usvi-on-line
Long Time Lurker; First Time Poster
Long Time Lurker; First Time Poster
Hello Forum-ites-
I have been surfing this forum for about a year now and as our first trip nears (June 2008) I'm finding myself coming up with something new to worry about by the hour. I love reading your guys trip reports and looking at all the beautiful pictures of St. John, they have been a lot of help on choosing St. John for our vacation.
FLIGHT:
We wanna bring a small cooler filled w/meats on our carryon suit-case. Is this allowed w/all the new security 3oz regulations (or should we check it, or does it not make a difference)? Basically i have a portable folding cooler that zips up and has a fold over insulation cap that fits perfectly in a carry-on. I was gonna have the meat vaccum sealed and frozen. If i do this, can I use ice packs, or dry ice, or what? i figure worst comes to worst i can just use ice and having the meat frozen solid should be enough to carry through the flight and to the villa? but if anyone is famiiar w/doing this plz chime in
.
AIRPORT TO FERRY:
So my first question is about the airport. We opted for the overnight red-eye from Los Angeles (looks to be very greuling) so we could be on st. john b4 dark. Really do not want to be driving on the wrong side of road at night. But anyhow we are wondering what the experience at CA airport is like for arrivals and departures. More importantly with arrivals, since we have opted to take a Cab to the ferry dock. Our flight is scheduled to land at 11:10 so we miss the 11:00 ferry to St. John, so that means we'll be taking the 1:00pm ferry. First, I'm wondering about how long it takes to get out of the airport, get a cab, and get to the ferry? I'm figuring that we could be out of the airport and in a cab by Noon (40 mins after touching down). Also, if we get to the ferry dock about an hour early should we just get our tickets and wait or will there be somewhere w/in walking distance to grab some lunch?
FERRY:
My question about the ferry is in regards to luggage... I see that they charge $/piece of luggage. Does this mean that they stow the luggage down below and we are left hands free on the boat? Personally I would feel more comfortable having my luggage with me. If stowing luggage is the norm, should i worry about leaving valuables in the suitcase and transferring them to a backpack or carry-on? Also...and most importantly I'm definitely gonna be needing a strong drink by this point so, is this available on the ferry?
CRUZ BAY to CORAL BAY:
We are renting a Jeep from Courtesy, i really liked the man Greg that i spoke with. He was very understanding in answering some of my newbie questions. Hopefully it will be easy to find from the ferry. But, since our villa (i think it's funny you guys call them villas whereas most other places they are "condo's" , it sounds so much more tropical, and i love it) is located on Coral bay side (we are staying at Blue Caribe anyone have any reviews on this place?), we are gonna be having to adventure across the island to get there. I really wanna make a stop at a grocery on the way, is there a grocery in coral bay now, or only cruz bay? doesn't matter which, just wanna plan accordingly. Also, which side is faster/easier to get to coral bay from cruz, the north or south road?
I'm sure i'll think of ten more questions after i post this
(just did...should i reserve a dinghy with noah's arks ahead of time or just wait to see what the weather looks like when we get there and hope for a last minute rental?)
Thanks forum-ites for all your past and future help to people longing for tropical paradise!!!!
-Blake
I have been surfing this forum for about a year now and as our first trip nears (June 2008) I'm finding myself coming up with something new to worry about by the hour. I love reading your guys trip reports and looking at all the beautiful pictures of St. John, they have been a lot of help on choosing St. John for our vacation.
