Princess St. Thomas Guide 12-13

St. Thomas 2013 guIDe to

Duty-free shopping Where to get the goods

Island adventures Beaches and historic sites

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interchangeable strap

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Contents 2013 hearts on fire

12

Welcome to St. Thomas

16

Information at Your Fingertips

17

A Strong Danish Heritage

20

Pirates’ Haven

22

An Artist’s Journey

24

Beach Briefing

28

Charlotte Amalie Walkabout

32

Flavors of St. Thomas

36

A View from the Top

38

Sacred and Celebrated

40

A Bench Marks the Spot

42

45

Shimmering Shores

46

Memorable Meals

51

Shopping and Island Maps

58

A Perfect Day in Port

62

Shopping List!

68

The Discover Style Show

74

Shopping Guide

94

Birth of the Virgins

ramunas/shutterstock.com

How to Build an Island

44

St. John: A True Tropical Paradise

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©2012 onboard media. no claim to original works of princess cruises or advertisers. ships of bahamian registry. all rights reserved. the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. printed in the united states of america. all articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of onboard media, inc. or princess cruises, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. onboard media, inc. and princess cruises specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk.

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we and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

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Adventure is Everywhere.

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Without Sun

With Sun

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T-shirts, nail polish, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, beach coverups, board shorts and much more that all change within seconds from one color without sunlight to a completely different color with sunlight.

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Welcome

to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, a destination of fascinating history and idyllic beauty.

With a matchless combination of nearperfect weather, spectacular beaches and lush mountainsides, as well as worldclass shopping, interesting attractions and delectable cuisine, St. Thomas is a vacation destination you won’t forget.

The history of St. Thomas rests upon pirates and privateers, sugar plantations and the dark days of slavery. The island even played a role in the American Civil War. St. Thomas’ beaches are legendary; Magens Bay is unquestionably one of the most sensational anywhere. All along this beautiful island are shores just right for lazing and others perfect for every

DIGITAL VISIOn

water sport imaginable.

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DIGITAL VISIOn

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Information

At Your Fingertips Location St. Thomas is 40 miles east of Puerto rico. Its northern coast borders the Atlantic Ocean, while the Caribbean Sea washes the beaches to the south.

The island enjoys warm, dry weather practically all year, with pleasant breezes that temper the humidity.

51,700

Store Hours Shops and businesses are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Some stay open later when a cruise ship is in port.

Customs and Duties Merchandise purchased on your cruise is subject to duty, a tax that is payable upon return to the United States. A portion of the goods’ value is exempt from duty — and because St. Thomas is a U.S. port, the duty-free allowance is greater than at other ports.

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U.S. VIrGIn ISLAnDS DEPArTMEnT OF TOUrISM

climate

The U.S. dollar is the legal tender.

Traveler’s checks and major international credit cards are accepted throughout the island.

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St. Thomas is the second-largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shaped like an elongated hourglass, it measures approximately 28 square miles.

About

English is the common language of the Virgin Islands. Locals speak it with a Creole or West Indian lilt.

Money

Land Area

Population

Language

A Strong Danish Heritage

U.S. VIrGIn ISLAnDS DEPArTMEnT OF TOUrISM

In 1493, Christopher Columbus sailed in, anchored off St. Croix and named the island group he discovered for the legendary Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin martyrs.

In succeeding years, Spain, England, France, Holland and the Knights of Malta all claimed ownership at some point.

But the most lasting impression came from Denmark, which acquired the islands in 1754. Industrious Danish colonists had settled on the island a century earlier, building a viable economy based on sugar, cotton, commerce and slave labor.

Reminders of Danish heritage, in surnames, street names and architecture, are all over the islands’ capital, Charlotte Amalie, which was named for the queen of Denmark. Visitors can glimpse shards of old Danish brick walls, roads, ruins and mills, and Danish names are emblazoned on businesses. Royal Dane Mall, for instance, is a popular attraction in St. Thomas.

For many Danes, the islands’ most endearing memorial is Fort Christian, built in 1671. The Danish colonial building,

fort christian

with its shutters and ornate clock tower, is visible from Veteran's Drive, but undergoing renovation.

More than three centuries of Danish rule came to an end in 1917, when the United States paid $25 million for St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and the 65 small islets that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even after nearly a century, the Danish heritage of the islands has not been eclipsed by Uncle Sam. —R. C. 17

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a bronze statue of the notorious captain Bartholomew roberts, known as ‘‘Black Bart,’’ gazes over charlotte amalie from Blackbeard’s castle on Government hill.

Pirates’ Haven The town’s white and pastel buildings line the waterfront and spread across three steep hills: Denmark Hill, Synagogue Hill and Government Hill. In days of yore, sailors looked up from the water and called the three hills Foretop, Maintop and Mizzenmast.

The harbor is unmatched for its beauty and superb location. It was the nearest thing to home port for such cutthroats as Captain Kidd and Edward Teach, otherwise known as Blackbeard. From this lair, Sir Francis Drake launched his attacks on Spanish galleons laden with New World gold that were sailing through the Anegada Passage on their way home to Spain.

The Danes, who moved quietly onto St. Thomas in the 17th century amid the colonial squabbles of England, Spain and France, built this town and named it after the consort of King Christian V. Charlotte Amalie, already famous as a free port and a protected harbor, welcomed all comers: New England sea captains, Civil War blockade runners, religious refugees from Europe, even pirates who came to buy supplies and sell their loot in this busy trading post. On two occasions, the pirates actually captured the town. The old warehouses that once stored the pirates’ booty today contain many of Charlotte Amalie’s boutiques and shopping arcades. —D. W.

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St. Thomas’ chief port and capital, Charlotte Amalie, has been a haven for seafarers since the 1600s — particularly the swashbuckling kind.

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MUSéE D'OrSAY

camille Pissarro's The Road of Louveciennes, painted in 1872

An Artist’s Journey Camille Pissarro, one of the most influential artists of 19th-century French Impressionism, was born in a small Spanish Sephardic Jewish community in Charlotte Amalie.

In 1844, at the age of 14, Pissarro left the Caribbean to study business in Paris. A year later, he returned to St. Thomas to help his merchant father run the family store on Main Street.

But his heart was not in the business, and he spent every minute of his spare time painting. Realizing that his son would never become a merchant, Pissarro’s father sent him back to Paris in 1855 to study with the masters. The young artist held his first exhibition in the Salon in Paris four years later.

Pissarro died at the age of 73 at his home in Éragny (just north of Paris), but his paintings still grace the walls of many of Europe’s major museums.

Today his boyhood home at 14 Main St. is the Pissarro gallery, which houses a variety of artwork. He was described as godlike by many of his students, who included such notables as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Paul Cézanne.

A few of his more important works are L’Île Lacroix, Rouen, Éragny and Le Pont des Arts. —M.D.F.

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Beautiful white beaches await you in st. thomas.

Beach Briefing Most beaches on St. Thomas lie 2 to 5 miles from Charlotte Amalie and are open to the public. The preferred stretches are generally along the eastern and southern coasts of the island, with the notable exception of the most famous one of all: Magens Bay. Here are four popular beaches, listed in geographical order beginning on the south shore, just east of Charlotte Amalie, and moving counterclockwise. morninGstar Beach Just 10 minutes southeast of Charlotte Amalie, below Frenchman’s Reef Hotel, is the particularly lovely shore of Morningstar. Here you can wear your most daring bathing suit. Water-sports equipment is available for rent for active types, while beach umbrellas, lounge chairs and floats are offered for rent for those who opt to take it easy. At the tennis shop, snack shop and service bars, you can mingle with other beachgoers while sipping a cool drink.

