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Charlotte Amalie

Located in the United States Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie is situated on the island of St Thomas and is the capital of the USVI.

Elegant architecture in pretty pastel colours

Located in the United States Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie is situated on the island of St Thomas and is the capital of the USVI. Named after a Danish Queen, the town has a deep-water harbour, making it a perfect stopping point for luxury cruise ships.

MSC Cruises has organized excursions around and about this historic town, providing an interesting, fun day and another memorable addition to your cruise vacation.

Elegant 18th century architecture in pretty pastel colours creates the perfect backdrop for walking tours and a pleasant shopping experience. The key sights of Charlotte Amalie are located within the town centre, making it easy to combine sightseeing with what are fantastic retail opportunities due to the large proportion of duty-free shops, hence the island’s status as ‘Duty Free Capital of the World’!

Don’t miss Emancipation Park, named to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies in 1848 or the American-Caribbean History Museum for a snapshot of the island’s history.

If you’re after real relaxation, head to any of Charlotte Amalie’s pristine beaches, where the warm water, white sands and palm trees will ensure you feel you’re making the best of your holiday!

More active travellers will wish to browse the fantastic deals and excursion packages for the area – from snorkelling and scuba diving to great ideas for family days out, including a visit to the Coral World Marine Park.

Cruise to Charlotte Amalie - Caribbean - MSC Cruises

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 STO01 - St John Beach Tour  (4.5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  On leaving your ship, this laid-back sightseeing and beach tour begins with a drive along St. Thomas’ lovely south-eastern coastline, with views of Pilsbury Sound and Sir Francis Drake Channel to enjoy on the way. An island-hopping boat ride then takes you from St. Thomas to St. John and the charming town of Cruz Bay. After boarding an open-air safari-style vehicle, your journey takes you up and over the pretty hills of St. John with a quick stop or two to enjoy the spectacular views en route to Trunk Bay, where you can then spend 1.5 hours enjoying the beach. Snorkel equipment is provided at the beach, so gear up and slip into the inviting water to follow the specially marked underwater snorkel trail or simply lounge on the soft golden sands. The tour draws to a close with your return to Cruz Bay and the scenic sail back to St. Thomas.Please note: the price of the tour includes admission fees and snorkel equipment. Snacks are available for purchase at Trunk Bay. Snorkelling is subject to weather and sea conditions. Guests wishing to snorkel should be in good physical condition.

Price per person $69.00 Adults $62.00 Children

   


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 STO06 - St John Island with Annaberg ruins (4.5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Limited Availability  Spend a few hours off the ship on an unhurried tour that begins with a scenic drive along St. Thomas’ gorgeous south-eastern coastline, with views of Pilsbury Sound and Sir Francis Drake Channel to enjoy on the way. A 45-minute boat ride then follows to the island of St. John and the pretty port of Cruz Bay. As you then relax in the comfort of an open-air safari-style vehicle, the sightseeing route will give you a real feel for the island, with the friendly tour guide providing information on St. John's rich history, lush tropical foliage and indigenous wildlife. Look forward to catching glimpses of white-sand beaches and panoramic views of the British Virgin Islands as you travel to your next visits: the remains of the 18th-century Annaberg sugar plantation, whose stone ruins are now home to an abundance of greenery and flowers, and Whistling Cay. Stops will also be made at such scenic vantage points as Trunk Bay, the location of one of the most photographed beaches in the world, Hawksnest Bay and Caneel Bay, which overlooks the famous Rockefeller plantation. The final highlight of the tour is Bordeaux Mountain, the Virgin Islands’ highest summit at an elevation of 1,277 feet above sea level. The views are truly amazing and the stop is a great chance to take some photos to show friends and family at home. To cap off the tour, there will be time for you to do a little shopping in Cruz Bay before the boat takes you back to St. Thomas and your ship.

