note: Alternate beach sites may be used dependent on sea conditions. Guests may need to wade a short distance ashore. Please wear your swimwear, sunscreen and take a towel. You will be required to remove shoes whilst on board the catamaran. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

See the sights of the Virgin Islands as you sail away to picture-perfect Buck Island.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the cool sea breeze and warm Caribbean sunshine. Alternatively, if you are feeling a little more energetic, you may like to learn some sailing basics, trim the sails or even take the helm.  

Once anchored at Buck Island's ‘Turtle Cove’, your crew will lead you on a wonderful guided snorkelling tour to show you the best of the underwater highlights. Explore intricate coral covered boulders, observe colourful tropical fish and possibly encounter an endangered Green Sea Turtle.

Following your snorkel adventure, you will be offered some welcome refreshments back on board. Quench your thirst with juices and soft drinks throughout the sail and enjoy a cool beer or rum punch after your snorkel.

Enjoy a leisurely sail back to St Thomas where your ship awaits.

Note: Guests must negotiate a ladder with five to eight steps to enter and exit the water from the catamaran. Snorkel equipment is included. Participants must be competent swimmers. Alternative snorkel sites may be used. Sightings of turtles cannot be guaranteed. Please wear your swimwear, sunscreen and take a towel. You will be required to remove shoes whilst on board the catamaran. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. Before you book this excursion your must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the fabulous 65 foot ‘Castaway Girl’ catamaran to Shipwreck Cove on Buck Island. ‘Castaway Girl’ boasts spacious sunbathing decks and a large comfortable cockpit for those who prefer to relax in the shade.

Upon arrival at Shipwreck Cove, you can simply relax on board and soak up some sun, or cool off with a refreshing dip. Snorkel equipment is available for you to get a better view of the underwater wildlife and of course, the shipwreck.

The wartime shipwreck of the ‘Catanza C’ lies 25 feet below the surface and is home to a variety of sea life. Your experienced crew will take you on a guided snorkel tour of the wreck, pointing out the wondrous sights below.

Enjoy complimentary refreshments of tropical fruit drinks, and rum punch after your snorkelling.

During your return sail, things liven up with a little music and you will be invited to some dancing on deck, or just lie back and enjoy the sounds and holiday atmosphere.

Note: Please wear your swimwear, sunscreen and take a towel. You will be required to remove shoes whilst on board the catamaran. Snorkellers are divided into groups to suit their comfort level and equipment is provided. Participants must be competent swimmers. Alternative snorkel sites may be used. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

From St Thomas, you will take the 45-minute ferry ride to the neighbouring island of St John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. During your crossing, enjoy the views of both St Thomas and St John and their many lovely coves and beaches.

Upon arrival in St John, you will be met by a local driver guide, who will show you the delights of this tiny island. Pass by some of the stunning white sand beaches and see the incredible clear blue water as well as the island’s greener side.

You will make a viewing stop at the ruins in Cinnamon Bay, which are remnants of one of the few last working plantations of St John.

Along the north shore coast, you will have another view of Cinnamon Bay, from above. From here, you’ll also see Trunk Bay and Caneel Bay, Rockerfeller Plantation and Hawksnest Bay (where the movie, ‘Four Seasons’ was filmed).

Your tour of St John will conclude at the National Park Dock, leaving you some time to visit the shops in the quaint village of Cruz Bay before taking the 45-minute ferry ride back to St Thomas.

Note: There is very little walking on this tour, however guests must be able to negotiate the few steps on to and off the ferry and bus.

Join your team mates for a safety briefing and race run-through, before casting off for your match race against fellow guests.

As you head out, the crew will run through ‘tacking’ and ‘jibing’ and invite you to participate in sail trimming, winch grinding, time keeping or even helming these impressive yachts. If all this activity sounds a bit too much like hard work, then simply do nothing, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

After crossing the line, you can congratulate yourself with a celebratory rum punch. You will have the opportunity to buy action photographs of your race and other Ondeck Ocean Race merchandise - a fantastic memento of your day in St Thomas.

Note: Children are not permitted to participate. There are marine head bathroom facilities on board. All participants should wear soft-soled, non-slip shoes. T-shirts and shorts over swimwear are recommended, as sea spray is likely. Bags can be stowed during the race. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Enjoy a ride on a local island safari bus up to Beacon Point for your orientation. Beacon Point provides an excellent opportunity to photograph a wonderful view of St John.

From Beacon Point, you will re-board the safari bus and head off to several other St Thomas ‘hot spots’ which will provide you with more great photographic opportunities. These include the St Peter Estate, which offers spectacular coastline views of the British Virgin Islands. The estate is home to a variety of flora and fauna within the lush tropical gardens, and is a photographer’s dream. You will also enjoy a stop at the Skyline Overlook, with delightful views over the harbour nestled below.

Your final stop is Emerald Beach, a white sand beach lapped by the incredibly blue Caribbean waters. Here, you can take your very own postcard view of St Thomas before being returned to the ship.

Note: This tour involves some walking over uneven ground, including steps. There are a flight of steps to the St Peter viewing platform, however views can still be enjoyed from below. There are also two gradual flights of steps to reach the gardens. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.