BoLonGo Beach On the south shore along Route 30 (Frenchman Bay Road), Bolongo Beach has a resplendent underwater environment, a treat for snorkelers who swivel from grassy areas to coral reefs. The beach hotel has a restaurant and a place to rent water-sports equipment.

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maGens Bay Lauded by National Geographic magazine as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches on earth, Magens Bay is a half-mile-long strip of sugar-white sand situated between two mountains and bordered by coconut palms and calm, protected waters. This public park has a snack bar, picnic tables, showers and changing facilities.

U.S. VIrGIn ISLAnDS DEPArTMEnT OF TOUrISM; MAxFx/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM

huLL Bay This palm-tree-laden northside beach is where local surfers flock when the waves are right. Fishermen anchor their boats here and congregate at the Northside Hideaway bar, which has the island’s only horseshoe pitch.

Gardens Galore

Tropical flowers and plants cover the hillsides of St. Thomas like a multicolored mantle meant for royalty.

Even so, Virgin Islanders like to pull nature in close to home; almost every house has its own private garden — each more spectacular than the last.

Oleander, hibiscus, the African tulip, bougainvillea, the delicate frangipani and the yellow cedar compete for brilliance at every turn.

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the skyride to Paradise Point gives a bird’s-eye view of charlotte amalie.

Charlotte Amalie Walkabout The best place to start a tour of St. Thomas is Emancipation Park, which is just a few minutes from the cruise dock, near the tourist information office.

Leave the harbor and walk up Ft. Pladsen to Emancipation Park, the site of an historic episode that took place on July 3, 1848.

Here, Governor-General Peter Von Scholten freed the slaves of the Virgin Islands 17 years before emancipation in the States.

A replica of the U.S. Liberty Bell and a sculpture of King Christian V are on display.

Nearby is the two-story mint-green House of Legislature of the Virgin Islands.

This 130-year-old Italian Renaissance structure was once used as barracks for Danish police based here. From 1917, when the United States acquired the Virgin Islands, to 1930, it was similarly used by the U.S. Marines. Now the outside staircase leads up to the Senate chambers.

Right across the street stands the island’s oldest building and national landmark, Fort Christian, dating from 1671.

Named after the Danish King Christian V, the fort has served over the years as the governor’s house, a church, the police station and the local prison. Today, Fort Christian is a National Historic Site.

Walk a short distance up Tolbod Gade to the intersection of Norre Gade (Main Street), where jewelry shops line the street and the busy Central Post Office stands. While waiting to purchase your stamps, peruse the pretty murals painted

by Stevan Dohanos, a former Saturday Evening Post artist.

From the post office, walk east along Norre Gade and you will come upon the 18th-century Frederick Lutheran Church.

The original Georgian-style structure was rebuilt in 1825 after a fire and reconstructed

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A self-guided tour of St. Thomas’ capital is an ideal way to experience the historic port city.

the windmill at crown Bay center in charlotte amalie 29

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Frederick Lutheran Church

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once again in 1870 after it was damaged in a hurricane. Today, the historic church is in active use.

Continue east along Norre Gade to Lille Taarne Gade and turn left. Climb to Kongens Gade to reach Government House, the official residence and administrative offices of the island’s governor. This three-story building with wrought-iron balconies was built in 1867 for the Danish colonial council.

The reception rooms on the first and

second floors are open to the public.

Visitors can see several paintings by former St. Thomas resident and French Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro on display in the second-floor ballroom.

As you climb the 99 Steps to the top of the hill, do not be surprised if it feels like you are tackling more — there are more than 100 steps in all.

Atop Government Hill sits St. Thomas’ Haagensen House. The restored 1820s town house is now a museum featuring authentic West Indian period furnishings and accessories. Adjacent to the museum is a landmark building, Hotel 1829. The original town house has been extended behind to enhance this hotel, which has accommodated many of the island’s most famous guests over the years.

You’ll want to go back down the hill to Main Street for shopping. Then you can take it all in again from the Skyride to Paradise Point, a tram that offers a bird’s-eye view of the port and a rest for your feet. —W.L.S.

Charlotte Amalie as seen from the harbor 30 G U I D E T O S T . T H O M A S

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Islan

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Flavors of

St. Thomas GinGer Thomas As the official flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Ginger Thomas grows abundantly on St. Thomas. Not only do the lovely yellow blooms offer up the scent of champagne, but the leaves are said to cure a host of ailments.

Ginger thomas in full bloom

BananaquiT kEnDrA nIELSEn / SHUTTErSTOCk.COM; JOHn AnDErSOn/ISTOCkPHOTO.COM

The official bird of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this yellowbreasted chirper is four inches long and loves gardens. Like a hummingbird, the bananaquit, or sugar bird, can use its small curved beak to extract nectar from certain flowers without having the bother of pollenating them. Because of its sweet tooth, it’s called a sugar thief in some languages. a bananaquit looking for nectar 32 G U I D E T O S T . T H O M A S

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carnival St. Thomas' Carnival celebration turns 101 this year; the first such event here was held in 1912.

St. Thomas abandoned the holiday during World War I and revived it in 1952, and now hosts the Caribbean's second-largest version. Each Caribbean nation sets aside its own week for festivities; St. Thomas celebrates during the last week in April.

a performer in vibrant carnival dress

T h e h a u n ti n g s o u n d s o f steel-pan music can be heard throughout the Caribbean, and it's not hard to find on St. Thomas.

Also known as a steel drum, the steel pan began as a somewhat primitive instrument but can be as sophisticated as anything played by a modern orchestra.

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sTeel pan

Banging the steel drum 33

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Flavors of

St. Thomas EPS OK, this famous staircase

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a replica of the u.s. LibertyB ell in emancipation Park 34 G U I D E T O S T . T H O M A S

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mountain top story

Visitors to mountain top take in the spectacular view.

A View from the Top People come to the Mountain Top attraction for two things: its view from a spacious observation deck, and its banana daiquiri.

Views come at a height of 1,547 feet.

The picturesque landing looks out on Charlotte Amalie, St. John and much of the British Virgin Islands. From the north, rainforest wildlife can be heard all around.

Perched atop St. Peter Mountain, the attraction has long been a popular spot for hosting weddings and receptions. It also has a restaurant, a bar and duty-free shops.

Mountain Top is the birthplace of the banana daiquiri, invented by bartender Sonny Bernier in the 1950s. He mixed rum, sugarcane extract, bananas, fresh

lime and banana liqueur to make this delicious concoction.

“Back then, Mountain Top was a little tiki bar surrounded by dirt roads and banana trees,” said David Harrold, Mountain Top’s manager. “Sonny kept experimenting using the fresh bananas in his drinks and it kept evolving into what is now the banana daiquiri.”

Legend has it that in 1953, Captain George Soule was hunting for the perfect Caribbean cocktail when he discovered the daiquiri at Mountain Top and introduced it outside of St. Thomas.

Since then, Mountain Top has sold more than six million banana daiquiris, Harrold said.

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by Haley Struthers

Banana Daiquiri

Have a taste of St. Thomas any time with this cool, creamy cocktail.

6 oz. dark rum 2 tbsp. sugar Juice of ½ lime 2 oz. banana liqueur 2 oz. water 2 very ripe bananas, peeled Put rum, sugar, lime juice, banana liqueur, water, bananas and plenty of ice into an electric blender. Purée until smooth and thick.

Pour into two tall chilled glasses.

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Recipe courtesy of Mountain Top

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inside the synagogue, where design follows sephardic tradition

Sacred and Celebrated This beautiful, historic house of worship, the only synagogue on St. Thomas, is still used today, with approximately 120 individuals and families making up the active congregation. The synagogue was officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997.

