Do cruises really have long, boring days at sea?

Unless you have a very rare cruise schedule, you will probably have at least one day at sea, without a single stop at any island or port. Actually, there are many hours in between those daily ports, as well. So, since you're then stuck on the ship, what in the world are you going to do?

Of course, the cruise lines know all to well that they need something to keep their passengers busy when they're not eating or sleeping. They have developed their own versions of entertainment, and entertaining venues and activities on board.

The newest ships have exciting things which are unique to their own lines in many cases. Rock climbing seems to be getting more and more popular on the ships, and when you reach the top of the wall, you get a view over the scenery higher and better than anyone else on the entire ship, including the captain!

One of the most unusual things I've ever came across on just a couple of the newest ships are actual ice skating rinks. Right on board. Even in the Caribbean in the summer! You would be very, very, very hard-pressed to find a single ice skating rink on any of the tropical Caribbean islands. Think of the excitement and interest you can stir up as you go from ice skating over the water to a tropical island beach and back to the cold of the ice rink in just a few hours. Of course, with an ice rink, the ships also have ice skating performances.

I've mentioned this in my last blog on the dining options, but it bears pointing out that 24-hour pizzerias are also new to many ships and cruise lines.

For the less adventurous, most cruise ships also have an art gallery (with pieces for sale), library, card rooms, pools and whirlpools, cigar lounge, bars and lounges, movie theater, meeting rooms, piano bar, a sports court, sports bar, champagne bar, sunbathing, cocktail lounge, wine bar, and a jogging track.

Still, that is not enough for some people, and the kids don't usually enjoy so many adult-directed venues. So, the cruise lines usually have reserved spaces for ONLY children. Teens can visit the teen-only disco and social areas, as well as the arcade. And younger kids "get stuck with" a wild and crazy adventure pool and private swimming area and recreations and activities just for them and their age group! Don't worry about leaving your precious little Sally with them. She will be taken good care of by the well-trained childcare staff. Some cruise lines even give the parents beepers just in case. And, if mommy and daddy want to spend some time alone at night, after the adventure park is closed, there are great sitting services which are rather reasonably-priced and can extend to as late as 1:00am. Actually, some cruise lines even have special pajama parties just for the kids which last rather late as well.

And, just what would mommy and daddy be doing while Sally is playing with her new friends in the adventure park part of the ship? Adults have their own solarium set aside for just adults so they can sunbathe, relax, swim, and rest up for a great night on the town, well, actually, it's an adult-only night club. In the middle of the ship is also a special adult-only area. The casino. With Las Vegas rules and lessons for those of us who aren't all that familiar with the games. There are also late-night performances such as comics who have more adult-oriented shows.

And, if you actually want to spend time together with the kids and the "old people," why not check out some more really exciting things to do on the ship? Everything from miniature golf and golf simulators to waver runners and the water park and water slide. From nightly entertainment by way of Broadway shows and musicals and comedy skits, to smaller event karaoke and games and prizes.

As if that isn't enough, here is a list of even MORE things to do while on board:
1. an entire street of shops and duty-free stores
2. a well-equipped gym with classes, saunas, and a tremendous view, and a personal trainer
3. inline skating track
4. self-leveling pool tables
5. boxing ring
6. flower arranging
7. spa and salon services such as hairdresser, massage, facial, manicure, pedicure
8. trampoline
9. wireless internet

And you're worried about not having enough to do while at sea? I think you will get disappointed that you have to get off the ship because you didn't have enough time to do everything! And those annoying stops at those tropical islands! What an interruption while you're having the time of your life on board!

Oh, one more thing, just be aware that, although most things on board are free, some things do come for a cost. Such as sitting services, personal training, bars, casino, salon and spa services, and other such things. Always ask if you are not sure, just to avoid any sudden shocks when you get off the ship at the end of your VERY busy cruise!

To experience the whole new world and live the cruise ship dream, book your cruise today at:
http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

The Curse of the Cruise Lines?

Could it possibly be that cruise lines have a curse on them? Actually, cruise lines are SO successful, there is nearly no way for the lines themselves to be cursed. Actually, the ones who are cursed are the passengers!

The passengers?

No, I'm not talking about the rare, but often well-publicized, illnesses that run rampant on the close quarters of the ship.

I'm talking about the tremendous dining options available!

How is the often highly-acclaimed dining options the passenger's curse?

Well, first, let me explain what kind of dining options are available:

1. Buffets-These include breakfast, sandwiches, salads, sushi, desserts, and the famous midnight chocolate buffet! These venues are usually included in the price of the cruise

2. Public Dining Rooms-These are the most popular dining locations, with more than one dining rooms and within more than one floor! Guests usually have assigned tables, and are usually sat with other people from the ship, or with your group of friends, relatives, or business associates. There are either open seating, meaning you eat when you want to, or a choice of early or late seatings, usually around 6 and 8:30. This venue is also popular because it is included in the price already, you can eat as much as you want, and it's a sit-down meal. Also, the waitstaff are known for being exceptionally friendly and make a special effort to remember your name, as well as your preferences and favourite drinks!

3. Luxury Dining-These are those extra special restaurants on mostly every cruise ship now. You have to dress up and be sure to make reservations, because they might not have any room for you at the last minute. Like the public dining room, the luxury dining room is a sit-down meal, with far more exclusive appetizers, taste bud-tingling entrees, impeccable deserts, and a wine list that should appeal to any level of connoisseur. But, this dining venue is far smaller than any of the others. Why is that? It makes it first for a considerably more intimate environment, with mostly tables for two or four. Also, there is what is called a "nominal" fee to eat at this particular restaurant. I still think that an extra $15-$30 per person might hurt a little bit in the pocketbook, but it is often SO well done, it really is worth the little bit extra. And if you manage to snag one of those elusive $299 or less cruises, you probably have enough left over to visit the luxury dining room at least once!

