Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas, USVI - HAL Nieuw Statendam - February 2020

Yet another amazing new port! We are in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands for the first time. This is the most picturesque port we have ever seen! With yachts in the bay and so many sailboats at anchor, it is a beautiful sight! We hop a taxi and head off. Our driver takes us up into the mountains to an overlook of the same beautiful bay from a different angle. Also, from here, you can see some of the other islands off in the distance. And then we make it to Sapphire Beach. White sands and crystal blue water. Yep, this is going to be a great day! We do some snorkeling, swimming and just relaxing... it was wonderful!
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Primary camera is a Canon Powershot G7X Mark II
Waterproof camera is a GoPro Hero (basic)

[@johnphantom]

Two of our fathers ran the hotel and restaurant at Sapphire in the late 1980s. We would sometimes go out there to waterski in my boat, and sometimes tourists would ask us to go skiing. We charged $20 for men to go as long as they wanted, and women were free. Feed any iguanas you run into with hibiscus flowers, red ones especially, that's why if you're wearing red they might come up to you and try to chew on your shirt. There used to be a 1 story shack where the 3 story building is right at the end of the St. John dock. It had stones out front with a couple picnic tables, and there was no gate or building on the dock. My dad was involved in the St. John Pub that was there throughout the 1980s that sold subs, hotdogs, cold beer and mixed tropical drinks to the tourists. I used to go over to St. John and have lunch at The Backyard on some Saturdays, that was practically all traveling by road on that island I did in the years I was there. When I was 12 dad bought me a 13 foot Boston Whaler with a 55hp and besides the other 4 boats he had I used to use it to go to St. John once in a while. A couple times was to Trunk where we visited our schoolmate that lived in the house on the peninsula that you see. She used to travel to St. Thomas to go to school and back every day. My best friend's dad owned the largest dump truck on St. Thomas during the time they were moving the Eastern mountain to off the Western end of the runway extending it. His driver was dropping a load off the end, lost control and jumped out just in time to see it sink into the end of the runway. Time, resources, etc dictated that they just keep going. So when you land there, you are landing on a dump truck. My family of 6 including 2 of my grandparents were scheduled on the American Airlines flight that crashed on the island in 1976 running into a Shell gas station at the end of the short runway. My mom had a dream, and rescheduled us for a week earlier with all the work and changes made for dad's 3 stores to run for 2 weeks. We were at Magens when it crashed. A call went out for the 2nd most rare blood, AB-, which my father had. My dad said he wasn't taking time out from his vacation to donate blood. Read the karma my dad died to on that island 14 years after that crash, in this book with links below. I've probably been on more cruise ships than anyone reading this, yet never been on a cruise. My dad ran a ship chandlery that had a monopoly on selling liquor to the cruise ships in the early '80s, that I used to spend my afternoons after school doing my homework at, that was located at the last building on the Havensite dock (has Senior Frogs painted on its roof). After growing up on the island and starting when I was 17 in late 1986, we used to roam Charlotte Amalie downtown streets at night bar hopping Coconuts, Rosie O'Grady's, The Ritz, Yesterdays, then to the Greenhouse at 10pm for the current live band, when everyone was partying in the islands. Since the bars closed at 2 AM we would go out to steal cars, usually rentals, and race across the island, afterward sometimes stripping them for parts. I've floored it in a brand new 1987 Accord LXi from the Fort all the way to Frenchtown one night easily doing 100mph, or over 5 times the speed limit, which was not unusual to do with stolen cars but sometimes done even with the ones we sort of cared about. One night I was with a few locals and we got pulled over for racing into Frenchtown. The cop went to arrest one of us and he started skipping around the car in a circle repeatedly singing, "Haha you can't catch me!" to the cop. He made it a couple times around the car and we had to bail him out that night. I hold the record for most boats stolen in one night while alone; three - I took them to a birthday party. Would you like to read about real modern pirates based out of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands taking place in the end of the cocaine fueled '80s? "THE REAL PARADISE Diary of a Modern-Day Caribbean Pirate" Paperback: www.amazon.com/dp/1653714360 or Kindle: www.amazon.com/dp/B083C3DD19 (free with Ultimate).

[@ms.thomas5758]

Great share

[@shonb989]

I think this vlog just may have locked in my bday trip to USVL... The water looks is AMAZING 🏖️

[@amberlewis536]

Definitely check out TrekLocal if you're visiting. I highly recommend them for planning since they are 100% locally owned and operated.

[@timothywalters4149]

love your vlogs St Thomas is still as beautiful as when I was there

[@yendyvilma2681]

What the tour guide failed to mention was that hassle island was actually used as a Naval base during the first and second world war. I'm glad you guys loved ST. THOMAS. I was born and raised on the island. I love when visitors come and enjoy the place I call home.