Opened in 1833 by Sephardic Jews on the site of an earlier synagogue dating from 1803, the St. Thomas Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag and is the second-oldest continuously used synagogue in the Western Hemisphere (Curaçao’s is the oldest).

The congregation was founded in 1796.

The synagogue itself conforms to Sephardic design, with seats facing inward and a floor of sand, a note worthy feature among the Sephardic synagogues in the Caribbean region. The practice of covering the floor with sand may have originated during the Spanish Inquisition, when Spanish and Portuguese Jews worshiping in secret synagogues needed to muffle

the sounds of their gatherings. The four pillars supporting the synagogue’s outside awning were handmade in Denmark from rounded bricks. The interior pillars symbolize the four matriarchs in Judaism.

Also inside: mahogany benches; the bima, or pulpit; the ark housing ancient Torah scrolls; brass chandeliers with hurricane shades of Baccarat crystal, the central ones still lit by candles.

In 1843, the present structure was the site of the first Jewish youth confirmation ceremony in the Western Hemisphere.

The French painter Camille Pissarro was a member of the synagogue, and author Herman Wouk often visited it while living in St. Thomas.

Located at 16 A&B Crystal Gade, also called Synagogue Hill, the synagogue is a steep climb up from Main Street.

The adjacent Weibel Museum contains exhibitions depicting the 300-year history of the Jewish people in St. Thomas. A gift shop sells synagogue souvenirs and fine, handcrafted Judaica. —W.L.S.

PHOTOS COUrTESY OF THE HEBrEW COnGrEGATIOn OF ST. THOMAS

The historic St. Thomas Synagogue is one of the most respected parts of the island community.

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aBoVe: the bench affords the same view Drake is said to have enjoyed.

BeLoW: sir francis Drake.

A Bench Marks the Spot

From here, you also have a bird’s-eye view of where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Schools of fish may even be visible as dark formations swirling in the turquoise waters.

According to legend, Drake sat on this “seat” — a bench marks the exact spot — while monitoring the movements of the Spanish Armada sailing through the passage below that today bears his name as well (Drake’s Passage). The notorious buccaneer also kept watch on his fleet, anchored in nearby Magens Bay.

One of the greatest navigators of the 16th century, Drake gained fame and fortune for his daring voyages around the globe. A fearless sea captain who was revered as a hero by his countrymen, Drake was reviled by the Spanish, who called him “El Dragón” for his frequent attacks on Spanish galleons. Many brutal encounters took place in the Caribbean, where Drake confronted the Spanish on land and at sea — often making off with piles of loot.

One of his most famous exploits took place in the Isthmus of Panama, where he landed in 1573 with 73 men under his command and proceeded to

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Drake’s Seat, a breathtaking vantage point that gets its name from the English admiral Sir Francis Drake, is situated at the highest point on St. Thomas — 1,500 feet — and overlooks more than 100 of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

LInDA BrOCkMAn; LIBrArY OF COnGrESS

seize the Spanish Silver Train that was laden with gold and silver from Peru.

Drake eventually sailed back to England carrying over a ton of gold, which was more than enough to make every man in his company rich for life.

Drake’s epic voyages lasted several years and saw him cross vast expanses of uncharted oceans and seas. His most celebrated journey began in 1577, when he was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I of England to sail around the world aboard his flagship, The Golden Hind. This journey tested Drake to the limits of endurance as he

LInDA BrOCkMAn

t

weathered many vicious storms and survived a series of hard-fought battles, including raids on Spanish settlements on the coast of South America for five months. Despite every imaginable hardship, he returned home triumphant in the fall of 1580, nearly three years and 36,000 miles after his journey had begun; he was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe.

For this remarkable achievement, he was knighted by the queen the following year. Drake continued to sail far and wide for another 15 years, until his death in 1596. —J. S.

a view of magens Bay from Drake’s seat 41

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RAMUnAS BRUzAS/DREAMSTIME

Once attached to St. Thomas, Water Island (in rear of photo) now sits just offshore and is sparsely inhabited.

How to Build an Island You already know that St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John are the heftiest of the more than threescore U.S. Virgin Islands. But do you know the name of the next largest?

Don’t feel bad. Few people do. But it’s right out there in St. Thomas’ harbor, an easy backstroke from Charlotte Amalie.

In fact, you sailed right past it on your way in. It’s called Water Island.

Actually, Water Island wasn’t always an island. Once connected to St. Thomas and home to a World War II U.S. Army base, the peninsula lost its umbilical cord when the government cut a channel for better submarine access to a nearby naval base. After the war, a now-defunct hotel offered accommodations. Some

say it may have provided inspiration for Herman Wouk’s popular novel Don’t Stop the Carnival. Today only a few people inhabit the island; they frolic on a small, man-made beach and traverse the short distance to the ‘‘mainland’’ via a makeshift ferry.

In 1996, 50 acres were transferred by the U.S. Department of the Interior to the territorial government, ensuring Water Island’s place in history and officially creating the fourth largest of the U.S. Virgins. —R. N.

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rAMUnAS BrUzAS/DrEAMSTIME

TIME DESIGNED

The ClassiC World Time 速

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sunset on st. John

St. John: A True Tropical Paradise

Located at Leinster Bay, on the north coast, are the remains of the historic Annaberg Sugar Mill. This partially restored sugar plantation dates back to the 1780s. Below the plantation’s windmill (the upper portion with the sails is no longer there) is the stone ring where animals walked in circles to crush the cane when wind power wasn’t sufficient. Mary Point, at the top of the hill, is where several hundred slaves leaped to their death during the slave rebellion.

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STEVE HEAP/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM; DAVID BrIMM/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM

Because of Rockefeller’s foresight, two thirds of St. John’s 21 square miles officially became the Virgin Islands National Park in 1956. Its tasteful, restrained development is owed to Rockefeller’s influence. The park also includes more than 5,000 acres offshore.

Birds are abundant in and around the park; as many as 160 species have been recorded in the area. The hawksbill turtle nests on St. John’s beaches, and the green turtle inhabits the island’s waters, particularly at Francis Bay. The park is criss-crossed with clearly mapped hiking trails, some of which were old Danish roads. —D. W.

U.S. VIrGIn ISLAnDS DEPArTMEnT OF TOUrISM; J. T. MASOn

On a sailing trip in the early 1950s, the American millionaire Laurance Rockefeller was so bewitched by the lovely, undeveloped isle of St. John that he bought thousands of acres and donated the land to the United States.

trunk Bay, st. John

STEVE HEAP/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM; DAVID BrIMM/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM

U.S. VIrGIn ISLAnDS DEPArTMEnT OF TOUrISM; J. T. MASOn

Shimmering Shores The island of St. John is edged by numerous accessible white-sand beaches, pristine coves and spectacular emerald waters. Below the water’s surface is a tropical wonderland of fish and coral. Some areas have marked rails and signs that will guide you through this underwater garden.

St. John’s natural beauty is a delight to behold.

cinnamon Bay This bay has an expansive beach with a lovely view and interesting snorkeling sites. Changing rooms, showers, a shop and a restaurant are available. hauLoVer Bay This favored spot is well endowed with colorful, exotic sea life and intriguing beach formations. maho Bay A picture-perfect beach, Maho Bay boasts an ecologically sound environment. Canvas-walled cottages are built on raised walkways in order not to disturb the local flora, while the very “green” Harmony stands as both a research center and ecotourism hotel. trunk Bay On the famous 225-yard-long underwater snorkeling trail, you can swim along colorful lanes, above coral trees waving in the current and amid schools of brilliantly colored fish. National Geographic magazine rates this as one of the most beautiful bays on earth — it is truly exquisite, both above and below the water.

