USVI-On-Line

Hi All- We'll be visiting for the first time next month and we've been picking up some good advice here and I appreciate it. I have a transportation question, though, that maybe someone can help me with. We'll be arriving in the evening and I don't know how late the car rental companies will be open on STJ (I haven't called any yet.), and I'm wondering if it would be better to rent a jeep on STT and take a car barge over, or to taxi to where we're staying on STJ and then rent the next morning. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jack

one company to consider is courtesy. They will meet you at the dock for arrival times after 5pm. Some others close at 5. Some villa reps will help you out by picking up your jeep for you. You then have to go in the next day and complete the paperwork.

i think the last car ferry is 5pm...but double check me on this. Our last trip, we arrived at 3:45 and I ruled this out since I was afraid if our flight was late, we would be stuck.

depending on where you stay, taking a taxi to your accomadations may make more sense. Or ride with the villa rep and take a taxi the next day back to the car rental company. I should have done this our last trip....we could have easily walked to Courtesy the next day and saved ourselves a day of rental.

If you are heading there next month, you need to make your Jeep arrangements ASAP. There is a link at the top of this forum where you can find most of the rental companies listed. I don't want to raise panic but they book early.

Something to keep in mind: Renting on STT and taking the car ferry limits your options for ferry times coming and going (the car ferry runs less frequently). Also, if something happens to the vehicle while on STJ, you are kind of on your own. Finally, a number of rental companies in STJ allow you to park in their lot when you are in town (Cruz Bay). This is a huge advantage.

Good luck and keep us posted. Feel free to ask away on any USVI questions you have. There is a wealth of information here!

What time does your flight arrive is STT?

GG

We are arriving after our car rental closes (cant remember which one, husband booked it) and he is leaving the key in the jeep. Pretty laid back place.

Wow! Good advice and quick, too. Thanks. We'll get in to STT at 4:30, so I'm guessing that we'll catch the 7:00 ferry out of Red Hook or maybe the 5:30 out of Charlotte Amalie. (I think I saw on here that it was running, right?) I think I'll start talking to the rental folks right away.

Jack

Jack-
Things may have changed since last week, but as of then, there wasn't a ferry running to/ from C.A. . at least that's what I was told by more than a few sources.
We enjoy renting from Dependable on STT. It's the fastest way to "Island Time", and a lot easier as far as not having to fuss too much with the bags/luggage.
Arriving that late wouldn't be a problem if renting from Dependable, I don't think, but you would definately have to check out the last car barges departure times. We had no issues whatsoever with our vehicle, and if it's busy enough, they have a spot up top on the car barge for you to get a drink to celebrate your arrival. Then you simply get back into the Jeep, pull off the barge, and your villa greeter will be there waiting for you to escort your party to the hacienda. Once again, no fussing with the luggage as it's already in your car.
You land at the airport, call Dependable, and they have a car waiting for you by the time you get your bags. They then take you to their office, you fill out the paperwork, transfer your bags from their car to your rental, they give you a simple map to get to the ferry, and you're off. Not only is it easy to get to RH, with the map, but there's also plenty of signs so's you don't get lost.
To me, it's just more enjoyable than squishing into a taxi, as well as constantly worrying about your bags, tipping, etc...
As with any rental either on STJ or STT, just do a quick inspection of the vehicle before you leave. (Tires, spare,gas guage, lights, turn signals, emergency brake, etc...) Like most places, Dependable has a wonderful fleet of newer cars, we loved it!(Then again, we've been going to STJ for 10 years,now, so we pretty much have it all figured out... )
Marcias' advice, however, sounds like it might be the best option for you, especially with the whole parking situation, and it being your first visit.
There's also the exhiliration of walking off the boat and onto the St. John dock for the first time.
Either way, you'll love it, but once again to echo Marcia, book it now!
I'm so excited for your first trip, get ready to fall in love!
Good luck, and always
Smiles
MJ

Quick question for you. Where are you staying? (If it's a villa, you do NOT need to tell us which one, just say "villa near _______". I ask because villa rental agencies can assist in the Jeep rental process.

Thank you all for the advice and the warm welcome. After the prompting, I rented with Courtesy and they'll meet us at the ferry in the evening. My wife and I and our two adult daughters are looking forward to it. Now, its back to work so I can afford this trip. Jack

That's gotta' take some weight off of your shoulders, 'eh?
So excited for you!Go to Maho-
You're going to love it!
Smiles-
MJ

Big sigh of relief here, you have a Jeep lined up!

What else do you want help with?

As you can see, we all want to make sure you have the perfect first time experience in the place we love.

Welcome to the Obsession...8th Spring Break in a row and counting.

Relax and chill and be on Island Time...nomatter what you'll have fun

Hi Jack,

Glad to hear you have it all set up! The Rock awaits you.

You're going to have a great time...and like Bigcheeze said:

Welcome to the Obsession

.

2nd trip coming up in 8 months and we can't wait.

All the best![/quote]

Jack, one other thing.

Be prepared for the addiction!

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your trip.