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Connections in St. John
Connections in St. John
With food being expensive on St John we were wondering if it's worth it to ship food using Connections. I see that they charge between $5 and $20 depending on the size and the length of storage time. However, I didn't find a website or email address to contact them.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul
Hi PJV356
We're using Connections to hold our pkgs. But we're using the one in Coral Bay. here is their # 340-779-4994. Can call them and they will give you the Cruz Bay #. Or can google it.
We got the lg size boxes from the PO and am very surprised at how much they hold. It costs 13.96 to ship that size down and we're hoping it will only be a few days till we get there after they arrive. In all,it will be much less expensive than buying all the food down there. Also, bringing our meats,lunch meats & bacon etc in a soft sided cooler as a carry-on. Still have to buy more on island but this will leave us more $ to "play" with.
We're using Connections to hold our pkgs. But we're using the one in Coral Bay. here is their # 340-779-4994. Can call them and they will give you the Cruz Bay #. Or can google it.
We got the lg size boxes from the PO and am very surprised at how much they hold. It costs 13.96 to ship that size down and we're hoping it will only be a few days till we get there after they arrive. In all,it will be much less expensive than buying all the food down there. Also, bringing our meats,lunch meats & bacon etc in a soft sided cooler as a carry-on. Still have to buy more on island but this will leave us more $ to "play" with.
No ticker anymore. Next vac will prob. be the Fl Keys.
I picked a Business card up from them last time we were there...We had left our luggage there to shop for a bit before catching the ferry.
Their # is 340-776-6922 (Cruz Bay)
We too are wondering how economical its going to be to ship stuff down by the time we pay postage and holding fees..Im curious to know what size box you are meaning the large flat rate or just a regular large box? I think I saw someone say in the past about 40.00 to ship and hold..Anyone have any info on this ??
Their # is 340-776-6922 (Cruz Bay)
We too are wondering how economical its going to be to ship stuff down by the time we pay postage and holding fees..Im curious to know what size box you are meaning the large flat rate or just a regular large box? I think I saw someone say in the past about 40.00 to ship and hold..Anyone have any info on this ??
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We tend to bring our "frozen food stuffs" , as well as a few munchies, with us in a softsided cooler as one of our "checked-in" bags for the trip.
We pack light ( clothes- wise), and usually end up eating at restaurants & bodegas a bunch, anyway.
No problem leaving any leftovers for whomever gets it.
After more than a few trips, I still have no idea who is receiving it...Groundskeeper?, Villa Manager?,Homeowner?,Pool guy?,next rental guests?...
Doesn't matter to me. Everybody has to eat.
Besides, I can't help myself when I smell delicious food, like roti's, smoky bbq anything,johnny cakes, garlic chicken...
I just enjoy having food that we can cook "homemade" as soon as we get to the house, ya' know?
Tipsy!-
Not long now!
Smiles-
MJ
We pack light ( clothes- wise), and usually end up eating at restaurants & bodegas a bunch, anyway.
No problem leaving any leftovers for whomever gets it.
After more than a few trips, I still have no idea who is receiving it...Groundskeeper?, Villa Manager?,Homeowner?,Pool guy?,next rental guests?...
Doesn't matter to me. Everybody has to eat.
Besides, I can't help myself when I smell delicious food, like roti's, smoky bbq anything,johnny cakes, garlic chicken...
I just enjoy having food that we can cook "homemade" as soon as we get to the house, ya' know?
Tipsy!-
Not long now!
Smiles-
MJ
We were going to ship stuff down, but never got around to it and after adding up the cost/hassle...the difference in costs just didnt make sense.
As it ends up, we are only bringing 4 carryons for 2 adults and 2 kids and my wife has all the kid's stuff in 1 bag which is leaving us a bag for dry goods, teas coffee, mixes and such.
We prolly eat out mostthe time exceptfor breakfast and a few nights at the villa. There's already too many places we want to eat at that we have to decide to make this place a lunch choice and a different one a dinner option.
For me spending an extra $100 in a week for groceries isn't that huge in thegrand scheme of the trip's costs.
But I understand some peole are on a fixed income and I blessed that I can fix mine if I find the proper motivation.