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BOB THOMAS/ISTOCkPHOTO; kPS1664/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM

seafood is abundant on st. thomas tables.

Memorable Meals

St. Thomas’ chefs create a mouthwatering assortment of culinary concoctions that add to the island’s tropical flair.

Many of their recipes have been passed down for generations.

Among the favorite local dishes are tangy stuffed crab, freshwater crayfish, conch fritters, plantains and johnnycakes.

The ubiquitous conch, which thrives in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, is often served as a curry, like the betterknown goat and lamb curries.

Fresh fish is a mainstay of most menus, and is typically poached or

broiled with a light butter-and-onion sauce or pan-fried in a spicy Creole sauce. Creole cooking consists of a potpourri of ingredients ranging from curry powder, cumin and allspice to coconut, tamarind, lime, cinnamon bark and vanilla bean. Among these tasty concoctions is callaloo soup, a mix of callaloo or other leafy greens with okra and ham or crabmeat. —J .S.

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BOB THOMAS/ISTOCkPHOTO; kPS1664/SHUTTErSTOCk.COM

5332 Raadets Gade St Thomas USVI 00802 Phone 340.774.2110

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www.DestinationStThomas.com destinationstthomas@gmail.com

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Over 35 Years

Hooked Collection Gold & Diamonds

Blac

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GRAND CAYM Riverwalk Moderne Collection Black Coral, Gold & Diamonds Stackable rings and bracelet

Design & Craftsmanship

Luna pendant Black Coral, Gold & Tagua

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Shopping and Island Maps of St. Thomas

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N TO SYNAGOGUE TO SYNAGOGUE

BACK BACK STREET STREET (WIMMELSKAFTS (WIMMELSKAFTS GADE) GADE)

1919 8 8 5 5

2 2

2121

MAIN MAIN STREET STREET (DRONNINGENS (DRONNINGENS GADE) GADE) 2323 7 7 1818 1717 6 6

RAADETS GADE RAADETS GADE

DRAKE’S PASSAGE DRAKE’S PASSAGE

TROMPETER GADE TROMPETER GADE

CREQUES ALLEY EAST CREQUES ALLEY EAST

CREQUES ALLEY WEST CREQUES ALLEY WEST

ROYAL DANE MALL ROYAL DANE MALL

PALM PASSAGE PALM PASSAGE

STORE TVAER GADE STORE TVAER GADE

INTERNATIONAL PLAZA INTERNATIONAL PLAZA

1313

1 11

9 9

1 1 3 3 7 7 1010 1212 1616

WATERFRONT WATERFRONT (VETERAN’S (VETERAN’S DRIVE) DRIVE)

1 1/12 1miles /2 miles to to Crown Crown Bay Bay Center Center

1 Diamonds International

7 Colombian Emeralds International

2 Royal Jewelers

8 Princess World Jewelers

3 Passman Galleries

9 Del Sol

4 Rolex Center at A.H. Riise

10 A.H. Riise Stores

5 Billabong

11 Diamonds International

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OGUE E TO BLACKBEARD’S TO BLACKBEARD’S CASTLE CASTLE

HAAGENSEN HAAGENSEN HOUSE HOUSE

GARDEN STREET GARDEN STREET

99 STEPS 99 STEPS

1919

E)

5 5

1414

GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT HOUSE HOUSE

KONGENS KONGENS GADE GADE

1 1 1111

2121

LUTHERAN LUTHERAN CHURCH CHURCH

NORRE NORRE GADE GADE 1 116161616

A.H. RIISE GIFT & LIQUOR MALL A.H. RIISE GIFT & LIQUOR MALL

2222 1212 1010 4 4 3 3

1515

POSTPOST OFFICE OFFICE

POLICE POLICE STATION STATION

1313 9 9

4 4

9

EMANCIPATION EMANCIPATION PARKPARK

VENDORS VENDORS

FORT STRADE FORT STRADE

FORT PLADSEN FORT PLADSEN

2020

PLAZA PLAZA VISITORS VISITORS CENTER CENTER

FORTFORT CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN

1 mile 1 mile to to Havensight Havensight Mall Mall 1 1 3 3 4 4 1010 1212 1313 1616 2121 and and Yacht Yacht Haven Haven Grande Grande

VE) )

national

TOLBOD GADE TOLBOD GADE

1212

POST OFF ICE ALLEY POST OFF ICE ALLEY

HIBISCUS ALLEY HIBISCUS ALLEY

RAADETS GADE RAADETS GADE

1010

LEGISLATURE LEGISLATURE BUILDING BUILDING

12 Jewels

18 Caribana

13 Tanzanite International

19 Get Charmed Factory Outlet

14 Mr. Tablecloth

20 Little Switzerland

15 Cariloha

21 Pandora Boutique

16 Royal Caribbean

22 Duty Free St. Thomas

17 Beverly’s

23 Cartier Boutique

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BOTANY BOT ANY BAY BAY

FORT FO RTUN RT UNA UN A BAY BAY

STUMPY BAY BAY

SANTA SANT A MARIA BAY BAY

St. Thomas

BREWERS BAY BEACH

CARET BAY BAY

LINDBERGH BAY BAY

AIRPORT AIRPO RT

MOUNTAIN TOP

WATER WATE ISLAND ISLAN D

CROWN BAY BAY

PIER AREA

HULL BAY BAY

INNER BRASS ISLAND ISLAN D

OUTER BRASS ISLAND

CHARLOTTE AMALIE AMALI E

MORNINGSTAR MORNINGST AR BEACH

HASSEL ISLAND

ST.. THOMAS ST HARBOUR

MAGENS BAY BAY

BUCK ISLAND

BOLONGO BOLONG O BEACH

JERSEY BAY BAY

SECRET HARBOR HARBO R

GRASS CAY CAY

LITTLE ST.. JAMES ST

GREAT GREAT ST.. JAMES ST

COWPET BAY BAY

GREAT GREA T BAY BAY

RED HOOK BAY BAY

FERRY FERR Y TO ST ST.. JOHN

SMITH BA BAY Y

WATER WA TER BA BAY Y

COKI POINT POINT CORAL WORLD

THATCH THA TCH CAY CAY

MINGO CAY CAY

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How to Have

A Perfect Day in Port

Here’s how to bring home the deals as you explore the ports of call during your vacation

2Ask

VIP

C A R D

1Meet Meet your Princess Shopping Host.

Visit one of our highly trained professionals during desk hours to get firsthand shopping information.

Ask your Princess Shopping Host for a VIP Card. This is your ticket to the best deals of all. When you’re looking for something specific in port, the VIP Card will tell you which store to visit for the best selection and price — and often includes a special discount!

3Get Get your Savvy Traveler.

With your purchase, you’ll receive loads of free gifts and exclusive moneysaving gift certificates.

5SHOP Shop at the stores listed in the Shopping Spotlight and discover your heart’s desire.

4Bring Bring your Shopping Spotlight newsletter into port. Tuck it into your purse or pocket — so you’ll always be headed to great values.

See it?

Like it?

Buy it!

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… …ALL ALL MADE MADE OF OF BAMBOO! BAMBOO!

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Galleria.

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Shopping List!

The best bargains in the Caribbean

It’s time to make your list and visit the merchants in St. Thomas. A phenomenal selection is one advantage to shopping in the Caribbean. Another plus: incredible savings, compared to prices back home. Fabulous finds await you inside the portals of each and every store.

