Thousands of cruise ship passengers making port calls on St. Thomas Wednesday enjoyed the sounds and sights of Christmas in the Virgin Islands as the Port Authority held its annual holiday extravaganza. The event took place on the same day as a new Celebrity cruise ship — Celebrity XCel — arrived on its maiden voyage at the Austin Babe Monsanto Marine Terminal.
Vendors situated around the terminal and along the promenade were on hand to support a festive atmosphere, which some said picked up by late afternoon as visitors returned by taxis from beach trips and round-island tours. About the same time, the rousing sounds of quelbay music from Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights filled the air.
Locals streamed in through the terminal gates, gathering around the stage. Dancers appeared in ones and twos minutes before performers from 340 Quadrille captured the scene in the courtyard near a decorated Christmas tree.
Shoppers strolled and stopped to inspect sundresses, hats and toys. Amid it all, small children darted about, some playing with toys, others stopping to admire the displays. A group from Paradise Learning Academy strolled along with one of their caregivers, who gave her first name – Radiance. “We just went on a walk to take a little tour around. They love the music, they love the balloons, they’re enjoying their local fraicos and they absolutely are loving it,” she said.
Audrey Burley stood by a table filled with tempting slices of layer cakes. “I’m doing pastries, local pastries, tarts, potato pudding, cakes, stews and having a good time,” she said.
Crown Bay Christmas was her first stop on the holiday festival circuit; Brewley said she was also planning to set up for the Miracle on Main Street event scheduled for Dec. 12.
At the Island Poppin’ popcorn stand, Gina Justin handed a sack of sweet and salty popcorn over the counter to a customer. “We’re loving life and loving ships and we’re happy to cater to not only locals but to the customers who come on the cruise ships as well,” she said.
Steel band pans stood near the entry gate to the XCel and Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, while the young performers launched themselves in the air with help from an inflatable bounce house, but still, the best was yet to come as organizers of a Crown Bay Christmas night lined up two groups of majorettes along Addie Ottley Drive. Two moko jumbies romped down the roadway as twilight set in.
Dozens of neon-tipped batons cut circles through the darkening skies as cameras snapped against the backdrop of a new mega ship lit up in time for the holidays to come.