4. Cafe Dining-These are those fun, very informal, dining places throughout the ship that serve those more casual foods, such as fish and chips, sandwiches, and simple things like that. Like a normal cafe, you order at the counter and pick it up there as well. Of course, there is always the person who actually brings your order out to you. Just don't hold your breath. There are only a handful that do, that is, unless you tip them well enough. ;)

5. Ice Cream and Pastries-For all of us with sweet tooths, these are the ones where we really can enhance our cruise experience. The cruise lines usually use brand name (aka "premium") ice creams and special "deluxe" condiments. Also there are numerous pastry pavilions where you can sample some exceptionally good pastries. Not only does your diet suffer, your pocketbook does as well. Ice cream may or may not be included, but pastry usually is not.

6. Sushi Bar-Well, if you like that sort of cuisine. Just be aware that some cruise lines charge for it so you don't get caught off guard. This is available only on some ships, fortunately.

7. Pizza Parlour-All sorts of specialty pizzas, and regular toppings too. Made fresh and hot to order! And included in the price of the cruise!

8. Theme Bars and Restaurants-Again, more dining options, but this time they have specific themed rooms and coordinating furnishings and ambiance.

9. Non-themed Bars-There must not be enough room to hold the thousands of guests at the other bars. And the cruise lines need more places to make money. After all, liquor is not included in the price!

10. 24-Hour Room Service-Yes, even MORE opportunities to overindulge on your cruise. The great food gets delivers straight to your room. I bet you can even have it sent to wherever on the ship you're at if you ask nicely. ;)

So, what is the curse of the cruise line passengers? There is just TOO MUCH FOOD!

Of course, there is the exercise room with occasional classes and special healthy menu items. And, if you have allergies, the chefs will always be able to accommodate your dietary needs.

Also, in the case of alcohol, you must be 21 to drink on the ship, or 18 if a parent signs a waiver of responsibility, and if the cruise goes to South America or Europe.

One more thing about drinks of any sort. You can usually pre-purchase drink packages for alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks to help alleviate the cost while on the cruise.

So, if you REALLY like to eat---and who doesn't?---book your cruise today at http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

Basic Cruising Information

Cruises are rapidly becoming a major part of the travel industry. It's already the fastest growing portion of the industry. Although only 12% of the people have ever cruised, cruising has the highest customer retention and customer satisfaction rates in the entire travel industry!

There are three categories of cruise ships: mass-market, premium, and luxury.

Mass-market cruise lines hold 2,000-3,500 passengers, 600-1,100 crew, and include Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

Premium cruise lines hold 750-1,750 passengers, 20-500 crew, and include Holland America and Celebrity. They travel to more exotic itineraries such as South America and Hawaii.

Luxury cruise lines hold 40-600 passengers, 30-175 crew, and include Crystal and Silver Seas. All rooms on board are balcony suites, to ensure a far more luxurious stay. Just to keep in mind, the luxury cruise lines are usually occupied by older clienteles.

Cruising is a wonderful way to see places which you could not afford to had you been staying at a resort in the same place. You get so many amenities and advantages on the cruise ship, the ship itself is a destination in itself. (I will discuss these amenities and advantages in later blogs.)

Included in the price of your cruise ticket are your room, food, meeting rooms, fitness center, room service, and entertainment. Not included are tips, most beverages, spa services, casino play, shore excursions, luxury dining, airfare, transfers, photographs, phone calls, medical services, laundry, port charges, fuel surcharges, and taxes.

There are many levels of comfort on each ship, as well. From the basic interior stateroom for the least amount of money, and the least amount of space, up to the presidential suite with large balcony, butler service, and a great deal of room. Generally, the higher decks are more expensive. Each room has its own full-service hotel-like amenities.

All rooms have 1 large bed, or 2 which convert to 1, minibar, sitting area, luxurious bedding, tv (many have flat screens now), phone, private bathroom, dryer, vanity, closet, and 24-hour room service. The mid-level rooms also include an oceanview, balcony, and sofa bed. And the luxury suites even have concierge service, faster luggage delivery, a coffee/tea facility, and butler service! Luxury suites also allow passage into special suite-only rooms, and other services.

Most cruisers go with another person, making a double. Unlike land resorts, cruise lines charge a single cabin supplement of 125%-200% of the per-person double-occupancy rate. That means it's usually less expensive to take someone with you!

You can take many people with you and form a group cruise. (Just tell a travel agent you wish to book a group cruise, and watch how excited and interested he immediately becomes!) And when you book a group, you often get special bonuses with a certain number of cabins booked. Groups can include, but are in no way limited to:

• friends
• reunions (class or family)
• church groups
• business meetings or partners
• seniors
• social organizations
• country clubs
• dance clubs
• health clubs
• weddings

Charitable organizations also use group cruises to raise money. The cruises pay a slightly higher room rate, and the excess, plus a donation (possibly matching in size) from the cruise line, both get donated to the charitable organization. Many charities raise tens of thousands of dollars from just one cruise!

If you've been on a cruise before and enjoyed the cruise line, I encourage you to look into the same line, or at least a sister line, and take advantage of their frequent cruiser loyalty programs.

Other interesting parts of the ships include glass elevators which allow ocean views and/or views of the beautiful atrium, photo gallery, observation point, bridge overlook, chapel, salon and shave station, and stores that include perfume, liquor, general store, souvenirs, flowers, jewelry, clothing, and tuxedo rentals.

Before you venture on your cruise, you must pay a deposit, sometimes a few before your final payment. Think of it as installments. Refunds are made with only certain conditions, and if a cancellation coverage is in force. Check with the cruise line to see their individual rules on these.

