If you only have one day to visit St. Thomas, you have several options. You can purchase a half day sightseeing tour, shop, charter a boat, enjoy water sports or take a cable car up the side of Flag Hill. Charlotte Amalie which is walking distance from your cruise ship, is the heart of the island’s shopping scene, with stores crammed full of merchandise on the waterfront side of town date back to the 17th and 18th century when they served as warehouses. Filled with sugar, molasses and other goods awaiting export, they held products from the island’s plantations. In those days, the waterfront was at their doorstep. A mid-20th century landfill created the waterfront highway called Veterans Drive, and the warehouses were turned into shops with entrances at both ends. The stores on the inland side of Main Street were always shops with storeowner families living upstairs. You can shop for antiques, arts and crafts, specialty foods and lots of lots of jewelry. Most popular shopping places include Havensight Mall, Tropical Memories (Royal Dane Mall,) and Red Hook (East end of the island.) The Havensight Mall has over 60 unique shops and is adjacent to the cruise ship dock so you will walk right by it.
Most half day tours will include a visit to the 17th-century Fort Christian, the oldest building in St. Thomas. With its small museum, the fort sets the pace with old guns and ramparts ripe for exploring. Across the street toward the harbor sits the Legislature Building, home to the sole lawmaking body in the territory. Heading west and inland, Emancipation Garden provides a pleasant respite for tired sightseers. The park was built to commemorate the 1848 slave emancipation, which actually happened in St. Croix. Continue up hill to Government Hill, home to slews of historic homes and public buildings. The list includes the Hotel 1829, Government House, and the Seven Arches Museum, tucked behind the Lieutenant Governor’s office. The 99 Stepsleads to Blackbeard’s Hill, home to Haagensen House, a restored historic home, Inn at Blackbeard’s Castle, and the Green Iguana Hotel, both located in historic buildings. After returning to the town proper, go east a block to visit the historic Frederick Lutheran Church. Tucked up behind Main Street on Crystal Gade sits the historic St. Thomas Synagogue. The congregation dates to 1796 although this building went up in 1833. It has a sand floor to commemorate the flight of ancient Jews out of Egypt across the desert.
If you prefer the beach, take a group excursion to Magens Bay Beach for excellent snorkeling, swimming or just to relax. You can charter a boat with a captain with prices starting at $350 for a couple of hours. Families with children may want to visit Coral World Ocean park.
Hungry? A popular eatery is the Greenhouse which offers a view to the harbor. You can choose from both Caribbean and American dishes. House specialties include conch fitters, mango-banana chicken and Jamaican jerk ribs. If you’re looking for a great place to have drinks stop at Duffy’s Love Shack known for their 50 ounce flaming Volcano and their Revenge of Godzilla. There is a full food menu as well.
We have been here several times, so today we are just going to walk into town and browse the shops and perhaps enjoy a drink before returning to the ship. Sometimes it’s nice to spend time on the ship when so many people are in port.
