<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="destination.xslt"?><destination_content id="STX" author="Apple Vacations" title="Destination Content" version="1.0" generated="21-Sep-2005 10:45.04 EDT"><general_info title="General Destination Information"><gg_content_a datatype="image" title="Weather Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_sun.gif</gg_content_a><gg_content_b datatype="text" title="Weather Text">The average temperature is 79°F, and the average rainfall is 40 inches per year with September and May being the wettest. The annual humidity is between 70%-80%, with constant easterly trade winds.</gg_content_b><gg_content_c datatype="image" title="Destination Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/main_dest_stx_1.jpg</gg_content_c><gg_content_d datatype="text" title="Destination Name">St. Croix</gg_content_d><gg_content_e datatype="text" title="Destination Description">&lt;FONT FACE=&quot;ARIAL&quot; SIZE=&quot;2&quot; COLOR=&quot;#000000&quot; CLASS=&quot;H3STYLE&quot;&gt;&lt;B&gt;The Happy Island&lt;/B&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;Scuba or snorkel to experience the brilliant undersea sights of St. Croix, a happy island brimming with lush foliage. </gg_content_e><gg_content_f datatype="image" title="Destination Map">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/map_dest_stx.jpg</gg_content_f></general_info><destination_hotels title="Hotels In Destination"><hg_content_a title="St. Croix"><hotel_list_item title="210494"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort &amp; Casino</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">St. Croix - This lovely resort is situated on the spectacular white sands of Grapetree Beach, with an ideal setting offering...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/stx_210494paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200378"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Chenay Bay Beach Resort</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">St. Croix - This charming beach resort is nestled on a green hillside ten minutes from downtown Christiansted, on St. Croix&apos;s...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/stx_200378paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="211096"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Club St. Croix Beach &amp; Tennis Resorts</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">This all-suite resort is situated on a mile of white powdery sand beach with a fantastic coral reef just offshore. Enjoy a game...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/stx_211096paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="211097"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">The Buccaneer</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">St. Croix - Situated on 300 tropical acres, this beach resort is less than a five-minute drive to shopping, dining, and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/stx_211097paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200436"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Carambola Beach Resort</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">St. Croix - This resort is nestled in a tropical paradise on the unspoiled north shore of St. Croix. Snorkel or scuba dive in the...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/stx_200436paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200377"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Caravelle Hotel</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">St. Croix - Located on Christiansted&apos;s colorful harbour, the beautiful Caravelle Hotel is close to shops, restaurants and night...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>2</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/stx_200377paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item></hg_content_a></destination_hotels><destination_about title="About Destination"><ag_content_a title="Things To Do &amp; See"><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Coral World / St. Thomas">A three-level underwater observatory. Home to the world&apos;s largest reef tank, and an aquarium with more than 20 TV size tanks providing views of all the undersea life in the waters of the Virgin Islands and around the world. Be sure to call ahead for shark feeding times. Feeding schedules available for all park inhabitants.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Buck Island / St. Croix">Buck Island Reef off St. Croix is the only underwater national monument in the United States. The reef-marked snorkeling trail provides visitors with a glimpse of St. Croix&apos;s colorful marine life. Visit Buck Island National underwater monument park where you can sail, snorkel, hike and enjoy the beaches.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Paradise Point Tramway">Enjoy the ride up to an unforgettable view of Charlotte Amalie and its spectacular harbor. The tramway&apos;s cable car whisks visitors up to amazing vistas at 700 feet over the bay.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Culinary Specialities">Island fare combines influences from across the Caribbean and around the world with locally grown spices, fruits, roots, chicken and of course, seafood. Conch fritters, plantains, Kalalloo, fried fish and johnnycakes are all a must. Sample Maubi, a fermented drink that tastes somewhat like tea.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Eco-Tours">St. John is a nature lover&apos;s paradise with pristine beaches, private lagoons and an awesome national park covering over half of the island, and some of the surrounding sea. Perfectly untouched bays await, while empty beaches beckon, and just below the surface some of the most gorgeous coral reefs beg to be explored. Hike among numerous nature trails past one-of-a-kind plants, animals and even ancient Arawak Indian carvings. St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix offer guided eco-tours on foot, bike, horseback and kayak through reefs, preserves, mangroves, ancient rivers and a tropical forest.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Music">The air carries an infectious beat of music across all three islands. The unique sounds of the Caribbean blend with traditional American influences, creating unforgettable music heard from street corner to club. Be sure to sample the island sounds of calypso, cariso, soca, reggae, steel pan, and St. Croix&apos;s own Quelbe.