Other notes include: It's best to have your paperwork filled out and ready to go before you get to the docks; baggage coverage is a good option; smoking is allowed in designated areas of most ships; security screens all passengers and their belongings; put your luggage outside your room door the night before the end of the cruise; sometimes, due to unfortunate circumstances, cruise lines are forced to temporarily change their itineraries, sometimes at the last minute without warning, and passengers are not eligible for refunds in this case; onboard purchases not paid with a credit card are automatically added onto your end of cruise bill which comes due immediately.

Finally, disabled passengers can request wheelchair-accessible rooms which include special bathrooms, and some pools have contraptions that allow the disabled passenger to use the pools too! And for women who are pregnant beyond their 26th week, you will likely not be allowed to cruise. Sorry.

Now, when you are ready to take that cruise, book it here!http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

Cruise Ships vs. Resort Hotels

There are so many changes in both the cruise line and resort hotel industries, that this list can never truly be complete.

Both cruise ships and resort hotels offer:

1. spa services
2. fine dining
3. children's programs
4. fitness centers
5. exotic destinations
6. pools, saunas, and jacuzzis
7. fixed expenses
8. additional small charges

There are many differences, however, between a cruise ship and a resort hotel. Cruise ships offer:

1. auctions
2. rock climbing
3. ice skating
4. 24-hour pizzeria
5. special dietary needs met
6. small amount have ever cruised, only abut 10%
7. 98% customer satisfaction
8. port charges

And, the differences are many. Here is just a partial list of how they differ:

1. Cruise ship shows are Broadway and Las Vegas style; resort shows are local entertainment styles
2. Cruise ships offer 24-hour room service; resorts have limited times
3. cruise ships exclude liquor and soft drinks; resorts include at least the less expensive ones
4. cruise ships have casinos; only a few resorts do
5. on many cruise ships now, you can eat when you want. at resorts, reservations are merely optional, unless it's a highly popular restaurant
6. cruise ships are known for extremely friendly waitstaff; resorts have just average personality waitstaff. The highly friendly ones are not as common as you may think
7. cruise ships have multiple dining location options; resorts have one, if any. Although, some of the higher-end resorts do have 2 or 3 restaurants
8. cruise ship menus are on a rotating schedule, approximately every 24 days; resorts usually have set menus and buffets, except for special theme nights
9. when entering your cruise ship state room, you unpack once, and that is all. When you arrive at one of your resorts on your multi-country tour, you have to pack and unpack each time
10. cruise ships have much smaller rooms; resorts have spacious rooms
11. on cruise ships, tips are added onto the price, but may be removed, added to, or adjusted as necessary. At resorts, you typically tip when you leave.
12. finally, for business meetings, cruise ships offer free meeting rooms and equipment; resorts charge premiums for their equipment and meeting rooms
    
    Another thing cruise ships do, which resorts do not, is charitable promotions. For just a little extra per room, a charity can raise a considerable amount of money with charitable cruises. That extra premium, plus a donation for the cruise line itself, gets donated directly to the charity!
    
    For more information about the charitable cruises, or to book your own cruise or resort vacation, come visit me at:
    http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

The Culture of the U. S. Virgin Islands

European and African cultures have inspired the culture of the U. S. Virgin Islands. Art, language, food, and geographic names reflect the African and European ancestors who have shaped the U. S. Virgin Islands.

Residents of the U. S. Virgin Islands are of African descent, or transplanted from North America, Europe, Central America, or even other Caribbean countries. They are drawn to the tourism and service industries there, but there are a number of reasons to relocate here. The charm and appeal of these amazing tropical islands are hard to resist. And, as I've said in my first blog, it's all about the water.

When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you will see many of the same fast-food restaurants as home, along with local restaurants serving authentic island foods like pates and boiled fish or meals prepared with West Indian spices and made with tropical fruits, vegetables, and fresh meats and seafood.

People in the U. S. Virgin Islands are very religious, mostly Catholic or Baptist. Others include Methodist, Jewish, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Anglican, and Moravian. On St. Croix, some Muslims, too.

Some residents even practice ancient African beliefs, such as animism. Adults on the island will often tell children stories of jumbies and duppies. Magic is supposed to encourage the spirits and ancestors to do good deeds. These supernatural practices are often combined with mainstream religion.

In late March, the U. S. Virgin Islands have Carnival, with is similar to those of Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, and Venice. Then, as well as now, you can hear reggae, calypso, soca, and quelbe. Quelbe is the folk music of the U.S. Virgin Islands with hints of American and African influences. The celebrations include jigs, military pipe and drum music, quadrille dances from Victorian arrivals, and the slave call and response favourites. Instruments include bamboo flutes, steel triangles, guitars, banjos, ukuleles, ribbed squash gourds, tambourines, bass drums, and saxophones.

Fungi is played by a traditional scratch band of guitars, bass instruments, African drums, bamboo flutes, scratch instruments, and washboards. You can find Fungi bands playing at carnivals and competitions.

The Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts on St. Thomas often holds quelbe and other musical festivals, as do many other venues. Many hotel and bar bands also feature steel drum and reggae performances. You can find out where and when your favourite live music style is played in the local tourist materials found just about everywhere. I greatly prefer the steel drums. It really doesn't get any more Caribbean than that!

The University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas prints The Caribbean Writer, showcasing themes and the new Caribbean writing talents.

To best experience the culture of the U. S. Virgin Islands in person, go to http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

The Bustling Economy of the U. S. Virgin Islands

As with other Caribbean islands, sugarcane and slaves helped the U. S. Virgin Islands create their early economy. After slavery ended, the economy adjusted to agriculture and industry. Especially due to the arrival of cruise ships, the U. S. Virgin Islands now rely mostly on tourism as the major portion of their economy.

While you are on the islands, you may hear or see evidences of their first settlers, the Arawaks. But that was just a few years ago, around 500 A. D. At that time, they were primarily farmers and fishermen. In fact, many fishermen still live on the islands, and many even visit the islands just for the purpose of fishing. Farmers usually grew cotton, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables. And mangoes, I sure. They still have many mange trees all over the islands. Fresh, sweet, green skinned mangoes.

