Table Of Content
Head up the Skyride gondola and sample a Bushwhacker rum cocktail, or join a catamaran cruise across to St. John and look for sea turtles as you snorkel Trunk Bay. I can’t believe I am going to say this after years of giving my mother grief for not getting off cruise ships and exploring, but my friend and I loved Valiant Lady so much that we wished we spent more time onboard! The Virgin Islands is one of the top spots in the Caribbean for both snorkeling and diving. From Tortola, dive the RMS Rhone, now a thriving coral reef teeming with fish. Novice divers can take their first guided plunge in the warm, clear waters off St. Croix, while the more experienced can swim over three wrecks in a single dive. Families, meanwhile, will love the underwater snorkeling trail at pretty Trunk Bay on St. John.
Stay connected
Always one to enjoy Sir Richard Branson’s hotels and airlines, a trip aboard the Valiant Lady seemed like an ideal match. Stop by the visitor center for the most current information on snorkeling. Hurricane Irma passed over the Virgin Islands in September 2017 and destroyed a huge chunk of the national park in St. John. Before planning to hike or embark on any activity along a beach or in the wilderness, be sure to check with the National Park Service on what's open and safe. Some restaurants and beach concessions are still working to come back, a year later.
Sign up, set sail, score (extra) savings — loyalty Sailors sail with perks.
We spent every afternoon lounging on the rooftop between excursions and watched the sunset during happy hour with an intimate group of cruisers we befriended. On our sea day, when the pool was most packed, the lounge remained an empty reprieve, and we certainly felt like RockStars with our whims catered to at every turn. Though the island is only about nine miles long, it takes about an hour to drive from Cruz Bay to the east end along winding roads.
Facts & History
And no sightseeing drive around the island is complete without a stop to see the fabulous panoramic view from the Bordeaux Mountain Overlook. Back in the town, the boutiques at Mongoose Junction offer one-of-a-kind souvenirs, while Cruz Bay Landing is a perfect spot to grab lunch and drinks. Since more than 40 percent of the Virgin Islands National Park is actually underwater, snorkeling is a popular activity for visitors. The park area consists of seagrass beds, patch reefs, mangrove shorelines, and many other ecosystems for you to explore. That's not to say there aren't plenty of tourist-friendly beaches (all are open to the public) and frosty blender drinks.
St. John’s Trunk Bay is known for its clear turquoise waters and fascinating snorkel trail. Here, underwater signs tell you about the reef creatures that live here, making this a great trip for families. Heart-shaped Magens Bay on St. Thomas is popular for its white-sand shores and lush greenery. The only areas that ever felt crowded were the pools at the Aquatic Club and Gym and Tonic, which is pretty typical of any cruise ship, especially on sea days. But besides feeling like we had the ship to ourselves, there was the feeling of inclusion aboard Valiant Lady.
USVI at Forefront of Global Cruise Tourism with 5% Market Share: Bryan Reflects on Seatrade 2024 - VI Consortium
USVI at Forefront of Global Cruise Tourism with 5% Market Share: Bryan Reflects on Seatrade 2024.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:38:39 GMT [source]
St. John is the least developed and most sparsely populated of the three main islands in the U.S. That's not surprising, since more than half its land is protected as a U.S. Most visitors reach St. John by ferry from St. Thomas, landing at the dock in Cruz Bay, St. John's main settlement. A village with only a few thousand residents, Cruz Bay has gained a reputation as an upscale retreat for movie stars and other high-profile people looking for a secluded getaway. Rum distilling and the Virgin Islands go hand-in-hand, where you’ll find fascinating distilleries and flavor-packed rum cocktails to try.
U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Ship Schedule
You’ll also find boardwalk bars serving traditional American fare, like hamburgers with rum punch. Virgin Islands, dates back to the 17th century and has influences from Denmark, Africa, and the Caribbean. There’s plenty to explore amid the narrow lanes, imposing Fort Christian, the 17th century Blackbeard’s Castle, and stone stairways lined with lush tropical vegetation.
Getting Healthy at Sea
Novice divers can take their first plunge in the warm, clear waters off Virgin Gorda, while families will love the underwater snorkeling trail at pretty Trunk Bay on St. John. We were told he always greets his ships when he’s on the island, sometimes with fireworks. It all started back in 1956, when businessman and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller, who had bought extensive land holdings on St. John, opened the low-key but luxurious Caneel Bay Resort.
World's Largest Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Call to US Virgin Islands - Cruise Hive
World's Largest Cruise Ship Makes Maiden Call to US Virgin Islands.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Embark on a spectacular eight-night voyage through the Caribbean featuring a day in Puerto Plata, a late-night stay in San Juan, and a visit to St. Croix. After 3 days of indulging in the (very) good life on board, you'll sail to The Beach Club at Bimini to revel in our private beach club experience. The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to hundreds of species of beautiful tropical fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and blue tang, which make for great underwater viewing.
Enjoy luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service as you discover St. Thomas, St. Thomas, The British Virgin Islands and Fort Lauderdale. Climb, snorkel, swim, bike or chill in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Actually, it was super easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle aboard Valiant Lady. We couldn’t get enough of Rees and his high-energy Spin classes set to Beyonce, Rhianna, and Madonna.
Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee. But the best places to shop in St. Croix are the duty-free shops offering jewelry, liquor, clothing and souvenirs. It’s about a half-hour drive from Christiansted, but well worth the journey— once you arrive at the rocky bluff, you can wander up a paved road to the overlook for the best views on the island.
Sharing a room with a friend is always a tricky proposition, but even more so in the tight quarters of a cruise ship. My friend and I shared a 225-square-foot Sea Terrace suite and from the photos, it looked like we’d have some trouble squeezing in clothes for two. But we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival, as the suite was filled with plenty of space to accommodate all of our clothes and toiletries. It's easy to get to Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John.
A multitude of activities and dining opportunities are available within walking distance of the ferry dock in downtown Cruz Bay, a good anchor point. Just east of the dock is Wharfside Village, where you'll find powerboat rentals, grills and bars as well as stone-walled shopping haven Mongoose Junction. Access to the Northshore beaches, such as Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, are a 15-minute taxi ride. St. Croix — whose charm is characterised by lush mountains, lively waters, and a rich history where piracy, art, and a mixture of cultures intertwine. Beyond the picturesque beaches and pastel-lined streets, Puerto Rico’s capital is perfectly located to easily access the geographic diversity of this gorgeous island.
No comments:
Post a Comment