July 2010 - Eastern Caribbean Cruise / St Thomas US Virgin Islands

Iguana at St Thomas port

Group photo at St Thomas port

Terri and Larry rushing to do some shopping

Looking out towards the sea from St. Thomas port

Anette and Terri on back deck with St. Thomas in background

St. Thomas US Virgin Islands Port of Call

Our second port of call was St. Thomas US Virgin Islands (Crown Bay port). The US Virgin Islands are America's paradise offering an easy-going blend of island ways and American practicality. St. Thomas, capital of the island group, offers every imaginable sport: snorkeling, golfing, hiking and sailing. Just a few miles away lies St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters and white sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze - the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise.

The Virgin Islands lured more foreign nations than any other territory. The flags of six countries have flown over the Islands. Settlements date to 1500 BC, and people lived here 1,000 years before. The 1800's brought great change. In 1843, the shipping trade transitioned from sailing to steam engine vessels. During the Frist World War, the United States bought the Virgin Islands for $25 million in gold. In the 1950's, St. Thomas became a tourist mecca and enjoys this status today. The US Virgin Islands is home to the Cruzan Rum Distillery - makers of Cruzan Rum and other liquors such as Southern Comfort. The Island also has Dutch architecture that reflects its culturally diverse past.

During our St. Thomas stop we didn't do anything other than a little shopping at the pier shopping center. Bill bought a new watch and Anette purchased a new ring as the duty-free prices were fairly competitive.