Beautiful beaches and lavish accommodations aside, St. Thomas is widely regarded as the Caribbean's premier shopping destination. With over one million cruise ship passengers and overnight Caribbean resort guests visiting St. Thomas each year, the island's ports have long been bustling centers of commerce and trade. Much of the finest duty-free shopping is concentrated near the waterfront of the island's historic capital, Charlotte Amalie. At discounts of 40-60% off American mainland prices on goods such as jewelry, fine china, crystal, electronics, perfume, clothing and liquor, the bargains are seemingly endless. Adding to the allure is the fact that U.S. citizens are allowed a duty-free shopping allowance of $1,600, twice the amount of any other island in the Caribbean and three times that of European nations.

Visitors to St. Thomas should begin their shopping tour in Charlotte Amalie's downtown and waterfront areas. The historic Dutch provincial warehouses along Main, Back and Waterfront Streets, beautifully restored to host a plethora of unique shops, allow visitors to shop and sightsee simultaneously. In the alleys surrounding the Main Street area (Royal Dane Mall, Palm Passage, Riise Alley and many others), shoppers will find smaller boutiques specializing in unique local products and Caribbean oddities. Inviting restaurants and entertaining bars are located amongst these stores, ideal for lunch or an island cocktail. Most shops in this exclusive shopping district are open Monday through Saturday; including holidays from 9am to 5pm. Shops in the downtown and waterfront areas are typically closed on Sundays, unless a cruise ship is in port. The shops at larger St. Thomas hotels usually remain open on Sundays, however. The Havensight district is another concentrated collection of shops catering to St. Thomas' visitors. Located near the primary cruise ship dock, this shopping area is comprised of The Havensight Shopping Center, The Buccaneer Mall and The Port of Sale. Featuring over 60 distinctive stores within the waterfront warehouses, the Havensight district is another great option for cruise ship passengers with limited time and overnight tourists alike. Like the shops on and around Main Street, tourists will find great prices on jewelry, clothing, perfume, liquor, electronics, music, sunglasses and assorted souvenirs. Also, Havensight is another great location for lunch, featuring a number of friendly cafes. Shops in the Havensight district are generally open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week when cruise ships are in port. Yet, during high season some cruise ships stay in port later into the evening. On such days, the shops in the Havensight will remain open until 7pm.

Also in Charlotte Amalie, across from Emancipation Park and Fort Christian, is the Vendors' Plaza, an assortment of small booths, tables and tents displaying a vast assortment of souvenirs. Here, in addition to the luxury goods found in other shopping districts, you will also find many locally produced products and unique regional food items. Vendors' Plaza is generally open Monday through Saturday from about 7:30am, when the vendors start setting up, until 5:00pm. On Sundays, fewer vendors set up, though the Vendors' Plaza is still worth a visit when one or more cruise ships are in port.

Directly across the street from the Vendors' Plaza is The Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative. Run by local artists, the Cooperative features a plethora of Caribbean artwork not available in any mall or shopping center.

For the more adventurous tourist, smaller shopping areas catering principally to residents are located throughout the island. Such shopping centers as American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, Lockhart Gardens, Tutu Park Mall and Nisky Center offer visitors distinctive cultural opportunities in addition to essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies and clothing stores. Tillett Gardens is a charming local haven for pottery, silk-screened fabrics, candles, paintings and handcrafted jewelry. The Mountain Top and Paradise Point centers are also interesting options because shopping is accompanied by captivating, hilltop views. In Frenchtown, travelers can find some of the best cuisine the Caribbean has to offer.

As the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas continues to astonish travelers with its refined pleasures. Combining a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with the vibrancy of city streets, St. Thomas may just be the best of both worlds.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in St. Thomas and other Caribbean resort areas for Marriott Resorts.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Anybody want to do business in Jamaica, Cayman islands, bahamas with me?

Ok, I need college money. So, I've invented a diesel generator that makes electricity for a lot less than the utilities in the Caribbean can sell it for. Like 80% less. I need 5k startup money to travel and make contacts with prospects and any other un-thought of costs to make a sale.

E-mail me the pictures and complete specifications of your idea. maybe i could buy it.i live too far from you that's why can't do business regularly otherwise i would have loved to do this.

