Very little of the vegetation that is so much part of our Caribbean horticultural scene today is indigenous to the islands. Captain Bligh of the Bounty carried breadfruit from Africa and coconuts from Malaysia. Bananas and plantains stem from the Canary Islands, as does sugar cane. From Mexico, Central and South America came papaya, poinsettias, cashews, genips and allemanda. Tamarind and African tulip trees, guinea grass and many local vegetables are from Africa; Madagascar produced flamboyants. Hibiscus first bloomed in Hawaii and frangipani flourished in Asia.

Continue reading "Flora & Fauna" »

Comments (3)

You can also find the cruise schedule at Virgin Islands On Line. Click here to download a printer friendly PDF version of our Cruise Ship Schedule. Schedule is subject to change without notice.

ART / MADE IN THE ISLANDS

Alison's Wonderland	www.alisonsclayart.com
Ashley Photography	www.ashleyphotovi.com
Caribbean Herbals & Candles	www.caribbeanherbals.com
Essence of Earth	www.essenceofearth.wordpress.com
Everyday Clay Studio	www.everydayclayvi.com
Key Art Supplies	www.keyartsupplies.com
Lucinda O'Connell's Art Studio	www.artbylucinda.com
Ridvan Studio	www.ridvanstudio.com
Sloop Jones	www.sloopjones.com
Tillett Gardens	www.tillettgardens.com

Continue reading "Islands Online" »

It is my considerable pleasure to welcome you to the United States Virgin Islands. The residents of our Islands take genuine pride in the beauty of our land and sea and in the diversity of our people. We thank you for choosing to visit the Virgin Islands. I hope that you will return again and again, thereby getting to know each of our unique and wonder-filled islands.

The American flag flies over four main islands, each different in special ways, all sharing a common destiny. On the "big island" of St. Croix we invite you to discover our historic towns, estates and heritage trails. St. Thomas has made its name known around the world as a trading and shopping port for centuries. St. John and Water Island each retain much of the calm and quiet of by-gone times. And everywhere, white sands, blue skies and turquoise seas invite you to swim, sail, dive, fish ... and relax. I urge you to try our rums, visit our restaurants, dance to our music and meet our people.

Please enjoy our island home and our hospitality. Welcome!

Cordially,

Welcome to the United States Virgin Islands - America's Caribbean! St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are each distinguished by unique and appealing personalities. I invite you to discover the distinct and varied offerings of each of our islands.

Home to superb dining, an exciting nightlife and duty-free shopping, St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of our three islands. Our capital, Charlotte Amalie, is the most visited port in the Caribbean and boasts one of the most magnificent harbors in the world. Whether soaking up the sun on one of St. Thomas' many beautiful beaches, shopping along the downtown waterfront, or visiting island attractions, you will find plenty to fill your days and nights on the island.

If it is unspoiled beaches and a tranquil atmosphere you are seeking, then look no further than St. John. Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal blue water, or just relax on one of the world-renowned pristine beaches. Two-thirds of the island is a National Park, established in the 1950s with land donated by American financier Laurance Rockefeller. Hike the trails or camp out under the stars in St. John's lush, untainted environment.

Take some time to visit St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can experience a mix of rich heritage and culture with exciting land and sea activities. Pastel buildings, historic fortresses and majestic churches can be seen in the charming towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted, while offshore some of the best scuba diving sites in the world await your exploration.

While each of the islands has its own personality, their proximity makes island hopping quick and easy. Whatever way you choose to spend your vacation on the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is sure to be memorable. Enjoy your stay!

Sincerely,
Beverly Nicholson Doty
Commissioner of Tourism

SIZE
St. Thomas - 32 Square Miles
St. John - 19 Square Miles
St. Croix - 84 Square Miles

POPULATION
St. Thomas has 52,000 residents
John has 4,300 residents
St. Croix has 54,000 residents

LANGUAGE
There are many West Indian dialects which you may hear, most of them are predominantly English based. There are people from all over the Caribbean living here so If you don't understand what has been said to you, politely ask for the person to repeat what they have said. Preface all questions and requests with a greeting first. Customarily, "Good Morning" or "Good Day" will get you prompt service and many smiles.

Continue reading "Island Facts" »

Click on the image below for an enlarged image.

Virgin Islands This Week is always publishing new information. Each issue contains two to four new feature articles, an updated calendar of events and entertainment, and much more timely travel information. You can sign up below to receive alerts via email when this site is significantly updated, probably about twice a month. You can always return to this page to remove yourself from this list also - please be assured that your email address is always kept confidential and only used to send alerts that you have signed up for here.

Enter your email address to add or remove yourself from our email alert list: ADD REMOVE

300 BC to 1500 AD: Taino Indians inhabit St. Thomas.
1493: Christopher Columbus names the island San Tomas.
1585: Sir Francis Drake sails through the channel between the U.S. and British Virgins, now known as Drake's Passage.
1607: Captain John Smith stops by, enroute to Virginia, to establish the first English colony in America.
1666: Denmark plants her flag on St. Thomas.
1671: Fort Christian erected as protection for colonists from pirates and other invaders.

Continue reading "Historical Highlights" »

Across from Vendor's Plaza, a bright blue building welcomes visitors and longtime residents to the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative.

The Welcome Center is a perfect fit for the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative, which has long been a favorite of locals and visitors searching for that perfect, authentic flavor of the island. Locally handmade hot sauces, crafts, dolls, jewelry, soaps, sculptures and paintings are available, as well as writings and music penned and recorded by local artists.

Stop by the new Welcome Center and the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative next time you are downtown and see the results of vision and cooperation. For more information call the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative: 777-1153.

U.S. residents visiting the American Virgin Islands can return with, or mail, $1,600 worth of duty-free imports every 30 days. If you go over your exemption, the next $1,000 is dutiable at a flat rate of 1.5 percent. Above that, articles are subject to various rates of duty. Packages following by mail can be included in your exemption. This allows you to order items such as china and glass in quantity for later shipment.

Continue reading "Customs & Immigration" »