Eventually, the settlers' cruise ships arrived, and the U. S. Virgin Islands became a popular stop. Even the favourite of many a pirate! And that is when they started the tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, coffee, bananas, and pineapples.

Slaves imported from Africa worked the sugarcane, and made it an extremely profitable industry. Because of this, the U. S. Virgin Islands became were fought over by Dutch, Spanish, French, and English, with each one claiming them at one time or another.

Because Europe was turning to a more anti-slavery mentality, the U. S. Virgin Islands soon became protesters and abolitionists. Naturally, it took many fights and debates, but slavery was finally abolished slavery in 1792. Of course, with the end f that era, so was the end of the plantations, and a change again in the economy of the U. S. Virgin Islands.

Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands' economy relies primarily on tourism. In fact, most of the jobs on the islands are provided by tourism or the government. Government jobs comprise 1/3, while tourism and retail are nearly as large. St. Croix has a large oil refinery, aluminum plant, and some cattle breeders. Minimum wage in the U. S. Virgin Islands is the same as on the mainland.

Experience the economy of the U. S. Virgin Islands, blending the past with the present, at: http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

Planning Your Vacation to the U. S. Virgin Islands

When I go to the U. S. Virgin Islands, I always make sure to plan out and schedule my vacation there. That way I don't miss or forget anything I really want to do. After all, 11 visits must count as something! Vacationing in the U. S. Virgin Islands is a life-changing experience, but the only way to perfect it is to plan it before you actually arrive.

The U. S. Virgin Islands are very different in and among themselves, and especially different from the remainder of the Caribbean. From the National Park protected picturesque beaches of St. John, to the lively, vibrant atmosphere of St. Thomas, to the larger, yet far less traveled St. Croix.

Will your vacation focus on the water, perhaps in one of the luxurious yachts? Or perhaps a beachfront property with soft white sand beaches. Maybe you would prefer a historic residence turned hotel near town? Or an exclusive all-inclusive beachfront resort? The choices abound, and so do the hotels, as well as the rates.

While you plan your vacation, stop online to check out the official Web sites for the U.S. Virgin Islands (www.usvitourism.vi). While online, dig up some property and visitor reviews for any hotels or resorts that interest you.

Some guidebooks focus on the U. S. Virgin Islands provide much valuable information about the specific destinations, restaurants, and resorts in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Just make sure that the guidebook you check out is the one best fitting with your preferences. Travel magazines can be very helpful too, if you look at ones specific to the Caribbean or the U. S. Virgin Islands.

Of course, tell people about your upcoming vacation. Perhaps someone you know has been to the U. S. Virgin Islands and can give you specific information or recommendations. But you can still return to this blog for future additions and discussions about the U. S. Virgin Islands.Having done some research on the U. S. Virgin Islands, you've probably got a pretty good idea of where you'd like to go. Is your mind set on the relaxing calm of or do you prefer the upbeat geniality of their U.S owned counterparts, The differences in the islands are noteworthy so determining your vacation priorities will be an essential part of making wise decisions.

Although the U.S. Virgin Islands are internationally known for yachting and boating, few arrive with their own ships. You can always rent one, or charter one before you arrive, or after you get there. Although I highly recommend reserving yours in advance. I'm sure you can even buy one, if you happen to catch the owner at just the right time. Alternatively, you can fly directly to the St. Thomas or St. Croix airport, or arrive via cruise ship.

Many areas of the U. S. Virgin Islands are child-friendly, and many are more upscale, or geared toward the elder generations, or even more in tune for honeymooners.

Although the U. S. Virgin Islands are incredibly gorgeous, with many activities and beaches to suit everyone's tastes, you must allow for the financial aspect of this vacation to rear its lovely head. Of course, you will need a place to stay, a way to get there, and food to eat, but include in your financial situation also the money you will use for souvenirs, resort taxes, and tips. Souvenirs can range from a simple $3 tee shirt at Vendors' Plaza open air flea market, to the $300 exotic porcelain sculpture of the Crystal Shoppe, to the $3,000 sapphire ring in Regency Jewelers.

Just a side note, the jewelry in the U. S. Virgin Islands is often more on the exotic, upper class end of the scale. You shouldn't find anything for $30, a good amount for $300, some more for $3,000, then the especially nice pieces for $30,000 and even the rare, original, one-of-a-kind $300,000 pieces! I even tried on a natural yellow diamond ring worth $1,500,000, but the store owner was willing to part with it for ONLY $800,000! So, there is quite a wide range of prices and styles, and certainly some intriguing gemstones. The tip of the day here is never to take the salesman's first price offer. They claim you can have the jewelry for as much as 80% off state-side prices, but I have yet to see the mainland store that actually has such insanely high prices for their jewelry. Also, I have yet to find the St. Thomas jewelry store that even takes the full 80% off what they claim to be the state-side prices.

Peak Season is November-May, and prices on just about everything reflect it very well. Off-season is June-October. Resorts often reduce their rates significantly during these 5 months, and there is far smaller crowds on the islands at this time. Hotels charge from $80-$550 or more per night, depending on the season. Plus an 8% hospitality tax and whatever additional fees they add on.

Dining is considerably more expensive than on the mainland, with prices ranging from $10 per person upwards to $45 per person, per meal. Even the local fast food restaurants are more expensive than at first expected. Tips, however, are the same as the rest of the country, 15-20%, but surely more is very much appreciated. And so many of the waitstaff workers are so incredibly friendly, you likely would want to give them that little bit extra.

