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ST. THOMAS
It's the beautiful, calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean that demand attention in St. Thomas, and there's no shortage of ways to explore the sea. Choose from open-air safari bus, helicopter, kayak, catamaran, sailing yacht, turbo-charged jet boat, or even a Breathing Observation Bubble (B.O.B.), to discover these warm waters — home to legendary pirate stories and schools of tropical fish for centuries.
VIEWS FROM ABOVE
Located on the ridge of mountains that runs the length of St. Thomas, Skyline Drive offers magnificent views of the British Virgin Islands, the city of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. Signs point the way to Mountain Top, the summit of St. Peter Mountain and original home of the banana daiquiri, with fabulous views of Magens Bay and a treasure-filled shopping area.
SHOPPING MECCA
Charlotte Amalie, capital of the United States Virgin Islands, was named in 1692 after the Queen of Denmark. Excellent duty-free markets have made Charlotte Amalie one of the best places in the Caribbean to shop for local handicrafts and goods from around the world, such as watches, woolens, cameras, jewelry, liquor and leather goods.
TRAMWAY RIDE
See a view of your cruise ship 700 feet above sea level from the Paradise Point Tramway. This cable car ride ends at Paradise Point, an observation deck where frozen specialty drinks called Bushwackers, a creamy blend of liqueurs with whipped cream and nutmeg, are as famous as the view. Bird shows and specialty shops are also available.
ST. JOHN
This lush tropical island just off shore is uniquely unspoiled, with three quarters designated as a National Park. An open-air safari adventure will introduce you to the isle's famed sugar-white-sand beaches and clear waters, as well as to the unforgettable scenery and vistas you'll encounter at Whistling Cay, Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and Caneel Bay, which overlooks Rockefeller Plantation.
ST. KITTS
Picture a luxuriant paradise covered in dense tropical forest with a spectacular mist-enshrouded volcanic peak of Mount Liamuiga at the center, and you're seeing St Kitts. This Caribbean Island reminiscent of the South Pacific, is part of a two-island independent state along with Nevis, also known as Saint Christopher and Nevis. Natural preservation here is key, and it is said the law here states that no building may be taller than the surrounding palm trees.
AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND COLONIAL BRITISH HERITAGE
Brimstone Hill, also known as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies," is an important cultural landmark of the people. This massive fortress of black volcanic stone, also known as brimstone, rises nearly 800 feet above sea level. A man-made growth out the surroundings from which it was composed, it stands as a monument to the skill of the British military engineers who designed it, as well as to the strength of the African slaves who built it.
VICTORIAN PATRIOTISM
Set against lush green hills in a low-lying area of the island, the capital city of Basseterre gets its name from a French word meaning, "lowland." On the waterfront, the arches of the Treasury Building are where the shipping industry of the sugar colony once passed through. The city's British colonial past is seen in the Circus, a roundabout fashioned after London's Piccadilly, and in the Berkeley Memorial Clock, thought to be a replica of Big Ben.
OUTSIDE THE CITY
Nestled on a hillside between the rough Atlantic Ocean surf and the calm Caribbean Sea waters, Frigate Bay Peninsula is shaped like an outstretched neck compared to that of an upturned wine bottle. It is home to a beautiful resort and a host of activities: pristine dive sights, golf, helicopter tours, a casino, volcano hikes, guided rainforest adventures and boat trips to the nearby island of Nevis.
GRENADA
Dubbed "Spice Island" because of the impressive amounts of nutmeg, cloves, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cocoa grown here, Grenada's dense forests and colorful markets have long attracted visitors to its fragrant shores. Covering this volcanic island are cascading rivers and lush rainforests, plus centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries still using traditional methods of production.
ALL TYPES OF TOPOGRAPHY
With a coastline indented by protected bays and beaches, and a rugged mountainous interior with waterfalls, Grenada appeals to adventure seekers whether they're armed with scuba gear or hiking boots. Because of Grenada's remarkable topography, the island experiences climate changes according to altitude.
HORSESHOE SHAPED HARBOR
The pretty, pastel town St George's is often referred to as one of the most stunning Caribbean harbor cities. The yellow, pink, tangerine, lilac and white 18th-century French and Georgian English architecture of Grenada's capital presents as colorful a mix as the busy market street of Carenage. This center of activity where schooners unload their produce is packed with stalls selling exotic fruit, vegetables and of course, spices.