Here's a Video about caribbean island for sale:

San Pedro Belize Caribbean Island for Sale ~ Eagle Ray Caye near Ambergris Caye

Formerly known as St. Christopher, many regard this island as the jewel of the Caribbean. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, during Columbus's second voyage to the new world. He named it Saint Joerges, however, due to inaccuracies in maps at the time, naming islands was extremely difficult. The island became Saint Christobel, (Columbus's patron saint) and later changed to Saint Christopher.

In 1623, Englishman Thomas Warner landed on the island and claimed it for England. Establishing a colony there a year later it became the first British Territory in the West Indies. In 1625, a French ship, badly in need of repair after encountering the Spanish Armada, appeared in the harbor. After taking pity on them Warner allowed them to land in St. Kitts. This made St. Kitts the first French Colony in the Caribbean.

Being one of the Leeward Islands it is situated about 1300 miles southeast of Miami Florida. With a population of about 35, 000, the tiny island is only about 18 miles long and 5 miles wide.

As with many other Caribbean Islands, St. Kitts has a long history of being occupied by several different Indian tribes and European countries. Sugar cane and tobacco were the principle sources of income in the past, in the present day, however, tourism is the current staple.

St. Kitts is the home of Brimstone Hill Fortress, the largest fortress ever built in the Eastern Caribbean. St. Kitts is also the site of Warner Park Cricket Stadium where the 2007 World Cup matches were held. This distinction makes it the smallest nation to ever host a World Cup Event.

In 1967 St. Kitts along with it's sister Island Nevis, became an associated state of Great Britain and became fully independent while gaining full nation status in 1983.

St. Kitts has much to offer the visitor, with it's intriguing coves, hiking paths, dramatic vistas, palm lined beaches, there is little time left to visit Brimstone Hill Fortress, Romney Manor, Mt. Liamuiga, and the many other attractions.

If traveling to the island via cruise ship, book your tours early, the island railway, which was built to haul sugar cane from the fields to the processing plant, "is "a must do. " It's function in today's world is to transport visitors around the various scenic spots on the island, it does sell out early, so put this on your list of things to do and book on line before you leave home.

Whatever you decide to experience while there will make your stay an enjoyable experience and will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise to the Caribbean Islands?

Also what country owns the Caribbean Islands?

You do NOT necessarily need one. If you are leaving from a US port you do not need one to cruise to the Caribbean islands. On entering the ship they will issue you with a ship pass which you are going to use to leave the ship, re-enter the ship, return through the ports and for purchases on the ship. You can also use your pass to shop duty free in the different islands. This same pass is like a credit card on the ship since your credit card will be linked to is so that is what you will use on the ship for entry into the restaurants as well as for entering your cabin.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to have a copy of your passport to take with you on the islands.

The British Virgin Islands (Tortola included) are owned by the British, US Virgin Islands are of the US, Martinique and Guadeloupe are owned by the French and Puerto Rico is a territory of the US. Places like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados among others are all independent islands.

As of June 1, if you do not have a passport for cruise travel yoiu can still use a pass card or other form of ID.

Read this carefully so that you can see you could use an approved document. You will NOT be able to use oral declaration. Also check the link below.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

* CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.

Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

* LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Here's a Video about caribbean islands:

Caribbean Island Hopping on No Reservations

Jamaica is known for its Blue Mountain inland and narrow coastal plain this include the beautiful beaches in the island. In addition, fruits, fresh fishes and seafoods are very abundant in the island due to tropical climate and the gift of ocean. Hence, many people from other countries become a frequent visitor to go over and experience the wonder of nature that the island could offer. Often times, those people who visit the island are looking for adventure and relaxation. On the other hand, besides from the beautiful beaches, Jamaica has been a prominent place for festivals and excellent foods. Foods in Jamaica have marked world-class cuisine all over the world. The spices that were used on each dishes becomes a worldwide curiosity. And to satisfy those curiosity they tend to visit Jamaica to experience the cuisine by themselves.

