I took a cruise (Carnival) back in 99 that stopped in San Juan, St Croix, and St Thomas. I'm not one who likes to do the planned activities in port, so I always went out and soaked it all in on my own. I always felt safe, and everything's pretty much a short cab ride or walk from everywhere anyway (very small Islands) 🙂

The ship's excursions are still pretty good though from what I've heard. They usually offer party charters, snorkling charters, tours, and shopping. In St Thomas there's a mall right at the ship dock, and plenty of shopping and sightseeing within 10-15 minutes by cab.

I haven't been to St John yet...but I'll be arriving in St Thomas by air on the 10th of Sept for a few days and I'll definately check it out. 🙂

JAY,
As you get here keep your eyes on the atlantic.Isabel is heading towards USVI.

St Thomas has many of the tourist types of things to do, including shopping and beaches. Most of the cruise ship excursions will most likely be on St Thomas because it is the more developed island and has many of the activities that tourist are looking for. I would recommend St Thomas if you are looking for shopping or stuff to do with large groups. St John has much more of a relaxed atmosphere. 2/3 of St John is national park and is restrictive on development. There are a number of hiking trails throughout the park and a number of beaches on the north shore. The beach at Trunk Bay will most likely be busy but the rest of the beaches are relatively empty. There are ferries available to St John just about every hour, but I would recommend going there early because of the time restraints. There are taxis available to take you pretty much where ever you would want to go. I would recommend St John if you are looking for a more relaxed day.
Both islands are safe to go off on your own, but I would recommend that if you do that you have some idea of where you are going before getting off the ship to save time and avoid the confusion of being to a new place. If you are not the type to try to plan your own activities then go on one of the cruise excurisions, they are nice but can be a bit pricy.
Bill

Michelle: One thing about the excursions booked on the ship...they buy tours from local operators then add on a fee for the cruise line- much more expensive for you! If you want to snorkel, you could do it much easier (and more cheaply) on your own. Tell us what you would like and maybe we can give you some ideas...

I don't plan on doing any snorkling at this Island. I have that planned for another time. I plan on stopping at the mall for a short time but I really want to see the scenery and the beaches. I want to have pictures that I will always remember. I have heard of so many nice things to see but there's no way I would get it all in on one day. So I just want to know what is a MUST see.

Thanks, Michelle

Paul, I'm already watching Isabel. Hopefully she'll steer clear or at least wait until I get there on Wednesday. Being stranded because the airport's shut down doesn't seem like such a bad thing to me once I'm there. 🙂

I'm just kidding of course. I'll do a special anti-hurricane dance on the beach (after a number of rum punches). 🙂

Michelle,

Based on what you want to do... take an island tour. About an hour and a half up to Mountain Top, through the northside Drakes Seat, Skyline have them drop you at Magens Bay for a bit - maybe grab a light bite for lunch there. (Lots of taxis at Magens so you won't have trouble getting one.) Then grab a taxi to Havensight to shop... maybe take the Paradise Point tram ride before shopping or if you need a few hours to shop then just shop. You can have the taxi from Magens drop you off at the Paradise Point tram... go up - great view, fabulous picture spot, great drinks. Take the tram back down and you can walk back to Havensight which is right accross the street basically.

Most ships dock at Havensight - if by chance your ship is docking in Crown Bay or at Anchorage - then you will have to take a taxi back OR you might shop in Charlotte Amalie instead.

--Islander