The Ferry to St John

[bill]

Does it really matter if we take the red hook or charlotte amalie ferry over to St. John? We have always taken the Red Hook ferry, being told less hassle and more dependable time wise. Never had a problem with the Red Hook Ferry, so maybe we should just stick with it!

Thanks for your opinions!

[Exit Zero]

If the time frame to catch the ferry from downtown STT fits your schedule it is a shorter taxi ride from the airport and a longer but pleasant boat ride up the south side of STT - cost wise it works out about the same - maybe even cheaper if the newfares are in place yet -- but unless they cut back the downtown ferry schedule for the summer I feel the reliability factor is equal.

[Gromit]

Totally agree with Exit on this one. Reliability IMHO is a non-issue.

A major issue is timing. If we can make the downtown ferry work (and it usually does) we aim for that.

The other major issue is preference. We prefer a longer boat ride to a longer taxi ride.

The only downside to Downtown right now IMHO is that there really is no shelter and just one bench right there next to the boat (of course there's lots of other options right across the street like Bumpa's (and many others) if you want to grab some refreshment.

And now Red Hook is a pretty nice place to be and wait for the ferry with a bar and shelter etc. Overall if you have to wait this doesn't suck. However, you are going to start paying a little extra for the "nice" factor at Red Hook from now on.

All in all, if I can make it and not have to wait too long I take the downtown ferry every time.

[Carolyn]

We are considering renting a Jeep from Dependable next trip and driving over to Red Hook to get the car barge over to St John. Does the car barge use the same terminal as the people ferry? Also, once aboard the car barge, can you move around or must you stay in your car?

[hoosierdaddy]

We are considering renting a Jeep from Dependable next trip and driving over to Red Hook to get the car barge over to St John. Does the car barge use the same terminal as the people ferry? Also, once aboard the car barge, can you move around or must you stay in your car?

It is very close to the same spot. There is very obvious signage so don't be scared you are going to miss it. You can get out of your car and move around. All of the barges have observation decks. I always get our of my car for the trip across.

[Carolyn]

It is very close to the same spot. There is very obvious signage so don't be scared you are going to miss it. You can get out of your car and move around. All of the barges have observation decks. I always get our of my car for the trip across.

Thanks! I seem to remember people from the forum a long time ago saying finding the car barge in Red Hook was somewhat difficult. Glad to hear that it's not! Also good to know we can get out and enjoy the water views on the way to St John. Any other people ferries we have been on we're always on top w/ fresh air taking in the beautiful view.