Must-Do Shore Tours in St. Thomas & St. John: Discover the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Join Bill Panoff as he explores the stunning islands of St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of St. Thomas alongside the pristine natural beauty and serene landscapes of St. John. This journey showcases the unique charm of both islands, ma
U.S. Virgin Islands Shorten Testing Window for Tourists
In a recent press release, the U.S. Virgin Islands announced that they’ve made changes to their COVID-19 testing protocols for visitors to the islands which reduces the time frame for pre-travel testing. All domestic air travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands are required to present a negat
The Best Tropical Treasure Hunt on St. Thomas
When Celebrity Edge made the first cruise ship call on St. Thomas in well over a year this past July, it marked a turning point for tourism to the island and the Caribbean as a whole following the COVID-19 pandemic. Those visiting St. Thomas via cruise ship or by air are in luck as the island [&hel
Going Ashore in Patmos: An Underated Gem of the Aegean
They may not have known it at the time, but the inhabitants of Patmos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, were witness to a monumental moment in Christianity. It’s where in 95 A.D., John of Patmos, who’s true identity is still a hot debate amongst scholars of the topic, received the inspi
The Secrets of St. John, USVI
You won’t find St. John, USVI on any cruise itinerary and that’s both good and bad. It’s good because you’ll never have to share the island with platoons of cruise passengers. If you are on a ship it’s bad because if unless you take an excursion from St. Thomas, you’ll never experience t
St. Thomas Prepares For Travel Boom as Cruising Returns
As more and more cruise lines lay out their plans for a return to operation, it means that popular island destinations across the Caribbean are gearing up for tourism as well. It’s been a difficult year for tourism around the world, but there’s hope that cruising’s return can help
U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Performs Well Despite Pandemic
U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte shared some encouraging tourism numbers about the islands compared to the rest of the Caribbean. While the region as a whole saw a steep decline in visitors since March 2020, the U.S. Virgin Islands credit a smart, sensible publi
New COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Don’t Apply to USVI
Yes, we’re still America. That’s the message from U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte to travelers worried about the new COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the CDC last week. Travel to St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas or Water Island requires a negative COVID-1
Welcome Back! U.S. Virgin Islands to Reopen June 1
There’s good news from one of America’s most popular tourist destinations! The U.S. Virgin Islands will reopen its doors to leisure travelers on Monday, June 1, 2020. Though the island is reopening, Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte is still urging people to take personal responsibility w
BREAKING: Introducing Royal Beach Club at Antigua
Every major cruise line has them these days. No, not deck chair hogs, private island-style resorts where only guests on board the ship are privy to the many activities to be found. Today, Royal Caribbean International put pen to contract with the the government of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the
Like a Local: US Virgin Islands
LIKE A LOCAL Livin’ in the USVI By Carol Bareuther Sure, there are guidebooks that list every restaurant and attraction in destinations around the world. But Porthole’s “Like a Local” department goes straight to the natives, who truly know the way to go. I’ve lived in St. Thomas since 1986