ST. JOHN & ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Thursday, October 7, 1999

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

8 Hours - The Ship Will Dock

DINING OPTIONS

Dress suggestion for this evening:  CASUAL - Dresses or pant suits for women; Jackets for men - 50's dress after dinner.

French is the dinner theme

ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

Morning Activities
7:00 am	US Immigration for all Non-U.S. Citizens, Carousel Lounge
8:00 am - 8:30 am	Sunrise Stretch Class, ShipShape Center
8:30 am - 9:00 am	Below the Belt, ShipShape Center
9:00 am - 10:00 am	Port & Shopping Lecturer Kim available, Gangway
9:00 am - 4:00 pm	Visit our Crown & Anchor Society Club at Hibiscus Alley
Afternoon Activities
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm	Board Games, Card Room, Centrum
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Friends of Bill W. Meeting, Library
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm	Line Dance Class, Carousel Lounge
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm	Cardio Funk, ShipShape Center
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm	Collector's Art Auction and Seminar (Preview 4:30 pm) Fascinating Rhythm Lounge
4:45 pm - 6:00 pm	Sailaway Party, Poolside
5:00 pm	All Aboard
5:00 pm	Cash Prize Bingo, Carousel Lounge
5:00 pm - 5:45 pm	Piano Melodies, Schooner Bar
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Bar Special, Pre-Dinner Cocktails, Schooner Bar
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Pool Volleyball, Forward Pool
5:00 pm - 5:45 pm	Singles Mingles Party, Pool Bar
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm	Floral Cart, Centrum
6:30 pm - wee hours	Casino Open, Casino Royale
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm	Boutiques of the Centrum Open, Centrum
Evening Activities
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm	Diane Jarrett-Harris on the Piano, Schooner Bar
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm	Bar Special, Pre-Dinner Cocktails, Schooner Bar
7:45 pm - 8:30 pm	Honeymooners' Party, Viking Crown Lounge
8:00 pm - 8:30 pm	Park West Hospitality Desk, Art Gallery
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm	Flashback Revue, Orpheum Theater (Feature Show, Main Seating Guests)
10:00 pm - 10:40 pm	Dance Music with Foreign Exchange, Champgne Terrace, Centrum
10:00 pm - 12:30 pm	Diana Jarrett-Harris on the Piano, Schooner Bar
10:00 pm - 10:45 pm	Novelquest - Adults Only, Carousel Lounge
10:30 pm - 1:00 am	Cigar Club, Crown & Anchor Study
10:30 pm - 3:00 am	Dancing to the Top Discs, Viking Crown Lounge
10:45 pm - 11:45 pm	Flashback Revue, Orpheum Theater (Feature Show, Second Seating Guests)
11:00 pm - 11:30 pm	Dance Music with Foreign Exchange, Champagne Terrace, Centrum
11:00 pm - 12:30 am	Enchantment Bandstand, Rock & Roll Party, Carousel Lounge
11:45 pm - 12:30 am	Dance Music with Foreign Exchange, Champagne Terrace, Centrum

            The smallest and most serene of the U.S. Virgin Islands is St. John. In 1956, two-thirds of the island plus 5,000 offshore acres were deeded to the National Park Service by Laurence Rockefeller, preserving St. John's unspoiled beauty. A short, picturesque ferry ride from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, St. John promises a memorable visit. Call 766-6282 for ferry rates and schedules.

            St. John's earliest inhabitants were the peaceful Arawak Indians, then the fierce Caribs. In 1718 the arrival of the Danes began an era of thriving cotton and sugar plantations, an economy dependent on slavery. In 1733 the slaves revolted, taking over the island for six months before the Danes, helped by the French, regained control. Slavery was finally abolished in 1848. See the Annaberg Sugar Mill, its ruins of sugar mill and slave quarters overlooking Sir Francis Drake Passage and the British Virgin Islands.

Average Temperature in April:  87

Language:  English

            St. Thomas had been inhabited for thousands of years before the Europeans discovered the island. While little is known about these earliest settlers, scientists believe they may have migrated to the Lesser Antilles from the South American coast.

            Christopher Columbus discovered the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1493. Since then, the flags of Spain, France, England, Holland, Denmark and the United States have flown over these islands. The first successful colonization attempt commenced officially in 1666, when the Danes took possession of St. Thomas.