FLIGHT:
We wanna bring a small cooler filled w/meats on our carryon suit-case. Is this allowed w/all the new security 3oz regulations (or should we check it, or does it not make a difference)? Basically i have a portable folding cooler that zips up and has a fold over insulation cap that fits perfectly in a carry-on. I was gonna have the meat vaccum sealed and frozen. If i do this, can I use ice packs, or dry ice, or what? i figure worst comes to worst i can just use ice and having the meat frozen solid should be enough to carry through the flight and to the villa? but if anyone is famiiar w/doing this plz chime in
. AIRPORT TO FERRY:
So my first question is about the airport. We opted for the overnight red-eye from Los Angeles (looks to be very greuling) so we could be on st. john b4 dark. Really do not want to be driving on the wrong side of road at night. But anyhow we are wondering what the experience at CA airport is like for arrivals and departures. More importantly with arrivals, since we have opted to take a Cab to the ferry dock. Our flight is scheduled to land at 11:10 so we miss the 11:00 ferry to St. John, so that means we'll be taking the 1:00pm ferry. First, I'm wondering about how long it takes to get out of the airport, get a cab, and get to the ferry? I'm figuring that we could be out of the airport and in a cab by Noon (40 mins after touching down). Also, if we get to the ferry dock about an hour early should we just get our tickets and wait or will there be somewhere w/in walking distance to grab some lunch?
FERRY:
My question about the ferry is in regards to luggage... I see that they charge $/piece of luggage. Does this mean that they stow the luggage down below and we are left hands free on the boat? Personally I would feel more comfortable having my luggage with me. If stowing luggage is the norm, should i worry about leaving valuables in the suitcase and transferring them to a backpack or carry-on? Also...and most importantly
I'm definitely gonna be needing a strong drink by this point so, is this available on the ferry?CRUZ BAY to CORAL BAY:
We are renting a Jeep from Courtesy, i really liked the man Greg that i spoke with. He was very understanding in answering some of my newbie questions. Hopefully it will be easy to find from the ferry. But, since our villa (i think it's funny you guys call them villas whereas most other places they are "condo's"
, it sounds so much more tropical, and i love it) is located on Coral bay side (we are staying at Blue Caribe anyone have any reviews on this place?), we are gonna be having to adventure across the island to get there. I really wanna make a stop at a grocery on the way, is there a grocery in coral bay now, or only cruz bay? doesn't matter which, just wanna plan accordingly. Also, which side is faster/easier to get to coral bay from cruz, the north or south road? I'm sure i'll think of ten more questions after i post this
(just did...should i reserve a dinghy with noah's arks ahead of time or just wait to see what the weather looks like when we get there and hope for a last minute rental?)
Thanks forum-ites for all your past and future help to people longing for tropical paradise!!!!
-Blake
-
Sun4MySoul
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 1:37 pm
- Location: NC
Welcome to the Forum! 
I can only answer some of your questions, as I do not take the passenger ferry over to STJ, but here's what I know:
You can take any type of food in your carry on cooler as long as it is not liquid. Don't use ice or any other fake ice product. Just freeze everything ahead of time and put it in the cooler as is. Wrap in newspaper for extra insulation. You will be surprised at how well it should stay frozen on a long travel day. If you are worried and want to use a dry ice or Techni-ice, you will have to check the cooler.
As for arrival and departure at STT airport, you will be surprised at the disorganization and craziness of it all. But if you can go carry on only, your life with be a million times less stressful and very quick upon your arrival. A stop over for the complimentary rum punch and you are on your way. There are always taxis waiting to go the ferry docks. You might be able to make an earlier one out of Red Hook and not have to wait for the 1pm CA.
For supplies, the biggest market on island is Starfish in Cruz Bay for initial stock up. But the two markets in Coral Bay - Lilys and Love City - have always had what I needed. Take CenterLine Rd to get over to Coral Bay the fastest - or North Shore rd if you have some time for the scenic route. It takes a little longer because you will have to stop at all the overlooks for pictures!
Enjoy your trip!
I can only answer some of your questions, as I do not take the passenger ferry over to STJ, but here's what I know:
You can take any type of food in your carry on cooler as long as it is not liquid. Don't use ice or any other fake ice product. Just freeze everything ahead of time and put it in the cooler as is. Wrap in newspaper for extra insulation. You will be surprised at how well it should stay frozen on a long travel day. If you are worried and want to use a dry ice or Techni-ice, you will have to check the cooler.
As for arrival and departure at STT airport, you will be surprised at the disorganization and craziness of it all. But if you can go carry on only, your life with be a million times less stressful and very quick upon your arrival. A stop over for the complimentary rum punch and you are on your way. There are always taxis waiting to go the ferry docks. You might be able to make an earlier one out of Red Hook and not have to wait for the 1pm CA.
