Our Silver Anniversary – a day to remember
St Thomas, US Virgin Islands – If anyone had have told me 25 years ago that we would spend this milestone day in the exquisite island of St Thomas, I probably would not have believed them; but here we are.
Early today the ship transited the Virgin passage situated between the islands of Culebra and Savana and started its final approach to Crown Bay, where she docked at 8:00am. We hurried through breakfast and cleared through security, keen to make the most of our anniversary here in this exotic paradise.
It is our intention to find our own taxi to take us on a scenic drive to the view area situated at the highest point of the island and to spend the greater part of the day at Magen’s Bay Beach.
St Thomas is a superb photo opportunity at every turn. From Black Point Hill lookout, north to Drake’s Point, which overlooks Magen’s Bay Beach; named one of the world’s top ten beaches by National Geographic Magazine, on to Skyline Drive overlooking the breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie harbour.
The taxi is an open-sided, brightly painted truck, with a covered roof, called a “Safari Cab” that has wooden bench-seats. Our driver, a very clever negotiator, managed to wrangle an extra $8 out of each of his 20 passengers and had us all smiling while we handed over the fare.
He went out of his way to entertain and provide interesting information about his beloved island. He dropped us off at the beach a few hours later and waited patiently for us to experience its soothing effect. We bobbed in the gloriously clear water; watching tiny glassy fish swimming around and nibbling our feet. What a flawless setting for this ‘special day’.
While floating in the warm water, feeling exhilaratingly relaxed, we meet a really fun couple who are on their 13th cruise with Princess Cruise Line. It is Billie Jean’s birthday today, and we plan to combine our celebrations at dinner in the Crown Grill, one of the many specialty dining rooms.
The service is outstanding, the food scrumptious, and the company entertaining – at the table we are given 3 small decedent double chocolate cakes with a candle on each, one for Billie Jean’s birthday, one for our anniversary and one for my graduation as commodore – not wanting to eat all of these cakes i walk around looking for deserving looking couples and pass them on.
What a memorable time and perfect end to our special day! Back at our cabin we receive an invitation to the Captain’s Circle Cocktail party as well as special balloons and a big Happy Anniversary notice on our door. We could not have planned a better day!