Price per person $62.00 Adults $56.00 Children

   


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 STO16 - The Ultimate Island Experience (5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Tastings  Everything you’d want to, and should experience in St. Thomas, all conveniently packed into one complete tour – a cornucopia of beaches, spectacular down island views, historical locations and ultimate shopping experiences encompassing all the best highlights of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most popular island. This tour provides all the elements for a perfect day in paradise. Begin with a scenic ride along Skyline Drive offering breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie Harbour, the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands and Magen’s Bay, rated by many travel magazines as one of the top ten beaches in the world. At Drake’s Seat, enjoy a great photo stop of these spectacular views before continuing down to the heart-shaped beach and crystalline waters at Magen’s Bay for two hours of sun, swimming and fun. Continue on to world famous Blackbeard’s Castle and the Kongens (King’s) Quarter (“the Williamsburg of the Caribbean”), and step back into the age of seafaring trade at the Danish West Indian port town of Charlotte Amalie. Learn stories from the island’s past of global traders, Caribbean pirates, the impacts of slavery, and life in a vibrant West Indian port city as you visit world class heritage sites and National Landmark Properties dating back to the late 1600’s. View authentic shipwreck gold, coins and artifacts at the West Indian Treasure Company. Visit several restored colonial manor houses and view the ruins of the old Pedersen Estate, all set on approximately 5 acres of lush tropical grounds. But prior to exploring the historic surroundings in this charming historic district, relax in the sun and enjoy any of the three delightful swimming pools (changing facilities are available). As you pass the famous 99 Steps, your tour includes the Caribbean World Amber Museum, a one-of-a-kind experience and site of the world’s tallest and largest amber waterfall. Comprised of over 12,000 amber stones from all over the world, see it’s cascading beauty from two stories high. Following the Caribbean World Amber Museum, it’s on to Main Street to indulge your passion for the great recommended shopping in St. Thomas. When you’re ready to head back to the ship, hop aboard the Harbor Safari for the final part of your tour, a short harbor cruise back to the ship.
Notes: Depending upon your personal touring and shopping time, this tour lasts as long as you like. Guests enjoy a self-guided walk through Blackbeard’s Castle & Historic District leading to the Downtown shopping district.  Guests complete their tour via a return to the ship on a regularly scheduled harbour cruise which departs from Downtown. Your tour includes transportation from/to the ship. When you are ready to head back to the ship, hop aboard the Harbor Safari for the final part of your tour - a short harbor cruise back to the ship.

Price per person $58.00 Adults $52.00 Children

   


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 STO23 - St. Thomas Accessible Island Tour (2.5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: easy  Wheelchair and disabled-friendly tour  Take a splendid tour of St. Thomas in a custom vehicle that's fully equipped for limited mobility and wheelchair access, as well as anyone who wishes to enjoy the leisurely pace of this excursion. Board your custom vehicle and travel west past the airport and College of the Virgin Islands, as your guide shares local knowledge of the island's history, landmarks, and legends. Stop along the way at points of interest and enjoy ample time for photo opportunities. Travel up Black Point Hill for a photo stop, then on to the north side of the island. You will stop at Drake's Seat overlooking famous Magen’s Bay and the spectacular down island views, then continue to Mahogany Run for the panorama of this world-class golf course. Then enjoy the scenery along Skyline Drive with views of the Caribbean, through the historic downtown and back to the ship.
Notes: This tour is fully accessible. If a guest is confined to a scooter, the maximum weight limit is 600 lbs.
Wheelchair bound guests who wish to participate should inform the Excursion Office 48 hours prior.

Price per person $59.00 Adults $53.00 Children

   


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 STO24 - Magnificent Magens Bay Beach Getaway & Downtown Shopping  (3.5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Paradise found!!! Magen’s Bay is recognized as one of the world’s top-rated beaches. Approximately two miles in length and nestled amongst beautiful tropical mountains, look in awe at the azure waters and powder white sand of this spectacular work of nature. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive by open-air safari bus along Skyline Drive up to Drake’s Seat – a breathtaking vantage point which offers commanding down island views of Magen’s Bay and the surrounding US and British Virgin Islands. Legend has it this is the site where Sir Francis Drake himself once viewed his fleet. Continue on to Magen’s Bay where you’ll enjoy sun and fun in the crystalline waters, white sandy beaches and palm fringed coastline of this magnificent heart-shaped beach. Following your time at the beach, all guests are dropped off Downtown for St. Thomas’ famous world-class duty-free shopping before returning to the ship.
Notes: Beach chairs are available at guests expense. Guests complete their tour via a return to the ship on a regularly scheduled harbor cruise which departs from Downtown.  Your tour includes transportation from/to the ship. When you are ready to head back to the ship, hop aboard the Harbor Safari for the final part of your tour - a short harbor cruise back to the ship.