For supplies, the biggest market on island is Starfish in Cruz Bay for initial stock up. But the two markets in Coral Bay - Lilys and Love City - have always had what I needed. Take CenterLine Rd to get over to Coral Bay the fastest - or North Shore rd if you have some time for the scenic route. It takes a little longer because you will have to stop at all the overlooks for pictures!
Enjoy your trip!
-
California Girl
Hi Blake! Welcome out of lurkdom! 
I think I can help with some of your questions, but I'm sure others will chime in with anything I can't answer, or answer wrong.
First of all, we took the very same flight from L.A. We brought a soft-sided, zippered cooler and checked it. We used Technice and everything was still frozen when we got to our villa on St. John. If anything had slightly thawed, it wasn't major and we just stuck it in the freezer. I don't know if you can take Technice on-board or not, since it's essentially a frozen gel. Look for Technice on Amazon and eBay. I've gotten it both places. With eBay there are more choices on how much you have to (or want to) buy.
As to Airport to Ferry: We had to wait for a friend of ours who came in on a different plane about an hour after us. We waited at the airport bar in the baggage claim area and then took a cab to Charlotte Amalie and had lunch at the Greenhouse where we had a view of the ferry dock, while we waited for the ferry. The great server we had stashed our luggage for us behind the night DJ's area, also where we could keep an eye on it. Are you taking the ferry from Charlotte Amalie or from Red Hook? I don't have any experience with Red Hook.
You pretty much have to let the ferry people stash your luggage. I think if you want to hang on to your carry-on stuff, that's ok. The luggage (at least in my experience) is stowed at the bow or stern of the boat, again, in full view so if you're worried, you can still see it. However, I never worried at all. If anyone tried to open my suitcase, it would have exploded clothes out, so the joke would have been on them!
We also rented our car from Courtesy and it was a very good experience. To find them, when you get off the ferry, walk up the street that's straight ahead of you. Their office is about 2 blks up on the left next to The Front Yard and the police station. You can park in their lot during the day, but when the Front Yard opens up, it's hard to find parking there at night. My suggestion, if you plan to be in Cruz Bay at night, is to get there a little early and try to find a spot in Courtesy's lot that heads out on the street and park it. From there do Cruz Bay. When you get back later in the evening, if the parking lot is full, you can just pull straight ahead over the sidewalk & curb to get out of the lot. The way people park there, if you're buried in the corner, you'll never get your car out!
For semi-major grocery shopping, try to shop at either Dolphin Market or Starfish in Cruz Bay. If it's getting late, and you don't want to have to drive in the dark (good idea not to at first), then go straight to Coral Bay and pick up some "tide me overs" at either Love City Mini Mart or Lily's. They'll both get you by, and Lily's is very well stocked so you may not need to even need go back to Cruz Bay for more.
As to which road is best to take to Coral Bay, Centerline is most direct and, although it's windy and twisty, it's an easier road than North Shore. That being said, if it's still light out and you don't mind taking a teensy bit longer to get to Coral Bay, take North Shore... the views are spectacular!! You probably won't think North Shore Rd. is so bad (although there are a couple of killer hairpins) since you're used to driving in Santa Barbara. And as the road joins back up with Centerline, be sure to stop at the Smoothie Truck and get a smoothie, St. John Style (with rum). Just remember the laws... it's ok to drive with a drink in your hand, but be sure to wear your seatbelt! (true!)
Can't help you with dinghys... sorry!
You're going to have the best time of your life!
Margo
I think I can help with some of your questions, but I'm sure others will chime in with anything I can't answer, or answer wrong.
First of all, we took the very same flight from L.A. We brought a soft-sided, zippered cooler and checked it. We used Technice and everything was still frozen when we got to our villa on St. John. If anything had slightly thawed, it wasn't major and we just stuck it in the freezer. I don't know if you can take Technice on-board or not, since it's essentially a frozen gel. Look for Technice on Amazon and eBay. I've gotten it both places. With eBay there are more choices on how much you have to (or want to) buy.
