Caribbean Cruises: Part 2 "All You Can Eat, See, and Do"

Close your eyes and ask yourself, “what does my prefect vacation look like?”. Are you sleeping in every day, eating as much as you want, and scheduling as many spa appointments as you can? Or are you getting up early, going on every excursion manageable and staying up until the crack of dawn just to make the vacation feel a little longer? Whatever the case may be, cruising can give you a wide variety of choices!

My perfect vaca? Watching the sunset every night on a boat

Each port offers something different that makes it hard to forget. Cruise ship docks are typically well maintained by the local cities to showcase their beloved town. There is nothing better than experiencing all the local charms at each one of your destinations. Go on an adventure, shop for locally made souvenirs, and eat at that little hole in the wall that serves the best lunch in town! No matter what you do, don’t forget to stop and take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful qualities that each city offers.

Don't be afraid to go explore!

Food, food, and more food. Let’s be honest with ourselves, cruise ships are known for their awesome and endless selection of cuisine. Both day and night, enjoy a wide array of food that keeps you coming back for more. Picky eater? Don’t stress! There is something for everyone so you’ll never have to worry about going hungry.

Wanna share?

There is more to do than just eat! Recently, cruise lines have been expanding their horizons on activities and games they offer on board. Things such as bumper cars and ziplining on Royal Caribbean, obstacle courses high up in the air with Carnival, and the infamous “Pirate Night” on Disney Cruise Ships. Each Ship offers a unique set of activities that make your experience memorable. It’s not just about the destination anymore; it’s about the whole experience.

Like live performances? You'll love daily shows at the theater!

Let me end this article with talking about one of the greatest parts about all the cruise ships that sometimes goes overlooked: the staff. Each staff member, whether they are entertainers, cooks, housekeeping, or servers, will work day and night to serve you, all with a smile on their face. Cruise ship staff are some of the hardest working employees and they should be appreciated!

Click the links below to read more:

Caribbean Cruises: Part 1 "Is Cruising For You?"

Caribbean Cruises: Part 3 "Excursion or No Excursion, That is the Question"

Caribbean Cruises: Part 4 "Ships"

Visit our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com and our facebook at www.facebook.com/ziplinestthomas

Caribbean Cruises: Part 1 "Is Cruising For You?"

First of all, let me say welcome back! I took a little break from writing, but I’m here for good! Every month I'll be writing 4 part posts, so always stay tuned for the next installment. ;)

We all know what cruise ships are and if you’ve never gone on one, you might be wondering “What is all this hype about?!” Well, I’m here to tell you about why these beasts of the sea are so popular! Not only is it a full functioning resort that floats on water, but they also give you the opportunity to see a lot of different cities, cultures, and go on adventures that you might not get to experience on a normal vacation.

Look at that beast

Do you like relaxing, sunbathing, or live entertainment? How about eating, drinking, and crazy parties on pool decks? Well if any of these sound interesting to you, you may want to schedule a cruise for your next vacation! The great thing is you don’t have to like it all to have a good time. Those wild spring breakers can hog up the pool deck all they want because that leaves more room for you at the spa. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers something called Freestyle Cruising, and that truly gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want, with who you want!

Do what you want: Adventure, Relaxation, Good Eats, Good Times

Don’t get me wrong, staying at an all-inclusive resort is great and all, but nothing beats having a fun day out and about on one island or country and waking up in a completely new place! Plus, cruising also gives you a chance to see what places you want to visit again, and what places you don’t. Like if you loved St. Thomas when you were cruising, why not come back and stay at one of our many resorts so you can get the full experience?!

 

Who doesn't?

So if you love having fun, relaxing, eating, or sunbathing, you’ll probably love cruising. It’s not really a question of should I go on a cruise, it’s what cruise ship to go on.  Whether it’s Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, or Celebrity, there is something for you! 

Click the links below to read more:

Caribbean Cruises: Part 2 "All You Can Eat, See, and Do" 

Caribbean Cruises: Part 3 "Excursion or No Excursion, That is the Question"

Caribbean Cruises: Part 4 "Ships"

Visit our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com and our facebook at www.facebook.com/ziplinestthomas

Private Islands in the Virgin Islands

Sitting the on a white sand beach as the water washes gently ashore with a cold drink in your hand; it couldn't get much better, could it? Well it could be better if that white sugar fine sand beach wasn't just on an island somewhere, but on YOUR island somewhere. That's right, you got it, we're talking about your own private island. Sounds like an impossible dream, but it may be easier than you think to get a little slice of your own private paradise.

If you've been on our zip-line tour recently, you've probably heard your guides mention that there's a little island to the north called Hans Lollik that is for sale for a reasonable twenty nine million bucks. Now if you think that's a high price, we can put it in perspective for you, the most expensive property on St. Thomas, a monstrous waterfront villa, comes in at a cool thirty mil. 

