USVI-On-Line

Hi everyone - Starting to finalize some plans for our trip in July. Have finally deciced to rent fins on STJ but buy our snorkel and mask so we can practice with the kids in pool.

What is the price difference for taking a private taxi (Rachel) vs just the regular one. We have a total of four people.

We are doing carry on so when we get on the ferry do they charge us for the carry on's/backpacks?

My husband has finally started reading the STJ books we have and is also looking forward to our first trip. He thinks it is very funny that you have to wear a seatbelt but can have a drink in hand while driving.

Thats it for now but I am sure more questions will come soon.

I've found that they won't charge you for a backpack that is serving as a personal item. It has to be able to sit comfortably in your lap or next to you without sliding around.

However, if it looks like a suitcase or a maximum sized carry-on, they will put it with the other luggage and will charge you accordingly. They can't have luggage swinging around on the benches where people are sitting. It's just too dangerous.

As for the private taxi vs. a regular taxi, we have never paid for a private taxi.

I hear wonderful things about Rachel though and I'm sure she's great, it's just not that important to us and we have no problem with using the regular taxi.

We don't mind sharing the van with new folks and often try and dipense advice along the way to newbies. We've always made whatever ferry we were trying to get and spent the money we saved on drinks

I only use Rachel, but she is my friend so...

Many people do not like the whole public taxi process at the airport. You go to the dispatcher and tell them how many in your party and where you are going and they will direct you to a taxi. When that taxi fills up, you are on your way. The taxi may make stops along the way, it may not.
You may ride with friendly folks and you may not.

Some people do not want to spend the eztra money for a private taxi, some think it is money well spent.

If I did not know Rachel, I would still use a private taxi. I got off the plane and directly into a waiting van that takes me exactly where I want to go with no one else. My travel day is long and I am a cranky tarveler. I want to get to where I am going and get there as fast as possible, so it works for us.


I believe that for 4 people, Rachel charges $15 a person, but I am nto sure.

Xislandgirl wrote:I only use Rachel, but she is my friend so...

Many people do not like the whole public taxi process at the airport. You go to the dispatcher and tell them how many in your party and where you are going and they will direct you to a taxi. When that taxi fills up, you are on your way. The taxi may make stops along the way, it may not.
You may ride with friendly folks and you may not.

Some people do not want to spend the eztra money for a private taxi, some think it is money well spent.

If I did not know Rachel, I would still use a private taxi. I got off the plane and directly into a waiting van that takes me exactly where I want to go with no one else. My travel day is long and I am a cranky tarveler. I want to get to where I am going and get there as fast as possible, so it works for us.
I believe that for 4 people, Rachel charges $15 a person, but I am nto sure.

I am with X on all points, especially the bold.

We always used the regular taxi and were quite happy UNTIL we used Rachael one trip as we had a late flight and wanted to get to Red Hook as fast as possible.

We now use her all the time, both ways. Yes, it's more money, but also more relaxing and she tells the best stories along the way.

Definitely worth the extra $$$.

Very happy passengers.

Thank you - I am going to call her tomorrow to see if she is available for our trip in July.

We just used a regular taxi and it was annoying. Two people behind me spent the entire time yakking loudly on their cell phones. We were very tired, having had a fairly bad travel day (delays, crowds, etc). I would have been happy to have had a private driver and just gotten in her car and been off.

We actually called her, but not in enough advance time.

How can Rachel be contacted to ask about reserving an STT to Red Hook trip?

Her number is 340-771-2986

Hawaii--I do believe we were in the car with Rachel when you called yesterday about a taxi for July! We were on our way to the airport and she had to pull over because she couldn't talk and drive with all the Carnival and cruise ship traffic around! What a small world.

She was awesome, by the way.

Yes - I did call yesterday so we are all booked for July with Rachel. your right it is a small world. Hope you had a great vacation.

Rachel is an angel. Riding with her is an important part of our trip each time. That smile as we deplane and walk out is worth it all.

First time going to STJ so I took your advice and booked Rachel for our trip to Red Hook Ferry and also to have her pick us up when we return to stay a day in STT. One less worry and wanting to have a safe driver since we will have our 11 yr. old grandson with. His first trip out of the States. His first snorkel adventure. Excitement is building...

I love this forum and am getting a wealth of info from everyone. Thanks much!