[@ms.thomas5758]

Well from his accent he's not a virgin islander. Lol

[@whitneycastillo7179]

I can’t wait to get back to St Thomas, spent my time there sleeping and hungover on Magens Bay beach 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@Dariolambchops]

I was there in January 2020. I love Sapphire beach. Been here many times but the men’s public bathroom needs some work. It’s disgusting.

[@deloresthomas5624]

Wow! Thank you for bringing St. Thomas to me. Use to live there and because of Covid19 can't get back. So glad to see Sapphire. That was were I lived.

[@travelingon7458]

Can you share driver information?

[@karanallen2528]

Love love love Half Moon Cay!!

[@jackieaudus9829]

Looks amazing!!!!!

[@jerrymcghee6788]

Love your guys channel! We are going to St Thomas soon... Would you mind posting or sending us somehow Ivan's contact information? We would love to use him for getting to Sapphire Beach as well. Thanks so much!

[@curtisharper7552]

Cant wait to be there in january good lord willing

[@Renofirefly30]

Im going in February!!!

[@beerman7367]

Hey guys! Can I get the taxi guys info please? Going on my honeymoon cruise in December and we want to do exactly as y'all did. Hoping to go to the mountain top and then Sapphire Beach. Ty!

[@travel_the_smokies]

One of our favorite port. Sailing away at night is so cool. All the mountain, city and boats are lit up. Tropical paradise. Great video

[@richardscott5729]

These past several videos have been fun, but where's the ship life? That's one of the big things I always liked about your cruise videos was the ship life on board. I've really wanted to see the dining room and other stuff on the new HAL ships.

[@EECCTravels]

The next video is onboard. We took a different approach on this cruise and several evenings we just chilled and didn’t vlog.

[@ivannicholas9138]

Hey Jason and Alisa,it was great having you all on St. Thomas. It gave me great pleasure taking you all around. Great video!! Let's do it again.

[@EECCTravels]

It was a great day! That’s for taking us sightseeing!.

[@JustinMorales796]

Hi Ivan. Do you have contact information if I wanted to schedule transportation with you? We will be in St. Thomas on the Mardi Gras 12/23/21

[@simplyatsea6779]

How do we get in contact with you to book a tour?

[@sheilatucker4588]

Are you still giving tours? I will be there on Oct 13,2023

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

I want to visit St Thomas

[@sharonh2172]

Great video, please share the tour guy...Ivan? Thank you!

[@EECCTravels]

You bet: Ivan is a private taxi driver and his number is [phone]

[@skmitchell98]

What an amazingly perfect day on the beach! Can’t wait to have these kind of cruising beach days again soon!

[@EECCTravels]

Oh I can’t wait to get back out there too!!

[@julierenee523]

St. Thomas is my favorite. Well St. John is beautiful too. We saw Steven Spielberg yacht in St Thomas.....huge

[@breh7661]

u guys should visit trinidad and tobago its fun our culture is a mix between indian and black. The food were famous for is roti, doubles etc and our biggest thing we love yearr round is called carnival/soca its so much fun lol. By the way Trinidad has two islands i would suggest visiting both bc tobago has pretty water and trinidad is the busy part where youll get to know trinidad

[@aleksandram29]

This island is one of my favorite all time. Being from Puerto Rico obviously PR is my favorite but St. Thomas is just gorgeous. Curious on your thoughts on Western Caribbean vs Eastern Caribbean now that you guys have been to both? Btw this video is just making miss cruising so much!!

[@MagicalTravelMyka]

I love tipsy Alisa!

[@betsyrosa6479]

Hi can you share Ivan information we would love to use him for our next cruise

[@sageslattery233]

I'm in need of a new EECC video!!

[@nicolesamazingvacations5064]

I’ve been wanting to see the USVI now I really got to!

[@EECCTravels]

It is absolutely amazing!

[@jkanton]

Any chance you have the Taxi drivers contact info?

[@darrellvivianpeters6631]

We actually like the Carib...not bad...viv

[@nicolesamazingvacations5064]

Oh my beautiful view

[@nikkie4216]

"Compared to Michelob Ultra it is" 😂😂😂

[@deepshotone]

I didnt see any umbrella rentals???

[@amydonohue718]

I agree on the coors light comment. It is basically water lol

[@vincentjetton4157]

Piss in a can!!!

[@kathrynfrederick1752]

Love the reef out there left of Sapphore we could go and catch lonsters there for dinner!

[@marya5497]

Can I ask for your tour guides contact?

[@mistysissell9467]

That water is so pretty.👍⛴🚢⚓️

[@miketurchin1765]

Hi J&A! Any chance you still have Ivan’s contact info? Heading to St Thomas in 3 weeks!

[@EECCTravels]

Sure do! It’s 340-643-6963. Tell him we sent you.