At this point you're probably thinking that the island sounds like a much better deal. Well in terms of private islands many have paid much less than that for a piece of heaven. A good example is knighted billionaire, Sir Richard Branson, Whose island, Necker island, just a few miles to the north of the USVI, was purchase in the seventies for under two hundred thousand dollars. The story goes, Sir Branson wanted to impress a girl so he got a flight to the island which was for sale at the time, after taking the tour he low-balled at one hundred thousand dollars and was quickly asked to leave. After a few years he upped his offer slightly and was able to secure the island. Now he makes back what he spend on the island in a matter of months. He's noted with saying that it was his best investment decision. 

Now there actually are a few little islands on the market these days in the sub three hundred thousand mark, it wont get you anything in the Caribbean, but if a lake in northern Michigan is your cup of tea, then you too can join the select group who own their own island.

A little closer to our home on St Thomas, in the British Virgin Islands, which can also be seen from the top of your zipline adventure, there are over seven privately owned islands all of which have some development on them that serves as a resort which is usually a stipulation when buying an island in the BVI's to encourage economic development.  

Hans Lollik isn't the only private island in the USVI where no passport is required and only a short flight from the east coast! You also have Thatch Cay, Little St. James, Lovango Cay, Great St. James, and a few others. A great boat trip trough the islands should always include passing a few of these very exclusive islands. While some have magnificent and palatial villas atop the hills, some still have no development on them whatsoever. Private islands are just another unique feature in the vibrant and quirky culture of the Virgin Islands. So remember, the next time you zip at Tree Limin' Extreme, make sure to ask your guides about the private islands you can see from the platforms! 

History of St. Thomas Carnival

As Carnival week is coming to an end, the Village is getting all packed up and shipped out, we like to reflect on all the festivities that have happened during this eventful week. Main Street closed down shop and brought all the excitement to the streets! Bright colors filled the air as both children and adults paraded down the street in the most exotic costumes you’ve ever laid eyes on. These events last one week, and are loaded with events for all ages to enjoy. Both locals and visitors to the island fill the streets and awe over what has been happening for the past 102 years!

A lot of people ask, how did something so elaborate as the infamous Carnival start? Well, Carnival-like traditions date back to the mid 1600—1700s with European counties colonized the Caribbean Islands. They brought with them their festivities, parties and traditions like dressing up, having parties and meeting up with friends and family. These Europeans had brought slaves for their plantations and, over the years, the slaves would be exposed to the European traditions as well as having some of their own. Even though they weren't allowed to dance and sing their songs from their culture because plantation owners thought the slaves would use it as a way of secretly communicating, they still were able to pass down their customs. Over time, this morphed into a unique mix of customs and traditions that will be celebrated for years to come. 

It was a slow start getting Carnival where it is today. The first two St. Thomas Carnivals, 1912 and 1914, was when the Virgin Islands were apart of the Danish West Indies. The events that took place were much like what we celebrate today, but at a smaller volume; bands, Carnival Queen, and a parade. There was a 38 year gap between the Carnival of 1914 and the next Carnival in 1952. Holiday traditions continued for the years Carnival was absent, but it wasn’t until Ron De Lugo, a radio personality, thought it would be a good idea to bring it back! Although he was born in 1930 and never attended Carnival, he thought it would be a fun and entertaining way to bring the island’s community together. Not everybody thought that way though. People feared there would be conflict between the classes of citizens. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Carnival was a go, and it’s been running annually ever since! It’s brought the community together from all different shapes, sizes, and ages!

Luxury Lodging Options in St. Thomas USVI

Visiting in St. Thomas can be a be a dream come true! Spend your vacation exploring the wonders of the island and experiencing new adventures that you will treasure for a lifetime. It’s not all about what you do that will make your vacation memorable though, where you stay can be just as important. 

There’s a wide variety of lodging options that can fit any family’s budget! If you’re looking for a rustic retreat, try pitching a tent at one of the many camp grounds in either St. John or St. Thomas. The Caribbean holds some of the most lush and alluring camping grounds that can make any tropical vacation an unforgettable adventure!


 When you yearn to feel like a kind or queen, having food brought to your door step, and want to be pampered in the lap of luxury, look no further than a resort. Resorts such as  The Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Bolongo, Emerald Beach, and many more, give you free range of options during your stay. Choose an all inclusive resort and unwind on the beach by sip on unlimited drinks as you explore your inner adventurer by going sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding! If you prefer to reside in a room for a night, order some delicious room service that will be delivered right to your door… and maybe a massage while your at it! Romance and luxury go hand-in-hand, and at a resort, you can indulge in your love wholeheartedly, as friendly staff take care of everything behind the scenes. You can also take your relationship to the next step and exchange vows right on the beach, just steps away from your room. If you like to take your vacation and pump it up to the next level of pure luxury, try renting a villa! St. Thomas is loaded with high-class, celebrity approved, luxurious villas. Most villas are privately owned and can give you special treatment and take unique requests. Get a private chef to cook for you directly from your villa’s kitchen, take a stroll down to your private beach, or sunbath next to your very own pool that looks out onto the ocean… the options are endless! Decide whether you want to be close to town, or isolated in the tropical rainforest with no others in sight. 