Taxis aren't like they are state-side. They charge by the person, and most are considered vans or open air safari buses. They charge from destination to destination, and often take on other passengers to help cut down everyone's costs. Buses are reliable and comfortable but are rarely on time. This is the very relaxed Caribbean, after all. And they still have those $2 rides which travel from the airport to the docks of Red Hook on the east side of St. Thomas nearly every day, going directly through town, and over the hills to the northeast part of the island. I have yet to discover if any ever go to the western part of the island, beyond the airport, to the north side, or anywhere between the Cruise Ship docks and Red Hook along the south side.

Car rentals are usually $50-$80 a day, plus taxes. Weekly discounts are also available, of course.

Ferries are extremely popular and certainly one of the most reasonably-priced options available, from $7-45.

Admission and cover charges are also additional expenses which must be included into your financial plans. As well as other "goodies" such as electronics, cameras, watches, china, perfume, lace, and liquor. And most of them are also below market prices here on the mainland.

You can bring up to $1,200 per person worth of untaxed goods and 5 liters of alcohol (6 if 1 of them is locally-made). 5% tax is added if you go over the limit. Actually, it's rather complicated to do it, too, because you can combine the number of people in your party to get the higher limit. So, a family of 4 can bring home $4,800 worth of goods without being taxed, and if there is also a baby with them, you can increase it again to $6,000! Of course, children cannot claim the alcohol (legal drinking age in the U. S. Virgin Islands is 18), or the cigarettes.

Everyone over age 5 must pay a departure tax upon leaving: by air is $20, by cruise ship $7 and by yacht or other personal watercraft $5. The departure taxes are usually included in the fees, but just be ready in case.

The weather in the U. S. Virgin Islands doesn't change much throughout the year. The difference between average summer and winter temperatures is really only 10 degrees. Hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30, but don't let it worry you. The U. S. Virgin Islands are so small, it would take nearly a direct hit for your vacation to be all that messed up. In fact, more hit the mainland than the U. S. Virgin Islands, despite their location in the tropical Caribbean!

During high season these tranquil islands become hustling, bustling swirl of vacationers, reveling in the beautiful weather and white sand beaches. Book your vacation at least 2 months in advance, when possible. And as soon as you arrive, or if you can before you arrive, make your restaurant reservations.

The off season is very different, with far less crowds and expense. You can even walk into mostly any restaurant and be seated without a reservation!

High season events include St. Croix's Crucian CHRISTmas, the Rolex Cup Regatta, and Carnival.

Low season events include a very festive Independence Day celebration, as well as numerous other carnivals and festivals, regattas, and fishing tournaments.

So, now that you have all of this information, plan out your vacation, and plan out your expenses. But, most importantly, plan to have FUN!

And, when you're ready to plan, stop by at: http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

Where to stay in the U. S. Virgin Islands

The U. S. Virgin Islands has a wide range of hotels and resorts, and even campgrounds and eco-tourism sites.

All-inclusive resorts are just that. Everything included, with the possible exception of liquor and spa services. All-inclusives may be affordable and relaxing, but they do require guests to give up certain things. Some don't like the loss of freedom when staying at these resorts, not because they're locked in, but because they don't explore the island and it's beauty, amenities, and wonderful restaurants! Super deluxe resorts offer high-style and high-class tropical living. Whereas, hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts have a far more intimate ambiance.

The U. S. Virgin Islands also offer rental properties, from a small apartment up to your own private island. Villas and cottages are most often higher-class, too. Or course, you could also opt to spending your vacation onboard one of the fabulous yachts in one of the picturesque harbours.

The Virgin Islands are home to some of the world's most famous campgrounds, too. Especially on St. John, the most tranquil and gorgeous of all of the ones I've seen.

The U.S. Virgin Islands offer many resorts that are a little out of the way. One resort on St. Croix even offers visitors a degree in marine ecology from the University of St. Croix! But it requires a 3-night stay and 2 tours of the island. It's surely an interesting way to spend a resort vacation!

No matter where you go in the U. S. Virgin Islands, you'll find plenty of rental properties. Apartments and condos are best for small groups and families. They usually include a kitchen, stocked with pans and dishes. This helps replace the cost of eating out for each meal. Villas and cottages are best for larger groups and families, and can be quite luxurious.

Of course, you could just opt for a yacht and stay on the beautifully pristine waters the whole time. Either at the docks, anchored in the bay, or sailing around the islands altogether.

The only 5 star hotel is Caneel Bay, on the northwest side of St. John. To date, my personal favourite is the all-inclusive 3 1/2 star Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort on the northeast side of St. Thomas. It was there that I saw violet-shaded water, due to the apparent coral just below the surface.

After all, it's all about the water!

Just a note, as many of the hotels are on the beaches, the hotels do now own the beaches, and the only way to get to the beaches is by going through the hotels' lobbies. This is an adventure in itself, for you may see some amazing beauty within the hotel enroute to the amazing beauty of the beach!

Book your hotels and airfare to the U. S. Virgin Islands, or elsewhere, at:
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Fun and Food in the U. S. Virgin Islands

Beaches often top the list of attractions for island-goers' travels. The U. S. Virgin Islands include gorgeous beaches with coral reefs, and multi-shaded blue waters. (see "Why I like the U. S. Virgin Islands So Much") There are water sports at many of the beaches. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also very popular in the clean, clear, warm waters. Many of the beaches may look rather similar on the surface, but they all seem to differ when it comes to popularity. The quieter, less crowded beaches are often the ones that are harder to reach! Hotels are not allowed to privatize their stretch of beaches, so most of the islands' beaches are public. And to get to some, you would have to walk through the hotel lobby, which is a sight in itself, and the topic of a future blog.

St. John is comprised of mostly a National Park, so it's also considerably less busy, but still rather popular for its own set of beaches.

And Magen's Bay on St. Thomas, rated as the 7th most beautiful beach in the world, is the only beach that charges admission. Personally, I am not terribly fond of it. I prefer Secret Harbour Beach on the Southeast side of St. Thomas.