Charles Krypel

Safi Kilima

Day 2 Night

Charriol

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Korite

Fendi

Crown of Light

What could be smarter than a famous-designer handbag or wallet? Or how about a colorful, made-to-last tote that’s large enough to carry all of your necessities? Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be impressed by the selection — and quality — of bags and other accessories. Conservative styles for the traditionalist and hot looks for the trendsetter are available at great prices.

Philip Stein

Parazul

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Signature Collection 41D-CMOP-SSD

Share your experience at philipstein.com

ST. THOMAS – Philip Stein Boutique, DI Watch & Design, Diamonds International, Royal Caribbean

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n

D

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Tune In To

I On Your Stateroom Television

Be Sa

Fo va inc in gu as

W loo ite for the yo sh po

Learn the hottest jewelry and watch trends of the season with your host, Carrie Julier. A veteran cruise traveler, Carrie has more than a decade of professional shopping experience.

In Discover Style, the TV companion to the fashion magazine in your stateroom, Carrie gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Discover Style magazine. Join her backstage at high-end photo shoots, and share the excitement as she mingles with designers at special events and talks to style makers and trendsetters.

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I got mine. Get yours.

Become a Savvy Traveler.

For only $25, this value package includes over $2,000 in deals from our guaranteed shops ashore.

Whether you’re looking for luxury items or souvenirs for family and friends, the Savvy Traveler is your must-have for shopping in our ports of call.

See your Princess Shopping Host to purchase your very own Savvy Traveler.

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Retail Therapy

HA

Here’s a roomy bag that will take you through the cruise and beyond. The Parazul Scarf Bag comes in six colors and lets you choose coordinating charms and scarves.

*See your Princess Shopping Host to find out where in the ports of call to buy the jewelry and bags pictured.

PHOTO BY EDWARD FERNANDEZ

Dress by Bebe, necklace and ring by Flawless by Swarovski, shoes by Jessica Segatto.

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P

H A N D B AG S A N D ACC E S S O R I E S WWW.PARAZUL.COM

PARAZUL is AvAiLAbLe At fine RetAiLeRs thROUghOUt the CARibbeAn

TAKE HOME A PIECE OF PARADISE

Parazul features bags, scarves and charms in many designs that are patterned after elements of the beautiful Caribbean region, making them unforgettable mementos from your visit.

71 WWW.PARAZUL.COM

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S T. T H O M A S S H O P P I N G G U I D E — S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Transcend Double Halo Pendant by Hearts On Fire; Royal Caribbean, Diamonds International

Rolex watch; A.H. Riise

Shopping Guide

Almost anything you’re looking for, you’ll find in St. Thomas.

Not only will the selection amaze you, but the quality of the merchandise is second to none. The stores featured on these pages carry the finest in every product category. You’ll see the famous brand names you know from around the world and many others that you’ve only heard about. Just remember: If you see something you like, buy it!

Rolex Watches at A.H. Riise A.H. Riise is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ authorized Rolex dealer. A.H. Riise offers one of the Caribbean’s largest selections of Rolex watches, as well as an After Sales Service Center in St. Thomas. Rolex watches can be found in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in a new, beautiful, state-of-the-art boutique on Main Street at the Havensight Mall. The Service Center is located inside A.H. Riise’s Main Street store. Call 340-777-6789.

Beverly’s Established in 1982, Beverly’s is familyowned and over the years has built a reputation for providing quality jewelry and service to thousands of loyal customers.

Our products include watches (Citizen, Seiko, Guess, Fossil, Nautica, DKNY, Diesel, Invicta, Adidas, Timex, Casio); fine jewelry (diamonds and a full selection of loose, colored gemstones); and silver jewelry, including one of the finest collections of Larimar jewelry.

Billabong St. Thomas Visit the hottest surf and gear store in St. Thomas for men and women.

Billabong is the most well-recognized name in surfing! See our unique collection of Billabong destination T–shirts with a St. Thomas touch! The store has a wide selection of sunglasses, watches, headphones, backpacks, luggage, footwear,

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S T. T H O M A S S H O P P I N G G U I D E — S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

hats, belts and iPhone/iPad gear. Brand names include: Roxy, Reef, Volcom, Nixon, Oakley, Quiksilver, Von Zipper, among others. The sales staff is helpful and friendly. Enjoy no sales tax on your purchases. Located at 5120 Dronnigens Gade Ste. 7, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Tel. 340-774-4010. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cariloha Come feel the difference of the softest fabric in the world — Cariloha Bamboo™.

Cariloha is the premier retailer of products made from bamboo, offering apparel, bedding, active wear, bath towels and handbags, all made from irresistibly soft bamboo.

When you think of bamboo, tall green shoots likely come to mind. But did you know that bamboo can actually be made into the world’s most comfortable fabric?

Cariloha’s bamboo clothing is crazy soft! It is also three degrees cooler than cotton and wicks moisture away from your body. Bamboo itself contains naturally occurring properties that are antibacterial and antimicrobial. It also provides full UVA/UVB protection, saves more trees, regenerates naturally and is among the most eco-friendly, renewable resources on the planet. Visit any Cariloha store today to pick up a free bamboo lei and to feel the softness of bamboo clothing for yourself. Cariloha — Stay Cool, Wear Bamboo. Cariloha is located at the Grand Galleria shops at the end of Main Street.

Caribana Caribana offers a variety of products, including duty-free liquor, tobacco, cigars, souvenirs, tropical clothing, everything for the beach (swimsuits, snorkel gear, sun-care products, towels), tablecloths and linens, fashion jewelry and accessories, and much more. We offer a lowest-price guarantee on all our products. Caribana stores can be found at three St. Thomas locations: Main Street, Waterfront and Havensight Mall.

Del Sol Get the perfect gift at Del Sol, where you’ll find clothing and accessories that change colors with sunlight and then return to their original colors without!

Don’t let your vacation end without first seeing Del Sol’s world-famous, colorchanging products.

Del Sol’s popular T-shirt designs magically change color when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Everything at Del Sol changes color with sunlight — hair clips,

His and hers bamboo T-shirts; Cariloha

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S T. T H O M A S S H O P P I N G G U I D E — S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

jewelry, hats, shorts, polo shirts, tote bags, ladies’ T-shirts, along with more than 20 different shades of nail polish that change colors right on your fingers and toes. Experience Del Sol’s color-changing eyewear — Solize™ sunglasses, which feature polarized, polycarbonate lenses and color-changing frames and, best of all, Del Sol’s sunglasses come with a lifetime guarantee against theft, loss, and damage.

Del Sol is the world’s largest colorchange retailer, and its products are guaranteed to change colors for life. You can get a T-shirt anywhere, but only Del Sol shirts and products burst into rainbows of color outside in the sun. Visit any store today for a free demonstration and a free color-changing gift (no purchase necessary). Del Sol — Just Add Sun! Del Sol is located at the Grand Galleria shops at the end of Main Street.

Destination St. Thomas Since 1976, the place in St. Thomas for unique fine jewelry, homewares and gifts with a Caribbean Flavor. Take home your own piece of the islands and escape back to paradise. You will find tasteful gifts from the islands for everyone on your list, including: tableware, candles, fragrance, pillows, ornaments, handbags, men's and kids gifts. Destination St. Thomas is the place for "designer look" travel jewelry to commemorate your trip.

5332 Raadets Gade, tel.: 340-774-2110.

Diamonds International Diamonds International, the most recommended jeweler in the Caribbean, has

Crown of Creation earrings by Crown of Light; Diamonds International, Tanzanite International and Watch & Design

spent more than a quarter-century acquiring select luxury goods and jewelry for their customers. Their mission has always been to provide shoppers with fine jewels at exceptional prices.

