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First Timers Arriving Tomorrow Afternoon - FINALLY!!!!
First Timers Arriving Tomorrow Afternoon - FINALLY!!!!
Hey All,
We touch down in STT tomorrow at 1:30PM!!! It seems like it's taken forever to get here, and we are soooo excited! Cant wait to meet everybody at TBB Sunday (still haven't found out is they have a TV that might be showing the Cavs game yet.....)
A few last minute questions:
I've read that water is a rare commodity - we're both "sparkling" or seltzer water drinkers. Is something line La Croix or Perrier readily available at the markets?
Snorkeling Gear - is there someplace the we can rent for the whole week so we don't have to return every day?
Restaurants - do most accept credit cards or will we need to carry cash most of the time?
Ferry - what's best - Char. Amalie or Red Hook?
We haven't confirmed a beach for our Wednesday morning wedding yet - prettiest beach in the AM?
I'm sure we'll be posting more as the night goes on and the excitement builds.....probably won't be a whole lotta sleepin for us tonight!
Dave n Julie
We touch down in STT tomorrow at 1:30PM!!! It seems like it's taken forever to get here, and we are soooo excited! Cant wait to meet everybody at TBB Sunday (still haven't found out is they have a TV that might be showing the Cavs game yet.....)
A few last minute questions:
I've read that water is a rare commodity - we're both "sparkling" or seltzer water drinkers. Is something line La Croix or Perrier readily available at the markets?
Snorkeling Gear - is there someplace the we can rent for the whole week so we don't have to return every day?
Restaurants - do most accept credit cards or will we need to carry cash most of the time?
Ferry - what's best - Char. Amalie or Red Hook?
We haven't confirmed a beach for our Wednesday morning wedding yet - prettiest beach in the AM?
I'm sure we'll be posting more as the night goes on and the excitement builds.....probably won't be a whole lotta sleepin for us tonight!
Dave n Julie
Counting down the minutes.....
Welcome aboard
You can buy just about any kind of water at the stores I like to pick up a case of gallon jugs and then refill them at STJ ice a lot cheaper.
Yes you can rent from lowkey next to the beach bar or there is a place in Mongoose junction
Most places take credit cards but I like to tip in cash.
Ferry is your personal preference I like the downtown one longer ferry ride shorter cab ride
I like hawksnest in the morning
Tom
You can buy just about any kind of water at the stores I like to pick up a case of gallon jugs and then refill them at STJ ice a lot cheaper.
Yes you can rent from lowkey next to the beach bar or there is a place in Mongoose junction
Most places take credit cards but I like to tip in cash.
Ferry is your personal preference I like the downtown one longer ferry ride shorter cab ride
I like hawksnest in the morning
Tom
First, congratulations on your wedding. Second, congratulations on being so relaxed about it all, and not just the wedding. So many folks seem to have a compulsive need to have the most minute detail planned months ahead. You should have a wonderful time on STJ. We also plan very little and enjoy making it up as we go along. It works out fine.
We buy generic bottled water, so don't know about specialty stuff, but there are stores on STJ catering to more discriminating tastes.
Any place that will rent snorkel gear will be glad to rent weekly. In Cruz Bay, there's Low Key. In Coral Bay, there's Crabby's. Other places, too.
Most restaurants take credit cards. A few of the local places won't. Other places that deal in cash are gas stations and the ferry. We seem to use cash a lot more than many people. We usually pay cash for small amounts rather than charging it.
Ferry---no best, although some folks seem to have strong preferences. Either one gets you to STJ, so it's not a critical decision. CA is a shorter taxi ride with a longer ferry ride. RH is a longer taxi ride with a shorter ferry ride. Ferries run more frequently from RH. We generally take the RH ferry, but if the dispatcher tries to send us to CA for one reason or another, we're happy to go with the flow.
STJ is full of beautiful beaches, so you really can't go wrong with a choice for your wedding. Since you're so flexible and will be there for a few days before the wedding, you can have a look at several beaches and pick your favorite.
We buy generic bottled water, so don't know about specialty stuff, but there are stores on STJ catering to more discriminating tastes.
Any place that will rent snorkel gear will be glad to rent weekly. In Cruz Bay, there's Low Key. In Coral Bay, there's Crabby's. Other places, too.
Most restaurants take credit cards. A few of the local places won't. Other places that deal in cash are gas stations and the ferry. We seem to use cash a lot more than many people. We usually pay cash for small amounts rather than charging it.
Ferry---no best, although some folks seem to have strong preferences. Either one gets you to STJ, so it's not a critical decision. CA is a shorter taxi ride with a longer ferry ride. RH is a longer taxi ride with a shorter ferry ride. Ferries run more frequently from RH. We generally take the RH ferry, but if the dispatcher tries to send us to CA for one reason or another, we're happy to go with the flow.
STJ is full of beautiful beaches, so you really can't go wrong with a choice for your wedding. Since you're so flexible and will be there for a few days before the wedding, you can have a look at several beaches and pick your favorite.
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piscesgirl0314
- Posts: 598
- Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:31 pm
- Location: Chesapeake, VA
Hi there!
You're going to have a great time. Starfish Market is well stocked so you should have no problem finding everything you need. Being that its your first time visiting, my suggestion...and this is only a suggestion, I would probably do the Red Hook Ferry. Its more organized than CA ferry.
