Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas - Caribbean Cruises

Acclaimed as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, Magens Bay is an ideal ‘getaway’ during your visit to St Thomas.

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, you will head 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.

Discover the beauty of the neighbouring Virgin Island of St John, at your own leisure.

From St Thomas, you will take a 40 minute boat ride to the neighbouring island of St John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands.

Upon arrival into Cruz Bay, the main town of St John, you will have around two hours to spend as you please. Take a leisurely stroll through the small town and browse the colourful and unique gift shops. Nearby is the Cruz Bay Park, the ideal place to simply relax and watch the world go by.

Local taxis are available if you wish to venture further afield, perhaps head to a beach or take in the local sights. The Cruz Bay Visitors Centre can also provide plenty of information on how to make the most of your time on the island.

At the designated meeting time, you will rejoin the boat for the return ride to St Thomas.

Note: Transportation on the island is not included. Please allow plenty of time to meet for the return boat ride, this will depart promptly and cannot be held for latecomers. Some walking is required to derive full enjoyment of your visit; however the level of walking is at guests’ discretion. There may be some steps to negotiate on to and off the boat. Comfortable, flat shoes are advised. US Dollars are accepted for purchases. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to undertaking any swimming activities. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Visit St Thomas’ marine-life attraction, Coral World, and take in the island’s magnificent scenery on this combination tour.

Coral World offers an undersea observatory that will allow you to gaze into the ocean and capture the fascinating marine life of St Thomas. You will also find exhibits that offer an insight into in the rich eco-system between land and sea. During your independent exploration you can also view the Caribbean Reef Encounter Tank, the Marine Gardens Aquarium, the Touch Pool and the Sea Turtle area.

Following your visit to Coral World, enjoy a scenic tour of the island. Take in views of St John and numerous Virgin Islands from atop Cassie Hill and photograph your ship as you look down over the harbour and the town of Charlotte Amalie. From Drake’s Seat, you can view the lovely Magens Bay beach.

Note: The visit to Coral World is unguided and at guests own leisure. To derive full enjoyment guests will be required to explore on foot, however this is not strenuous. The Observation Tower has a spiral staircase leading to the predator tanks. Guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the safari bus.

Sail aboard the ‘Castaway Girl’ across the sparkling Caribbean Sea to the alluring Shipwreck Cove.

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: Children under 6 may not participate. 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.

Enjoy the views of St Thomas, explore the famous ‘Mountain Top’, and indulge in some retail therapy.

You will take a scenic ride along Skyline Drive, one of the most scenic routes on the island, stopping en route to capture some panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie and your ship nestling below. Your journey will head to ‘Mountain Top’, located at 1,400 feet above the sea. Here, you can admire views over Magens Bay and the surrounding picturesque Virgin Islands. You will have around one hour to enjoy the Mountain Top atmosphere and to browse the small shops for souvenirs and local crafts.

From Mountain Top, relax on the return drive as you head down Mafolie Hill, returning downtown to the capital Charlotte Amalie, a duty free shopping paradise. Here you can enjoy around two hours exploring the numerous shops at your own leisure. At a designated meeting point and time, you will rejoin your safari bus for the short drive to the ship.

Note: The level of walking on this tour is discretional, however guests must be able negotiate steps onto and off the safari bus. There are some cobblestone surfaces to negotiate in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. US Dollars are accepted for purchases.

Discover the best of the Virgin Islands, as you set sail from St Thomas to discover the surrounding beauty of St John Island.

Setting off from the pier, you will take a short drive across the island and on to the Eastern End Marina. Here you will step aboard your catamaran for a leisurely sail to St John and the pristine Honeymoon Beach. As you sail across Pillsbury Sound, take in the lovely views and look out for the shimmering shores of your destination beckoning in the distance.

Upon arrival, your captain will drop anchor off the beach, where you can sunbathe, enjoy a refreshing swim, snorkel the coral reef, or simply relax on board the catamaran.

Local champagne and light snacks will be available after snorkeling, and non alcoholic refreshments will be offered throughout.