[@philhardy6470]

At least your yacht was the biggest one there

[@VickiTheCraftAttic]

Love the ports on an eastern Caribbean cruise, the water is just such a crystal clear aqua color. I’d love to be able to do the southern ports.....one day 🛳⛴🚢⚓️

[@EECCTravels]

Me too! We have one booked for January 😃

[@chrismitchell7518]

What a beautiful island!! Can't wait to get there some day!!!

[@kristypastor9966]

Um Jason is pretty funny!

[@sandyfobert9376]

would you share your driver, Ivan's, contact info?

[@EECCTravels]

Sure. You can call or text him at 340-643-6963. Tell him we sent you.

[@deidresmith9698]

Hi guy's. Merry New Year 😜😜😂😂🙋 are thr any ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS in St Thomas?? Please HELP

[@EECCTravels]

Not that I am aware of. It is a US territory an AIs are very scarce in the US.

[@betsymayo5822]

way late to the party, but OMG Ivan is the best! we have ridden with him several times when we stay on St. Thomas!

[@EECCTravels]

He is fantastic!

[@nicolesamazingvacations5064]

Bucket list port

[@nicolesamazingvacations5064]

Crazy that’s why I love y’all

[@cathyhollis7373]

We went to sapphire beach on our first cruise to St Thomas. Since then we have flown to ST three times and rented condo at Sapphire Beach each time. We've traveled to many places, but always come back here. Our heaven. Do yourself a favor and get a condo there for a week. So much to do. Ferry to St John and BVI. Good eats at Redhook. VRBO sapphire beach. Rent from an individual, not thru the resort. D building is the best, on the point in front of pool. No better feeling than getting up at 6 in the morning and watching sunrise over St John with a cup of coffee. True paradise that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[@lt.dal94texascommand74]

When Jason was drinking his coffee in the beginning of the video...he plays a good "most interesting man in the world" Jonathan Goldsmith..☕🧔👍

[@CruisN-Steve]

Can't wait to get back to St. Thomas !! Going in Feb 2025!! And on this ship Statendam

[@crimsontidegal6332]

There us a nude beach on the French side of St Maarten. The scenery there is just a beautiful as St Thomas. What do you do with your expensive camera while you are in the water? How do you keep if from being stolen?

[@davidflaplace]

Correction for your tour guide. Hassel Island was connected to St. Thomas, but Water Island was not. They made haulover cut to improve the circulation of the water in Charlotte Amalie harbor. Hassel Island was once used as wet/dry docks to ship amongst other things.

[@cocomill9468]

I enjoy watching you two’s videos. They’re always informative with visuals.

[@janie8462]

Do you guys have a cruise ship you recommend for young teenage boys (12 and 14)? We are trying to decide between Norwegian encore or harmony of the seas or any other?

[@robertbradt8249]

U guys are awesome 😜

[@katieray3689]

Can we get Ivan’s contact info? Going in August and I’m so nervous about finding a safe taxi driver.

[@jou2166]

Fabulous views from everywhere..st Thomas is hilly..like a nice roller coaster ...truck needed for the hills ...yes girl, sun your buns in st thomas

[@robertcox5022]

You guys mentioned Ivan the taxi driver in St.Thomas would you happen to have his phone number? We going soon and would like to use him.

[@lt.dal94texascommand74]

Jason..!! If you ever need a wingman..call me..lol😊🍻😊👍

[@ZeroxRaizen]

I lost all my pictures of my trip to St.Thomas and Somebody knew Jason was coming and bought all the Michelob Ultra.

[@teresalewelling7318]

I want to thank for sharing this. I just love you’re video’s and I can’t wait until we get to go there.

[@Christianrose1974]

Beach beach 🏖 I loved my time in St. Thomas. Coki beach had fabulous snorkeling 🤿

[@karanallen2528]

Love St Thomas!

[@islandgyalrenee]

When is the next vlog coming out ?

[@EECCTravels]

This week

[@mylifejourneypath]

So glad you got to visit my home island of St Thomas watching this making me home sick but glad you went before the coronavirus hit our islands ,St Thomas St Croix and St John . As a Virgin Islander I’m proud to say I’m from the USVI. Hope you guys get a chance to go back after the coronavirus is over to visit and stay a little longer and get a chance to island hop lol that something we do as Virgin Islanders we take a ferry also called a boat to visit other islands.

[@sswan9689]

I absolutely loved St Thomas! Was there on The Encore, January 2020. Took a tour of the island and went to The Famous Mountain Top and had that delicious drink.

[@EddieHudson-u4b]

Was it easy to find a taxi back to the ship?

[@EECCTravels]

We had our same driver come back to get us.

[@davva360]

St Thomas looked stunning. Jason looked to be having a great time lol.

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

He snapped his fingers and pointed his pinky when drinking that beer, yep, he tipsy lol lol

[@judysmith9552]

are there taxi's waiting to take you back to the ship when you are ready to leave?

