USVI-On-Line

We returned home late last night from a San Juan/STJ trip. I am pulling my pictures off the cameras and thought I would post a few thoughts.

We started out our trip with three nights in Old San Juan. I am glad we did it, very interesting section of the city.

Park Rangers - we saw at least one, sometimes two and three park rangers on the beaches most days. They were policing for glass bottles and who knows whatever else. I saw one walking down the path to Denis Bay!

Crowds - On Friday, Hawksnest was like the "shore" on any popular east coast beach during the height of the summer season. I have never seen crowds like that on STJ.

Firsts - We finally visited Vie's Beach as well as Kiddle and Little Lamshuer (sp?) We took a tour with VI Ecotours and stayed over towards Coral Bay. I also learned to dislike Skinny's a little bit less.

I can't even begin to describe the airport yesterday. Complete sea of people. The line just to go through C&I was snaked all the way back to the area where you enter the baggage claim section of the airport.

Very eager to read your trip report!

I got back two weeks ago and have yet to post mine...have to get working on that!

I am heading back later this year and am going to avoid leaving on a Saturday at all costs. Seems like the most hectic day of the week.

Big crowds are normal for President's week. Another reason we avoid this week. Traveling Saturdays is another "must void" item for us. Interesting that they are watching for glass bottles.

My daughter had an exerience this week on Cinnamon. They were in St Thomas for a week and ventured to STJ. 2 young couples in their 20's , had bottles and was approached by a park ranger and got a $50 fine. Not defending her, you play you pay.. lol She then watched the man disappear into some bushes and get out some binoculars to watch down the beach ! LOL .On their way out they ran into a coulple in their 50's who also received a fine, and was not so happy about the rangers arrogant attitude. Will make sure that I have no glass with me next week!

Interested to hear where you stayed in SJU. We might cruise from there next year and would add a day pre cruise.

We also loved Old San Juan. We stay at the El Convento every time we have a connection through SJU.

mit43 wrote:We also loved Old San Juan. We stay at the El Convento every time we have a connection through SJU.

MB - we stayed at this hotel. We met many couples staying there pre-cruise, so many that they all assumed we were doing the same.

It is a very nice hotel. When we are in a city, we like to stay at places that allow us to walk to the sites and restaurants. The El Convento was perfect for that.

It also has fantastic outdoor spaces. We spent our days walking around town, visiting the forts and parks, etc. and then we would head back to the hotel and hang out at the pool. (very small but fine for cooling off)

There is a very nice manager's reception each evening with great wines and cheeses.

Thanks! I will take a look.

Leaving this Saturday...will the 1pm ferry give us enough time for a 3:45 flight? Or should we take the noon ferry? Hate to leave any sooner than I have to

Having a GREAT time so far...it goes sooooooo fast

PaminMaine wrote:My daughter had an exerience this week on Cinnamon. They were in St Thomas for a week and ventured to STJ. 2 young couples in their 20's , had bottles and was approached by a park ranger and got a $50 fine. Not defending her, you play you pay.. lol She then watched the man disappear into some bushes and get out some binoculars to watch down the beach ! LOL .On their way out they ran into a coulple in their 50's who also received a fine, and was not so happy about the rangers arrogant attitude. Will make sure that I have no glass with me next week!

hmmm....seems they should start giving fines to the smokers who love to throw their butts in the sand?

surfnh wrote:

PaminMaine wrote:My daughter had an exerience this week on Cinnamon. They were in St Thomas for a week and ventured to STJ. 2 young couples in their 20's , had bottles and was approached by a park ranger and got a $50 fine. Not defending her, you play you pay.. lol She then watched the man disappear into some bushes and get out some binoculars to watch down the beach ! LOL .On their way out they ran into a coulple in their 50's who also received a fine, and was not so happy about the rangers arrogant attitude. Will make sure that I have no glass with me next week!

hmmm....seems they should start giving fines to the smokers who love to throw their butts in the sand?

Interesting point.

I remember seeing maybe one sort of sharp piece of glass on the beach in 15+ years. Cig butts are, sadly, all over the place. We have responbile smokers in our group so I know not every smoker leaves butts.

On Hawksnest, the ranger was popping in and out of the sea grapes.

Another thing we saw on Hawksnest - a family next to us collected a huge pile of coral and shells to take home. I heard the kids talking about painting them to sell at some school fair. I silently wrestled with telling them they shouldn't take the stuff but in end, I didn't say anything.

Great, Now all I can think about is the food in Old San Juan...... I think a quick long weekend trip is not far on the horizon.....