Shoppers in the Caribbean expect the latest designer goods from around the world at values they cannot get at home.

Diamonds International exceeds all of these expectations.

Forevermark is a premium diamond brand inscribed with a promise that it is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced.

And it is available exclusively in the Caribbean at Diamonds International, naturally. This exquisite diamond brand from the De Beers group of companies is inscribed with the Forevermark icon and an individual number that identifies it as uniquely yours.

Less than 1 percent of the world’s diamonds are destined to become Forevermark. Responsibly sourced from a small number of carefully selected mines, each Forevermark diamond is chosen for its exceptional qualities and then perfected by the world’s finest craftsmen using skill and artistry passed down through the generations.

Bespoke patented technology inscribes each Forevermark diamond with an individual identification number

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S T. T H O M A S S H O P P I N G G U I D E — S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Forevermark Halo Pendant; Diamonds International

directly onto the diamond's table.

While not visible to the naked eye, the Forevermark viewer magnifies the inscription 50 times to reveal the Forevermark promise — the promise that each diamond is as precious as the bond it signifies.

Diamonds International is committed to surpassing consumer expectation and delights in offering Forevermark.

Experience Forevermark and other world-class brands available only at Diamonds International.

Diamonds International is located at A.H. Riise Mall on Main Street and on Norre Gade at Havensight Mall; Yacht Haven Grande, Crown Bay, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef and the Grand Galleria. Call 1-800-444-4025 or 1-340776-5570 or shop conveniently online at www.DiamondsInternational.com.

Duty Free St. Thomas Duty Free St. Thomas offers the world’s finest names in perfumes, skincare, cosmetics, liquor and tobacco. It is home to the island’s only boutiques for M.A.C,

Chanel, Swarovski and Swatch. Duty Free St. Thomas also exclusively offers Sisley, La Prairie, Shiseido, L’Occitane, Creed, and Bond No. 9, to name a few. Duty Free St. Thomas … Island Shopping at its Finest. All purchases guaranteed. Duty Free St Thomas is located at Main Street, Waterfront, Havensight Mall and Crown Bay. Call 347-776-2303 or visit them online at www.dfstthomas.com.

Sandals For Your Neck-Get Charmed Explore the beauty of pendants created with a solid pewter base bonded with 14k yellow gold or polished rhodium 14k white gold. Each sandal is hand-enameled and accented with beautiful Swarovski crystals. Sandal pendants come in a wide variety of colors and themes, including country, crystal strap, flower strap, palm tree, starfish, mini sandals, .925 sterling silver and semiprecious, just to name a few. We also feature earrings and purses. Located at 2329 Commandant Gade (Garden Street), Paradise Point, Crown Bay and St. Thomas Airpor t Lounge. Tel.: 340-775-6381.

Jewels Jewels is the largest authorized dealer of the finest Swiss timepieces, including Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, Chopard, Breitling, Bulgari, Ebel, Omega, Movado, Raymond Weil, Tissot and more — all presented in an elegant shopping environment. Discover fabulous designer jewelry collections such as David Yurman, Marco Bicego, Chopard, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, John Hardy and many more.

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Jewels also offers an exclusive diamond collection in 14k white gold.

A must-see while in St. Thomas is the custom- designed David Yurman Boutique at the A.H. Riise Mall on Main Street. The David Yurman Boutique features the largest selection and latest styles of David Yurman found anywhere in the world.

Visit Jewels for extraordinary designer collections, superior service and the finest luxury brands, all at tax- and dutyfree prices.

On St. Thomas, Jewels is located at the A.H. Riise Mall on Main Street, on the Waterfront, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef, the Ritz-Carlton, Havensight Mall and Crown Bay Center. On St. John, Jewels is located in Mongoose Junction.

Little Switzerland For over 50 years, Little Switzerland has defined luxury across the Caribbean.

Twenty-five stores, located in St. Thomas, St. John, Aruba, Curaçao, St.

John Hardy Naga women’s Gold and Silver dangling bracelet; Little Switzerland

Maarten, Barbados, San Juan, Nassau, Tortola and Key West, offer an unprecedented showcase of the most desired collections of respected names in fine jewelry, watches, crystal and fashion accessories.

Little Switzerland has a world-renowned collection of the best brands: Baccarat, Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Zenith, Omega, Rado, Raymond Weil, Roberto Coin, Swarovski, Swiss Army, TAG Heuer, Tiffany & Co., Tissot, Movado and many more, including their exclusive jewelry line, Avance. The Avance collection offers an array of styles to complement your mood for any occasion; choose to be elegant, bold or classically timeless. The collection features top designs from jewelers around the world, inspired by the moments we celebrate. Avance merges metals and precious stones into individual works of art to produce a tangible commemoration of light, shape and color. Each Avance piece has a lifetime warranty.

If you haven’t been to Little Switzerland, then you haven’t been to the Caribbean!

Treat yourself to a little Switzerland luxuryshopping experience in the Virgin Islands today. Be sure to ask about Little Switzerland’s interest-free credit offers.

The Little Switzerland free credit offer is available on the spot, making your dutyfree shopping effortless! The shopping doesn’t have to end when your vacation does — visit www.littleswitzerland.com or call toll-free at 1-888-527-4473; previous clients will enjoy the same tax- and dutyfree savings.

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9A MAin street • st. thoMAs, usvi 00802 • e-MAil: sAles@princessjewelers.coM Princess World Jewelers is not owned or operated by or affiliated with any cruise line, including Princess Cruises. www.princessjewelers.com

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Mr. Tablecloth For the past 35 years, Mr. Tablecloth has maintained one exclusive location on busy downtown Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Here you will find the most impressive selection of beautiful hand-embroidered tablecloths, place mats and cloth accessories. The store specializes in “hard-to-find,” including pieces with 90-inch widths and lengths up to 252 inches. Nowhere in the world will you find such a varied selection all under one roof.

No need to be discouraged about buying a tablecloth, as the latest material called microfiber requires absolutely no ironing and is completely stain-resistant.

Some of the store’s tablecloths even have the appearance of fine linen — without all the work. A definite must-see!

Tablecloths are not all you will find. Mr. Tablecloth also features exquisite bedsheets, pillowcases, shower curtains, duvets, runners and much more. Great, affordable gifts can be found in abundance. You will be pleased with the lovely selection of ladies’ evening-wear jackets; beaded crocheted sweaters; and pure-pima-cotton, lace-trimmed nightgowns. The children’s corner features a tremendous selection of top-quality handmade outfits for infants and children.

The prices are far below what you would pay on the mainland for such fine merchandise.

Unsure of what you want or need? Not to worry, as a very courteous, knowledgeable and patient staff is on hand to assist you. Whether you buy a cotton, Irish linen, organdy or microfiber tablecloth, you can

A variety of linens; Mr. Tablecloth

be certain that the savings will be 30 to 60 percent. Due to the great assortment of specialty items and fabulous customer service, Mr. Tablecloth welcomes a large repeat as well as referred-customer business. Mr. Tablecloth doesn’t just sell you a tablecloth, but helps you to choose the perfect one. Located at 6 Main Street; or online at www.mrtablecloth-vi.com.

Pandora Boutique An unforgettable moment is something different to every woman, but it’s always special. That’s why an unforgettable moment is a story worth sharing. At PANDORA, we believe that all women in the world are unique and precious, with personalities to be celebrated and stories to be shared.

