We sailed out of San Juan aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, and our very first stop was the beautiful island of St. Thomas. Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas is known for its hilly terrain, turquoise waters, and proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring islands like St. John and Tortola.
Historically, St. Thomas has roots shaped by Indigenous peoples, European colonization, and the transatlantic trade, before becoming a U.S. territory in 1917. Today, its layered history is reflected in its culture, architecture, and the warmth of its people.
As we exited the cruise port, a cheerful “St. Thomas” tourist sign welcomed us, along with the genuine hospitality of warm Virgin Islanders 🇻🇮. We headed straight to the beach, where we enjoyed snapper with rice and peas—simple, flavorful, and unforgettable—at $35 per person.
Instead of crowded, tourist-heavy beaches, we chose Emerald Beach, just five minutes away. A group taxi cost only $6 per person each way, and the reward was white sandy beaches, calm waters, and a peaceful vibe that felt more local than commercial. On our way back near the USVI sign at the port, we spotted lots of iguanas along the shore, plus green lizards and even chickens casually roaming the beach.
Out of the six islands we visited on this cruise, St. Thomas earned a solid #3 spot—not flashy, but authentic, relaxing, and full of small moments that made it special.