Car Barge

[drd434]

We are debating whether or not to rent a jeep in St. Thomas vs St. John. I have researched the forums and I understand the risk associated with a STT jeep rental break down on STJ.

Can any one explain the process for getting onto the car barge? Do we pay in advance? Is the process of loading on and off simple?

This is our first time to STT or STJ other than day trips on a cruise and I want to ensure that the process of getting on the barge won't be overwhelming for a newbie!

Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated...

Thanks,

~DRD

[stjchica]

We have never used the car barge, but I am sure someone will post some help for you soon. Have a great trip~

[mindehankins]

We prefer to rent on St. Thomas, from Amalie. When you arrive at Red Hook, I believe you pay a small fee to get into the area where you wait for the ferry. When the ferry is ready to load, you'll back on, with an attendant guiding you in. They really pack you in there. Someone will come around during the ride, to collect the fare. Once, we weren't in the car, but sitting up under the palm tree, and the attendant came there to collect our fare. The attendant will ask if you want a round trip ticket, which costs less money, but the companies don't honor each other's ticket, so you'd have to wait for the right company, to leave. Hope that makes sense.
We just buy a one-way ticket, each way.
It's easy - no problem.

[mindehankins]

Also, I don't think they accept credit or debit cards. You'll need cash.

[ccinhbg]

mindehankins is right. It is a pretty easy process to catch the car barge. First time backing the car on the barge and then watching them pack more cars and trucks in is unsettling but those guys know what they're doing. After the first trip you'll be a veteran and it will be no problem mon.

[Effie]

Do you recommend making a reservation? I know one of them takes online reservations but then we would be stuck going back only with them. How often is the car barge full? Thanks!

[ccinhbg]

We have never made reservations (in case of flight delays, traffic, etc.) but we never hit an instance when the barge is full. I think the longest we ever had to wait for a barge was about ten minutes. Our first time a few years back we bought a round trip when we went over. Luckily when we went to come back it was the same company. Now we buy a one way so we don't have toworry about waiting for a specific barge.

[Teresa_Rae]

We've rented on STT for all 10 of our trips to STJ.

When you get to the dock at Red Hook, there is a little shed where someone will collect $3 or $4 from you. This person is not from any of the barge companies, it's a port fee. Then you back in and wait to board the barge. The only tough part of the whole thing is backing up onto the barge, as sometimes you have to squeeze into a small spot. There will be guys there to guide you, so just do what they say. Then wait in your car until a lady comes to get your money (it's always a woman). At that point you can choose to stay in your car or go up to the top and sit. The accommodations vary depending on which barge you're on.

I have never heard of being able to make a reservation and I can't imagine that such a thing exists. You just get there and wait in line until it's your turn to board. Even if there was a way to make a reservation, there's not really a way to talk to anyone until it's time to board, and then at that point people are already backing onto the barge.

[Bigcheeze]

Dito what Minde and Teresa had to say. Plus as we always have 6 in our party it's easier, more cost effecient and you can practice your driving Left on STT. Downside is sometimes parking on STJ. But Slimman always has been great in providing great service and discount too with the obligatory cold bottle of adult beverage from a green bottle.

[hotrns]

BigCheese ... you are a wealth of knowledge. I have never tried to bribe Slimman with a beer but you have now set me straight!

[Bigcheeze]

BigCheese ... you are a wealth of knowledge. I have never tried to bribe Slimman with a beer but you have now set me straight!

Well, I might pay $5 plus a $5 beer....but it's kinda the satisfaction of getting a percieved Deal. Of course we get a quanity discount too.

Slimman has actually tracked us down to give us our keys and point us in the right direction...which is a left at the church and then a right...a few trips around the roundabout...back to Gift Hill...in bed by 10...

[Fisheye]

i gotta bite on that slimman reference.
i'm a newbie, so need lotsa help.
where does one find him?

[Teresa_Rae]

His parking lot is across from Wharfside Village. You'll be on a one way road with Wharfside on your right and the parking lot will be on your left. If you get to the church, you've gone too far.

[Effie]

Love City ferries has a website and you can make a reservation on there. They said they will also let you take the next ferry if you miss the one you made your reservation for. Since most of you haven't had a problem with a full ferry, we probably won't make a reservation. Thanks for the advice!

[drd434]

Thanks for all of the responses. I am reassured that the process won't be too bad and it is something thousands of people do every year without incident. I even found some you tube videos showing the process!

If the price is right we will look into renting on STT!

Thanks again,

~DRD