Marc and I first visited the US Virgin Islands last 1997.  In fact, we visited both St. Thomas and St. Johns when we went there also on a cruise on board Carnival's MV Tropicale.  There were definitely some changes in the island the first of which was the dock.  On our first visit, the dock was so close to the city center, we just walked to it.  This time around, a new Tourist and Visitor Center was built to better serve the bigger vessels that now arrive in St. Thomas.  From there we had to take a shuttle for a fee of course that took us to downtown.  It was quite a distance and walking it was a definite no no.

Since we had already been there before, we took our time and went to see new places besides the old ones we remember seeing.  We climbed a few hills to reach Blackbeard's Castle.  Last 1997, it was undergoing major renovation.  On this visit, it was already very well developed and catered very strictly to group tours and paying tourists to go up the tower for an eagle eye's view of the city down below.

This is where we docked on our very first visit.  Only small and medium sized ships dock here now.

The heavily guarded Blackbeard's Castle

Informative pole showing directions to different sights and attractions in the island

The Three Queens Fountain

The Lutheran Church

The interior of the Lutheran Church

A closer view of the altar

The Legislature Building of the Government of the US Virgin Islands in downtown Charlotte Amalie

At the Legislature of the US Virgin Islands for the second time

The St. Thomas Jewish Synagogue

Marc at the Jewish Synagogue

Inside the Jewish Synagogue

More scenes inside the Jewish Synagogue

Exploring downtown Charlotte Amalie

The St. Thomas Reformed Church

Fort Christian, now falling apart and in need of major repair

Info about Fort Christian.  Per this board, Fort Christian was under major renovation until 2006.

It was 2009 when we visited and it didn't seemed finished.  I do hope they restore it soon.

In front of Fort Christian

A view of Government House from the city center

A visit to Britannia House

The bedroom

Inside the kitchen

A desk in the study room

A nook in another bedroom

Vintage portable toilet

Stairs to the basement

Now, the Haagensen House

The living room

A quiet corner in the hallway

The dining table

The very pretty balcony

At the impressive balcony of Haagensen House with a view of Charlotte Amalie in the background

After all the sightseeing, we headed back to the ship for lunch.  Then we changed to go to Magen's Beach.  It was wonderful.

Spectacular Magen's Beach

The water was warm and perfect for swimming.

Another view of Magen's Beach

Here I am thoroughly enjoying the warm blue water.

Magen's Bay, Magen's Bay!

A last look at Magen's Bay

On the way back to town, we passed by this beautiful park.

The new Visitor and Tourist Information Center at the dock had a big windmill.

Although we returned to the dock to board our ship, we had time to linger and explore the area.  In many islands we visited, we saw many iguanas.  They were all harmless and provided some great entertainment to many tourists including ourselves.

I think this was another iguana.  Not the same one from the previous picture.

Getting ready to board the Grand Princess, our home away from home

Next stop, St. Kitts and Nevis

We'll see you there!