| 
    Awaiting Your Return From Shore |  The islands were discovered by 
    Columbus in 1493 and remained in Spanish hands until the arrival of Sir 
    Francis Drake in 1595, when he sailed through the channel south of Tortola 
    that bears his name. After conflicts with the Spanish and the Dutch, Britain 
    annexed the islands in 1672. Tortola became notorious as the haunts of 
    buccaneers, providing the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure 
    Island. Approximately 80% of the 
    British Virgin Islands' population lives in Road Town on Tortola. It is the 
    largest of the islands, and Road Town is the administrative center of the 
    group.
 Handsome yachts ply the usually placid waters of Sir Francis Drake 
    Channel, while vacationers bask on the inviting beaches.
 
      
        | Pier Information. The ship is scheduled to 
        dock in Road Town. The town center is within walking distance. |  
        | Shopping. Most of the shops are on Main 
        Street in Road Town. You will find a variety of stores. Pusser's Company 
        Store, a mahogany-trimmed bar accented with many fine nautical 
        artifacts, sells T-shirts, postcards and upmarket gift items. Pusser's 
        Rum is one of the best-selling items. The local currency is the U.S. 
        dollar. |  
        | Cuisine. Fish dishes are an excellent choice. 
        Snapper, dolphin, grouper, tuna and swordfish figure prominently on most 
        menus. There are also restaurants that serve both West Indian and East 
        Indian specialties as well as pubs offering British fare. |  
        | Other Sights Tortola is noted for its beautiful beaches. The best ones are along the 
        north coast. The most popular ones are Smugglers Cove and Apple Bay.
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    Awaiting Your Return 
    From Shore | 
  
    | 
    
    Complimentary 
    Spirits Await | 
    
    Return to Your 
    Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure | 
    
    Entertainment 
    and Dancing Await You |