PANDORA offers an interchangeable and exciting collection of jewelry with countless possibilities. Every facet and feature of each piece of jewelry is carefully considered before it leaves the hands of our goldsmiths. We meticulously select the highest-quality gold, silver and gemstones when combining century-old crafts-manship with modern thinking and beautiful design.

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PANDORA has three locations: 15A Main St., 340-774-3672, e-mail: pandora.stt@boolchand.com; 9002 Havensight Mall (Bldg. 2), 340-776-8550, pandora.hs@boolchand.com; Boolchand's, 31 Main St., 340-776-0794. jewelry.stt@boolchand.com.

Passman Galleries The undisputed master of Black Coral sculpture has always been the renowned artist, Bernard K. Passman. Connoisseurs of unusual fine jewelry and unique objets d’art are drawn to this internationally acclaimed sculptor’s stunning creations.

Passman’s works appear in numerous publications, including Time and Town & Country magazines. Passman has been commissioned by royalty to create pieces that join historically noted collections. His commissions for U.S. presidents, royalty, heads of state, celebrities and other important dignitaries throughout the world bring accolades and recognition from the art community.

Bernard Passman’s work can be found in his galleries located in Grand Cayman; Las Vegas; Maui; Ketchikan, Alaska; and on the island of St. Thomas on Main Street, at Havensight Mall and at Crown Bay. Princess World Jewelers The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Princess World Jewelers, a favorite shop for frequent island visitors, welcome you with the finest personalized service in St. Thomas. A family-owned and -operated business since 1902, Princess World Jewelers shares extensive knowledge of diamonds, tanzanite, emeralds and

all precious gemstones that ensures comfortable decision-making. Since the introduction of tanzanite, a radiant blue-purple gemstone discovered in East Africa in 1967, Princess World Jewelers has maintained one of the largest and most impressive selections of tanzanite in the world. This is made possible by frequent travel to Africa and by negotiating the finest “rough” for precision stonecutting in Germany. Once the gemstones are artfully cut, they are flown directly to St. Thomas and offered both set and unset. Harry Mirpuri promises once again this season to offer the finest quality available anywhere for the lowest direct pricing. In addition to tanzanite, the selection of unset diamonds in all sizes will impress the most experienced of diamond buyers. And if necessary, the staff will provide the time and information it takes to make you a diamond expert! Princess World Jewelers is located in the heart of St. Thomas’ famous Main Street shopping area. Open seven days a week. Visit early in the day to allow time for complimentary custom fitting and design work. 9A Main St.; www.princessjewelers.com. Princess World Jewelers is not owned by or affiliated with any cruise line, including Princess Cruises.

Black Coral ring with pearls, diamonds and gold; Passman Galleries

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F

E

A ST. THOMAS TRADITION

The #1 Linen Shop in the Caribbean

C.

M

L E C B L A OTH, T . r IN

Visit the largest linen store in North America.

Find over 200 styles of tablecloths and embroidered accessories at unbeatable prices.

e!

Se ER t s u S B A M ROFI OTH L k C MIBLECn Loo IN e TA Lin STA N NOO IRO N

EVENING JACKETS STARTING AT

$2995

Handmade Infant & Toddler Wear Placemats Runners Bed Sheets Pillow Shams Aprons Ladies and Men’s Pajamas Handmade Crochet Beaded Tops Pima Cotton Lace Trim Nightgowns

Up to 5XL

WE HAVE A WONDERFUL ASSORTMENT OF SMALL, THOUGHTFUL GIFTS

6 MAIN STREET • OUR ONLY LOCATION St. Thomas, U.S.V.I 00802 MAIL & ON-LINE ORDERS ACCEPTED (340) 774-4343 • www.mrtablecloth-vi.com

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Royal Caribbean One of the foremost stores in the Virgin Islands with over 30 years in business, Royal Caribbean is known for its brandname watches and jewelry.

Royal Caribbean offers a superb collection of Swiss handcrafted timepieces, featuring world-famous brands such as A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Breguet, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Corum, de Grisogono, Dior, Ebel, Fruitz, Glashütte Original, Gucci, Hamilton, IWC, Longines, Montblanc, Movado, Panerai, Philip Stein, Piaget, Rado, Raymond Weil, Roger Dubuis, Tissot and Vacheron Constantin.

Fashion-conscious and trend-savvy shoppers can select from brands such as Casio, ESQ, Fossil, Luminox, Michele, Seiko, TechnoMarine, Toy Watches and TW Steel.

At Royal Caribbean, you will be captivated by the most exquisite collection of Hearts On Fire Diamonds. Come in to see our rare collection of fancy yellow, pink, blue and white diamonds, the finest 14k- and 18k-gold and diamond jewelry and the largest selection of precious and semiprecious jewelry. The worldrenowned Mikimoto cultured pearls are perfect for that special someone. Take home a piece of the Caribbean with Larimar jewelry by Marahlago. Pamper yourself with Judith Ripka silver and 18k-gold jewelry and other designer brands such as Scott Kay, Rebecca and Angélique de Paris. Also available is a wide assortment of Cartier sunglasses and pens by A.T. Cross, Montblanc and Montegrappa.

Royal Caribbean also has the three largest camera stores in the Virgin Islands. Come and get the latest in digital and video cameras, iPods, laptops and cell phones. An authorized dealer for top brand names such as Nikon, Canon, Leica, Pentax, Olympus, Sony, Panasonic and all other major brands of cameras, binoculars and electronics, Royal Caribbean continues to offer huge savings in all categories.

Royal Caribbean’s knowledgeable staff will assist you, making your selection more enjoyable. Customers receive a free five-function digital watch with a $50 purchase. In St. Thomas, Royal Caribbean is located on Main Street, at the Havensight Mall and Crown Bay Center.

Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. In St. John, it is located at Mongoose Junction.

Philip Stein watch; Philip Stein Boutique, Diamonds International, Watch & Design, Royal Caribbean

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Verona collection pendant by Marahlago; Diamond International and Royal Caribbean

Montblanc Boutique at Royal Caribbean Jewelers In 1906, three visionaries came together in Hamburg, Germany, to perfect the revolutionary invention of a fountain pen with its own ink reservoir independent of an inkwell. Their vision: handmade writing instruments, produced in accordance with the highest demands of technology, design and finish. Today this uncompromising quality standard and traditional European craftsmanship still form the unshakable foundation of the brand. The white Montblanc star named after the highest mountain in Europe, has long adorned not only fountain pens but also elegant leather goods, precious jewelry, fine accessories and fashionable eyewear. All belong to the Montblanc lifestyle world, as do exclusive watches produced in the Swiss factory of Montblanc Montre S.A. The crowning white star stands for world-famous luxury goods representing culture and a special way of life.

Montblanc products are contemporary style icons and as limited editions, coveted collectors’ pieces. All Montblanc products are available exclusively at Royal Caribbean.

For inquiries please e-mail us at: info@royalcaribbeanvi.com or visit our website: www.royalcaribbeanvi.com.

Royal Jewelers Royal Jewelers invites you into the wonderful world of fine jewelry and the special memories that the gift of jewelry creates. Whether it's an engagement, and anniversary or just to say "I love you," Royal Jewelers will help you find the perfect piece to help you celebrate.

For over 20 years the owner of Royal Jewelers has been committed to offering the finest jewelry and personal service to each customer. The Royal Jewelers team understands that their customers are far more valuable than the jewelry they carry. It's no wonder why thousands of visitors who return to St. Thomas regularly make Royal Jewelers their only stop on Main Street for fine jewelry.