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Driving">Driving is the perfect option for seeing some of the more out of the way spots of the U.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. citizens don&apos;t need a special license to drive or rent a car, but don&apos;t forget to drive on the left!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Weddings">The U.S. Virgin Islands offer dozens of unforgettable spots for getting married or renewing your vows. From dockside vows to a romantic ceremony on a sailboat, couples are sure to find the wedding of their dreams, whether they want the simplicity of a ceremony in nature or the tradition of a country church wedding.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Beaches">Several of the world&apos;s most beautiful beaches are found on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bask and snorkel at the best:                                                                                                                                                St. Thomas   Magen&apos;s Bay Coki Beach  Sapphire Beach Morning Star Beach  Hull Beach St. John  Trunk Bay Cinnamon Bay  Hawksnest Honeymoon Beach St. Croix  Buck Island Cane Bay  Rainbow Beach Tamarind Reef Beach  Shoys Beach Chenay Beach  Buccaneer Beach</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Golf">The golf courses of the U.S. Virgin Islands are legendary for combining awesome land and seascapes with beautiful championship holes. Top designers such as Robert Trent Jones have left their mark on the golf courses of St. Thomas and St. Croix.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Shopping">Original art of the islands makes great souvenirs from miniature watercolors to expansive oils depicting seascapes, market scenes, the people and colorful animals of the islands. Plus the U.S. Virgin Islands has the highest duty-free shopping limit in the Caribbean, $1200 per person and no sales tax. Check out the Virgin Islands Art Expo, the Arts Alive and Caribbean Colour Art Fairs or the St. Thomas Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="St. John Saturday">Festival held the last Saturday of each month.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Sailing">Rent a sailboat or yacht, with or without a captain, and sail away into the emerald sea. Explore tiny islands, pull up to a seaside restaurant in style, or simply ride the waves with the wind in your hair.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Sportfishing">Sportfishing in the U.S. Virgin Islands is world renowned. Charters are available, along with tournaments, several times a year. </activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Rolex Cup Regatta St Thomas">April-Held on the waters surrounding St. Thomas</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Carnival St. Thomas">April - Early May -Complete with flamboyant masks and costumes and stilt walking mocko jumbies parading as make-believe spirits.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="LPGA Tournament St. Croix">April</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="St. Croix Millennium Party">Point Udall on St. Croix will be the site of one of the hemisphere&apos;s biggest parties. As the easternmost point, it will be the first U.S. place to ring in the new century. An elegant reception and huge party until dawn is planned with island bands, food and a parade of ships.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Crucian Christmas Festival">St. Croix&apos;s version of Carnival celebrates the holidays.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Kayak tours">Guided kayak and canoe tours are available through the most remote and gorgeous sections of all three islands. See rare birds and fish close up in their secluded homes along the uninhabited lagoons and mangroves.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Island Hopping">Explore to your heart&apos;s content and find untold treasures, empty beaches and unforgettable coves. St. John and St. Thomas are only 20 minutes by boat from each other, and St. Croix is a quick 20 minute plane ride. Water Island, the newest Virgin Island, is just a quick 5 minute ferry ride from St. Thomas and offers beautiful Honeymoon Beach. Plus, there are 50 other tiny islands from sparsely populated gems to small sand spots just big enough for a boating stop-over.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Harbor Night St. Croix">A city-wide bash held every other Wednesday in Frederiksted featuring music, dining and dancing.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="St. Croix Triathlon">May</activity_list_item></ag_content_a><ag_content_b title="Travel Information"><airport datatype="text" title="Airport Info">Travel to and from St. Croix uses the &lt;b&gt;Hamilton Airport&lt;/b&gt;.</airport><taxes datatype="text" title="Departure Taxes">Departure taxes are generally &lt;b&gt;$3.00 U.S.&lt;/b&gt;</taxes><rental_cars datatype="text" title="Rental Cars">The island&apos;s roads are generally good, but visitors should note that driving is on the left. Car rental agencies offer a variety of vehicles, including jeeps, sedans and passenger vans.  The average price usually includes unlimited mileage, but you pay for gas. US driver&apos;s licenses are recognized, and the driver and front seat passenger are required by law to use seat belts.</rental_cars><currency datatype="text" title="Local Currency">The currency in St. Croix is the &lt;b&gt;US dollar&lt;/b&gt;.</currency><proof_of_citizenship datatype="text" title="Required Proof Of Citizenship">Valid US passport or state-issued birth certificate with a raised seal plus photo ID.</proof_of_citizenship><minors datatype="text" title="Traveling With Minors">Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country.  If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport.</minors><tips datatype="text" title="Tips">15%, unless tip is added to bill</tips></ag_content_b><ag_content_c title="Special Notes" datatype="text"/><ag_content_d title="Wedding Requirements" datatype="text">First request an application for a marriage license from the territorial court of the US Virgin Islands. After the completed and notarized application is received on the island, there is a required 8-day waiting period.</ag_content_d></destination_about></destination_content>