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National Geographic
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sailorgirl
- Posts: 1644
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:03 pm
National Geographic
National Geographic published "reviews" and ratings of islands world wide. here's what they say about St. John
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Score: 70
"St. John is the best in the Caribbean. Much of its natural environment has been saved by the Park Service and ecologically minded business people. Its long term prospects, especially for the locals, will depend on good sustainable tourism management."
"The national park has saved this virgin from being tired like St. Thomas. There's almost no trash along the roads, you can hike for a couple of miles without coming across structures, and there are fabulous bays reachable only on foot (or boat); snorkeling is outstanding. Still, several beaches are heavily impacted by cruise ship visitors ferrying over from St. Thomas. The park is understaffed. One-third of the island is not park and is under siege with over-scaled villas. Cruz Bay is losing its ramshackle charm to newer buildings containing shopping malls and real estate developers. Traffic is congested."
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Score: 70
"St. John is the best in the Caribbean. Much of its natural environment has been saved by the Park Service and ecologically minded business people. Its long term prospects, especially for the locals, will depend on good sustainable tourism management."
"The national park has saved this virgin from being tired like St. Thomas. There's almost no trash along the roads, you can hike for a couple of miles without coming across structures, and there are fabulous bays reachable only on foot (or boat); snorkeling is outstanding. Still, several beaches are heavily impacted by cruise ship visitors ferrying over from St. Thomas. The park is understaffed. One-third of the island is not park and is under siege with over-scaled villas. Cruz Bay is losing its ramshackle charm to newer buildings containing shopping malls and real estate developers. Traffic is congested."
This “Islands Rated” is the cover story in NG Traveler mag.
6 criteria used were environmental/eco quality; social/cultural integrity; condition of historic bldgs and archaeological sites; quality of tourism mgnt; and future outlook.
Highest scoring “Best Rated” Caribbean islands included Dominica 77 and Grenadines 77 “one of the last, best hopes of the Caribbean”.
Higher scoring “Islands Doing Well” Caribbean islands include St. John 70; Anguilla 70; Nevis 70; Bonaire 68; St. Vincent 68; and Tobago 66.
Next level down categorized as “Islands in the Balance = mixed bag of successes and worries” includes St. Lucia 64; Martinique 62; Barbados 62; and this surprised me Tortola at 61 “rapidly losing its charm” and losing points due to cruise ships; Grenada 59; St. Kitts 59; St. Croix 53 “historic bldgs poorly maintained” and “crime and beach water quality problems” but “trends improving”; Puerto Rico 51; Antigua 50. The smaller BVIs weren’t included in this survey.
Then you have “Islands in Trouble” with Aruba 48; Grand Cayman 47; St. Martin 47; Cozumel 47; Turks and Caicos at 44 due to “booming/excessive development that is destroying the beauty of Grace Beach and sense of place, but diving and waters remain beautiful”; and St. Thomas scored only 37, clobbered for the effects of too many cruise ships but noting “the island retains attractive corners”. Yikes – that’s harsh.
6 criteria used were environmental/eco quality; social/cultural integrity; condition of historic bldgs and archaeological sites; quality of tourism mgnt; and future outlook.
Highest scoring “Best Rated” Caribbean islands included Dominica 77 and Grenadines 77 “one of the last, best hopes of the Caribbean”.
Higher scoring “Islands Doing Well” Caribbean islands include St. John 70; Anguilla 70; Nevis 70; Bonaire 68; St. Vincent 68; and Tobago 66.
Next level down categorized as “Islands in the Balance = mixed bag of successes and worries” includes St. Lucia 64; Martinique 62; Barbados 62; and this surprised me Tortola at 61 “rapidly losing its charm” and losing points due to cruise ships; Grenada 59; St. Kitts 59; St. Croix 53 “historic bldgs poorly maintained” and “crime and beach water quality problems” but “trends improving”; Puerto Rico 51; Antigua 50. The smaller BVIs weren’t included in this survey.
