STT on a Monday?

[Ksea]

Im in charge of the week's itinerary. I want to include a day on STT with our rental car. What do you suggest we do? What beaches? The boys (52, 47 & 14) want to snorkel, swim and eat... Sis (52) wants to shop (ok so do I). I read that Mondays are good...no cruise ship traffic, is that right?

[jimg20]

I don't know about the ship schedule, but I can make some beach suggestions. The most versatile beach I know about is Saphire. You can swim, snorkle and eat. There are large sandy areas for swimming. The coral reefs to the right side are great. Although it's not too hard to do, be careful that you don't get so close to the shallow coral that you get pushed into it by the surf. Last month there was a young man between Buildings B & C grilling burgers et al. Stop by and give him a try.

Coki Point was great for snorkling the last time we were there. The fish will come up and eat bread right out of your hand. Megans Bay is famous for swimming. If you go there stop by the bar and say hello to Lisa. She took care of us on the New Horizon trip to BVI last month.

Main Street has changes since we were there eight years ago. There are only two camera stores left (Royal Caribbean & Boolchand's), five or six major liquor stores and lots and lots of jewelry stores.

Have a great trip.

JIM

[mia]

Ksea,
I don't know it as fact, but I recall reading that it is best to shop on a day when a couple cruise ships are in....otherwise many shops close for the day. Hope this helps some....mia

[Pia]

Good morning

If you are renting a car on STJ you can't take it to STT it is a $1,000 fine from all the rental companies
If you are renting on STT and bringing it over you can (obviously) go back and forth.
Sorry, I don't remember what island you are staying on - so I thought I would pass this on just in case it is STJ.
It is best to shop when there is at least 1 ship in

Pia

[Jerseyboy]

Check the cruise ship calendar: 2 ships in is great, 3 not bad, 4 crowded, 5+ forget about going into town or STT. Also, if Freedom of the Seas is in you may be in trouble.

http://www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?v=d ... 1153550393

Coki does have great snorkeling but sometimes gets crowded due to cruise ship excursions. Magens Bay is the prettiest beach (IMHO), and you can get food and cocktails at Magens. A BBC at Magens is the only time and place I order a frozen drink. There's good ice cream and adult milk shakes just a short drive from Magens called Udder Delight (STT Dairy). Nice view of Magens at Mountaintop.

Downtown parking is horrendous, they ticket often. An option would be Havensight (near the cruise ships) but much less stores to choose from. AH Riise (downtown and Havensight) has a pretty good selection and prices.

[flip-flop]

Ksea,
I don't know it as fact, but I recall reading that it is best to shop on a day when a couple cruise ships are in....otherwise many shops close for the day. Hope this helps some....mia

Mia is right shops often close or close early when there are no ships at all in. We usually look at the schedule and go when there are only 1-2 ships. Also, if you want to wheel and deal make sure they know you are NOT on a ship. They know if you are on a ship you have limited time to make your purchases. However, if you are more casual, like "we're just looking today but might come back over on our way to the airport to purchase" they might make it way worth your while to buy.

FWIW, I love Magnum. If you are looking for jewelry. Very nice guys and extremely good quality stuff.

[Ksea]

Thank you all for the info. Pia, I had no idea we could not take our rental car (renting on STJ) over to STT. Im disappointed! How does one get to the different beaches on STT, Taxi?

Thank you for the shopping and dining ideas too everyone, its much appreciated!

Im off to check the cruise ship schedule