A $20 Ticket to Paradise (St. Thomas)

Author: Bruce B.
Date of Trip: February 2011

A $20 Ticket to Paradise

Charlotte-Amalie, capitol of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., is rightly known as a Caribbean shopping Mecca. Yet those finding themselves at its busy cruise-port on a Sunday afternoon may be disappointed to discover that many of the more well-known shopping destinations in town can close quite early, with some already done for the day by 2:00pm.

So instead of shopping, you may wish to consider a quick afternoon trip to paradise, literally, as in Paradise Point. Located just a short walk away from the entrance to the cruise-port’s Havensight Mall, the Paradise Point aerial tramway quickly whisks passengers up a steep incline to one of the island’s most scenic viewing spots.

Disembark some 700 feet above your starting point and you’ll to be treated to stunning views, a rugged nature trail (sturdy shoes a must), multiple scenic look-off points, a cluster of gift and souvenir shops, and a friendly, welcoming open-air bar / restaurant which serves simple meals and a variety of island-themed cocktails and beers.

Views from the comfortable, umbrella’d tables on the balcony form a beautiful backdrop for a memorable lunch or drinks. A steel-drum band, costumed limbo dancers, stilt-walkers, and other Carnival-themed entertainers may also turn up at a moments notice. And if there’s time, on a clear day the happy-hour sunsets are spectacular.

For More Info: Cruise Critic.com reader reviews: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=54578

Video of the views from the top: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGnQaJAsKeY

Havensight Mall vendor info & map: http://www.havensightmall.com/