[@ExploringME]

"Get at GoPro 7 or 8 because it is waterproof without a case" make sure you get a case for the salt water. The salt water will still hurt your GoPro. Just trying to help you wonderful people out.

[@EECCTravels]

We ended up getting an 8

[@ExploringME]

@@EECCTravels Nice. I have the same. Definitely get the waterproof case for the salt water and I would recommend the GoPro and not a generic brand. Enjoy, and thank you for sharing your adventures!! I look forward to watching them.

[@jenniferjbrown3888]

Who was the driver and how can we get in touch with him? We’re going next week.

[@nathanfisher9332]

If Jason wants a nude beach, go to Orient Beach in St. Maarten haha. Never been but I've heard stories

[@EECCTravels]

I was really just kidding...sorta! Lol 😝

[@CuseCruisers]

We love St. Thomas and can't wait to get back there! Great video!

[@EWilfromStPete]

Jason? Get naked? Nude beach?? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alisa I know he keeps you on your toes!!! LOVE IT!! You guys are too funny!!!

[@EECCTravels]

Oh he sure does!!

[@judysmith9552]

any problems with the ice or the water on the islands?

[@EECCTravels]

We did not experience any problems!

[@judysmith9552]

@@EECCTravels thank you! i really want to try a pain killer.

[@jamieklennert6213]

Love you guys! So real! I feel like I am right there with U🌴🥳❤️

[@richc3450]

Question . Why are you all not getting slammed for playing copy right music in back ground it has happened to me a lot hmmmm causing me to lose some of my video because of that or removing the audio and trying to talk with no back ground like it was recorded that way do you have a way I may be able to contact you. maybe not but thanks for listening. I will tell you my video name later quack quack

[@EECCTravels]

We lucked up on this one! We were really worried until it finished processing. I guess we did just enough editing and talking over the music.

[@kathybird1721]

St John and Tortola are also beautiful. St John has a huge percentage of National Park

[@codywhittington5626]

Coming there in January as one of our stops on the joy! Hoping we can still go.

[@VickiTheCraftAttic]

When we were at Sapphire Beach about 5 years ago, that food/bar stand wasn’t there. The only food was two local women cooking over a grill surrounded by roosters and chickens 🐔🐓 The trees and ground around the top of the beach was filled with iguanas 🦎

[@EECCTravels]

Yeah they told us the bar was recently built.

[@tifanytrees397]

Going Nov 2021 on Marti Gras!!!!! This video makes me so excited to get there and visit Sapphire Beach!!!!

[@amberlewis536]

Tifany definitely check out TrekLocal to help you plan!

[@christalarmstrong300]

can you share your tour guide information? thanks!

[@EECCTravels]

Yep: Ivan [phone]

[@christalarmstrong300]

you mentioned in your video the taxi was $10 per person each way. is that what you paid ivan? or was that a separate fee?

[@straightt5714]

You guys are awesome, thanks for the great video!

[@sandikopp59]

Loved St Thomas..would love to go back

[@barbaradutra8775]

Next video please. Too long in between.

[@charleshargett1402]

I've heard that there are some nude beaches in that area but I don't know for sure. I will definitely try to find them though.

[@EECCTravels]

I was really just kidding around about that...lol!

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

Good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@dianasmith720]

We went to Sapphire Beach last year on a cruise and it was gorgeous!!

[@temmietaft2552]

That beach looked absolutely amazing!!

[@kimschacht4284]

Megan’s bay beach is the best.

[@lisaely2728]

My niece got married at Sapphire beach right around where you all were swimming

[@EECCTravels]

What a perfect location!!

[@kathleenduggan9955]

I thought all alcoholic beverages were painkillers!!!!

[@EECCTravels]

Oh so true...

[@classicspace9117]

how was the water temperature at the beach ? warm ? cold ? frizzing ?

[@EECCTravels]

It was cool but very nice

[@jmr1703]

I felt St. Thomas was lovely to see from the ship as well.

[@janie8462]

Do you know if we could get transportation to accommodate a scooter. One person in our party will be on a scooter and looks like this is a fun way to spend the day. We are looking for something to you in St Thomas that will accommodate a scooter.

[@EECCTravels]

I honestly don’t know but I bet you can. This is a US territory so the ADA should apply.

[@janie8462]

@@EECCTravels thank you so much!

[@crescencenicholas4100]

Beautiful video,do come again

[@theartgirl777]

You two are so darn cute...🤗😘🤗

[@valdeasy88]

You guys are such a cute couple!

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

😁😁💜💜💜💜 love y'all🇻🇮🇻🇮

[@kaiballington55]

Looks like fun.

[@CruisingWithElena]

Sooooooo besuitful

[@heathahlee]

Wow, that water! So beautiful!