Of course, those who aren't interested in the perfect beach can also find plenty to do. GOD truly blessed these islands, creating natural wonders and natural beauty which far surpass any others I have ever seen.

History also gave the islands many spectacular sites. From Colonial forts, to museums and historical buildings. Some buildings have even been converted into museums. And some historical sites into pleasant hotels.

On a more modern note, the Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix is the U. S. Virgin Islands' only casino. Some are discussing adding an additional casino, but that still remains to be seen.

Many island specialties and restaurants abound if you want to truly experience the Caribbean. Of course, the major chain fast food stores and more traditional home-cooking-style restaurants are also feasible options. Even world-class chefs open restaurants in the U. S. Virgin Islands, and they truly make their marks in the Caribbean in so doing.

As could be expected, seafood, shellfish, and fresh fish are the most popular items on the menu. And many such items can't really be found elsewhere. I have yet to see yellowtail snapper outside of St. Thomas! Other Caribbean-specific foods include: whitefish, kingfish, wahoo, mahi mahi, bonito, soft shell lobster, whelk, conch, and saltfish, fungi, tannia, souse, and kallaloo.

Also, due to the location of the islands, resulting in more extended travel for some of the foods, the prices are a bit more expensive than many people expect. $20 per main entree for supper is deemed a fairly decent price. My personal favourite is the seafood risotto at the Agave Terrace at Point Pleasant, on the northeast side of St. Thomas. At last tasting, that was $32 alone.

Reservations are sometimes required, as are more formal dress codes. But, as this is the tropical Caribbean, some do not choose to follow either. It looks rather silly to see a tee shirt and shorts-laden man eating $27 foie gras next to a lady in a pink floral tropical dress eating a $12 hamburger.

Restaurants in the U. S. Virgin Islands go from roadside stands and beach bars to exotic dining locales overlooking the waters and outlying islands.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, tips are the customary 15 percent, but, there, the tip should reflect the quality of the service.

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Daily Life in the U. S. Virgin Islands, Part 2

In the U. S. Virgin Islands, English is the official and most common language. You might hear a little French, Creole, or Spanish. English in the U. S. Virgin Islands is spoken fast with strong accent that makes some words hard to understand. Personally, I think the accents are fun, and I enjoy listening to them. Your ear will adjust so you can understand them more as time goes on. Incidentally, not everyone has the Caribbean lilt. Many have other distinct accents.

Postage from the mainland to and from the U. S. Virgin Islands are the same as on the mainland.

The phone service is the same as the mainland, with AT&T as the primary phone service supplier. The country code for the U.S. Virgin Islands is 340. Apparently, they do NOT have area codes? Making a local call from a public phone costs 35 cents per 5 minutes. If you want to bring your cellphone with you, be sure it is GSM capable. Then you'll be able to make and receive calls abroad, if you contact your service company and inform them of your travel plans. Of course, you can just rent cell phones if you prefer to avoid those terrible fees.

If you leave your laptop home, you can still read and send e-mail and check local sports scores. Internet cafe and locations have costs which vary considerably, but expect to spend $2-9 per hour. You can save some money by finding Internet access at the library or the hotels, malls, or airports. You can also connect to the Internet if you bring your own computer to the Islands. Many hotels provide in-room data ports for laptops, and a good number of hotels now have high-speed Ethernet access. Many hotels, airports, lobbies, and cafes are even T-Mobile Hot spots.

The U. S. Virgin Islands are in Atlantic Standard Time, which puts them an hour ahead of Eastern Standard. However, the U. S. Virgin Islands do not observe daylight savings time. So Atlantic Standard time and Eastern Standard time are the same during the summer months.

Expect most rainfall in the spring and summer in the form of mild sun showers. The limate is ideal, with perfect temperatures and rainfall. January averages run from 69-84. July temperatures are not so different, at 75-89. Rainfall averages just over 54 inches annually, with summer and spring as the rainy season. It's important to keep in mind that of all the types of natural disasters, hurricanes are the most predictable. You should have enough time to leave before a storm strikes. Still, it's a good idea to keep an eye on weather reports when planning a trip to the Caribbean during hurricane season. The U. S. Virgin Islands has perfect weather during winter, so most people go then, and prices reflect the increased tourism with increased prices. Off-season travel can save you a tremendous amount! The U. S. Virgin Islands have a stable climate thanks to trade-winds which keep them pleasant all year.

To experience the U. S. Virgin Islands for yourself, come to my website: http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

Daily Life in the U. S. Virgin Islands, Part 1

Despite liberal clothing styles on other Caribbean islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands remain much more conservative. Bathing suits are acceptable on beaches, of course, but cover before leaving the beach. It's actually illegal in the U.S. Virgin Islands to wear bathing suits outside of the beach and pool areas! Bare midriffs and short shorts on women will certainly get some angry stares, and men should not walk around shirtless or with unbuttoned shirts. Dress on the islands is casual, but not THAT casual. Actually, many men wear lightweight pants! And, despite tropical downpours, I have yet to see any raincoats! Lightweight clothing is the best for the tropical Caribbean. And, because of the VERY strong sun, be sure to wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Even if you don't burn very quickly, you likely will until your body gets more used to the strong sun in the Caribbean. I prefer staying at the beaches only for an hour or two to prevent too much of a sunburn!

I never really hear much of any crime on any of the U. S. Virgin Islands, but apparently St. Thomas has the highest portion of the 3 major islands. As you likely wouldn't elsewhere, don't leave valuables lying around unprotected. Use your room safe or something. And certainly don't leave things unwatched on the beaches. It turns out, many times on the beaches, it's not a person who steals things, but a bird or a small animal or something! yes, really, they're sneaky little things!