            In 1685, the Danes signed a treaty with the Duchy of Brandenburg to allow the Brandenburg American Company to establish a slave-trading post on the island. At about the same time, the early governors gave their tacit approval to the use of St. Thomas as a pirate refuge, knowing that the local merchants would benefit from the open sale of pirate booty on the city streets. But while piracy ceased to be a factor in the islandís economy in the early 19th century, the slave trade continued until 1848.

            From 1700 to 1750, when piracy already was on the wane, legitimate trade was on the upswing and prosperous merchants replaced buccaneers on Dronningens Gade (Main Street) in Charlotte Amalie.

            Then in 1764, King Frederick V declared St. Thomas a free port. This action, together with the Danes' nonaggressive, neutral stance, combined to make Charlotte Amalie one of the worldís busiest ports and the trading center of the West Indies by 1800. The next few years, however, saw the islandís fortunes decline due to a combination of natural and political troubles. Yet through it all, trade somehow continued--and even flourished--until 1848, when Governor-General Peter von Scholten granted freedom to the slaves.

            As might have been foreseen in a plantation/slave society, this caused an immediate decline in the islandís economy. Around the same time, as humanity took another giant step forward with the switch from sail power to steam, the Virgin Islands, once so necessary as stopover points for sailing vessels, became a backwater.

            In 1917, during World War I, the United States bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark in order to prevent the islands from becoming a German sub base in the Caribbean. When World War II ended, St. Thomas moved into a new position of eminence as a tourist mecca.

            Today, the island is a choice port of call among cruise lines and a popular vacation destination. Although St. Thomas was hard hit by Hurricane Marilyn in September 1995, the islandís hotels, shops and attractions have recovered from the storm.

            One of the latest signs of St. Thomas' growth was the official addition of Water Island to the Virgin Islands in 1996. Located just off the southern coast of St. Thomas, the island belonged to the U.S. Department of the Interior, who received title from the U.S. Army in 1952. Once a strategic military base during World War II, the island is a tranquil retreat with secluded beaches and resorts, making it a soothing addition to the Virgin Islands'charms.

St. John Island Tour

4 hours, $32.00 Adult / $16.00 Child

Time:  8:30 AM

Departing via ferry across Pillsbury Sound to Cruz Bay you'll board open-air safari buses for the scenic drive around the island. Your driver/guide will provide insights about the island's history and its foliage. The tour will pass through the center of the island before arriving at Annaberg ruins, the last working plantation on St. John. Enjoy an independent walk through the ruins.

Back along the coast this tour will stop at scenic overlooks such as Whistling Cay, Coral Bay, Caneel Bay overlooking the Rockefeller Plantation and Hawksnest Bay. The tour concludes at the dock in Cruz Bay, where you will board a boat for the ride to St. Thomas and the ship.

St. John Beach Tour

4 hours, $32.00 Adult / $16.00 Child

Time:  8:30 AM

Departing via ferry you will cross Pillsbury Sound to Cruz Bay. By safari bus, tour St. John's National Park, pass Laurance Rockefeller's Caneel Bay Plantation, Turtle Bay Beach and lovely Hawksnest Bay. Then enjoy 1 1/2 hours of swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing at Trunk Bay with its unique underwater snorkel trail just offshore.

Mask, snorkel, safety vest and instructions are provided. Changing rooms and toilets are available on the beach, and snacks and refreshments can be purchased. Safari buses will return passengers to the dock where they will board a boat for the ride to St. Thomas and the ship.

NOTE: Availability of snorkeling subject to local weather conditions. Due to National Park regulations, only 40 people may snorkel the trail at one time. Snorkeling wil be rotated. 

St. John Sub-Sea Coral Explorer

4 hours, $44.00

Time:  Not Available on My Cruise

See the pristine underwater world of St. John and enjoy free time to explore some of St. John on your own. After a 45 minute ferry ride across Pillsbury Sound, board the Coral Explorer for a 60 minute narrated tour of the Steven's Cay coral reef. You'll see a mix of hard and soft corals, such as Brain and Staghorn colonies, an abundance of sea fans, gorgonians and a variety of sponges. Small brightly colored tropical fish, such as the boldly patterned Sergeant Majors, bright red squirrel fish, and a colorful assortment of wrasser and parrot fish are found living among the beautiful coral. For the observant, you may catch a glimpse of moray eels and other timid reef dwellers.

