Regal Princess 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 4            St. Thomas                           
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Arrival:  Early in the morning we ran into some rain, but eventually the sun peaked through the clouds promising another beautiful day.  We were scheduled to reach St. Thomas at around 10:00am so there was plenty of time to enjoy activities going on around the ship. One was the St. Thomas Shopping Highlights which informed you of everything you needed to know about finding that perfect purchase in St. Thomas.  Since St. Thomas has the reputation of being a world-class shopping locale, this event was very well attended.  Although there were many shops in the area closest to the Crown Bay Center where our ship would dock, the best shopping was in Downtown Charlotte Amalie which was about 1 ½ miles from the dock. When we arrived (on time) in St. Thomas, there were two ships already there which meant there would be lots of activity around the Crown Bay Dock.

Brief showers on way to St. Thomas

Sun breaking through - a beautiful sight

Approaching land

Excursions:  Many excursions to choose from including scenic panoramic tours around St. Thomas; an aerial cable car ride to a mountain top; Blackbeard’s castle; snorkeling, diving or swimming at one of the many beautiful beaches around the island; or a nautilus semi-sub cruise through coral gardens.

St. Thomas:  It was originally settled in 1500 BC by the Ciboney people, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 during his 2nd voyage to the “New World” and established as a trading post in 1657 by The Dutch West India Co.  Ownership of the island went back and forth between the Danes and the British over the years. In 1917 St. Thomas (along with St. John and St. Crox) were purchased by the US for $25 million in gold.  US citizenship was granted to residents in 1927. In 1954 territorial status was given to the three islands.  March 31 is celebrated as Transfer Day, the day that US took control from the Danish. The territorial capital is Charlotte Amalie. The island is about 32 square miles.

St. Thomas as seen from ship

Three ships in port

Aerial ride to top of mountain

Blackbeard's Castle - built in 1679, today a US National Historic Landmark

St. Thomas USVI Government House - tour guide called it their "White House"

One of many beautiful resorts around St. Thomas

Our Excursion: We chose the St. John Scenic Cruise, Panoramic Drive & Shopping excursion primarily to tour the Virgin Islands National Park.  Our group departed St. Thomas aboard the” Island Girl” boat and had about a 30 min. ride to St. John. The ride was very smooth and the guide on the boat pointed out various points of interest on the shore as well as giving information about the other islands we could see in the distance. Once we arrived in Cruz Bay (the largest settlement in St. John), the group split into smaller groups that were going on different excursions while in St. John. Our small group of about 20 got into an open-air covered truck (called a “safari”) for a scenic drive through the National Park. The ride was very bumpy and the road very curvy and exciting since we were riding on the left side of the road!  We stopped to observe and photograph the emerald waters, white-sand beaches and panoramic views from the highest points of the island.  Our tour ended back in Cruz Bay where we had some free time to shop before the boat ride back to St. Thomas. When arriving back to the dock and before we could get off the boat, each person had to show not only their cruise card but a photo ID.

Boat ride to St. John for excursion

Arriving in St. John

On Way To St. John

​St. John: It was first settled by Taino Indians around 300AD. Christopher Columbus saw the island in 1493 on his 2nd voyage. The Danish West India & Quinea Co. settled the island in 1718 with the Danish taking full control in 1754.  Sugar cane plantations were built in great numbers, the most famous being Annaberg Sugar Plantation.  Slaves were imported from Africa to work the sugar cane fields. Slavery was abolished by Denmark on July 3, 1848. US purchased the island in 1917 to be used as a naval base during WWI. During the 20th century Laurence Rockefeller, as well as other investors, purchased property for vacation resorts. In 1956 about 60% of St. John became the 29th US National Park with much of the land donated by Rockefeller. The island is about 20 square miles.

29th US National Park

Our "safari" for the day

Spectacular views of the emerald water

One of many beaches available to public

Every view is beautiful

Different shades of the water

Trunk Bay Beach - consistently voted one of 10 best beaches in the world

Cruz Bay shopping area

Cruz Bay shopping area

Sugar plantation ruins

Pets?

​Dinner and Evening Entertainment:  Since our excursion had lasted most of our day and our lunch existed of a cup of chocolate ice cream, we were so ready for dinner which was delicious as usual. The ship was not leaving St. Thomas until much later in the evening so we took the time to go to the shopping area around the dock.  There were many little shops with lots of interesting merchandise. (Note: Before we could leave the Crown Bay Center, a security person was checking photo IDs and cruise cards. Always bring your photo ID when leaving the ship).We got back on the ship in time to catch the late show in the Princess Theater. The featured entertainment was Steve Moris. He had been introduced the very first night of the cruise, but this night he was the whole show and the audience loved every minute of it. Not only was he humorous, but he also had the audience singing along with him. It was a fun evening!

Tropical fruit appetizer

Surf and turf entree

or just Surf

Sugar free dessert

Black Forest Cake

Leaving St. Thomas later that eveining

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