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of both the U. S. and British Virgin Islands. Credit cards are usually accepted, but vendors definitely prefer cash or traveler's checks. ATMs are the easiest way to get money while away from home. The Cirrus network is worldwide, and any debit card endorsed by a major credit card is usually fine. There are 10 ATMs on the three major islands.

Electrical current in the U. S. Virgin Islands is the same the U.S. mainland, 110 volts.

If bringing prescriptions from your doctor that you will want to fill in the Virgin Islands, make sure that they are generic and not brand-name. Carry medicine in its original, properly labeled containers. Bring copies of prescriptions, and note any pre-existing conditions or allergies. You shouldn't require and vaccinations to enter the U. S. Virgin Islands, but check with your doctor before you leave, just in case things change. If you have a sensitive stomach to begin with, or develop stomach problems while in the Virgin Islands, drink lots of bottled water, and make sure to eat only food cooked thoroughly at high temperatures. Actually, you would want to drink lots of bottled water anyways. The older buildings often do not have plumbing that give you good drinking tap water. But the newer ones should be fine. Either way, just drink lots of water there!

Typical business hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday and 9-1 Saturday. Shops sometimes open Sundays for cruise ship arrivals. Bars are usually open from lunchtime to midnight, and occasionally later.

To personally experience the life in the U. S. Virgin Islands, come to my website: http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp

Air and Sea Transportation to and within the U. S. Virgin Islands

The U. S. Virgin Islands are incredible. But, before you can enjoy them, you have to get to them. Several options are available whether you're traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including plane, cruise, and yacht.

Air travel is always popular because it's fast and convenient. The U.S. Virgin Islands have plenty of direct or nonstop flights. Although it's best to book well in advance, last minute deals can also be found when you are able to be more flexible. Another option to save is to choose off-peak times: mid-week, Saturday stay overs, or off season. You will land at either St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport, west of Charlotte Amalie or St. Croix's Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, southwest of Christiansted. Getting around the U. S. Virgin Islands is easy because a number of airlines travel within and among the islands. And, if you can afford the high fees associated with them, helicopters are certainly viable options too!

Cruises stop at both St. Thomas and St. Croix. Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted are both popular cruise ports. Many ships pass through and stop in the U. S. Virgin Islands before heading on.

Yachting is highly popular in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Plenty of yachts are rented. You can even rent one outside of the Virgin Islands and arrive by sea on your own schedule. The U. S. Virgin Islands are known for the gorgeous stretches of sea that surround them. People sail around these islands for the fishing, sailing, and beauty. The U. S. Virgin Islands are known around the world for their incredible sailing and fishing. The water is always warm, and conditions are nearly always perfect. Many travel via yacht each year to explore, race, or just enjoy the Caribbean's wintertime warmth. You can choose power boats or sailboats, unmanned or with full crew. Many scheduled group tours are easy to join. These are usually only day-long or half-day trips but provide great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing.

Ferries are a relatively easy way to reach some of the more out of the way islands. Ferries leave from St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie and travel to Cruz Bay, St. John, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Red Hook, St. Thomas, on the eastern end, also has a number of ferries to Cruz Bay. Fortunately, ferry rides are inexpensive. They're also reliable, and the choice of vacationers and locals alike. Rates range from $5-$45, depending on where you travel to and from. Last time I went, Red Hook to Cruz Bay was only $7 per person. All ferries offer reduced rates for children 3-11, and some offer discounts for senior citizens. Although, I think for the senior discount, you need to have a special card, or be a resident. Why people don't just check licenses or identification, I don't know!

As perfect as the waters are, you should watch for coral reefs. Unfavorable (not the usual northeasterly) trade winds aren't common, but are nuisances. Northeastern sides of the islands will face the rough Atlantic, and if you travel from January to March, you will experience the best conditions, and the highest prices. Summer vacation may find rains and hurricane season getting in the way. Of course, the Caribbean has been hit by many a hurricane, yet they still stand. Don't let it distract you. I prefer going in the May to July quarter, anyways. (Although my next visit will be in early November, and by cruise ship for the first time. But for the 11th vacation to St. Thomas! :D)

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Land Transportation in the U. S. Virgin Islands

What an experience it was the first time I left the St. Thomas airport en route to my hotel. Apparently, they drive on the other side of the street there, and in American cars! It took me a while to figure out why they do that. It really has nothing to do with their being former European settlements, but instead it has to do with their former position as a major trading center. The horses and donkey rode on the left, and when cars were introduced, the government never changed the side to fit with the majority of other countries.

The age requirement for renting a car is supposed to be 25, but most rental agencies rent to drivers over 21 for an extra charge. You can drive a vehicle in the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 90 days on a valid drivers license. When planning your budget for a rental car, don't forget to factor in additional costs such as gasoline. St. Croix has the least expensive gasoline out of the 3 islands because the refinery is there. St. John has the most expensive. In fact, of all the time I've been to St. John, I have never ever seen a gas station there. But I'm sure there is at least one somewhere. St. Thomas and St. John's gas prices are actually more expensive than the States because the refined oil to gas from St. Croix actually gets shipped to Puerto Rico, rather than directly to St. Thomas or St. John, adding a considerable middle-man additional cost.

Locals are usually courteous and patient, and serious accidents are very rare. In fact, I often hear about head-on collisions when I'm there, with traffic backed up to who-knows-where. And every time it's been an American tourist forgetting the U. S. Virgin Islands driving law, and drives on the right side instead!

Don't forget to wear you seat belts, too. It may be the law, but when you get your first ride with one of those crazy taxi drivers, you'll soon learn it's actually more of a necessity! Although most of the islands aren't crowded, it's usually hard to find a parking space in town.

