St. Thomas

[tjwgrr]

tjwgrr I think you were joking (you were wern't you ) but just in case you wern't you want to limit the number of posts allowed about STJ on a VI forum?? - kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it - it's no ones fault that there are more posts about STJ than the other islands but there are other forums (not nearly as friendly or good I admit) that one could visit should one feel this is a "lopsided" and unfair to one island forum.
Pia

If someday soon popular, well supported, and successful radio and TV talk shows are regulated and limited in the name of fairness, why not the island forums?

I'm really just kidding, but I hope you get my point.

I'll get down from my soap box now.

[Connie]

Maybe something like a button that you have the ability to click on which lists STJ, STT, STX or Water Island as the subject, like trip advisor?

I know alot of people try to find info on STT, but trying to find the information here isn't as good as "the other board" which is more geared towards STT.

[California Girl]

Connie, I'm thinking if you use the Search feature at the top and type in "STT" or "St. Thomas" (or STX or St. Croix) it would work the same way as a button.

[kma27]

Thank you for all of your replies!! I have often wanted to post a trip report but I could never match what you all write, however, I will try after we get back in March. To answer some of your questions now, we stay at Bluebeard's Castle in the new part at Pirate's Pension. It's not a fancy place but has MUCH CHARM!!! We love being high on the hill and watching all the cruise ships come and go and the closeness to town actually enables us to walk downtown, which can be useful since parking is such a problem. Each time we go we vist Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay for some "eye candy" and my daughter actually got married on Magens Bay in October of 2007; so now Magens Bay has a special place in our hearts. Some of our favorite restaurants are Herve's, Hook Line & Sinker, Craig & Sally's & The Point (which actually may be called something different) in Frenchtown, The Banana Tree and Room with a View which is located right at Bluebeard's Castle. If you guys over in STJ haven't tried these, you really should!!!

I just wasn't sure any of you wanted to hear about STT and was glad to hear that you do!!! I would love to post some pictures but for some reason that is difficult for me.

Thank you.

[Margy Z]

Here's a thought, indicate the Island you are posting about or requesting info on in the subject line....... seems like a simple solution

I don't think this would work without some type of a sort function and then you would still have the spelling variables to contend with (STJ, St. John, St John, etc). And, I think the level of activity on the STJ or St. John posts would continue to bury the other posts.

[flip-flop]

I would LOVE to hear more about STT and think it would be hard to tease STT and STJ apart since so many of us have questions that kind of relate to STT (even though we are staying mostly or entirely on STJ).

Flights, ferries, taxis, shopping, etc.

I stayed on STT for a night back in 07 and included it in my trip report, but I would really like to read more trip reports re: STT.

I think us STJ lovers might just be a different kind of lot that really like to wallow in our love of the island, but more STT info and questions would be welcomed here for sure.

[Margy Z]

Connie, I'm thinking if you use the Search feature at the top and type in "STT" or "St. Thomas" (or STX or St. Croix) it would work the same way as a button.

I don't think that a search works anywhere near as easy as a button or sub-forum. Again, if the goal is to draw posts about the other islands, I think that new posters will not go to the trouble - especially considering the spelling variables to search and how results of a search have to be viewed - once you click into a search you can't return to the search results list (maybe I'm doing it wrong).

Things may be just fine the way they are in the USVI forum universe – Frommer’s is the “dead” board, TravelTalk is geared more to the boaters, this is the STJ board, ViNow is more the STT board, and TA is a mix and more of an information board with a lot of quick hit Q&A. I have read posts here that refer to this forum as the "friendliest board" – it is the friendliest in that there are tons of regulars who visit and post and chat regularly and there is a lot of helpful interest if you want to come here to chat about STJ - and that's great if that’s what this board is all about. Different strokes. However, responses like the one that advised someone looking for info about areas of STX that “The best part of STX is the ferry dock with the boat that gets you to STJ” and the short life of posts about STT & STJ send the message, though, that this is a pretty focused board. Like, I said, that’s all fine if that’s the goal.

The sign does say "U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Forum" but due to the way this forum has evolved a new type of forum setup may be needed to draw other posters as well as preserve what the regulars know and love about the board.

That was a bit more than my two cents (inflation) -

[USVISuzyQ]

I love STT, been going for 25+ years. Unfortunately, it gets a bad rap if all you see is the out the window on the ride to Red Hook. Not only is everything cheaper in STT, it does have its share of nice beaches, more saloons, and there are more roads to explore, which usually lead to pleasant surprizes.