As to Airport to Ferry: We had to wait for a friend of ours who came in on a different plane about an hour after us. We waited at the airport bar in the baggage claim area and then took a cab to Charlotte Amalie and had lunch at the Greenhouse where we had a view of the ferry dock, while we waited for the ferry. The great server we had stashed our luggage for us behind the night DJ's area, also where we could keep an eye on it. Are you taking the ferry from Charlotte Amalie or from Red Hook? I don't have any experience with Red Hook.
You pretty much have to let the ferry people stash your luggage. I think if you want to hang on to your carry-on stuff, that's ok. The luggage (at least in my experience) is stowed at the bow or stern of the boat, again, in full view so if you're worried, you can still see it. However, I never worried at all. If anyone tried to open my suitcase, it would have exploded clothes out, so the joke would have been on them!
We also rented our car from Courtesy and it was a very good experience. To find them, when you get off the ferry, walk up the street that's straight ahead of you. Their office is about 2 blks up on the left next to The Front Yard and the police station. You can park in their lot during the day, but when the Front Yard opens up, it's hard to find parking there at night. My suggestion, if you plan to be in Cruz Bay at night, is to get there a little early and try to find a spot in Courtesy's lot that heads out on the street and park it. From there do Cruz Bay. When you get back later in the evening, if the parking lot is full, you can just pull straight ahead over the sidewalk & curb to get out of the lot. The way people park there, if you're buried in the corner, you'll never get your car out!
For semi-major grocery shopping, try to shop at either Dolphin Market or Starfish in Cruz Bay. If it's getting late, and you don't want to have to drive in the dark (good idea not to at first), then go straight to Coral Bay and pick up some "tide me overs" at either Love City Mini Mart or Lily's. They'll both get you by, and Lily's is very well stocked so you may not need to even need go back to Cruz Bay for more.
As to which road is best to take to Coral Bay, Centerline is most direct and, although it's windy and twisty, it's an easier road than North Shore. That being said, if it's still light out and you don't mind taking a teensy bit longer to get to Coral Bay, take North Shore... the views are spectacular!! You probably won't think North Shore Rd. is so bad (although there are a couple of killer hairpins) since you're used to driving in Santa Barbara. And as the road joins back up with Centerline, be sure to stop at the Smoothie Truck and get a smoothie, St. John Style (with rum). Just remember the laws... it's ok to drive with a drink in your hand, but be sure to wear your seatbelt! (true!)
Can't help you with dinghys... sorry!
You're going to have the best time of your life!
Margo
Welcome to the forum!
FLIGHT:
If you are going to be bringing your food on board, you cannot have ice in the cooler…because it melts into a liquid (sigh…) Someone on here posted they used ice packs but got the hairy eyeball from security. I would either check your cooler through, or if you want to carry it on, simply tightly pack your very frozen vacuum sealed meat into the cooler between layers of newspaper.
1:00pm ferry. First, I'm wondering about how long it takes to get out of the airport, get a cab, and get to the ferry? I'm figuring that we could be out of the airport and in a cab by Noon (40 mins after touching down). Also, if we get to the ferry dock about an hour early should we just get our tickets and wait or will there be somewhere w/in walking distance to grab some lunch?
Are you going to Charlotte Amelie or Red Hook? There are 1 PM ferries out of both places. Red Hook is about a 40-minute cab ride from the airport then a 15-minute boat ride over. There is a brand new ferry terminal there where you can wait. It was not open yet when we were last there (October), but my understanding is that there a couple of stands inside to get food at. Charlotte Amelie is about a 10-minute taxi ride and a 40-minute boat ride. If you go to CA, there are plenty of places right there in town to grab lunch—there’s no sheltered area to wait for the ferry at CA, just FYI.
They stow the luggage down below and we are left hands free on the boat?
That is correct, and you don’t get a choice in the matter.
I worry about leaving valuables in the suitcase and transferring them to a backpack or carry-on?
I always keep my backpack with me which contains all of our paperwork wallets, and camera gear, etc.
Also...and most importantly I'm definitely gonna be needing a strong drink by this point so, is this available on the ferry?
