ST THOMAS

If you regularly sail in the Caribbean, chances are you'll end up in St. Thomas. Its popularity as one of the busiest cruise ports in the world is well deserved. The island offers something for almost everyone and has the infrastructure to accommodate a huge daily influx of people. In addition to a duty-free shopping scene that is virtually unparalleled, other beat sites include the famous Magens Bay beach. In September 2017, the Virgin Islands - along with many other Caribbean islands - were rocked by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. While St. Thomas worked to quickly recover its most popular tourist destinations, some unfortunately closed their doors indefinitely, including the SkyRide to Paradise Point.

 Expensive restaurants like Cuzzin's are closed. However, new restaurants and attractions have popped up in their place, solidifying the island's commitment to welcoming visitors. Nearly every ship sailing on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes St. Thomas as a port of call, as do many trips to the southern Caribbean. You'll also see St. Thomas on the Panama Canal and South American itineraries (when a Florida port such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami serves as a port of embarkation or disembarkation). It's not uncommon, particularly during the Caribbean's peak winter season, to see six ships or more docked or anchored in a day - and that can mean an increase of 20,000 people mixing into a population of around 50,000. Believe it or not, it's easy to find some relief from the inevitable crowds by exploring the quieter, undiscovered part of St. Thomas - a delightful historic district trips to Water Island (the "fourth" and youngest, Virgin Island in the U.S.), beaches all over the island, and fabulous restaurants in Frenchtown.

It's also an easy trip with the 20-minute ferry ride to quiet St. John from the town of Red Hook. Even this town has a local feel (this is where ex-pat St. Thomas residents spend their time) it's quite different from the mall atmosphere of Charlotte Amalie. Just taking transit to the east side of the island will give you an emotional distance from the hectic pier. Even if it's your first time on St. Thomas, don't be afraid to explore. Although locals drive on the left side of the road, the island has an American familiarity that makes it a perfect introduction to the Caribbean lifestyle. Attractions, beaches, shopping, golf, water sports - the island offers a wide range of activities, with new additions every year. Even if it's your tenth trip, you're bound to find something fun to do, even if it means simply discovering a new beach.