You'll also have about 1 1/4 hours to independently browse through the Mongoose Junction shops, cafes, and galleries and see artisans at work in a relaxed island setting. Also nearby is Wharfside Village where you will find another delightful Caribbean center. This free time is yours to spend how you wish. You will be advised what time to meet at the ferry dock for the return cruise to St. Thomas.

NOTE: This tour may be operated in reverse order. Alternative underwater viewing sites may be used depending on weather conditions.

St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour

2 hours, $28.00 Adult / $14.00 Child

Time:  9:15 AM & 1:00 PM

Enjoy the scenic views that have made St. Thomas one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Departing from dockside, your driver/guide will wind up the mountainside to St. Peter's Greathouse, formerly a private hideaway for the rich. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the beautiful estate and landscaped grounds. While sipping a complimentary rum or fruit punch gaze down at lovely Magens Beach.

The tour continues to the highest point on the island, Mountain Top. In addition to the many shops located here, you'll find a highlight is the spectacular panoramic view. The tour then returns to the ship.

Coral World and Mountain Top Tour

3 1/2 hours, $36.00 Adult / $18.00 Child

Time:  9:00 AM & 12:45 PM

Enjoy a visit to two highlights of St. Thomas: Coral World Marine Park and the world famous Mountain Top. You will depart from the pier in open-air safari buses for a ride to Skyline Drive for a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Harbor. Then travel to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas at 1,547 feet above sea level. See spectacular views of Magens Bay and enjoy some shopping time.

Next is an hour stop at Coral World Marine Park, a beautifully landscaped 4.5 acre park, home to hundreds of species of colorful fish, corals and other sea creatures. Visit the Observatory Tower to view the fish as they freely come and go. Watch divers hand feed the fish and talk to them while they are underwater. Enjoy narrated feedings and dives at the 50,000 gallon Predator Tank filled with sharks, barracudas and moray eels and at the 80,000 gallon Caribbean Reef Encounter, a kaleidoscope of brilliant sea creatures. Pet a baby shark during a talk at the Shark Shallows or feed the stingray at the Stingray Pool. Touch sea stars and sea cucumbers at the Touch Pool or wander the Coastal Trail and explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon.

You have the option to terminate the tour in the shopping district or back at the ship.

Atlantis Submarine

2 hours [40 min. dive] $74.00 Adult / $37.00 Child (Minimum Age: 4 years old)

Time:  9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience is yours once you step aboard the Atlantis II, the world's first tourist submarine. After a scenic harbor tour, you'll be transported to depths of up to 90 feet, covering a distance of over 1 1/2 miles of ocean bottom. Possible sightings include blue chromis, rock beauties, yellow tail, snapper and sea turtles. Listen to a narration on the fish and coral formations while seated in air-conditioned comfort. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary rum punch and receive a dive certificate during the transfer boat ride back to the ship.

Kon-Tiki Party Tour

3 hours, $30

Time:  1:00 PM

Passengers will be met shipside by the famous Kon-Tiki raft, which enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest party boats in the Caribbean.

With the steel band playing calypso, the Kon-Tiki will sail through the St. Thomas harbor to calm waters over a beautiful coral reef. There you'll see coral, sponges and other marine life below, through large glass-bottomed viewers.

When the Kon-Tiki gets to Brewers Beach, everyone will have a chance to swim, beachcomb or sunbathe on this sugar-white sand beach.

The real partying begins when everyone comes back on board. The steel band picks up the tempo, the crew joins in, and soon everyone is dancing. A limbo contest then follows.

Buck Island Sailing And Snorkeling Tour

3 1/2 hours, $48.00

Time:  9:00 AM & 1:00 PM

Board a 35- to 45-foot, privately owned yacht for a delightful sail out to beautiful, uninhabited Buck Island. After anchoring in a protected cove, you'll be provided with snorkel gear and given instruction by the crew.

There will be a guide in the water at all times to ensure your safety and to point out the beauty of the underwater world. After snorkeling, enjoy unlimited rum punch, beer, soft drinks and a light snack before setting sail for the return trip. Each yacht carries only six passengers, ensuring a very special and personalized excursion.