Also, i find the traffic to be fun, yes, fun. Folks beep, wave, stop and chat, everyone seems to be very polite. When i get in my rental on the island, i'm a waving beeping fool. Folks will stop and let you turn if you're in a jam. Then i come home to reality and rude people and complain for days, why if i beeped here i'd probably get shot!

Sue
in Arizona (Chicago Transplant)

[Exit Zero]

I find the forum interesting pretty much the way it is - it is nice to see some STT comments,questions and reports since it has been my home for well over 3 decades but I learn a lot about STJ very often and certainly don't feel separate forums would be a benefit.
Sometimes I do wince a bit when I read dismissive STT opinions but realize all the Virgin Islands are different and luckily not one islands fits all tastes or needs.
The problems of overdevelopment are not restricted to any one island here in the Caribbean - the progress has not always been pretty in many cases but the VI National Park on STJ holds a special place in my heart and many other Virgin Islanders. It is gratifying to see and read of visitors who share that feeling. The tremendous pressure on the infrastructure that has been accelerating in the past decade may well be lessened by the new economic factors and hopefully the islands will emerge stronger and just as beautiful. But it is the people of the VI and the dedicated visitors that really make this the special place it is.
Take the time to visit all the Virgins - US,BVI and Spanish they are unique in many ways.

[overman]

we love st thomas for introducing us to his cute little brother. for the 'less is more' types...stj john deserves the chatter it gets.

[Connie]

I believe that alot of people are missing out on alot of beautiful places in STT.

I understand the draw of STJ, but I got hooked on STT for what it offers.

I'll never forget being up on paradise point and watching the lights of the cruise ships and the seaplanes landing in the harbour. Wow...it's great.

Just as we go over to STJ at least once or twice a trip, I think people who love STJ should really check out some places on STT.

It's only a ferry ride away.

[joshua]

Having stayed on STT about 12 times (and visited STJ about 10 times), St Croix (STX) twice, we have experience but don't pretend to be experts. We keep finding new things every trip, especially with "newbies". We enjoy exploring each island. Here are my observations/personal opinions:
STX is a large island with not much in the way of development. We stayed on the north coast in a condo both times, and were very satisfied. Not much good snorkelling, but day trip to Buck Island is fantastic-great snorkelling and beach. Cruise ships are a recent addition; not sure of their impact. Only had car second trip, didn't explore as much as we do now.
STT is smaller, higher density with cruise ships. More diverse in terms of sights, beaches, some good snorkelling bays, good shopping if so inclined. Lots of good restaurants of all types and quality. Stayed in both condos and houses; now stuck on a particular condo centrally located. Best of all, easy access to STJ.
STJ is hands down the most beautiful and laid back. Best beaches, snorkelling, and sights. Usually visit 2 or 3 times while staying on STT. Zodiac tours of north beaches, day trips to Tortola, hiking, nature, peace...haven't stayed on the island but will. Good selection of restaurants (but names change often).
Haven't even mentioned Tortola, Cozumel, Caymans, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Curacao, or St. Lucia; better for a different thread.
In my opinion, the "best" island is a matter of personal preferences.
Also in my opinion, I would not segregate this board into individual islands; those who prefer/know STT can join in as I (rarely) do. This is the best board that I've ever found, and I enjoy reading all of the posts (well, I did until Oprah...!) and appreciate the comments/advice. I can find what I need, or just ask.
Just my opinions.

[Margy Z]

Something to consider, though, is that this forum is supported in part by advertisers representing all of the USVI. As I suspect that it's revenue that keeps the lights on, I would consider expanding the sandbox and making it more inviting and easier to use for those seeking to find and share info about STT & STX if I were on the business side of things.

There are some nice features on this board that the all of the other boards do not have like including pictures in posts and having a robust off-topic forum.

What's that saying? -- "Change is good...you go first!"



- Margy

[Schnell]

As I have mentioned before our island of preference is STT. It just suits us better and sitting on our balcony or beach and watching cruise ships sail out at dusk or nightfall is priceless to us. We do like STJ as well, but for a daytrip or two.

Have to be honest though when I want to read STT posts I go to "other" forums since there is not much STT discussion here. And what is here get buried pretty quickly. I think its a good idea to seperate the islands on the forum somehow. They are different so why not have different sections dedicated to each?