usvi-on-line
pre-trip questions
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snorkel queen
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:01 pm
- Location: Anne Arundel
pre-trip questions
We're first-timers and we're going Easter Week because we had no other choice work-wise. Yikes!
We'll be on the 5p.m. ferry on Saturday (4/3, night before Easter) if all goes well travel-wise.
So...
Regarding taxis on both STT and STJ I see that we're supposed to confirm fares before getting in. Does this mean that the fares vary from taxi to taxi and we should ask more than one or just take whichever is there --- esp. at the ferry dock at STJ? There will be 3 of us with luggage (Yeah, I know... luggage) and a cooler.
Next, is it worth a stop at Marina while we're waiting for the ferry or should we just wait for Starfish? I think we'll have the time and if any of the prices are that much better...
Third --- and maybe most importantly--- are we going to have a hard time finding a place to eat on Saturday night at the height of the dinner hour? If so, any suggestions for smallest crowds? Should we just grab a sandwich at the airport? We're thinking we should drop our stuff off at the condo (cooler esp.) and come back down to eat, but we'll be starving by then. ( See what i mean about food?
)
Finally, once we're there, I've read that the construction traffic leaving Cruz Bay is proving to be a challenge for going to beaches outside of CB. Is it still a 45 minute delay?
Once again, thanks!
We'll be on the 5p.m. ferry on Saturday (4/3, night before Easter) if all goes well travel-wise.
So...
Regarding taxis on both STT and STJ I see that we're supposed to confirm fares before getting in. Does this mean that the fares vary from taxi to taxi and we should ask more than one or just take whichever is there --- esp. at the ferry dock at STJ? There will be 3 of us with luggage (Yeah, I know... luggage) and a cooler.
Next, is it worth a stop at Marina while we're waiting for the ferry or should we just wait for Starfish? I think we'll have the time and if any of the prices are that much better...
Third --- and maybe most importantly--- are we going to have a hard time finding a place to eat on Saturday night at the height of the dinner hour? If so, any suggestions for smallest crowds? Should we just grab a sandwich at the airport? We're thinking we should drop our stuff off at the condo (cooler esp.) and come back down to eat, but we'll be starving by then. ( See what i mean about food?
)Finally, once we're there, I've read that the construction traffic leaving Cruz Bay is proving to be a challenge for going to beaches outside of CB. Is it still a 45 minute delay?
Once again, thanks!
I have never pre aranged ferrys they are set just walk out the door after getting your luggage and tell the dispatcher you want to go to Red hook ferry he will put you on the right taxi you will have to wait a couple of minutes for it to fill up and you will be on your way.
Where are you staying?
3 people you won't have a hard time finding some place to eat we like to get to oue villa and call in a order to candi's bbq to pick up and eat on our deck but it sounds like you won't have a car.
I was ther in Jan and never had to wait more then 5 min on north shore.
Where are you staying?
3 people you won't have a hard time finding some place to eat we like to get to oue villa and call in a order to candi's bbq to pick up and eat on our deck but it sounds like you won't have a car.
I was ther in Jan and never had to wait more then 5 min on north shore.
Tom
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
- Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin
Taxi from Airport to Red Hook: For more than one person, $11.00/per person plus $2.00/bag. A tip is expected, as well. That's all you need to know, we've never had a problem with the driver over charging. The fares are set.
There will be plenty of taxis waiting by the luggage area. They will wait for the entire van to fill before leaving. This can sometimes take a little while and you may end up stopping along the way to drop off passengers who are not going directly to Red Hook.
Dinner Saturday night: Some restaurants actually close on Saturdays because it can be a slow night for them due to the fact that Saturday is kind of a turn over day. Good choices for the first night include:
Banana Deck
High Tide
The Beach Bar
No worries, it will all be okay!
There will be plenty of taxis waiting by the luggage area. They will wait for the entire van to fill before leaving. This can sometimes take a little while and you may end up stopping along the way to drop off passengers who are not going directly to Red Hook.
