Carnival Conquest destination: Caribbean - St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tags: caribbean, st, croix, us, virgin, islands

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a tropical dreamland complete with stunning beaches, clear aqua-blue ocean water, a small rain forest and rolling green hillsides. The Danes purchased St. Croix in the 1700s at which time the slave trade and sugar cane fields thrived. Today, the Danish influence is still apparent in the island's architecture and language. Most of the sugar mills lie in ruins. Yet you can still get a taste of the island's history in freshly squeezed sugar cane juice or Cruzan Rum. Explore "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea": Buck Island Reef National Monument. Most of this 176-acre island is surrounded by an elkhorn coral barrier reef which serves as home for a multitude of fish and other sea life. Snorkelers will enjoy navigating the underwater trail on the eastern side of the reef. Buck Island itself is a nesting area for sea turtles, brown pelicans and frigate birds. Hike the nature trail, soak in the sunshine on the beach, or dive in and snorkel or SCUBA to your heart's content. Take a tour of the Cruzan Rum factory and taste a significant spirit in St. Croix's history. Venture into the countryside to wonder at the ruins of sugar mills and plantations. Wander the Estate Whim Plantation museum, a restored Great House with 3-foot thick walls made of coral, stone and molasses - a sweet foundation. Take a hike through the island's rain forest. Though it's technically more of a "tropical forest" than a "rain forest," you won't be disappointed with its mango, lime, hog plum, mahogany, kapok and turpentine trees, as well as its abundant tropical birds. Traditional island dishes include curried chicken, conch fritters, fried plantains and Kallaloo, a stew made with meat, seafood, okra, spices and greens. For a refreshing local drink try maubi, a beverage made from maubi tree bark, yeast, herbs and ginger root. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic alternative, try ginger beer or soursop juice. Visit the shops in Christiansted and Frederiksted for china, crystal, batik, liquor, leather goods, perfume and jewelry. Peruse Folk Art Traders for local artwork, including pottery, masks and paintings. If you're looking for colonial West Indian furniture to spice up your home, visit Estate Mount Washington Antiques. The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also widely accepted....

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