The Wandering Disciple

  From its vantage point high atop the scenic mountains of St. Thomas, Drake’s Seat offers an unparalleled, panoramic view of the island and the glittering expanse of the Caribbean Sea and beyond. This iconic location is not just a popular tourist stop for taking breathtaking photographs; it is a spot deeply steeped in local island lore and historical significance.  Legend holds that this very spot was a frequent vantage point used by the famed privateer Sir Francis Drake. While sailing through the Caribbean in the 16th century, Drake is said to have used this elevated position to monitor the movements of Spanish treasure ships traversing the waters between the islands. The natural depression in the rock, which gives the seat its name, is—by local belief—the exact spot where Drake sat and planned his naval strategies and raids.  Today, visitors flock to Drake’s Seat not only for the historical connection but also for the spectacular vistas it provides, encompassing Magens...

The colorful waters of the West Indies greet passengers aboard cruise ships as they enter Charlotte-Amalie harbor.  This busy port on the US Virgin Islands island of St Thomas is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean.  (Photo:  October 24, 2006)

A marine patrol from the West Indies Company helps protect the harbor in St Thomas. The harbor opened in 1912 as a Danish businessman opened a coal bunker. But today it is tourism that keeps the port alive as large cruise ships brings thousands of passengers a day to the tropical island and it is the job of the Port Security to ensure the ships and their passengers arrive safely. (Photo: October 24, 2006)

The US Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island is docked in St Thomas.  The Pea Island is one of 37 island-class patrol boats in service with the Coast Guard.  (Photo: October 24, 2006)

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas towers over the pier in St Thomas.  At 15 decks high, the ship is a small floating city featuring lodging, dining and entertainment for almost 4,000 passengers.  (Photo: October 24, 2006)

Built by the Danes in 1679, Skytsborg Tower was used to protect the harbor from invaders. However it gets the name of Blackbeard's Castle from lore that pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, used the tower as a watchout. Today is is one five National Historic Landmarks in the Virgin Islands. (Photo: October 24, 2006)

The colorful waters of St Thomas and surrounding islands is visible for Drake’s Seat high atop the St Thomas mountainside. It is believed that privateer Sir Francis Drake used this point to spy on passing vessels through the strait. (Photo: October 24, 2006)

Over 3,000 passengers endured the cruise from hell after a fire resulting in loss of power on the Carnival Triumph.  Passengers spent several days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico on the powerless ocean liner following a fire in the engine room. The fire was the fourth engine room fire for Carnival Cruise Line since 1999.  This photo was taken several years ago in the Virgin Islands during the ship's better days. (Photo: October 25, 2006)

A view of Charlotte Amalie's bayfront as seen from the Paradise Point Tram. Charlotte Amalie is a major port of call for Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries. Here the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas and the Carnival Triumph can be seen docked at the West Indian Company port. (Photo: November 24, 2006)

From a hilltop high above St Thomas lies the spectacular views from Drake's Seat. This was the spot where Sir Frances Drake would spy on enemy ships as they passed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea though the pass that would later be known as Drake's Passage. From this spot you can look down over the blue waters of Magen's Bay or at nearby islands of the US and British Virgin Islands that dot the waters as far as the eye can see. (Photo: October 24, 2006)

Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas: Rising to 700 feet above Charlotte-Amalie, Paradise Point offers sweeping views of the historic downtown area and the harbor along with views of neighboring Caribbean islands in the distance. To reach the top of the mountain, guest ride in an tram car that climbs the side of the mountain allowing for breathtaking views along the way. The idea of the project was started in 1985 with Tramway Properties purchased 33 acres on Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark. They got the project approved but suffered a few setbacks over the next few years, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The project got going again thanks to a partnership with a group of Austrian investors and in just six month after the joint venture, the tram was completed. Paradise Point Gondola was opened to the public on August 4, 1994. Despite several more hurricanes that struck the island, the project continued to grow. The site changed ownerships several time over the next few year and in ...

Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas: Sitting high on a mountaintop lies this castle lookout believed to be the watch post for the infamous pirate Blackbeard. From here he had a good view of the harbor and could spot passing ships miles away. Built by the Danish government in 1679, Skytsborg Tower was built on the highest point on Government Hill. The tower was part of the fort system built to protect the island of St. Thomas from invasion. It is believed that the tower was eventually taken over by Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard. Blackbeard is thought to have used the tower as a watch post to spot approaching vessels to attack. Because of the connection to Blackbeard, the tower was eventually renamed Blackbeard’s Castle. The tower eventually became part of a private residence for many years before becoming part of a hotel. Today the site remains a National Landmark where guests can visit and take a look back at life as a pirate. You can even climb to the top of the tower and l...

Charlotte-Amalie, St Thomas: The white sand beaches and cool Caribbean waters make Magens Bay one of National Geographic’s top beaches in the world. Located on the north side of St Thomas about three miles north of Charlotte-Amalie, Magens Bay is one of the top attractions on the island. Magens Bay became a public park in 1943. Property owner Arthur Fairchild felt the beach needed to maintained as a public park for all to enjoy. So he deeded the 50 acres of land to the government of St Thomas. The Magens Bay Authority was created to run the public park. Today guests flock to the 500 yard beach to swim in the clear and cool Caribbean waters. You can snorkel, kayak or just relax on the white sand beach. There is even a mile and a half nature trail that winds through various ecosystems. With so much to offer, its easy to see why Magens Bay is one of the top rated beaches in the world.

Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas: Surrounded by turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, St Thomas is the territorial capitol of the US Virgin Islands. The island has a rich history, from the European explorations to the piracy of the high seas, St Thomas has been in the middle of it all. The island was first inhabited by the Arawak Indians. They were believed to arrived on the island around 300 AD. The Arawaks lived peacefully on the island until being forced out by the Carib Indians. Christopher Columbus discover the island in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. Columbus did not remain on the island long as he continued his explorations further west. The island remained unguarded by the Spanish. Because the island was unguarded, the bays became a shelter for pirate vessels. The pirates established small settlements and sought refuge on the island. Sir Frances Drake arrived on the island in 1585 and used a mountain top as a lookout to spot Spanish ships carrying treasu...

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas: Day four of the cruise began as the ship arrived at St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Living it Florida it was nice to see some elevation as the ship pulled closer to the island. Disembarkation here was much easier. We walked around the Havensight Mall by the port prior to beginning our excursion. For the excursion we book the Ultimate Island Experience. We boarded an open air bus and began a tour through the island. We drove along Skyline Drive and enjoyed the scenery that St. Thomas has to offer. First stop on the tour was Mountain Top overlook. We continued our climb through the mountains and made another stop at Drake’s Seat overlooking Magen’s Bay. After a brief stop, we began our descent from the mountains to Magen’s Bay where we took a two hour beach break. It was easy to see why Magen’s Bay has been rated one of the top beaches in the world, the water was crystal clear and refreshing. We then boarded the bus resumed our tour. The n...