What might be the reasons that Jamaica taste a lot different from other Caribbean Islands? Looking back for the history in Jamaica, it has been said that the island was colonized by the Spanish government. Through this colonization, they had brought sugar, cane, lemons, limes, and coconuts. In addition to the food commodities, they also imported pigs, cattle and goats. During their era, many African people became a slave laborers, and they had brought okra, peanuts, peas, bean and ackee -- which became a Jamaican national fruit. Until British empire came and defeated the Spanish government. When British people ruled the island, they freed the African slaves and at last the African had gained their independence. At the same time, Indian and Chinese worker came for a labor pool. Hence, the fusion of different cultures; food spices, flavors and techniques were the main keys of having a very delicious and nutritious Jamaican cuisine.

In addition, Jamaica is a well-known place when it comes to pastries, bread, fruit beverages and most especially Jamaican Rum. Each recipes in Jamaica are heavy meals with stews and vegetables or rice. Meats, fishes, fruits and vegetables are freshly cook. Famous recipes that often served in Jamaica are Barbecue jerk, Ackee and Saltfish and Rice and Peas. What makes it more interesting to taste is that, Jamaica foods have a unique spices added in every dishes which makes it delicious, tasty and healthy. Jamaican cuisine is known to be one of the healthiest cuisines in the Caribbean because fresh vegetables, meats and natural spices are the main ingredients in preparing a meal. It is considered diverse and every traditional dishes could be a favorite to everyone

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Can you guys name the caribbean islands? I cant find any of them.?

I have this hoework assinment, and theres this question that says name 3 caribbean islands. So far I got jamaica, and Dominica. I have to find 1 for that is _ _ _ _ _ o _ _ _ _
Please help

Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands or Anguilla. Others possess rugged towering mountain-ranges like the islands of Cuba, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saba, Saint Lucia and Trinidad.

Here's a Video about caribbean islands jamaica:

Caribbean Wedding | Weddings in Jamaica | Island Wedding Planners

This article describes all steps taken by the new resort in Grenada to become truly sustainable.

Energy

They installed a 80 kW windmill with an expected yearly yield of 180,000 kWh. It is the first utility-grade windmill installed in Caricom and we could not find any resort that already installed a windmill, although there are several with plans and one under construction. With an estimated yearly power use of 120,000 kWh the resort will be better than zero carbon, once the connection to the mains is realized later this year.

They encourage other resorts to use wind energy and assist them in their feasibility study, give practical advice and can even offer assistance in installing by a factory trained team.

For interested students and prospective windmill owners they organize free seminars at the windmill.

To minimize the energy consumption the resort uses air conditioners with heat recovery units, which convert the heat loss into hot water, in addition to solar water heaters. In addition, a high efficiency dish washer with hot water connection is installed. Although with a smaller impact, energy saving lamps combined with solar lights are used. Energy efficient refrigerators and washing machines will be installed soon.

Last July and August the resort sold energy saving light bulbs to the local public and offered them a free lobster lunch with Champagne for every 4 light bulbs purchased. On a regular basis informal seminars are held and articles distributed to create awareness of energy saving. In a country were most appliances are only bought on price -and thus energy inefficient- this is not a luxury. The owners typically earn back the price difference with a energy saving class A refrigerator within 1 1/2 year.

CARBON FREE VACATION: for flights, stay and transport/activities

They will implement a carbon offset program where all flights, local transport/activities by guests will be offset by carbon credits purchased by the resort, on an automatic, audited basis, in addition to the stay which is already carbon free because of the windmill that supplies energy back to the electricity net. The guest's vacation is therefore guaranteed carbon neutral. The carbon offset program plants trees in Ethiopia which has additional social (firewood) and ecological (stop erosion) benefits. For a typical transatlantic flight 50 trees are planted, much more than most carbon offset programs that do not consider the re-emission of carbon dioxide after the lifetime of the tree.

Water

They built a surface well with underground channels to collect the rainwater from the hills around the resort. As there is no industry nor inorganic agriculture the water is extremely pure, so filtering is almost an unnecessary luxury. For the drinking water, they go to a source in the mountains, the same water as used for commercially bottled source water and supply the water in glass, reusable bottles.

Fossil fuel

Guests are asked to cooperate in combining full cars for tours. When guests go to town, we request them to take the bus rather than a taxi (on a voluntary basis). We are preparing a project to make bio diesel from waste (kitchen) oils.

Laundry

The resort asks guests to keep using the towels and bed linen as long as is comfortable for them.