GRAND ETANG NATIONAL PARK
The azure Grand Etang Lake and nature reserve in the center of the island is situated in the crater of an extinct volcano. Walking through the breathtaking scenery is a chance to see local spice trees and rare tropical flowers that make up the rainforest. The well-tended trails wander around the area's stunning waterfalls, including the rushing Annandale Falls.
GENTLE BAY
There are 45 beautiful beaches in Grenada, and all of them are public property. Grand Anse Beach is a smooth 2-mile expanse of white sand curving around the bay, and a favorite of locals and visitors. Located on the western side of the island, the bay is sheltered and calm, making it an ideal spot for water sports.
LA GUAIRA
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is a bustling, sophisticated, skyscraper-studded city surrounded by towering mountains. Here you'll find modern architecture, mosaics and murals that are fine examples of colonial architecture interspersed with impressive public buildings. Nearby Mount Avila, at over 7,000 feet tall, stands out as a natural source in what has become a cosmopolitan jungle.
A LOOK BACK
The Quinta Anauco, also known as the Colonial Museum, is a beautifully restored grand manor built in 1797 for El Marques Del Toro and his wife. Its impressive collection of household items, period furniture, gardens, patios and artwork gave a glimpse of the lifestyle and customs of Venezuela's colonial era.
COLONNADE OF HEROES
Noble monuments demonstrate the city's commitment to paying homage to its history. At the cultural center of Caracas, Paseo Los Próceres, a garden-lined boulevard built in 1956, showcases ornamental fountains and exquisitely designed marble statues honoring the National Heroes of Venezuela's Independence.
EXTRAORDINARY WORKS OF ART
Murano glass is world renown for its high quality and the stunning beauty of its creations. Visit a factory to watch skilled craftsmen create extraordinary sculptures, figurines and glassware. You'll also learn about the fascinating refined technologies, such as crystalline, enameled, threaded gold and multicolored glass used to create these works of art.
SIERRA GRANDE
Mount Avila is a steep, verdant, majestic mountain that looms just north of the city, separating Caracas from the sea. For a bird's-eye vista, ride the state-of-the-art telefrico, or cable car, up to the over 7,000 foot summit. Here, you'll experience spectacular views of El Avila National Park, Caracas and the Caribbean Sea.
ARUBA
Whether you want to explore the coral reefs of its turquoise waters, soak up the magnificent views across its sun-drenched terrain, visit historic landmarks, or simply shop-till-you-drop at its world-famous markets and boutiques, Aruba offers a diverse mix of memorable adventures.
KALEIDOSCOPE OF FISH AND CORAL
Just about every inch of Aruba's coastline is a great place to snorkel. One of the best spots is Baby Beach, with its kaleidoscope of colorful fish and corals. Another is secluded De Palm Island, where schools of native blue parrotfish thrive. This is also a beautiful place to swim, laze about or try out the latest craze in underwater activities, helmet diving. To view the reef from above and below, try kayaking in the Spanish Lagoon and across the Barcadera Channel to the splendid snorkeling reefs off Manguel Halto Beach.
WATER ADVENTURE ABOUNDS
For a fascinating scuba diving experience, explore the wreck of the Antilla, a 440-foot German freighter that sank in 1940. Its coral and sponge-encrusted decks have created a unique marine environment that's home to schools of many exotic fish, including snapper, blue tang and Creole wrasse. And for an undersea odyssey like no other, board the semi-submarine Atlantis to view the shipwrecks Mi Dushi and The Morgenster, as well as a the colorful exotic fish and fascinating coral formations that inhabit them.
LANDSCAPE AND LANDMARKS
Aruba's rolling terrain is filled with cacti, aloe and distinctively pointing divi divi trees. Be sure to take note of the island's fascinating rock formations, especially the Natural Bridge on the rugged coast, which was carved over the centuries by the beating surf alone. Move on to the island's softer side with a visit to its #1 ecological attraction, the Butterfly Farm, where you'll meet some of the world's most colorful and unusual creatures. The old stone California Lighthouse, named for the off-shore wreck of the famous ship, California, is one of the island's most recognized landmarks, and offers photographer's unparalleled panoramic views in all directions.
For a list of all shore tours for these ports, please click HERE.
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