Day Sixty Four - March 10

This morning we arriived at the port of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas which is part of the islands that make up the US Virgin Islands.

We had not been here for at least twenty plus years. Since then a chairlift has been installed ,"St. Thomas Skyride", that will take you 700 feet above the city for specatular views of the city. At the port, shops selling all the same trinkets as what you can find in town has been built. With town being 2.5 kilometers away, I assume most guests would not bother going to town.

Two ships were already in port when we docked - the Caribbean Princess which was also in St. Kitts and an Azamara Cruise The Valletta (guest capacity 774).

Prior to leaving the ship everyone was required to clear US customs as St. Thomas is considered a US territory. Later at Trivia, we were informed that we may not need to clear customs again when we reach Miami on March 23 which I'm not sure why. It's not really a big deal though with so few passengers on board although Janice does have to get up earlier than usual.

At breakfast on deck outside we were treated to the most wonderful rainbow which appeared off the aft of the ship. I did not have my camera but Janice took pictures with her iphone. Showers come and go as fast as they appear.

Janice and I took a shuttle taxi that ferried people to downtown as well as to Megens Bay Resort and Beach. The cost to the beach was $8 USD per person and a $5 USD per person to use the resort as a guest.

It was a very peaceful spot that was not inhabited by the masses from the ships in port. You could take long walks on the beach as well. Where we sat there was a small yacht with a big Canadian Flag. What a great way to see the Caribbean.

Another rainshower came and our umbrellas kept us somewhat dry.

We returned for Trivia and placed fourth - not good enough. We were missing one couple although the new couple who joined us in Barbados are quite dedicated as they also returned from a tour but made their way directly to trivia before taking showers.

The bar stools have returned to Martini's Bar much too Janice's delight. Ray our cruise director indicated that they are taking small steps in getting the ship back to pre Covid conditions. Maybe we will soon see drinks being served again in the Insignia Lounge before shows - rather than the guests going to Martini's to pick up a drink.

Also Leslie Jon joined the ship in St. Thomas and will be the new cruise director when Ray leaves in Miami. Together Leslie and Ray have over seventy years of cruise ship experience and they are both amazing. We've sailed with Leslie previously on our 2018 cruise Cape Town to Tianjin, China.