Exclusive use of organic materials

From December 2008, the resort exclusively uses organic soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion in dispensers, cleaning materials. They use organic meat and vegetables, mostly from their own organic gardens. They preferably purchase locally made goods.

Social responsibility

The resort hires local staff where possible so the area benefits from the resort's presence. After hurricane Ivan the resort set up an aid organisation to distribute food, water, medicines, vitamin pills, seeds and Christmas presents in the wide area (report available on request), initially from own means, later supported by teams in Canada, the USA and the Netherlands. They also help local cultural organizations with in kind donations, assist local NGO's and financially support community service projects

The resort announced a revitalization program aimed at crop and tree farmers. Many of them never restarted their farm after hurricane Ivan and moved into construction work. Now that the reconstruction boom is over they find themselves without a steady job and typically have no reserves. This is not only a social problem for the farmers themselves: vegetables now have to be partly imported to satisfy the demand at sharply increased prices. The program helps the farmers back in tune, from clearing their overgrown land to providing manure and seeds, as well as advice how to produce more economically.

The resort also will start social community services and green energy/conversation awareness programs pointed at both the local market and the travel industry.

For these programs the resorts introduced the Volunteer Vacation that offers a healthy balance between volunteer work and enjoying the island.

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Does anyone have a link to any map(s)....?

that is a map of canada, united states and the Caribbean, and has to have most of these or some of these features...

bering sea
l. winnipeg
l. athabaska
st.lawrence river
gulf of saint lawrence
victoria island
bafin bay
james bay
cheasapeake bay
baffin island
puget sound
bering strait
davis strait
sierra nevaa
rocky mountains

and this is not homework to find a map!!!!

google maps they have street and topographical maps fro satalite.

Here's a Video about caribbean islands and map:

Spell Of The Caribbean Islands, Archie Bell (VIRGIN ISLANDS Martinique St. Thomas Lucia Croix)

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Does a Royal Caribbean cruise have a Virgin Island destination?

Yes. I live on St. Thomas and Royal Caribbean ships come here weekly. The Oasis of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and is in Crown Bay in St. Thomas every Tuesday! It's quite the ship

Here's a Video about caribbean cruise islands:

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Name four countries that possess island in the caribbean sea ?

france ,great britian,netherlands,united states

Here's a Video about caribbean islands countries:

OCEAN CURRENTS TO DESTROY CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ?

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

My Caribbean people , when is your Carnival?

I am from the island of St. Maarten and our Carnival starts April 21st and ends May 5th 2007.

Grand Cayman’s carnival weekend is called Batabano and is the last week of April or beginning of May . Cayman Brac's is know as Brachanal, and it is in June.

www.caymancarnival.com

=)

Here's a Video about caribbean islands people:

Beauty of Haitian people

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

What kind of clothing should a teenager bring to a Western Caribbean cruise in December/January?

I'm going on a cruise near the end of December to the beginning of January. It's typically cold during those months, but I was wondering what the weather would be like in the Caribbeans! Specifically, I'm going to Miami, Florida; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Isla Roatan; Belize; Cozumel, Mexico. Is the weather going to be like winter, sumemr, or spring/fall?
If it's wintery weather, I would bring skinny jeans and hoodies and Uggs!
If it's summery weather, I'd bring short shorts with tank tops and cute tees and tube tops!
And if the weather was like spring or fall, I'd probably bring shorts and tee shirts with light cardigans or something.
I've been to Miami before in December, and it was pretty chilly! So I'm just wondering about the other ports? Thanks!

i think you should bring an ouffit skinny jeans and hoodies ( in case it get chilly ( but forget the uggs it wont be that cold
but still bring a lot of bring short shorts , tank tops , tees and tube tops because it is really hot

Here's a Video about caribbean island of roatan:

Hanging out at Fantasy Island, Roatan

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Why is the United States wasting its time and money helping that island out in the Caribbean?

Cuz Obama isn't a sociopath... unlike you.

Here's a Video about caribbean island states:

Products Currently Available at Amazon:

Are Caribbean islands considered as Central America?

Please I just need a yes or no answer!
Are places like Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti - are those considered Central America? We're studying Latin America.

No...they're independent countries for the most part and not under the realm of the Central American Countries. PEACE!

Here's a Video about caribbean islands bahamas:

Beaches Ocean Waves # 8 - Rose Island, Bahamas, Caribbean