CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS, USVI

Table 51 in the Grand Palace dining room on the Norwegian Jade quickly became one of my favorites. Located next to the window in the rear of the dining room, table 51 affording some glorious views.  Many times I would find myself almost hypnotized as I blankly stared at the agitating waters.  Colors altering from dark blue to sea foam green, then back to dark blue as we churned ahead at 18-20 knots.  After enjoying a quiet and relaxing breakfast at table 51 we headed back to the cabin to collect our day packs. 

We stepped off the ship a few minutes before 9am.  Our shore excursion today was prearranged by Leslie and Dave from Lancashire, England.  They were just 2 of more than 130 Cruise Critics on board our Transatlantic sailing.  Exiting the ship today was effortless, with no delays, and we immediately spotted Leslie and Dave dockside. By the time our tour was ready to depart we became a  party of 18.   Much more intimate than the mega groups you are thrown into when you take a ship offered shore excursion. 

The tour Leslie and Dave planned was operated by Brenda and Franko from B&F Fun Tours. Personally I could easily have skipped the first 2 hours as we were driven to downtown Charlotte Amelia and dropped off in front of the Little Switzerland store to allow time for shopping.  I am not a die-hard shopper but certainly can appreciate those that are and what  better place to test your shopping skills than the streets of St. Thomas.

One of the fun local transportation options in St Thomas

Blackbeards Castle

Slowly strolling along the back streets with Leslie and Dave, we chatted and enjoyed the sunshine and freshness of the morning until about 11am.  We rejoined our group at the downtown market area and began the short ride to Blackbeard’sCastle.  Known as “The Williamsburg of the Caribbean”, Blackbeard's Castle is one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands with historic manor houses dating back to the late 1600’s.   

The Three Queens Statute with Skytsborg Tower in Background

Skytsborg Tower, built in 1679, was used by Blackbeard as a lookout to identify enemy ships entering the harbor.  The military tower stands 40-feet tall with 6-foot thick walls and offers 360 degree views of Charlotte Amelia, St Croix and the surrounding area.  The complex at Blackbeard's Castle houses the world’s largest collection of life-sized pirate sculptures, crafted in copper and bronze, as well as the sculpture of The Three Queens.   

These beautiful bronze sculptures depict three former female slaves who led a revolt against the Danish government in 1878.

Leaving Blackbeard’s Castle, we headed to Mountain Top, the highest point on the island of St. Thomas and home to the world famous “Banana Daiquiri”.  

 

Panoramic View on way to Mountain Top

One of the first attractions on the island, Mountain Top offers stunning panoramic views of Magens Bay, St. John and the British Virgin Islands from its expansive observation deck.   We ejoyed a 30 minute stop here and I was able to download all my email while sipping on my banana daiquiri as I found free wi-fi here, password SOUVENIRS.  The banana daiquiri isn’t cheap however with the smallest glass running $10.99 plus taxes.  Before leaving Mountain Top our guides, Brenda and Franko, served us our choice of Pineapple, Coconut or Mango Cruzin Rum shots.   

View of Megans Bay from Mountain Top

Mountain Top - Home to Banana Daiquiri

Next stop - Emerald Bay beach, right across from the airport.  I found this to be a beautiful beach but very noisy and would not want to stay at the hotel here.  There was not time to actually enjoy a dip in the water but it was relaxing non the less.  On our way back to the ship Brenda and Franko made an unscheduled stop at the local K-Mart to drop off folks that wanted to do a little shopping before walking back to the ship. 

Ahhhhh. . . . Emerald Bay Beach

We arrived back at the ship at 3:45pm.  The cost for the day trip was only $30 per person, much less than anything offered from the ship.  Remember to take your photo ID anytime you leave the ship as you will be checked both leaving and returning.   

Dinner reservations for tonight were at La Bistro French Restaurant with friends and fellow Cruise Critics Steve and Judy  from Texas and Dawn from Calgary, Canada. La Bistro is listed as the most elegant and formal specialty restaurant in the Norwegian fleet.  Our seating was at 6:30pm and after ejoying the escargot appetizer I opted for the French tradition of Coq au Vin, a dish consisting of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms and garlic presented in a small cast iron skillet.  The ambiance, friends, food and wine all made for an absolutely perfect dinner choice.

After dinner we headed straight to the Stardust Theatre and front row seats for viewing the vocal talent of 4EVER.   Originally formed as a tribute to the world famous II Divo, the group is comprised of 4 extraordinary males from Uruguay and Spain.  The stage presence and musical talent of these 4 young men was excellent.  The conclusion of the show brought the day to an end providing me with some fantastic memories and new friendships.  Tomorrow will be the first of 6 straight days at sea before Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.