As it ends up, we are only bringing 4 carryons for 2 adults and 2 kids and my wife has all the kid's stuff in 1 bag which is leaving us a bag for dry goods, teas coffee, mixes and such.
We prolly eat out mostthe time exceptfor breakfast and a few nights at the villa. There's already too many places we want to eat at that we have to decide to make this place a lunch choice and a different one a dinner option.
For me spending an extra $100 in a week for groceries isn't that huge in thegrand scheme of the trip's costs.
But I understand some peole are on a fixed income and I blessed that I can fix mine if I find the proper motivation.
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Greenskeeper
- Posts: 390
- Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 2:07 pm
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
We are on the same page as Bigcheeze. We do carry on only and were able to fill one carry on with dry goods. We just brought, snacks for the kids (the individually wrapped packets are the best- no worries about humidity and it gives the kiddos a variety without having to spend a fortune) and things like splenda packets, powdered drink mixes etc. I did bring some rice mixes etc but never used them. We ate out most meals so it was a waste. Starfish market rotisserie chickens, Deli Grotto and Candi's really make it economical to just do take out.
I think if we planned a trip longer than 7-10 days we might consider shipping.
We did use Connections to ship the kids lacrosse sticks home (my sister had brought them down on the boat in fall) and were pleasantly surprised by how quick things shipped. I think they cost us $8 to and were at my door 5 days later.
I think if we planned a trip longer than 7-10 days we might consider shipping.
We did use Connections to ship the kids lacrosse sticks home (my sister had brought them down on the boat in fall) and were pleasantly surprised by how quick things shipped. I think they cost us $8 to and were at my door 5 days later.
I checked the calculator online for the post office and for a 12x12x19 box weighing approximately 20 lbs it would cost me about 38 bucks to ship it from my PO to St John. I know 20 lbs is alot..but when you take into consideration sunblock and any liquids that cant be carried on...only bought on Island or checked, then add in snacks, dry good etc, Im thinking we may just check a bag and have up to 50 lbs if we want...for the same price and throw in snorkels etc in the bag as well. (Im feeding teens that week) And not have to worry about it not being there when we arrive. Plus we are staying at Cinnamon in a cottage and I know there are things Im going to wanna bring to use there.
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We're on Island now and just used Connections in Coral Bay. While it cost me $95 to send 2 boxes of food, clothes, snorkels, masks and such down it sure made the trip easier. We traveled carry on only and had Christopher's taxi meet us at the airport, had the water taxi reserved to take us to Cruz Bay, picked up the car and were in Coral Bay in less than an hour and a half after landing. Sweet, Sweet, Sweet.
I can't say it made financial sense to use Connections on the food but it sure makes it easy. The folks we're renting the Villa from had picked up the boxes from Connections for us and it was all here and waiting for our arrival.
On the other hand we just went to Lilly's Grocery in Coral Bay and spent $55 on a very limited amount of groceries so I'm not sure it wasn't at least a break even deal on using Connections. It's easy to forget how nutty the prices are on food down here.
By the way, 2 boxes from Indiana made it in 3 days to Coral Bay.
If you can pull off carry on only without using Connections and still get all of your stuff here your better off. But if it comes to checking bags or using Connections, I'll always pick Connections.
We've used Connections in both Coral Bay and Cruz Bay and they have been great. You'll be pleased with their service.
I can't say it made financial sense to use Connections on the food but it sure makes it easy. The folks we're renting the Villa from had picked up the boxes from Connections for us and it was all here and waiting for our arrival.
On the other hand we just went to Lilly's Grocery in Coral Bay and spent $55 on a very limited amount of groceries so I'm not sure it wasn't at least a break even deal on using Connections. It's easy to forget how nutty the prices are on food down here.
By the way, 2 boxes from Indiana made it in 3 days to Coral Bay.
If you can pull off carry on only without using Connections and still get all of your stuff here your better off. But if it comes to checking bags or using Connections, I'll always pick Connections.
We've used Connections in both Coral Bay and Cruz Bay and they have been great. You'll be pleased with their service.
Hi, the large flat rate priority size box from USPS is 12"x 12" x5 1/2". Costs 13.95 to ship according to the rate sheet got with the boxes.