I believe Cruz Bay water sports rents snorkel equipment for the week. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Ann Marie is marrying you? If thats the case, she will suggest the best beach for the time of day your ceremony will take place. Good luck have a wonderful trip.
You're going to have a great time. Starfish Market is well stocked so you should have no problem finding everything you need. Being that its your first time visiting, my suggestion...and this is only a suggestion, I would probably do the Red Hook Ferry. Its more organized than CA ferry.
I believe Cruz Bay water sports rents snorkel equipment for the week. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Ann Marie is marrying you? If thats the case, she will suggest the best beach for the time of day your ceremony will take place. Good luck have a wonderful trip.
Re: First Timers Arriving Tomorrow Afternoon - FINALLY!!!!
My answers in blue.
-Bert
-Bert
Drumbiker wrote:Hey All,
We touch down in STT tomorrow at 1:30PM!!! It seems like it's taken forever to get here, and we are soooo excited! Cant wait to meet everybody at TBB Sunday (still haven't found out is they have a TV that might be showing the Cavs game yet.....)
A few last minute questions:
I've read that water is a rare commodity - we're both "sparkling" or seltzer water drinkers. Is something line La Croix or Perrier readily available at the markets?
I think water is mainly a concern when flushing johns after all the rain that past couple of weeks. Sparkling water should be no problem.
Snorkeling Gear - is there someplace the we can rent for the whole week so we don't have to return every day?
Couldn't say, we bring our own. You need to investigate that option for next time.
Restaurants - do most accept credit cards or will we need to carry cash most of the time?
Most accept major credit cards.
Ferry - what's best - Char. Amalie or Red Hook?
Which ever one you can get first.
We haven't confirmed a beach for our Wednesday morning wedding yet - prettiest beach in the AM?
We used Gibney, but it was at sunset...I think it's beautiful any time of the day.
I'm sure we'll be posting more as the night goes on and the excitement builds.....probably won't be a whole lotta sleepin for us tonight!
You can sleep tomorrow....
Dave n Julie
The liver is evil, it must be punished!
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mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
Wooooo hooooo! It's only been a couple of weeks for us, so I remember your joy very well.
First, have a contingency plan so that if flights are late and so on, and you don't arrive when you thought you would, you're ok. Our contingency plan was phone numbers stashed securely and Rick G's planner. Have something to eat with you, just in case, even if it's a stale ham sandwich from the airport. It was dark and raining when we arrived, and we were able to follow Rick G's instructions to walk to the car rental place as quickly as if we'd done it a million times! (Thanks RickG!!!)
You need cash. ATMs often don't have any, so when they do, take what you can get
Which ferry will depend on how much time you have (if you arrive when you expect). Red hook is a long car drive/short ferry and Charlotte Amalie is a short car drive/longer ferry.
So excited for you. Blessings on your marriage and your trip!
First, have a contingency plan so that if flights are late and so on, and you don't arrive when you thought you would, you're ok. Our contingency plan was phone numbers stashed securely and Rick G's planner. Have something to eat with you, just in case, even if it's a stale ham sandwich from the airport. It was dark and raining when we arrived, and we were able to follow Rick G's instructions to walk to the car rental place as quickly as if we'd done it a million times! (Thanks RickG!!!)
You need cash. ATMs often don't have any, so when they do, take what you can get
Which ferry will depend on how much time you have (if you arrive when you expect). Red hook is a long car drive/short ferry and Charlotte Amalie is a short car drive/longer ferry.
So excited for you. Blessings on your marriage and your trip!
I second Lex, it sounds like you're already on island time.
Snorkel gear you can rent at Low Key at Wharfside (next to the Beach Bar), Hurrican Alley at Mongoose Junction or Crabby's in Coral Bay.
Cases of Perrier are cheap at Cost U Less on STT, but you can find good brands elsewhere. I look for Spa brand with the red cap.
Hawksnest is a great setting for a wedding and has more more morning light than a lot of the other beaches near Cruz Bay. Bob Schlesinger (local photog - http://www.tropicalfocus.com/ ) is the guy I always ask those kinds of questions.
Good luck!!
Cheers, RickG
Snorkel gear you can rent at Low Key at Wharfside (next to the Beach Bar), Hurrican Alley at Mongoose Junction or Crabby's in Coral Bay.
Cases of Perrier are cheap at Cost U Less on STT, but you can find good brands elsewhere. I look for Spa brand with the red cap.
Hawksnest is a great setting for a wedding and has more more morning light than a lot of the other beaches near Cruz Bay. Bob Schlesinger (local photog - http://www.tropicalfocus.com/ ) is the guy I always ask those kinds of questions.
Good luck!!
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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StJohnRuth
- Posts: 1989
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:42 pm
- Location: St. John, VI
Thanks all - the people on this forum are incredible! Part of the reason I'm so at ease and practically "on Island time" already is because of all of you. Besides, I've traveled enough to know that you're going to forget things, bring too much of what you don't need and when you're 1,500 miles from home - a whole lot is out of you're control. You can either roll with it - or be miserable. I choose to accept it as part of the whole experience!
Yes, Ann Marie is performing our ceremony and I do believe it was Hawksnest that she suggested.
Just can't wait till 4Am when the alarm goes off!!!
Yes, Ann Marie is performing our ceremony and I do believe it was Hawksnest that she suggested.
Just can't wait till 4Am when the alarm goes off!!!
Counting down the minutes.....