PARADISE FOUND
Making Waves and Sharing Vibes
As the spring approaches, you may - - -
Fortunately, you’ll find that it’s easy to get here, as most cruise lines include St. Kitts on their Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Upon arrival in Port Zante, you’ll discover costumed masquerades dancing to traditional folkloric music and a wide variety of shops, from jewelry stores to duty-free outlets, that beckon you to enter to find that perfect item to take home. Venture a bit further into the port and you’ll see the Amina Craft Market, which features local handmade crafts, or you may meet a vendor who offers to braid your hair in island style. If you exit the port entirely, you’ll discover the bustling capital city of Basseterre and its central Circus, modeled after British Piccadilly Circus in London and surrounded by restaurants, local shops, and businesses.
For those who don’t book a tour in advance, there are plenty of opportunities to do so once you disembark. A myriad of tour operators and taxi drivers can be found in port and all are accredited and trained by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Rates are fixed and drivers are eager to tell you all about their island home and the sights that you’ll pass by as you travel. They can take you on half-day or full-day island tours, or you can direct them to take you to specific places you might want to see and experience.
Among the most popular things for cruise guests to do is to take a ride aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. Lovingly nicknamed the “Sugar Train,” it is also a piece of living history, as it travels clickety-clack along the track initially built to carry sugarcane from the plantations to the factory in Basseterre. The tour takes approximately 2.5 hours to circle the island along the coastline and offers a unique perspective on the island’s culture, people, landscape, and history. On board, you’ll dine on sugar cakes and sip unlimited cool beverages while majestic scenes unfold along the way, from abandoned windmills and chimneys from old sugar estates to bridges and a canopy of rainforest vegetation along the slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, the dormant volcano that is the island’s central peak. The conductor will talk about the landmarks you’ll see while a dedicated choir in traditional dress will serenade everyone with folkloric tunes. As Kittitians are warm and friendly by nature, don’t be surprised to see people all stop to smile and wave hello as the train passes slowly by.
Another must-see on St. Kitts’ growing roster of attractions is the majestic Brimstone
Hill Fortress, known as the “Gibraltar of the West Indies.” Set high atop a volcanic outcropping in the northwestern portion of the island, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the largest and best-preserved forts in the Caribbean. Construction on the site began in 1690 and was carried out by slave labor during British rule. The climb to the top is well worth the effort, as panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands unfold just beyond the bell tower and cannons that all still stand today.
Not far from Brimstone Hill, visitors to the Caribelle Batik factory can enjoy watching a demonstration by local artisans on how they make batik. You’ll be mesmerized as they make each individual piece of fabric using the traditional wax and dye method that dates back hundreds of years. The fabrics are then crafted into wraps, caftans, purses, napkin sets, and more that can be purchased in the gift shop. Outside the factory, you can stroll the lush gardens and stately ruins of Romney Manor, which was originally owned by the great-great-great-grandfather of U. S. President Thomas Jefferson.
Cruise visitors may also want to reconnect with nature and become immersed in the sights and sounds of St. Kitts’ rainforest. Experienced guides will point out plants like the touch-sensitive “shy lady” along with certain tree barks and leaves often used by locals to make home remedies or teas. Scenic hikes range from strolls along winding trails to more challenging climbs up the island's mountainsides. For thrill-seekers, St. Kitts’ Sky Safaris will get you flying high above the rainforest canopy on zip lines up to 1,000 feet long.
If you prefer to get wet, St. Kitts offers even more to explore on or below its sparkling blue seas. Divers and snorkelers will be mesmerized by the pristine underwater environment of the island, with plentiful wrecks, reefs, and shoals that are teeming with colorful marine life. Above the surface, fun can be found on catamaran sails, stand-up paddleboards, Jet Skis, and even windsurfing and flyboarding for the ultimate exhilaration.
When all this activity has gotten you hungry, there are plenty of places to eat. But why choose your usual fare when you can truly experience St. Kitts’ culture by sampling some island food? Pick a restaurant and dine like a local by ordering an authentic West Indian dish for your lunch such as roti, freshly grilled lobster, or conch chowder. You’ll just need to be prepared if you choose to try one of the local hot sauces, since they’re known to be potent!
