USVI-On-Line

We're staying at the Westin in a 2br villa in Feb. I'm wondering what the best, most economical way to stock the villa w groceries. Should I get a taxi from the airport to a grocery store then to the ferry? Is this much less expensive than grocery shopping on St. John? I will be shopping for 4. Will this be more of a hassle than it is worth since I can get a round trip ferry ride w transport to the dock for $95pp straight to the Westin dock? Please advise. Thanks in advance

My 2 cents - just shop in St John. IMHO, it would be a pain to take a cab to shop in STT, then drag the groceries onto the ferry. The grocery stores in STJ have a lot of stuff (not like here in the Washington DC area, but everything we wanted) and are close to Westin. But I'm into keeping things simple on vacation.

I usually bring down a soft sided cooler with me to 'check in' on the plane. We like to bring down grilling goods, burgers, hot dogs, steak & Chicken, etc...It's nice to feel "at home" asap while on vacation, if you ask me. Nothing says it better than a full fridge!
Then I just stuff my shirts, and shorts into my Amys' check in luggage. Our 'carry-on' luggage consists of our snorkel bags that easily hold our personal items, as well.
Have fun!
Smiles-
MJ

If you plan to eat in your villa, the selection and prices are better on STT. If you are looking for snacks and light stuff there is plenty on STJ.

If you do STT shopping. Rent a car, do your shopping and bring the car over to STJ on the barge.

sloop jones

WE stay at the Westin, one thing that will save you some bucks, bring down salt and Pepper, sugar,cooking oil, etc. and condiments from home, the Westin does not provide anything! $7 for A1 sauce at Star Fish market. It can get expensive buying everything you need for cooking. Everything I mentioned will save you a lot of money. The rest I would buy when your on St. John.

A few things:

Unless you are getting rental car from STT and taking the car ferry over, I can't imagine that it would be worthwhile.

Prices are higher than you're used to on both STT and STJ. Honestly just wait until you get to STJ and avoid the hassle. Starfish is closest to what you're used to in terms of layout and amenities.

Pine Peace market is more locals oriented and prices are better.

Like DCphoto I bring certain things with me: spices, powdered gatorade, cold brew ice tea bags, equal etc. Items that are light and pack well -- and save me $$$. heck I even throw in PB&J if I've got the weight to spare.

Finally, and this is just me here... $95 per person to go to the Westin is just outrageous to me and why folks pay this is beyond me.

A round trip on the regular ferry from downtown is $23 per person plus a couple of extra bucks for the bags.

If you aren't renting a car in Cruz Bay -- even if you take a cab to the Westin -- which is all of 5 minutes from the Cruz Bay ferry dock -- you won't even come CLOSE to $95 per person.

I'm sure the Westin ferry is nice and they probably give you drinks on board. But seriously, even with cab rides and regular ferry prices both ways you will save about $100 between 2 people. That's a decent dinner out.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this issue?

Is there really an advantage to taking the Westin ferry over the regular ferry??

What else do they offer for this price that I'm missing here?

I don't get the ferry deal either, but I guess there is an advantage to handing someone your bags at the airport and not having to touch them again until you get to the Westin. I don't know if they serve drinks on the ferry, but they do meet you with a rum drink when you get off at the dock. I wouldn't pay it but that's my personal calculus.

DELETED

For what it's worth (and I do like to cook and am always on a budget)...if each of your travelers uses 1/4 of their luggage space to bring anything packaged or appealing to you. Microwave popcorn, drink powder, goldfish, mac and cheese boxes, pringles, jar of pesto, box of spaghetti, rice, granola bars,etc. That packaged stuff is expensive on island. Then save your fruit/veggie/meat/cheese/dairy fresh food shopping for St. John. It's a pain to carry extra bags from shopping on STT in addition to luggage.
Ps--one time we even brought a cake mix and frosting and brownie mix and that was a treat for the kids!
I don't get the $95 ferry either, especially X4.