Catamaran Sailing And Snorkeling Tour

3 1/2 hours, $38.00

Time:  9:00 AM & 1:00 PM

This tour offers the ideal combination of sailing and snorkeling. After a short walk along the pier, you'll board a beautiful catamaran for a short sail out to a special anchorage. Here you may snorkel, swim or relax in the sun on the spacious deck.

Once anchored, you'll be provided with snorkel gear and instruction by your crew, who will also accompany you in the water to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the tour. After snorkeling, enjoy complimentary rum punch, soda and beer. On your return sail to the ship, enjoy some of the most picturesque waters in the Caribbean.

Champagne Catamaran Sailaway

6 hours, $79.00

Not Available on My Cruise

Imagine sailing in the Caribbean to the enchanted island of St. John. This ultra modern catamaran sails down the south side of scenic St. Thomas to the lovely, palm fringed beaches of St. John. You'll have time to sun on the pristine beach, swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters, beachcomb or relax on deck with a cool drink in hand. Enjoy the wonderful champagne buffet lunch before setting sail for your return trip. The complimentary bar is open throughout the tour, however, alcohol is not served until after snorkeling. Your mid-afternoon return to St. Thomas leaves plenty of time for shopping. All snorkeling gear and instruction is provided. Sit back and let the friendly crew attend to all your needs on this fun-filled tour.

Escape to Magens Bay

4 hours, $50.00 Adult / $15.00 Child  Minimum Age: 2 years old

Not Available on My Cruise

The "Wild Thing" is like no other boat you have ever experienced! This 100 foot long tri-hulled vessel is the fastest, most stable excursion boat in the Caribbean.

As you circumnavigate the idyllic island of St. Thomas, you will be shown many breathtaking views and offered spectacular photo opportunities. Midway around, the "Wild Thing" will cruise into Magens Bay, voted one of the world's 10 most beautiful beaches, where you will have 1 1/2 hours to swim, sunbathe on the beach or lounge on the "Wild Thing's" decks. Snacks and punch are served throughout the tour.

Complete your around island adventure when the anchor is hoisted and the atmosphere turns to celebration with great music, fun and bottomless barrels of rum punch.

Scuba Adventure

3 hours, $85.00 with equipment / $75.00 without (Minimum Age: 12 years old)

Time:  9:30 AM

Explore the beauty of the Caribbean from below the surface. This two-tank scuba adventure will allow you to explore both a coral reef and a sunken shipwreck. There is abundant marine life, rarely a current, average temperatures of 82°, and visibility often exceeds 100 feet. PADI instructors will lead you through the dive to ensure your comfort and safety.

NOTE: Tank and weight belt are included for all divers. Equipment package includes regulator, B.C., mask, fins and snorkel. This tour is limited to certified divers only. You will need proof of certification to participate.

Scenic St. John Sea And Snorkel

4 hours, $43

4 hours, $75.00 Adult / $67.00 Child - Snuba

Minimum Age: Snuba 8 years old

Time:  12:00 PM

Experience great snorkeling in the waters off St. John's National Park. Be entertained with lively narration as you cruise aboard the 115-ft. Leylon Sneed, from St. Thomas to St. John. The boat will anchor for 1 1/2 hours at world-famous Trunk Bay for swimming, snorkeling from the boat or beach, or sunbathing. Snorkel amid a kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Equipment and instruction is provided. Take a small boat or swim to shore to enjoy the beach. If you want to relax on board, a 20-minute film about the Virgin Islands National Park will be shown, or shop in the boat's gift shop.

Instead of snorkeling, this tour can also be enjoyed with Snuba. View the underwater scenery without heavy, restrictive dive gear and time consuming training. Your air supply is contained in a flotation raft that follows your every move while you are touring underwater. Your Snuba guide is a certified diving instructor. The Scenic St. John Snuba Adventure is limited.

After snorkeling, enjoy complimentary rum or fruit punch from bottomless bowls while the Leylon Sneed cruises back to St. Thomas.

Coral World and Snorkeling Tour

3 1/2 hours, $39.00 Adult / $29.00 Child

Not Available on My Cruise

Enjoy a visit to Coral World and snorkeling at Coki Point Beach in one great tour. Departing by open air safari bus you'll arrive at Coral World Marine Park, a 4.5 acre park offering a fascinating introduction to the marine environments of the Caribbean. In the 3-story Observatory Tower built right in the ocean, you will descend below the sea to view a spectacular parade of marine life outside 24 picture windows. Here your leader will issue maps and be available to answer questions. The mid-level of the tower houses the 50,000 gallon Predator Tank, home to sharks, barracuda, and moray eels. Get close to baby sharks, stingrays, turtles, starfish and sea cucumbers in the outdoor pools. There are many highlights to experience.