No drinks for sale on the ferry, but there are plenty of places near both terminals where you can buy a beer or whatever. You do need to finish it before getting on the boat.
Is there a grocery in coral bay now, or only cruz bay?
Yes, Lily’s Gourmet Market is in Coral Bay. It is a small market, but will have what you need. I would personally recommend stopping at Starfish Market before heading to your villa. It’s the largest store with the largest selection (and probably the highest prices, but I digress). You can load up on fine adult beverages at the Starfish Gourmet market right across the hallway if you are so inclined.
(just did...should i reserve a dinghy with noah's arks ahead of time or just wait to see what the weather looks like when we get there and hope for a last minute rental?)
If you are going in the low season I think it is fine to wait to rent a dinghy. You would not want to go out on a choppy day.
FLIGHT:
If you are going to be bringing your food on board, you cannot have ice in the cooler…because it melts into a liquid (sigh…) Someone on here posted they used ice packs but got the hairy eyeball from security. I would either check your cooler through, or if you want to carry it on, simply tightly pack your very frozen vacuum sealed meat into the cooler between layers of newspaper.
1:00pm ferry. First, I'm wondering about how long it takes to get out of the airport, get a cab, and get to the ferry? I'm figuring that we could be out of the airport and in a cab by Noon (40 mins after touching down). Also, if we get to the ferry dock about an hour early should we just get our tickets and wait or will there be somewhere w/in walking distance to grab some lunch?
Are you going to Charlotte Amelie or Red Hook? There are 1 PM ferries out of both places. Red Hook is about a 40-minute cab ride from the airport then a 15-minute boat ride over. There is a brand new ferry terminal there where you can wait. It was not open yet when we were last there (October), but my understanding is that there a couple of stands inside to get food at. Charlotte Amelie is about a 10-minute taxi ride and a 40-minute boat ride. If you go to CA, there are plenty of places right there in town to grab lunch—there’s no sheltered area to wait for the ferry at CA, just FYI.
They stow the luggage down below and we are left hands free on the boat?
That is correct, and you don’t get a choice in the matter.
I worry about leaving valuables in the suitcase and transferring them to a backpack or carry-on?
I always keep my backpack with me which contains all of our paperwork wallets, and camera gear, etc.
Also...and most importantly I'm definitely gonna be needing a strong drink by this point so, is this available on the ferry?
No drinks for sale on the ferry, but there are plenty of places near both terminals where you can buy a beer or whatever. You do need to finish it before getting on the boat.
Is there a grocery in coral bay now, or only cruz bay?
Yes, Lily’s Gourmet Market is in Coral Bay. It is a small market, but will have what you need. I would personally recommend stopping at Starfish Market before heading to your villa. It’s the largest store with the largest selection (and probably the highest prices, but I digress). You can load up on fine adult beverages at the Starfish Gourmet market right across the hallway if you are so inclined.
(just did...should i reserve a dinghy with noah's arks ahead of time or just wait to see what the weather looks like when we get there and hope for a last minute rental?)
If you are going in the low season I think it is fine to wait to rent a dinghy. You would not want to go out on a choppy day.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
hey guys,
Thanks for all the wonderfull welcoming messages, and answers to my questions...This forum is great, and I cannot wait to get my feet in the sand!!!
Oh, and we are planning on the CA ferry, but i might consider a trip to redhook if the cab fare is decent..either way seems like a good option really.
Thanks Again,
Blake
Thanks for all the wonderfull welcoming messages, and answers to my questions...This forum is great, and I cannot wait to get my feet in the sand!!!
Oh, and we are planning on the CA ferry, but i might consider a trip to redhook if the cab fare is decent..either way seems like a good option really.
Thanks Again,
Blake
-
chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
Welcome VayCay!
Glad you're on the forum and it looks like your questions were answered. (I can vouch for carrying on frozen meat; ours stayed frozen throughout a long travel day without fake ice or newspaper.)
Now that you're out of lurkdom, just remember the 'cost of admission': a trip report when you return!
Glad you're on the forum and it looks like your questions were answered. (I can vouch for carrying on frozen meat; ours stayed frozen throughout a long travel day without fake ice or newspaper.)