Then you have “Islands in Trouble” with Aruba 48; Grand Cayman 47; St. Martin 47; Cozumel 47; Turks and Caicos at 44 due to “booming/excessive development that is destroying the beauty of Grace Beach and sense of place, but diving and waters remain beautiful”; and St. Thomas scored only 37, clobbered for the effects of too many cruise ships but noting “the island retains attractive corners”. Yikes – that’s harsh.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
I was more curious to how STT ranked than STJ. STT is way too touristy for me. We got over early on our way home and spent an hour or so shopping before we had to get to the airport, and it was one of the longest hours of my life. I just can't deal with everyone asking me if I need a cab or if I'd like to buy jewelry or t-shirts. It was a lot like everyone told me the Bahamas are, and I'm sure that has to do with the influx of cruise ships.
I just don't get that kind of vacation, although I know there are plenty here who enjoy cruise ships.
I just don't get that kind of vacation, although I know there are plenty here who enjoy cruise ships.
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
STT Lulu is very touristy and you are right with the influx of cruise ships. It is also like that since the natives count on the $$$ from the tourists.
STJ is not even like that (to me) even at the Cruz Bay dock when you get off the ferry with all the taxi cabs....
I have a friend who lived in Nassau for a bit for 10 yrs and can not believe how much it has changed with all the development and such.
I am actually scared on what it will be like when I get ot STJ in Jan......
Last time Grande bay was just not even 1/2 way but now it is almost complete I hear and Sirenuisance is starting........
I know development is a given just so much in such a short time and without all a planning commission........The most important issue the govt needs to address is the tax structure for STJ and getting a planner..........I am off my soap box now.....
STJ is not even like that (to me) even at the Cruz Bay dock when you get off the ferry with all the taxi cabs....
I have a friend who lived in Nassau for a bit for 10 yrs and can not believe how much it has changed with all the development and such.
I am actually scared on what it will be like when I get ot STJ in Jan......
Last time Grande bay was just not even 1/2 way but now it is almost complete I hear and Sirenuisance is starting........
I know development is a given just so much in such a short time and without all a planning commission........The most important issue the govt needs to address is the tax structure for STJ and getting a planner..........I am off my soap box now.....
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
Designbyroe-- I am having the same butterflies myself. I wonder what it will really look like-- better or worse?
I keep trying to remember what it was like for folks who moved to the island in the 1960's and 70's and they were prob asaying the same thing. I think what we all want tos ee is responsible development and growth in the economy that helps locals and tourists alike.
Until I'm there Dec 1, I'm hoping for the best!
I keep trying to remember what it was like for folks who moved to the island in the 1960's and 70's and they were prob asaying the same thing. I think what we all want tos ee is responsible development and growth in the economy that helps locals and tourists alike.
Until I'm there Dec 1, I'm hoping for the best!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
Gromit,
So true I came to STJ in the early 80's when Coral Bay was the main hub and people looked at STJ as the place to camp.
I remember when th Westin was a Hyatt......
Coral Bay has pretty much been able to stay the sleepy side in some ways.
When you talk with people like Moe at Skinny's and Cid at Connections or even Trinidad Charlie on what the island was like.... or Tom at Tradewinds their stories are so interesting.
I love talking the most to Mr. Benjamin and when Miss Lucy was alive.........
So true I came to STJ in the early 80's when Coral Bay was the main hub and people looked at STJ as the place to camp.
I remember when th Westin was a Hyatt......
Coral Bay has pretty much been able to stay the sleepy side in some ways.
When you talk with people like Moe at Skinny's and Cid at Connections or even Trinidad Charlie on what the island was like.... or Tom at Tradewinds their stories are so interesting.
I love talking the most to Mr. Benjamin and when Miss Lucy was alive.........
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
Everytime I see those boatloads of cruise ship passengers coming to TRunk Bay like herded cattle - I am reminded of why I don't take Cruise ship vacations.
To me it's the fast food McDonalds of vacation options. I understand why some people like cruising-- and McDonalds-- it's convenient. But to me there are lots of other ways to find convenience and value in my travel dollars.
I just don't care for "a new port every other day" mentality and clearly it's having both positive and negative affects on the economies of these islands.