Of course, you may just prefer to put your toes in the sand and soak up the sunshine on one of St. Kitts’ numerous sandy beaches. No matter what you choose to do, make sure to have a good “lime” — which is the local term for kicking back, relaxing, and just enjoying the island life. For more information, visit StKittsTourism.kn.
The U. S. Virgin Islands (USVI) — St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island and its uninhabited outer islands — is inviting, beautiful, and alluring. With its rich culture and history, culinary diversity, breathtaking beaches, picturesque views, and off-the-beaten path experiences, the USVI offers all the natural amenities for travelers seeking a Caribbean vacation with the comforts and conveniences of a U. S. destination. As a U. S. territory, no passports are required for U. S. citizens.
The Territory now offers a refreshed product with new and renovated accommodations, increased airlift, and a bustling cruise sector, further demonstrating that the U. S. Virgin Islands is strengthening its position in the U. S. mainland and the rest of the world.
St. Croix: A Vibe Like No Other
The largest of the islands, St. Croix is the face of the destination’s new marketing campaign: “St. Croix: A Vibe Like No Other,” featuring its charming people, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine.
St. Croix offers cruise travelers a diverse array of activities to explore. Its colorful past is reflected in architecture, national parks, historic landmarks, botanical attractions, music, and the multitude of traditions that make up the daily life of the locals, also known as Crucians. “Twin City,” as St. Croix is often called locally, has two main towns. Frederiksted, with its iconic Ann E. Abramson Marine Pier, is the perfect place to begin a journey into the island’s past, with a visit to Fort Frederik and a walking tour of the historic town. In Christiansted, located just east of the central part of the island, visitors can stroll along the scenic boardwalk buzzing with the energy of lively restaurants and shops.
Culinary St. Croix — Authentic Experiences to Savor
From farm-to-table and local delicacies to food trucks and award-winning restaurants, eating in the USVI is an experience to be savored. St. Croix’s culinary landscape is shaped by the diverse people and cultures that call it home, creating an exquisite cuisine showcased in its many unique food- centric festivals and events. Travelers can savor the island’s distinctive foods, extraordinary history, and eclectic culture with walking food and bus tours or spending time with locals learning about the diverse culinary traditions.
“VI to The Bone” — Cultural Celebrations
Throughout the year, festivals and carnivals showcase the islands’ heritage in many different ways.
The USVI is home to not one or two, but three distinctive carnival and festival celebrations each year, offering visitors multiple opportunities to experience the unique flavor of each island.
Carnival Virgin Islands on St. Thomas is a month-long celebration beginning in April, where friends, family, and visitors connect and enjoy the lively music, vivacious dance, savory cuisine, and spirited pageantry that make it one of the most popular cultural celebrations in the Caribbean.
Every summer, St. John Festival combines the excitement of masquerading with the spirit of July 3, 1848 — the date Virgin Islanders were emancipated from slavery — as well as the celebration of America’s Independence Day on the Fourth of July. It’s an exciting time, as the streets of downtown Cruz Bay fill with revelers from St. John and neighboring islands.
St. Croix’s spectacular month-long Crucian Christmas Festival begins the first Saturday in December and ends the first Sunday of the New Year. The festival season is a rousing time on the Big Island, featuring traditional music and jamming calypso competitions.
The syncopated beats of soca, reggae, and Latin music flow through the air each evening at the Festival Village, while music-inspired street tramps, pageants, food, and craft fairs all come together to create a glorious holiday season for revelers to enjoy.
“Purpose in Paradise”
The Department of Tourism’s Purpose in Paradise program enhances the Territory’s network of community-based philanthropic activities and strengthens our ability to attract visitors in search of purpose-driven travel opportunities. The initiative pairs visitors who are interested in helping the Territory’s recovery efforts with local nonprofit organizations in need of assistance with specific projects. In addition to the opportunity to participate in a purpose-driven project, Purpose in Paradise allows visitors who may not be able to donate time in-person to contribute financially to the Territory’s recovery.
Groups such as Friends of Virgin Islands National Park ( St. John), the St. Croix Landmarks Society, and the Family Resource Center in St. Thomas are just a few examples of the many 501(c)(3) organizations that are performing essential community-based work.
Go to www.visitusvi.com for more information.