Charlotte Amalie
"Home to the biggest cruise port in the Caribbean, St. Thomas seems at first glance a place with little to offer beyond duty-free shopping. In reality, this 32-square-mile island has more texture than meets the eye. Along the narrow streets of capital Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find reminders of the 17th-century Danish settlers, such as the 99 Steps, constructed of old ships’ ballast bricks, and the 1679 Blackbeard’s Castle Tower (named for that legendary pirate). Beyond town, hilly roads with staggering views of untouched coastline lead to little hamlets like Frenchtown, where some of the residents still speak Creole. But the real appeal of this island is found along its perimeter: miles upon miles of white-sand beaches (Travel+Leisure)."
Tourism accounts for 80% of the Virgin Islands GDP and is associated with the islands' only form of tax, which is an 8% hotel tax. Because the islands have no sales tax many people go to shop in Charlotte Amalie, especially for jewelry. Though duty-free shopping is a major draw to St. Thomas, it is imperative to check the cruise ship schedules, as traffic on the two-lane roads in this area can prove to be unbearable at times. This area is plagued with "fanny-packers" from cruise ships, & can make navigating this area very frustrating. If you want to visit this area, I recommend that you locate an Island Trader which is a free news publication distubuted which can be found at almost any place of business. In this publication it will list all the cruise ships that plan to dock during that week. Go when there are two or fewer cruise ships. It will be a much more pleasurable experience. That said, while shopping on the island can provide you entertainment, I suggest saving it for a rainy day. My intention is to promote the serenity offered by the white sand beaches, crystal blue water, & the mountainous terrain; they are what makes these islands so special.
Tourism accounts for 80% of the Virgin Islands GDP and is associated with the islands' only form of tax, which is an 8% hotel tax. Because the islands have no sales tax many people go to shop in Charlotte Amalie, especially for jewelry. Though duty-free shopping is a major draw to St. Thomas, it is imperative to check the cruise ship schedules, as traffic on the two-lane roads in this area can prove to be unbearable at times. This area is plagued with "fanny-packers" from cruise ships, & can make navigating this area very frustrating. If you want to visit this area, I recommend that you locate an Island Trader which is a free news publication distubuted which can be found at almost any place of business. In this publication it will list all the cruise ships that plan to dock during that week. Go when there are two or fewer cruise ships. It will be a much more pleasurable experience. That said, while shopping on the island can provide you entertainment, I suggest saving it for a rainy day. My intention is to promote the serenity offered by the white sand beaches, crystal blue water, & the mountainous terrain; they are what makes these islands so special.
Beware!
There are two things you need to keep in mind when entering the ocean waters. The first one are sea urchins. Sea urchins can usually be found in or around calm rocky beaches. Just make sure you look under water, before jump in. These little fellows will put a quick end to your vacation. If you happen to step on one do not bother going to the hospital, because there is nothing they can do that you can't do yourself. TREATMENT
Second is staph infection (Staphylococcus aureus). This bacteria usually enters your body through an open sore. Things you can do to prevent it are: do not swim with open sores, do not swim in areas with a lot of boats such as a harbor or marina, do not swim the day after a heavy rain. Almost every place with the exception of some businesses use septic tanks. These septic tanks have run-offs, & this run-off ends up in hanging out in bays & harbors that don't have strong currents until the ocean has time to wash it away. The first signs of staph infection usually show up on the back of the thigh & look like acne. See a doctor immediately if you think you have contracted it!
Second is staph infection (Staphylococcus aureus). This bacteria usually enters your body through an open sore. Things you can do to prevent it are: do not swim with open sores, do not swim in areas with a lot of boats such as a harbor or marina, do not swim the day after a heavy rain. Almost every place with the exception of some businesses use septic tanks. These septic tanks have run-offs, & this run-off ends up in hanging out in bays & harbors that don't have strong currents until the ocean has time to wash it away. The first signs of staph infection usually show up on the back of the thigh & look like acne. See a doctor immediately if you think you have contracted it!
Laws of the Land
Even though the United States Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States there are some important differences. For instance, people drive on the left side of the road, so it is important to look right first before you walk across the street. Ninety-five percent of security guards are off-duty police, DEA, or ex-police, so do not disrespect them like we do here in the states. While it is against the law to talk on your cell phone & drive at the same time, it is perfectly legal to drink alcohol and drive. It makes no sense, I know, but it is important to be aware of this law, and to be extra careful. In addition, keep in mind that the .08% B.A.C. still applies for DUIs.
