West Indies Explorer

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and colonial heritage of Frederiksted with an informative walking tour. Starting at the waterfront, begin winding your way through the wide streets of the town. Frederiksted still retains the original seven-by-seven street plan from colonial times. Stroll next to the bay along Strand Street and past the Old Danish School and St. Patrick’s Church on Prince Street. As you walk, your knowledgeable guide will explain the Danish and African influences on the architecture and design of many of the historic buildings, the stories of the families who owned them and their historic uses. Visit 18th-century Fort Frederik, its red-and-white walls a sharp contrast to the lush greenery and blue waters surrounding it. Complete your tour at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, which exhibits the work of Caribbean artists, before returning to your ship.

Experience the serenity and natural beauty of Buck Island while snorkeling its majestic coral reef. Located off the northeast coast of St. Croix, Buck Island is the centerpiece of a US National Monument and has been called “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea.” Take a scenic drive to Christiansted, where you will embark by powerboat for Buck Island. Upon arrival at Buck Island Beach, you will receive your snorkeling gear and a lesson. Spend time practicing before heading to the coral reef. Submerged belong pristine blue water, this 18-mile long barrier reef is home to more than 250 species of marine life. Follow the marked underwater trail while swimming among colorful elkhorn coral, spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks and sea turtles—submerged plagues along your route detail the life swimming around you. Once you have finished snorkeling, enjoy a soda or rum punch on your cruise back to port.

Enjoy the beautiful flora of St. Croix, then visit the Captain Morgan distillery on this eclectic excursion. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach for St. George Village Botanical Gardens, built in and around a former colonial-era Danish sugar plantation. Stroll through various themed gardens planted among its 16 acres and appreciate the more than 1,000 varieties of native and exotic species of plants that grow here, including orchids and ornamental ferns. Next, explore the history of St. Croix, the rum industry and Captain Morgan during a visit to the famous rum producer’s distillery. Tour the visitor center museum and learn about the real Captain Morgan—Sir Henry Morgan, a 17th-century Welshman and lieutenant governor of Jamaica. Enjoy samples of four varieties of rum and one rum cocktail at the visitor center bar before returning to your ship.

Explore the pristine beauty and rich history of Salt River Bay during a scenic kayak excursion. A US National Historic Landmark, Salt River Bay is home to sandy beaches, diverse ecosystems, a submarine canyon and numerous Indigenous and colonial archaeological sites. This protected area played a pivotal role in Caribbean history—it was the site of Christopher Columbus’s only landing on what is now U.S. territory during his second voyage in 1493. Upon arrival, receive a safety briefing from your guide before beginning your journey down the bay’s tranquil waters. Paddle past Indigenous burial grounds and keep watch for snowy egrets and sunbathing iguanas as you cut through the dense mangrove forest—the largest of its kind in the Virgin Islands. Enjoy time relaxing on the beach before returning to your ship.

Visit the historical sites of Christiansted, a bustling town steeped in old-world colonial charm. After a scenic drive, meet your guide and set off on your walking tour along shaded archways and well-preserved Danish-style architecture to the Christiansted National Historic Site. Tour Fort Christiansvaern, a yellow brick 18th-century fort built by the Danes to protect the town from attack. See the nearby Steeple Building—site of the island’s first church—and Government House. Originally built during the 19th century, it has served as the official residence for the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands since 1960. You will also view the Scale House and Old Customs House, both integral parts of the island’s colonial economy. Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll the boardwalk, shop or relax at an oceanside café before returning to your ship.

Set sail on board a luxury catamaran and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at the beach. Meet your captain and board your vessel for a short safety briefing, before heading out into the ocean waves. As you glide across the crystalline waters, enjoy the tropical breeze and vistas of the picturesque shoreline. Catch a glimpse of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge ahead in the distance and hear about the work that hundreds of volunteers do to protect the island’s wildlife, including endangered leatherback sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles and green sea turtles. Your catamaran will drop anchor offshore, where you can take the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the refreshing waters or head to the beach for a gentle stroll in the sunshine. After a relaxing time, sail back to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Learn about modern sugarcane farming and taste craft spirits at a working sugar farm and distillery. Set out by motor coach through Frederiksted, passing by landmarks including Fort Frederik and Freedom Park en route to Estate Prosperity, home to the Prosperity Farm Distillery. Upon arrival at this 180‑acre working farm, stroll through the cane fields to the restored Greathouse, now a tasting room where you will sample four craft spirits, prepared on-site. Learn about sugar cultivation as you explore the grounds and view historic buildings, then head to the distillery. Here, you will have a guided workshop where you will enjoy an up-close look at the processes of pressing, fermentation and craft production of freshly squeezed cane juice into spirits. After, return directly to your ship, or you may choose to explore more on your own before returning later by shuttle.