In the U. S. Virgin Islands, taxis are more than just a way of getting you where you want to go. They are often an expression of the driver's personality. Or an interesting design or picture painted right on the side of the taxi! Now, before I go any further, let me clarify that I have never seen one of those New York-style taxis with which we are all familiar. Many of them are vans, (some don't have air conditioning?) but the most exciting ones are instead the native-owned ones. They are very proud of them, and you will see many of them painted in high gloss racing down the streets. But, they don't look like a taxi or a car. They look most like a pick-up truck, sometimes with a canvas top, no wall one one side, and rows of padded seats, with only a small narrow step to actually climb up. And there aren't any seat belts, so hang on! Locals are used to the crazily steep winding roads, and blind turns. So they can go considerably faster than most state-side people prefer!

You can even arrange an island tour with a taxi driver who will be easily able to point out any number of tourist-friendly, and local-preferred destinations.

Also, unlike the States, the U. S. Virgin Islands taxi system does not use meters, and charges by the person. Yes, that makes it considerably more expensive, however most taxis are members of the V. I. Taxi Administration and have pre-set rates. Of course, you could always try to convince them to give you a special discount.

Another common taxi event is that most taxi drivers prefer taking groups of people, rather than just one or two people. It does save on the cost per person, in that case.

Children under 6 pay 1/2 price. The first piece of luggage is free, but any more requires more money. And, if you have someone do a radio call for a taxi, or a trip after midnight, you will have to pay extra as well.

Bicycles and mopeds are available for rent, but I don't know who takes them. I have yet to see more than 1 motorcycle on my vacations in the islands.

Bus travel in the U. S. Virgin Islands varies greatly in the Caribbean. Only the larger islands really have much anything for bus services. Air-conditioned Vitran buses on St. Croix charge $1 per trip, although seniors pay only 55 cents. Buses run from 5:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day except Sunday, when there aren't any buses. They travel between Christiansted and Frederiksted and most stops are serviced once every 2 hours. Of course, this is the Caribbean, so don't set your watch by the buses. They are more often late!

St. John buses run between Cruz Bay, where the ferry docks are, and Salt Pond Bay , therefore covering most of the island. Buses run between Cruz Bay at 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. before the normal schedule, when the stop is 25 minutes past every hour until 7:25 p.m. Again, the buses are few and far between, so no rushing is possible.

On St. Thomas, both city (75 cents) and county ($1) buses run from 5:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., servicing the area between town and Red Hook, where the ferry docks are, once an hour. Most stops are made at least every 30 minutes.

And, to complicate matters even more, there is such a thing as a "dollar ride," which is now a two-dollar ride. It says taxi, and looks like a taxi, but the locals know better. You can easily tell which are, because they will likely have a number of people crammed into them. Especially if you're out of the town, you can wave a dollar bill at a passing taxi, and if it stops, then you know. If it doesn't, you'll know then also. Unfortunately, these "rides" do not visit the west end, or the entire South/Caribbean side of the island between the cruise ship dock and Red Hook.

No matter how you decide to get around the wonderful islands, make sure you pay less attention to the steep hills and treacherous driving, and more attention to the amazing scenery along the hillsides!

To experience the amazing transportation in the U. S. Virgin Islands for yourself, go to my website:
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Things The U. S. Virgin Islands Traveler Should Know

As a New England native, I realized soon after my arrival in St. Thomas, that the Caribbean has a lifestyle very different from that to which I have grown accustomed. Everyone is much more relaxed, much more friendly, much more helpful.

It's a bit of a culture shock for some white people, for the Caribbean is a majority of people who aren't white. Probably not a good vacation location for a person who prefers whites over everyone else. That being said, whites sometimes appear and are treated more often as tourists, and sometimes even as ignorant tourists.

St. Thomas is a major jewelry industry sales location. And sometimes the shrewd salespeople try to take advantage of the innocent travellers. Not all of them are sneaky, of course. There are crafty salespeople all over the world. The traveller must just remember to look around often. Browse the shops. And, certainly, never agree to the first offered price. There are some things in the Caribbean you cannot find anywhere else. And, often, the Caribbean is considerably less expensive!

And, the U. S. Virgin Islands also have no sales tax, so there is another savings. But there is a hotel tax and probably some others, but not on restaurants, liquor, or jewelry.

And, due to special laws, customs allowance in the U. S. Virgin Islands is far more than the amount allowed from the rest of the Caribbean! The U.S. allows its residents $1,600 worth of duty-free imports from the U. S. V. I. every 30 days. All purchases over it are taxed 5%. Gifts of $200 per day can be mailed from there, and are not considered part of your allowance. All goods made on the island are exempt from taxes, but you must show a certificate of origin if it's worth more than $25. Keep your receipts available to show the customs agents, just in case. Apparently some people offer false receipts, and may be working undercover for U.S. Customs.

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Why I love St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands, so much

When I first decided to go down to St. Thomas, I had all the intention of visiting a new island every summer, going down the Caribbean chain one island at a time. I flew over the beautiful Bahamas, the terrific Turks and Caicos Islands, and in the distance I even saw Puerto Rico. As I approached the Caribbean islands, I looked out the window. And all I could see were lots of tiny islands ringed by the most perfect shades of turquoise, aquamarine, and Swiss blue I had ever seen. Before my plane even touched the ground, in fact, even before I got my first glimpse of St. Thomas, I said that THIS is where I wanted to live.

As time went on, and I discovered some of St. Thomas's beaches, I saw more and more of the beauty of that amazing, sparkling, clean, multi-shaded blue waters. In fact, due to some coral, there were even a couple of areas where the water looked more violet than blue! Where else could I have seen violet water? THIS was where I wanted to live.

Over time, and as the years progressed, I continued my visits to St. Thomas during the May to July quarter. And staying a little longer each visit. As I stood on the beach and looked out over that amazing water, I felt my stress, my fears, my worries, completely melt away. THIS was where I wanted to live.

Why do I love St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands, so much?

It's all about the water.

After all, you have to love where you live. :D

To have your own personal experience in the U. S. Virgin Islands, go to my travel website:

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