Travis Coles & Justin Iverson

Hey everyone! <br>

This is the first post of a series highlighting things to do on the Caribbean islands.

Today's Insight: St. Thomas

ABOUT THE ISLAND

St. Thomas is a part of a group of islands known as the "U.S. Virgin Islands." This means you can use your cell phone, as this is a part of US Territory! Residents of St. Thomas are U.S. Citizens, and the island has its own governor. This is the only port you can use your cell phone on, and one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. We will be docking in the City of Charlotte Amalie.

You can read more of the history here: https://www.visitusvi.com/about-the-islands/culture-history

HOW LONG ARE WE AT THE ISLAND?

The ship will be arriving at 10am and departing at 6pm. this gives you 7 realistic hours of exploration. IT IS MY RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU RETURN 45 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SHIP'S DEPARTURE TIME (5:15 PM).

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

Cruise Excursions

Cruise excursions are a little pricey, but fun. If there is enough interest in a particular excursion, we may be able to book an excursion as a group. Justin and I will let everyone know which excursions we are participating in as we get closer to the trip.

There are 29 excursions offered by Royal Caribbean in St. Thomas for our cruise.

For a complete list, see here: St. Thomas Excursions - Royal Caribbean. Below are some highlights:

St. Thomas Scenic Harbor Cruise and Shopping - ($19.75, 3.5 hours)
Skyride to Paradise Point - ($21 adult, $10 child). I believe this is for roundtrip.
Panoramic St. Thomas Island Drive - ($39 adult, $29 child, 2 hours)
Kon Tiki Party and Beach fun ($54 adult, $29 child, plus cash needed for cheap bar. Music/Dancing/Relaxing/Party/Beach)

Beaches & Bays

Beaches and Bays will be cheaper to check out on your own as opposed to a cruise excursion, but there is no guidance - YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING TO THE BOAT BY THE DEPARTURE TIME.

Beach toy rentals

Swimming

Snorkeling

Diving

Windsurfing

Jet Skiing

Activities

Activities will be cheaper to check out on your own as opposed to a cruise excursion, but there is no guidance - YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING TO THE BOAT BY THE DEPARTURE TIME.

Ice Gallery ($25 admission): http://www.magicice.vi/

Ocean Park ($10 adult, $6 children): www.coralworldvi.com

Golf Course: www.mahoganyrungolf.com (18 Holes / Cart Fee: $165, Club Rental: $50, Shoes: $15)

Mountain Top (panoramic views, shopping, world famous banana daiquiri) - www.mountaintopvi.com

Tropical Botanical Garden ($10) - www.StThomasBotanicalGarden.com

St. Thomas Adventure Tours ($115 - Kayaking/Sea Turtle Excursion or Snorkeling) - www.StThomasAdventureTours.com

St. Thomas Skyride/Ferris Wheel (ride in a cart, then you can ride a ferris wheel or enjoy the sights)

Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Preserve ($139 - 5 hour hike/snorkel/lunch) - https://viecotours.rezgo.com/?_ga=2.193089517.1781217827.1530818963-661574263.1530818963

Historical Sites

St. Thomas Synagogue: Built in 1796 by Sephardic Jews, the St. Thomas Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.
Hassel Island: Part of the Virgin Islands National Park, this treasured island is home to numerous historical structures including Danish & British Military Forts from the Napoleonic era, the world's largest Steam Engine powered Marine Railway and an idyllic snorkeling beach.

Drake’s Seat: Explorer Sir Francis Drake is said to have kept watch on his fleet from this vantage point, marked by a seat across the road from the parking area.

Bluebeard's Castle: A Danish fortress built in 1689, Bluebeard’s Castle is named after the fictitious pirate, Bluebeard, who was said to have built the castle to lock away his beautiful wife.

Camille Pissarro Gallery: The father of French Impressionism, Camille Pissarro was born and raised in Charlotte Amalie. His childhood home is now an art gallery featuring artwork from dozens of artists including Camille Pissarro himself.

99 Steps: These steps were built by the Danes in the mid-1700s who found “step-streets” to be the easiest way to climb up and down the steep hills of Charlotte Amalie.

French Heritage Museum: This small museum, located in Frenchtown, chronicles the influence of the French in the Caribbean.

That's all for today! Let me know your feedback for future blog posts! What did you see too much of, or not enough of?

Thanks!

Travis & Justin

So what's the weather like in the Carribbean?

Sunny and warm! The Carribbean is a tropical climate, just below the Tropic of Cancer in the Atlantic Ocean, expanding down into the Carribbean Sea. Average daily high temperatures are around 80 degrees fahrenheit.

Is there a dress code on this Royal Carribbean ship?

Yes! But it depends on what activites you want to participate in, and where you go on the ship. There are formal, smart casual, and casual nights.

Formal attire includes suits and ties or tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses for women. Smart casual attire includes jackets and ties for men and dresses or pantsuits for women. Casual attire includes sport shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pantsuits for women.

Based on averages, we can expect two formal nights on this cruise adventure. There are clothing restrictions when eating in the dining room: No caps, tank tops, shorts, or bathing suits are permitted in the dining room. "Tasteful" jeans are permitted in the dining room (this means no blemishes, tears, or mis-sizing).

That's all for this first blog entry! Check back for new blog posts that will include: Smartphone communication in the Carribbean, A detailed look at the things to do at each Carribbean port, an in-depth packing guide including tips and tricks, and more!

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