Price per person $33.00 Adults $30.00 Children

   


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 STO29 - Colonial St. Thomas &  Shopping (3 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Drink  Experience the spectacular beauty of St. Thomas, the charming historic district of the Kongens (King’s) Quarter – “the Williamsburg of the Caribbean”, and enjoy the famous Main Street duty-free shopping all in one tour. Begin with a picturesque ride along Skyline Drive offering breathtaking down island views of the Caribbean Sea, Magen’s Bay and Charlotte Amalie.  Enjoy a great photo stop before continuing on to the world famous 17th century Blackbeard’s Castle, where you’ll step back into the age of the Caribbean pirates. Explore the surrounding Kongens Quarter, the former center of Danish colonial enterprise and visit several National Landmark Properties and historical manor houses. See the world’s largest collection of life-sized pirate sculptures, crafted in copper and bronze, and authentic shipwreck gold, coins and artifacts at the West Indian Treasure Company. See lush tropical gardens, terraces and fountains, as well as St. Thomas’ unique and famous step street, known as the 99 Steps. Finally, before entering the famous downtown shopping, visit the Caribbean World Amber Museum, home of the most extensive collection of amber objects and jewelry in the world, including the spectacular Amber Waterfall, cascading two-stories down and comprised of over 12,000 stones of amber. Following the Amber Museum it’s just a short walk to Main Street where you’ll find some of the greatest duty-free shopping in the Caribbean. When you’re ready to head back to the ship, hop aboard the Harbor Safari for the final part of your tour, a short harbor cruise back to the ship.
Notes: Depending upon your personal touring and shopping time, this tour lasts as long as you like. Guests complete their tour via a return to the ship on a regularly scheduled harbor cruise which departs from Downtown.
Your tour includes transportation from/to the ship. When you are ready to head back to the ship, hop aboard the Harbor Safari for the final part of your tour - a short harbor cruise back to the ship.

Price per person $45.00 Adults $41.00 Children

   


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 STO30 - Pirate Schooner to Turtle Cove (3.5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Drink  Start your Pirate Adventure aboard the classic schooner “Bones” and make-sail for Turtle Cove at Buck Island in search of plunder, turtles and fun! As we sail, explore the long gone “Capt Bones” in the dungeon below decks and search out our treasure chest & pirate stockade. Once anchored all swabbies are invited to take a nice long walk on our short plank for a “wee” dip in Turtle Cove. The friendly motley crew will also provide you with snorkel equipment for over an hour of snorkeling fun. See all the tropical fish, colorful living coral reefs and of course – curious turtles. Swim floats and underwater “windows” are also available so you can see the “Nemo”-esque metropolis of marine life below. On the fun sail back to St. Thomas become an honorary Captain and take a turn at the wheel. All water, sodas, beer, pirate grog (rum or juice) and snacks are free – get your personal “pirate” tattoo, eye-patch (children) and web-site photo – all included. So fetch up yer gear of swimsuits, towels and sunscreen and get ready for an exciting day aboard “Bones”!
Notes: This is a great fun sailing experience. Suitable for all ages and snorkeling in a secluded bay only accessible by boat. Guests should be in good physical condition. Guests should be able to swim but not necessary to be experienced at snorkeling as all instruction is provided.  Snorkel site may change due to weather/sea conditions.

Price per person $59.00 Adults $53.00 Children

   


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 STO31 - Tortola Dolphin Swim (6 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  There may be Opportunities to take a swim. It is Advisable tobring a beach towel, bathing suit, sun protection cream, and a hat.  Fulfil the dream of a lifetime!!! One that allows you to swim and interact with these amazing and intelligent aquatic mammals. Your international excursion begins with a one hour scenic inter-island boat ride from your cruise ship dock through the spectacular Sir Francis Drake Passage to the neighboring British Virgin Island of Tortola. Upon arrival you’ll go through immigration & have a short transfer via taxi safari to the Dolphin Discovery. Arrive at the lagoon and meet an experienced dolphin trainer for an educational briefing and orientation on your encounter and swim. After the introduction you are divided into groups and assigned to specific platforms, where you take turns entering the water and interacting with the dolphins. You may experience a number of dolphin interactions, these vary depending on the dolphins and their trainers. Professionally taken digital pictures of your thrilling experience are available for purchase.
Notes: Guests will travel internationally between the U.S. territory and British Territory. All guests must carry a valid PASSPORT. US birth certificates are not acceptable. All non U.S. guests must carry valid passport and all visa documents (including I-94) necessary to enter the United States and the British Virgin Islands – some nationalities may require a special visa, please consult with the Shore Excursion Office.  This tour involves a one hour inter-island boat ride from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands. Minimum age to participate is 7 years old. Children between 7 to 12 years old must be accompanied in the lagoon by a participating parent or guardian. Children between 13 to 17 years old must be accompanied to the facility by a parent or guardian. Women who are pregnant may not participate in this tour.  All guests must wear a flotation device while in the water. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel.