Dinner Saturday night: Some restaurants actually close on Saturdays because it can be a slow night for them due to the fact that Saturday is kind of a turn over day. Good choices for the first night include:
Banana Deck
High Tide
The Beach Bar
No worries, it will all be okay!
Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
Missing St. John. As always.
Missing St. John. As always.
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
- Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin
I've never experienced a driver overcharging on either STT or STJ.
Seems like others have covered the taxi situation.
You also asked about markets. Are you not renting a car?
If not I'm sure the taxi driver will be glad to drop you off at a market and wait for you. But in this case you probably want to get a good understanding of what they will charge to wait (or at the very least come back and get you at a certain time).
I know this is your firts time and Starfish is probably the best shopping experience for first timers (in that it will feel like markets you shop at at home) but in terms of pricing I find that they are much more expensive than others. If money is an issue then go to Pine Peace Market (the taxi driver will know).
But if you want a place like you shop at home and don't care about pricing then stick with Starfiish.
Depending on your length of stay I would recommend getting a car though...
Seems like others have covered the taxi situation.
You also asked about markets. Are you not renting a car?
If not I'm sure the taxi driver will be glad to drop you off at a market and wait for you. But in this case you probably want to get a good understanding of what they will charge to wait (or at the very least come back and get you at a certain time).
I know this is your firts time and Starfish is probably the best shopping experience for first timers (in that it will feel like markets you shop at at home) but in terms of pricing I find that they are much more expensive than others. If money is an issue then go to Pine Peace Market (the taxi driver will know).
But if you want a place like you shop at home and don't care about pricing then stick with Starfiish.
Depending on your length of stay I would recommend getting a car though...
*Another fine scatterbrained production
HI,
I believe the STJ taxis all have the same fares. I taxied to Trunk and Caneel last week and the fare was the same (including +$2 for a single fare). There was little to no wait at the construction "light" on the North Shore road. Hit a bit of traffic around the ferry dock when we arrived at the same time as the "school" ferry.
You shouldn't have a hard time finding someplace to eat on Saturday night. I would drop everything off at your villa and then head back into town. I find Sunday nights more of a challenge than Saturday nights.
Have a wonderful trip.
I believe the STJ taxis all have the same fares. I taxied to Trunk and Caneel last week and the fare was the same (including +$2 for a single fare). There was little to no wait at the construction "light" on the North Shore road. Hit a bit of traffic around the ferry dock when we arrived at the same time as the "school" ferry.
You shouldn't have a hard time finding someplace to eat on Saturday night. I would drop everything off at your villa and then head back into town. I find Sunday nights more of a challenge than Saturday nights.
Have a wonderful trip.
janet
Are you staying right in town? Which ferry are you thinking of taking (i.e. what time are you getting in)? Are you renting a jeep, or relying on taxis completely?
For the first night, you could always do takeout (Uncle Joe's or Candi's for BBQ) and relax at 'home' -- we always stay in on the first night, because we're too lazy to get ready to go out!
For the first night, you could always do takeout (Uncle Joe's or Candi's for BBQ) and relax at 'home' -- we always stay in on the first night, because we're too lazy to get ready to go out!
If you really do have the time in Red Hook a walk over to Marina Market is worth it -- both in price and quality in the Meat Dept., at the Fish counter -&- some Deli items - and the cheese selection. Some good vegetables and herbs as well -- I wouldn't buy heavy items but bring someone to help carry anyway.
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snorkel queen
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:01 pm
- Location: Anne Arundel
pre-trip questions
Thanks for all the info I'm glad you're out there --- esp. for first-timers like us!
With a name like that, you are a natural for this forum. Please remember, you can't see all of STJ on any one trip. Start saving now for the next one. I learn and see new things every time I'm there. Can't bring myself to vacation anywhere else since my first trip. I "get it" and hope you will also. Have a great time.
Oh, and I recommend calling Candi's after you get settled in your villa. Best way I know to wind down a long travel day.
Oh, and I recommend calling Candi's after you get settled in your villa. Best way I know to wind down a long travel day.
