Located on the western end of St. Thomas, visitors arriving by cruise ship are welcomed into one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, with views of Charlotte Amalie spreading across the hillside. Originally settled by the Danes in the 1600s, the town grew into a prosperous trading port thanks to Denmark's neutrality during many European conflicts, becoming a major centre for the trade of sugar, cotton, indigo and enslaved people. This wealth helped establish shipyards, banks and a thriving merchant community, and by the 1800s Charlotte Amalie was one of the Caribbean's busiest commercial ports. Today, it remains one of the world's leading cruise destinations, where large cruise ships share the harbour with sailing yachts, catamarans, cargo vessels and private superyachts. Along the waterfront, historic warehouses that once stored colonial goods now house duty-free shops selling luxury items, jewellery, perfumes and souvenirs. Beyond the town, visitors can explore the island's scenic coastline, beaches and viewpoints by car or taxi. More than 100 colour-coded "Tommy the Starfish" signs help guide travellers around the island, and those driving should remember that traffic keeps to the left. Allow plenty of time to explore, stop for photographs and enjoy the island's beautiful scenery, beaches and Caribbean atmosphere.