Price per person $169.00 Adults $152.00 Children

   


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 STO32 - Tortola Dolphin Observer (6 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Limited Availability  If you love Dolphins but are not that crazy about getting in the water with them, then this is a fantastic opportunity for you to see what it’s all about. Your international excursion begins with a one hour scenic inter-island boat ride from your cruise ship dock through the spectacular Sir Francis Drake Passage to the neighboring British Virgin Island of Tortola. Upon arrival you’ll go through immigration & have a short transfer via taxi safari to the Dolphin Discovery. Enjoy the show as the dolphin trainers interact with the dolphins as well as the participants in the swim programs. Watch a 20-30 minute session that involves the trainers prompting the dolphins to display 2 or 3 different behaviors. This excursion was designed for those guests who want to accompany their children or friends and family on the swim program but do not wish to participate themselves.
Notes: Guests will travel internationally between the U.S. territory and British Territory. All guests must carry a valid PASSPORT. US birth certificates are not acceptable. All non U.S. guests must carry valid passport and all visa documents (including I-94) necessary to enter the United States and the British Virgin Islands – some nationalities may require a special visa, please consult with the Shore Excursion Office. This tour involves a one hour inter-island boat ride from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands.

Price per person $129.00 Adults $116.00 Children

   


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 STO33 - Peaks, Panoramas, Pirates & Plunder (3 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate 
Enjoy the Best Highlights of St. Thomas from an open-air "safari bus", visiting several of the idyllic vantage points on our beautiful Virgin Island. From St. Thomas’ highest peak, gaze at Atlantic coastal views dotted with small islands and cays, overlooking heart-shaped Magen's Bay, St. John our smallest gem, as well as down island views & the distant British Virgin Islands. Then driving along the scenic artery of St. Thomas with its splendid panoramic views of St. Thomas, Downtown, the enchanting harbor surrounded by Hassle & Water Islands, lush hillsides, your ship at the dock and distant islands – even St. Croix & Puerto Rico can be seen on a clear day. Then it’s on to “The Williamsburg of the Caribbean” – world famous Blackbeard’s Castle and the surrounding historic Colonial Manor Houses, Rum Factory, Terraced Gardens, Amber Waterfall and Downtown Shopping.
Notes: Guests complete their tour via a return to the ship on a regularly scheduled harbor cruise which departs from Downtown. Your tour includes transportation from/to the ship. When you are ready to head back to the ship, hop aboard the Harbor Safari for the final part of your tour - a short harbor cruise back to the ship.

Price per person $46.00 Adults $41.00 Children

   


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 STO34 - Two Island Power Cat (3.5 hrs) - 2014
Level of difficulty: moderate  Drink  The Two Island Power Cat Snorkeling Adventure shore excursion begins when you board a catamaran for a cruise to Turtle Cove, a secluded island that offers one of the best snorkeling locations in the Caribbean. Put on your snorkeling gear and you’re ready to take the plunge into the crystal clear water. As you float on the surface, watch curious turtles as they glide alongside you and see the variety of colorful tropical fish among the live corals. Your tour guide can help you identify much of the marine life you see. After leaving Turtle Cove, you’ll cruise to Mystery Cove for your second snorkeling experience. Here you’ll view underwater coral gardens teeming with such sea creatures as turtles, rays, octopuses, moray eels, and tropical fish both big and small. Upon leaving the cove, you’ll be treated to complimentary bottled water, sodas, beer, rum drinks and lively music on your return cruise. As you cruise back to the pier, enjoy the spectacular panorama of Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the emerald green island of St. Thomas and the surrounding cays against the backdrop of a beautiful blue sky. At the end of your snorkeling adventure, you’ll receive free temporary tattoos and web photos as souvenirs before returning to your ship.
Notes: This tour is suitable for all ages and snorkeling in a secluded bay only accessible by boat. Guests should be in good physical condition. Guests should be able to swim but not necessary to be experienced at snorkeling as all instruction is provided.  Snorkel site may change due to weather/sea conditions.

Price per person $61.00 Adults $55.00 Children

   


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The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.