It's just sad to me.
When I think of stuff like this I get flashbacks from our trip to Florence Italy and year and a half ago.
When planning our trip to Italy I decided that I wanted to pick one place and stay there for a week --taking day trips if I wanted.
After reading up on all the options I selected Florence. I just felt it was a good fit. Every other American we ran into, was doing the Italy Tri-fecta (Venice,Rome Florence). EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM I spoke with expressed regret for their choice to try and "DO" all of these cities in one trip. They all wished they had stayed in Florence longer.
The other thing I saw while there were these tour buses which would pull up in front of the Duomo, or the Uffizi. People would swarm out of the vehicle, line up to take a photo or pose in front of said photo op and then get back on the bus. They didn't go in, didn't look around, didn't understand what they were even looking at or why it had meaning.
I just thought to myself-- what a waste of time. I spend time in a place and get to know it well enough so I don't have to take pictures.
Sorry, I'll get off my soapbaox now!!
To me it's the fast food McDonalds of vacation options. I understand why some people like cruising-- and McDonalds-- it's convenient. But to me there are lots of other ways to find convenience and value in my travel dollars.
I just don't care for "a new port every other day" mentality and clearly it's having both positive and negative affects on the economies of these islands.
It's just sad to me.
When I think of stuff like this I get flashbacks from our trip to Florence Italy and year and a half ago.
When planning our trip to Italy I decided that I wanted to pick one place and stay there for a week --taking day trips if I wanted.
After reading up on all the options I selected Florence. I just felt it was a good fit. Every other American we ran into, was doing the Italy Tri-fecta (Venice,Rome Florence). EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM I spoke with expressed regret for their choice to try and "DO" all of these cities in one trip. They all wished they had stayed in Florence longer.
The other thing I saw while there were these tour buses which would pull up in front of the Duomo, or the Uffizi. People would swarm out of the vehicle, line up to take a photo or pose in front of said photo op and then get back on the bus. They didn't go in, didn't look around, didn't understand what they were even looking at or why it had meaning.
I just thought to myself-- what a waste of time. I spend time in a place and get to know it well enough so I don't have to take pictures.
Sorry, I'll get off my soapbaox now!!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
So true Gromit.....
When I lived on island, I would meet people there for 1 day on a cruise and I would tell them 'next time just come to STJ and go out on the water on a smaller boat'....
They would come back and look me up and tell me that was the best advise.
I have been on 2 cruises and I did not like either.
I love being on the water but a cruise to me is like a large hotel on the water and I get to clausterphobic(sp).
I want to go to the Greek Isles and am trying to figure a way around a cruise. My clients sister rented a catamarann with 2 other couples and loved it
When I lived on island, I would meet people there for 1 day on a cruise and I would tell them 'next time just come to STJ and go out on the water on a smaller boat'....
They would come back and look me up and tell me that was the best advise.
I have been on 2 cruises and I did not like either.
I love being on the water but a cruise to me is like a large hotel on the water and I get to clausterphobic(sp).
I want to go to the Greek Isles and am trying to figure a way around a cruise. My clients sister rented a catamarann with 2 other couples and loved it
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
Lulu, I seem to recall that the taxis in CA are now banned from Main Street (or was that a short-term experiment?). It's funny the way shopkeepers and taxi drivers are at odds with each other. One set wants people to stay, the other set wants to drive them back to "thee sheeep".Lulu76 wrote:I was more curious to how STT ranked than STJ. STT is way too touristy for me. We got over early on our way home and spent an hour or so shopping before we had to get to the airport, and it was one of the longest hours of my life. I just can't deal with everyone asking me if I need a cab or if I'd like to buy jewelry or t-shirts. It was a lot like everyone told me the Bahamas are, and I'm sure that has to do with the influx of cruise ships.
I just don't get that kind of vacation, although I know there are plenty here who enjoy cruise ships.
I'm glad those "kids" they would recruit to get you to tour time share properties are gone. I still enjoy outings to CA. We just try to go on a low sheeep day.
Cat