Then it's off to Coki Point Beach, just a few yards away. After instruction by a certified diving instructor, you'll enter the water to take a close-up look at the world you viewed from the observatory. The Coki Point Beach location is ideal for the beginner and the expert. At the conclusion of the tour, you will re-board buses for the return to the ship.

Virgin Islands Seaplane Exploration

1 1/2 hours [45 minute flight], $96.00

Time:  10:00 AM

Explore the U.S. and British Virgin Islands by deluxe twin engine seaplane uniquely designed to wow your senses. Delight in spectacular views of mountainous islands, white-sand beaches and azure blue waters through large panoramic windows. Individual headsets allow your two-pilot crew to recount the history of notorious pirates and modern day moguls who have made these islands their home. Your flight lifts off in a showery spray from the Charlotte Amalie harbor, elevating you to fantastic perspectives of the region. A complimentary route guide is provided complete with map and detailed description of the islands.

St. Thomas Helicopter Tour

1 hour [20 min. flight], $80.00

Time:  11:00 AM & 11:20 AM

njoy a bird's-eye view of the beauty of the Virgin Islands and experience the thrill of helicopter flying! You'll travel via air-conditioned taxi van to a private heliport located at the edge of town.

During your flight, you'll see all of the glorious beaches along the south side of St. Thomas before crossing over to the island of St. John. Cruz Bay, as well as Caneel Bay, are seen from a soaring new perspective. Catch a glimpse of the British Virgin Islands before the beautiful North Shore of St. Thomas beckons. Coki Beach, and beautiful Magens Bay are seen just before flying over historic Drake's Seat and Louisenhoj Castle. From here, you'll descend back over St. Thomas harbour before landing. This tour includes professional narration on stereo headsets.

Kayak Marine Sanctuary Tour

3 1/2 hours, $56.00

Time:  9:30 AM

A 30-minute transfer by van brings you to Virgin Islands Eco Marina. Upon arrival you'll be outfitted in life jackets. Your experienced guide will teach you about paddling techniques, then you'll board two-person kayaks for your adventure. The tour heads south into the Marine Sanctuary. Along the way, your guide will point out the ecology of the mangrove, including bird habitats and fish spawning areas. After 45 minutes of paddling, you'll arrive at Bovoni Point for an hour of snorkeling or combing the rocky beach. Then re-board your kayak for a paddle around Bovoni Cay before returning to the marina. A van will be waiting for the return ride to the ship.

Island Bike Adventure

3 1/2 hours, $59.00 (Minimum Age: 13 years old)

Time:  9:00 AM

Take advantage of some of the most beautiful and unspoiled vistas on the island of St. Thomas. By van you'll be transported 20 minutes across the island to your biking departure point. You'll be met by guides who will provide a briefing and familiarize you with your mountain bike and helmet. The routing is mostly downhill, and provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic coastline, both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and famed Magen's Bay. The ride ends at Magens Bay Beach, for a complimentary beverage and a quick swim before the van ride back to the ship.

Note: The ride covers approximately 5 miles on hilly terrain. Guests should be in good physical condition to participate. Bring a towel and swimsuit for the beach, and athletic footwear for biking.

Paradise Point Tramway

$12.00 Adult / $6.00 Child

Time:  At Leisure

The Paradise Point Tramway gently lifts passengers from sea level to the most fantastic vista in the Caribbean, 700 breathtaking feet above. Paradise Point features shops, a nature trail, a restaurant, a bar, and a fantastic view of the harbor and cruise ships. Experience this attraction at your leisure at any time during your day in St. Thomas. The starting point at the Tramway is a 10-15 minute walk from the pier.

Golf Ahoy!

Mahogany Run

$115

Time:  9:15 AM

This famous 6,022-yard course is one of the most photographed in the Caribbean. Although it's only a par-70, get set to shoot ten strokes above your normal game. That's because first-time players are distracted by breathtaking views from just about every hole. A challenging 18 holes, Mahogany Run's often shockingly narrow fairways are usually treacherous and bordered by roughs. Transportation, greens fees and shared cart are provided.