 

After all that relaxation, you might be ready to try something new! Trade in your bathing suit and snorkel gear for a harness and trolly! Ziplining isn’t just fun, but a great way to make any awesome vacation, into the best vacation you’ve ever had. Imagine, relax by the pool with a Caribbean cocktail in the morning, then head up to the zip-line for 3 hours of exhilarating fun, then end the day with a personal massage. It’s your vacation… make it how you want!

Sailing in the Virgin Islands

When you close your eyes and think of going for a sail, the first thing that usually pops into your head is a picture of a beautiful sloop being pushed gently along by easy trade winds and rocking back and forth at the touch of a following sea.
Open your eyes, if what you see is still white snow instead of white caps on the Caribbean sea then chances are you need an escape. 

What better way to live your fantasy than to take the helm and plot a meandering course island to island, cove to cove. It’s easier and closer than you ever could imagine.
Thousands of vessels ply the crystal azure waters of the Virgin Islands and with a short flight down from the east coast, you could feel the teak beneath your feet and the sand in your toes in just a matter of hours.
Many different options exist to the aspiring yachtsman (or woman) for those who have crossed oceans or those who’re used to taking out a sunfish on the lake, or even those who have only imagined the joys of trimming a sheet.

The United States Virgin Islands has hundreds of charter vessels ready to set sail while you relax with a tropical drink in your hand. While staying at any of the luxurious accommodations on island you can take a short day sail to many of the surrounding islands and there vibrant reefs. Generally you will meet the boat on the dock in the morning and set sail for a few hours after which your crew will tie up to a mooring; followed by a guided snorkel tour of the cove. Once you have finished  chasing sea turtles and wondering at the rainbow of reef life your crew will temp you with delicious libations and a snack or two.
Another, more private and relaxing option, is to hire a sailing yacht for the day. It will be supplied with refreshments or you can bring your own. You can help set the course for the day, your captain and crew will be on your itinerary for the day.
The next step up is to leave the land to the lubbers and set sail for a week long sailing adventure aboard your own private sailing yacht. Depending on your level of skill on the sea you can hire a captain and crew to take you to remote cays and shipwrecks or, if you’ve got some captain in you, take the wheel and anchor in a different cove every night.
Finally if the lap of luxury calls to you, then nothing will compare to a fully crewed luxury yacht. During the winter months, some of the worlds biggest yachts, including the Rising Sun stretching an incredible four hundred and fifty-three feet, call St. Thomas in the USVI home. The make their berth at Yacht Haven Grande, a super yacht marina with all of the high end finishings to make your time ashore the most grand you will every experience. A luxury yacht charter will not only include captain and crew, but also stewards and chefs along with housekeepers and maintenance crew to make your voyage not only exquisite, but also safe and comfortable. Your on board respite will rival any five star hotel and with all the accouterments of a beach resort you will never be bored, whether you find yourself jet skiing over reefs or kite-boarding in head high surf every adventure will be truly unparalleled. 

When your yacht drops anchor in Magen's Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, you just might be able to see your neighbors in the anchorage high up on the mountain side Zipping through the trees; that’s because the best view of your yacht and Magen’s Bay is from atop crown mountain at Tree Limin’ Extreme, St. Thomas’ own Zipline adventure.
In the back of everyone's mind, there is a hidden desire to set sail with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair and no place is that dream more close to reality than the Virgin Islands.

GoPro Rentals

We pride ourselves at Tree Limin’ Extreme Canopy Tours on our beautiful views and exciting zip lines! Sadly, not many cameras can capture the vibrant colors of the Caribbean at the high speeds you’re zipping at. That’s why we have GoPros for rent! They are the latest craze in picture taking/film technology, designed for people who are on the go; hence the name, GoPro.

The GoPro 3 is equipped with a waterproof case for those rainy days, and a wide angle lens that is capable of capturing so much more than a traditional camera. One of our favorite qualities about this high definition camera is its capability to handle “shaky situations” with minimal lag.

      

There is nothing better than capturing your vacation on a high definition camera that you can take home to show the whole family. We give you your choice of USB or SD card, and you can upload it right to your computer. What you do from there is your choice! You can play it just as it is, or you can edit it with sweet effect. Here are some really fun edits from former zippers who rented our GoPro! 

 
If you’re interested in renting one of our GoPro cameras to make your trip at Tree Limin’ Extreme even more unforgettable, talk to our friendly office staff.