By combining their expertise in fine jewelry with their strong commitment to excellent customer service, Royal Jewelers offers a unique shopping experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Alexandrite and diamond earrings

by Mark Henry; Royal Jewelers

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New Age, New You As mere tenants of this planet, we have a responsibility to leave it in good shape for future generations. Here are some fun (and environmentally responsible) products to make help us feel comfortable, happy and pretty, while having a minimal impact on Mother Nature.

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Striped halter dress Slip into summer with the fun designs of Synergy Organic Clothing. Using organic cotton from India and dyed with low impact dyes, Synergy products are handmade in Nepal in only fair trade practice conditions. synergyclothing.com Eco Nap pet mat Now your pets can go green too! The Eco Nap by West Paw fabric is made from recycled plastic soda bottles and 61% recycled batting. eco-homestore.com Yellow leather foil-embossed zip purse Here Today Here Tomorrow offers this leather foil-embossed zip purse by designer Julia Crew. You'll find a variety of ecofriendly and one-of-a-kind accessories created from reclaimed, secondhand leather, and industry off-cuts at folksy.com/shops/HTHTshop Men’s Sidewalk Surfers, Sanuk produces impact-free sandals and environmentally friendly packaging through its R.A.S.T.A. (Recycled and Sustainable Trade Alliance) project, aiming to leave the smallest footprint on our planet. sanuk.com

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An aerial view of St. Thomas

Chain Reaction:

The United States Virgin Islands did not come into being easily. The tale of their birth is one fraught with terrible wrenchings, as some very stressed pieces of terra firma eventually ended up as smoky landscapes rising out of the sea.

Their fiery emergence unfolded over eons; it consisted of sudden upthrusts, of rock strata twisted awry, of sinkings, erosions and stupendous volcanic explosions. The land tumbled together, then got squeezed and heated into fantastic new mosaics as the islands cataclysmically rose and sank several times over a span of 100 million years.

The effects of the violence of that bygone time can still be observed today in ribby, rocky, out-of-the-way places on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

Plate tectonics are movements in the earth’s crust. Stress builds as one plate

grinds or subducts (dives under) another.

As the great plates jostle below ground, fissures crack the surface, mountains appear, and at weak points, volcanoes start to belch. Slippage along these plates often leads to earthquakes.

Long ago, when the dinosaurs roamed the earth, two plates slammed together in the Caribbean basin. The collision threw up a mountain chain that stretched from present-day Mexico down through the Virgins and into South America. The heavy black basalt (solidified lava) and the reddish-brown tuff (crystallized volcanic ash) still on view near Bordeaux Mountain and Centerline Road on St. Thomas are some of the oldest rock formations found on the islands.

As the dinosaurs died out, unstable seafloor strata were suddenly shoved above sea level. The restlessness helped form the Puerto Rican Trench. Lying due

U.S. VIrGI n ISlA nDS DEpA rTME nT Of TOU rISM ; pHOTOS.COM

Birth of the Virgins

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A lava outflow

north of the Virgins, this abyss zigzags south, following the downward sweep of the Caribbean basin. So bottomless are the ocean depths here that Mount Everest would barely peek above the waves if it were thrown in.

A milder time 50 million years ago saw the sea subsume the islands. Shells and the bodies of the weird marine life swarming in surrounding waters piled up on the bottom and became pressed into porous limestone or flaky shale. Another crustal shift pushed the remnants back up; entombed in a yellow limestone mantle, they’re now on display near Annaberg, St. John.

As the ocean floor buckled, parts of the Virgins sank; still, lava outflows melted the older material into a kind of rock soup, which cooled and built up even more land. This jumbled matrix, the Tutu Formation, ripples across the western side of Mary Point and St. Francis Bay Trail on St. John. And where hot lava plunged down into the chilly sea, obsidian — a sharp, glassy substance used by preColumbian peoples as we use knives or scissors — sizzlingly formed. Then, once again, the land succumbed to the seas.

Time passed. New crustal deformation forced the land upward, carrying layers of

grayish-white sedimentary rock above the waterline. Pitted with the bleached fossils of small-shelled marine organisms, this lightish stuff still stands in stark contrast to the islands’ hard, dark backdrop of micaflecked granite.

Millennia passed; the earth cooled, and its landmasses fell prey to the grip of huge ice sheets. Glaciers locked up so much of the ocean that sea levels dropped by some 300 feet. Whole swaths of the Caribbean basin lay exposed.

The islands were so much larger then that you might have trekked from one Virgin to the next just by jumping over the puddles. The last continental icesheet meltdown, around 10,000 years ago, raised ocean levels back up again and gave us the Virgin Islands that we know today.

AN AMeRICAN WONDeRLAND Bands of pale limestone alternating with black volcanic rock account for some of the islands’ more bizarre natural sculptures. Found at the foot of weathered cliffs, these basaltic pillars stand just offshore like eerie, stony sentinels. Wind and sea erode the soft limestone to expose the resilient rock beneath. As the loose clay crumbles away at the pillars’ bases, it provides good cover for an assortment of creatures.

Sand here has a fine, almost talcumy feel. Grab some up and it will slip through your fingers with the texture of running silk. And when the setting sun infuses sky and water with a radiant tropical splendor, you come pretty close to discovering what “paradise” means. —J. B. 95

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"WHEN YOUR MISSION IS TO FLY AT 800 KM/H LESS THAN TWO METERS FROM OTHER TEAM AIRCRAFT, YOU ONLY TRUST THE CHRONOMETRIC PRECISION OF THE WORLD’S BEST CHRONOGRAPH."

Frédéric Frédéric Schwebel Schwebel ably ably handles handles his his role role in in the the "slot" "slot" position position within within the the Breitling Breitling Jet Jet Team, Team, the the toughest toughest of of them them all. all. When When performing performing with with no no obvious obvious escape escape route, route, mistakes mistakes are are just just not not an an option. option. Strapped Strapped to to his his wrist wrist isis the the Chronomat, Chronomat, powered powered by by the the ultimate ultimate high-performance high-performance chronograph chronograph movement, movement, Breitling Breitling Caliber Caliber 01, 01, chronometer-certified chronometer-certified by by the the COSC COSC (Swiss (Swiss Official Official Chronometer Chronometer Testing Testing Institute), Institute), an an exceptional exceptional "motor" "motor" entirely entirely developed developed and and built built by

by Breitling.

Breitling. Ultra-sturdy, Ultra-sturdy, ultra-reliable ultra-reliable and and ultra-watertight ultra-watertight to to 500 500 m, m, the the Chronomat Chronomat stands stands out out for for its its unique unique design design and and its its incredible incredible concern concern for for details. details. For For Frédéric Frédéric Schwebel, Schwebel, itit isis quite quite simply simply the the world’s world’s best best chronograph. chronograph.

5-YEAR 5-YEAR BREITLING BREITLING WARRANTY WARRANTY

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"WHEN YOUR MISSION IS TO FLY AT 800 KM/H LESS THAN TWO METERS FROM OTHER TEAM AIRCRAFT, YOU ONLY TRUST THE CHRONOMETRIC PRECISION OF THE WORLD’S BEST CHRONOGRAPH."

Frédéric Schwebel ably handles his role in the "slot" position within the Breitling Jet Team, the toughest of them all. When performing with no obvious escape route, mistakes are just not an option. Strapped to his wrist is the Chronomat, powered by the ultimate high-performance chronograph movement, Breitling Caliber 01, chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), an exceptional "motor" entirely developed and built by Breitling. Ultra-sturdy, ultra-reliable and ultra-watertight to 500 m, the Chronomat stands out for its unique design and its incredible concern for details. For Frédéric Schwebel, it is quite simply the world’s best chronograph.

5-YEAR BREITLING WARRANTY

interchangeable strap

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