We fit in the one box,
Off Lantern w/box of refills, 25ft of alum foil folded into squares, 2 bars of soap,10oz bot of Dove body wash,box of Qt size ziplock bags, can of tuna,box of matches,2 disposable water cameras, noodle side dish pkg, pkg of hand wipes,4 pk of AA batts,ziplock bag of pancake syrups(6 packs),tube of anti itch cream, water proof case,& box of spec K fruit bars.
2nd box has
box of mac & cheese, gal. bag filled w/S&P,Mayo,ketchup,mustard packs(had our friends & us get them from fast food places for past few mos.),packs of jelly, 25 paper plates,napkins and plastic cups,sm flashlight,ziplock bag w/instant pot mix & one w/rice, pkg of crackers.
All fit in nicely w/o squishing and have room for few more small items if needed.
Our budget is a little tighter then planned due to my being laid off, so we had to cut back somewhere,and that was eating out as much. So doing it this way and carrying on all our meats (got them from Omaha Steaks)plus lunch meats,cheese,& whatever else will think of before going, in a Polar soft cooler, will make this trip still possible.
Only unknown is the holding cost at Connections, that we have to just take our chances with. Our on-island rental mgr is picking it up for us the day we arrive, they close at 1pm on Sats. And we're only landing then.
Will still be buying our vegies,fruits,milk,water,& other items on island. But this little bit will help us.
We also have the luck of knowing who is coming into the rental the day we leave, so will be leaving all our unused items for them.
mahojim, I know, look at our ticker !! under a month now... Now,the excitement level is going to start going up notches. Almost time to get the suitcases out..
We fit in the one box,
Off Lantern w/box of refills, 25ft of alum foil folded into squares, 2 bars of soap,10oz bot of Dove body wash,box of Qt size ziplock bags, can of tuna,box of matches,2 disposable water cameras, noodle side dish pkg, pkg of hand wipes,4 pk of AA batts,ziplock bag of pancake syrups(6 packs),tube of anti itch cream, water proof case,& box of spec K fruit bars.
2nd box has
box of mac & cheese, gal. bag filled w/S&P,Mayo,ketchup,mustard packs(had our friends & us get them from fast food places for past few mos.),packs of jelly, 25 paper plates,napkins and plastic cups,sm flashlight,ziplock bag w/instant pot mix & one w/rice, pkg of crackers.
All fit in nicely w/o squishing and have room for few more small items if needed.
Our budget is a little tighter then planned due to my being laid off, so we had to cut back somewhere,and that was eating out as much. So doing it this way and carrying on all our meats (got them from Omaha Steaks)plus lunch meats,cheese,& whatever else will think of before going, in a Polar soft cooler, will make this trip still possible.
Only unknown is the holding cost at Connections, that we have to just take our chances with. Our on-island rental mgr is picking it up for us the day we arrive, they close at 1pm on Sats. And we're only landing then.
Will still be buying our vegies,fruits,milk,water,& other items on island. But this little bit will help us.
We also have the luck of knowing who is coming into the rental the day we leave, so will be leaving all our unused items for them.
mahojim, I know, look at our ticker !! under a month now... Now,the excitement level is going to start going up notches. Almost time to get the suitcases out..
No ticker anymore. Next vac will prob. be the Fl Keys.
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WSUbeachcoug
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:51 pm
- Location: Mukilteo, Washington
West Coast Time Frame
I am alittle worried after reading 6 weeks to get to connections. I am coming from the west coast and am wondering how long to allow.
If it's 6 weeks I will be checking a bag.
We are 30 days out.
If it's 6 weeks I will be checking a bag.
We are 30 days out.
Priority mail gets here in 3 to 4 days from the mid-west. Connections asks that you don't mail more than a week in advance so they don't have to hold your stuff too long. I worried about mailing within a week, was afraid it wouldn't get here but it has worked out fine the last 2 times down. You do have to ship priority to get it here in that time frame.
Not always 3-4 days from the Midwest - I ship from Kansas City and they never arrive via Priority Mail in less than 7 days - my average is 7-12 days and actualy I am still waiting on a package I sent before my cruise to arrive so now on day 12. Having said that, the shortest time I have received a Priority box was 3 days and the longest Priority box 6 weeks 
Pia
Pia
Realtor - St John Properties