Now that you're out of lurkdom, just remember the 'cost of admission': a trip report when you return!
Don't worry about that...One other thing I really forgot to mention...I am the proud new owner of a DSLR Camera, and I'm wondering what others do in terms of safeguarding camera's in the jeeps, or whether you just keep it by your side everywhere you go. I'm not worried to bringing it to the beach, except for the possibility of it getting stolen while i'm in the water. But then i worry about it being in a jeep w/the windows zipped down...I'd like to feel comfortable with it and have it with me to catch pics of all the beaches and fun we are having. But since this is like a 1000 dollar camera rig I don't want to be naive and think i can leave it on the beach when i go for a swim/snorkell...I'm sure i'll have a better feel for things when i am there, but nothing can beat experiance. I just know from going to hawaii, that if you don't have it on you, you have to have it locked in the trunk...But jeeps don't seem to have the luxery of a trunk. Anyhow, all advice is appreciated!!chicagoans wrote:Welcome VayCay!
Now that you're out of lurkdom, just remember the 'cost of admission': a trip report when you return!
Thanks,
Blake
high dollar camera or not
Great question. I'm also driving a Jeep on STJ and I've learned over the years not to leave anything in my Jeep or on the beach without me being close at hand. Since my goal on a vacation is not to have worries, my solution is to take a small, durable point and shoot digital camera on a strap with me. This will cover those instant snapshot opportunities. Then get out your nice D-SLR on "Photography Day" and make beautiful scenics and sunset pix. Please post your nicest ones on this forum. I need a new desktop. 
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
Hey Blake,
We just left our stuff on the beach when we snorkeled. But then again I don't have a $1000 camera.
I saw a reference to this on another forum. You could secure it to a beach chair or tree; it has a little combo lock. You'd have to check the dimensions to see if your camera would fit; it's kind of narrow. It comes in other colors, some of which are more manly than the orange pictured!
http://www.beachstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=2240
We just left our stuff on the beach when we snorkeled. But then again I don't have a $1000 camera.
I saw a reference to this on another forum. You could secure it to a beach chair or tree; it has a little combo lock. You'd have to check the dimensions to see if your camera would fit; it's kind of narrow. It comes in other colors, some of which are more manly than the orange pictured!
http://www.beachstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=2240
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
PS -- Here's one more thing in case you haven't seen it. If you're a photographer and want to actually be in the picture now and then, I love the Gorillapod (and I know a few other forumites use them too). I've wrapped mine around banyan branches and cacti (and other more normal stuff like railings) to get a good shot.
You can get it a joby.com or amazon.com
You can get it a joby.com or amazon.com
Re: high dollar camera or not
GREAT idea rpplano!!! i never thought of that!! and don't worry, i'm planning on making a new desktop for myself and a new screensave program as well...so fear not i will be posting high quality pics for all b4 the fourth of july. I'm hoping the Villa has a safe "just in case" but i'm sure if it doesn't i will find an acceptable hiding spot. Although i imagine the villa to be fairly secure, i have not read any instances on here of people having there belongings stolen from a villa?!rpplano wrote:Great question. I'm also driving a Jeep on STJ and I've learned over the years not to leave anything in my Jeep or on the beach without me being close at hand. Since my goal on a vacation is not to have worries, my solution is to take a small, durable point and shoot digital camera on a strap with me. This will cover those instant snapshot opportunities. Then get out your nice D-SLR on "Photography Day" and make beautiful scenics and sunset pix. Please post your nicest ones on this forum. I need a new desktop.
F.Y.I.chicagoans wrote:PS -- Here's one more thing in case you haven't seen it. If you're a photographer and want to actually be in the picture now and then, I love the Gorillapod (and I know a few other forumites use them too). I've wrapped mine around banyan branches and cacti (and other more normal stuff like railings) to get a good shot.
You can get it a joby.com or amazon.com
interestingly enough those fittings they use on the gorilla pod are orginally designed for salt water aquariums since they are salt water proof and moveable to adjust current flows :p When i worked in an aquarium store we would connect them up and make little people..haha!