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

Note: By safari bus and catamaran. Children under 6 may not participate. Alternate beach sites may be used dependent on sea conditions. Guests will be required to swim a short distance to the shore and must be competent swimmers. Snorkel equipment is included. 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.

Capture on film some of the most breathtaking views in the Caribbean, assisted by your experienced photographic escort.

Enjoy a scenic drive on a local island safari bus up to the Skyline Overlook. Here, you will have an excellent opportunity to photograph the wonderful panorama of the St Thomas harbour, and a picture of your ship from high above.

From the Skyline Overlook, 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. You will stop at Mountain Top, St Thomas’ highest point, presenting a magnificent panorama of Magens Bay, considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. From Mountain Top you will also have fabulous views over to the British Virgin Islands.

Your final stop is White Sand Beach lapped by the incredibly blue Caribbean waters. Here, you can take your very own picture postcard view of St Thomas before being returned to the ship.

Note: Guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the safari bus and a little walking at each stop.

Discover the beauty of Turtle Cove and enjoy a Caribbean-style barbeque on the beach.

As you set sail along the beautiful coastline, sit back, take in the views and relax in the warm Caribbean sunshine.

Your catamaran journey will take you to Buck Island's ‘Turtle Cove’, where you will drop anchor to enjoy some snorkelling. Explore intricate coral, observe colourful tropical fish and possibly encounter an endangered Green Sea Turtle.

Once back on board, you will continue to Honeymoon Beach. Upon arrival, enjoy a swim in the clear Caribbean waters, or simply relax on the sand. Afterwards, satisfy your appetite in casual surroundings with a delicious Caribbean-style barbeque luncheon, served on the beach. Afterwards, it is time for the Caribbean atmosphere to continue on board, as you set sail back to St Thomas.

During your tour soft drink refreshments will be available, cocktails and beer will be served after luncheon and on the return sail back to St Thomas.

Note: The barbeque is served on the beach and plastic cutlery and paper plates will be used. The catamaran will beach for guests to wade the short distance to the shore. On occasions a dinghy may be used to transfer ashore when the catamaran is at anchor. Guests must negotiate a ladder with five to eight steps to enter and exit the water from the catamaran. Depending on sea swells, an alternative anchorage may be used. Snorkel equipment is included. 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 you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery of the US Virgin Islands and snorkel with the captivating resident turtles.

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: Children under three may not participate. 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.

An opportunity to take in some of the sights and spectacular viewpoints of St Thomas.

Setting off from the pier, you will wend your way up the picturesque Skyline Drive. Visit Beacon Point which offers views of the surrounding British Virgin Islands, and the Skyline overlook, where you can capture the Charlotte Amalie coastline. Drakes’ Seat was once where Sir Frances Drake would sit and watch his fleet. Here you can enjoy a commanding view of the palm-fringed Magens Bay.

Afterwards, a visit will be made to the St Peter Estate. Formerly a private hideaway of the rich and famous, St Peter Estate boasts wonderful landscaped grounds and classic Caribbean architecture. Take in the panorama of the other Virgin Islands or enjoy a stroll along the nature trail within the gardens. During your visit a rum or fruit punch refreshment will be offered.

To round off your tour, you will head to Mountain Top, located at 1,400 feet above sea level. Take in the views and browse the small shops for souvenirs, before returning to the pier.

Note: The visits to St Peter Estate and Mountain Top are conducted on foot, however 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 two gradual flights of steps to reach the gardens. On the morning departure, there will be an optional downtown drop off. Guests taking this option will return to the ship at their own expense. This is not available on an afternoon departure.

Enjoy St Thomas’ main attraction - The Skyride. Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy some high altitude shopping.

Take a trip to Mountain Top. Located at 1,400 feet above the sea, this spectacular location offers incomparable vistas over Magens Bay and the surrounding Virgin Islands. Whilst at Mountain Top, you will be able to browse the small shops for souvenirs and local crafts.

This scenic tour takes you along the impressive Skyline Drive for a unique look at the bustling port of Charlotte Amalie, the cruise ship dock and tranquil St John Island in the distance.

Step 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. For those guests on a morning departure, there will be an option to be dropped downtown. Guests who take this option will return to the ship at their own expense. This is not available on an afternoon departure.