USVI-On-Line

I think we've settled on New Horizons II for a tour. They say to book well in advance so I'm planning to book now for our trip in late June.

I've heard the Sunday brunch at Ms. Lucy's is not to be missed. We're staying at Caneel and I understand there is a cocktail party every Monday. Is there anything else going on during the week (either at Caneel or on STJ) that we should plan around? I don't want to miss anything!

Also, just to be sure I didn't miss anything....are there any day trips that include the Baths, Marina Cay, Soggy Dollar AND Sandy Spit?

I may have mentioned this before, so forgive me if I repeat, but we did a trip in Feb w/ Captain Kevin on Born to Rhumb. We made our own itinerary...spent as long as we wanted at each stop, even skipped a planned stop because our kids were tired. Pricing was similar to NHII as that was a trip we were considering. Smaller boat, less people, pick your own stops...worked out great for us.

We did the Baths, snorkled at the Caves, Willy-T for lunch (would skip this stop, been there, done that) and Sandy Cay (beautiful!). Wanted to hit Soggy Dollar but our kids were finished at that point. Would highly recommend this one. Have fun whatever you do.

HawkeyeChick wrote:Also, just to be sure I didn't miss anything....are there any day trips that include the Baths, Marina Cay, Soggy Dollar AND Sandy Spit?

Just NH II!

We did NH II in March 06. No stop at Sandy Spit though. The first three are correct. It is The Bath's, lunch at Marina Cay, a snorkel stop, usually Guana or Great Camenoe island depending on conditions, then lastly a stop at The soggy Dollar. Still a really fun day.

We loved the activities at Caneel Bay, and we really enjoyed the managers cocktail party. They had a great steel band playing and we went upstairs to the bridge over the veranda to watch the sunset. Who did we find sitting up there all alone enjoying a glass of wine but Mario Batali. We had a brief conversation and then excused ourselves and left him to enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Following the cocktail party, we ate at the Monday night island buffet. We were stuffed from all we ate at the earlier party, which was actually a mini version of the buffet, without the lobster. We again met Mario with his wife and family, eating at a table among all the other guests. It was really nice that the guests were not falling all over him and pretty much left he and his family to enjoy the meal.
Wanted to also add that we really ebjoyed the sunset cruise out of Caneel. They actually have two sunset cruises(or they did at the time). One was on a sailboat, was limited to 6 guests, and was pretty pricey. The one we went on was on the ferry, with about 20 people, a steel band and a pretty extensive selection of yummy appetizers. We were very surprised at the amount of food and unlimited rum punch for the price.
What was really funny about the cruise was the itinerary. We left from Caneel, sailed slowly through Cruz Bay, and the rounded the point to Great Cruz Bay harbor, where we buzzed the Westin dock with the steelband playing and everyone dancing. The Captain explained that this was something that they did not ordinarily do, but since the Westin had just christened a new ferryboat that week, and they had gotten so much publicity for it, he wanted to give them a salute. That little cruise was a great treat. We really enjoyed our 5 day stay at Caneel. We always go with a villa, but sometimes we are lucky enough to have the time to stay at Caneel or Gallows for a few days before or after the crowd comes or leaves.

^^ Very cool! I wonder what Chef B thought of the food at Caneel. I hear that's one drawback. Thanks everyone for the input!

We have done the NHII trip twice. It goes to the Baths, Marina Cay and then to Guana Island. We have not been to Sandy Spit. NHII is a "fun" boat. It gets you there quickly - which is nice for those who get sea sick. There is plenty of snorkle time and the lunch restaurant was good both visits. The trip allows plenty of time for the Soggy Dollar and JVD on the way back. Enjoy a pain killer!

We also enjoyed the Monday cocktail party at Caneel. We met lots of fellow guests and a number of staff members too.

I second the cocktail cruise. During our trip, we cruised the North Shore.

We did a number of day cruises out of Caneel. Sailing was always terrific - top notch boats (we were on a Hinkley at least once) and great crews.

I remember Caneel having a one man steel drum entertainer at least two or three times a week at the Beach Terrace, which was a relaxing way to spend the evening.

Caneel has their own day trip to the Baths & their brother resort: Little Dix Bay. We did this tour when we stayed at Caneel & it was very convenient & nice. Check it out!

Does anyone know if Caneel always does this sunset cruise on the ferry? Sounds like something that I would like to do. Thanks.

MaryBeth
They do the sunset cruise on both the Hinkley sailboat and the ferry. The sailboat was very pricey and it only takes 6. It seemed to be very popular with the honeymooners.
The ferry was a lot of fun- it attracted a very well babanced group of couples and families and, unfortunately, 2 older couples who were real "Caneel snobs" and complained endlessly to the staff about the presence of children at an "evening event".

Get Out!! Lucky the parents didnt throw them overboard.

that's great, thanks! I'd like to check that out.