Leaving tomorrow for WSJ- my final questions (I promise)

Carolyn · Nov 7, 2008

What is the protocol once we arrive at the Westin on the Ferry? Does everyone have to check in at the same time? I am invisioning long lines if this is the case. Also the $85 charge stated this included tips. Is this really the case or should we tip when our bags are brought to the Villa and how long does it take to get our luggage? Thanks again for everyone's help!

Carolyn

Johnsky · Nov 7, 2008

When the ferry arrives, you will be greated with rum punch and they divide you into small groups based on the location of your room. Your escort will take you to your room (it doesn't take much time at all) and your baggage will be delivered promptly. Our luggage was actually waiting for us in our room when we arrived, so we didn't have to worry about a tip. It all worked very smoothly for us. The Westin provides a very nice welcome. Have a wonderful time!!!

DavidnRobin · Nov 7, 2008

The 'protocol' is to drop your luggage off at the Westin office at STT - you will be taken by taxi to Crown Bay (hopefully) - where you take the Westin ferry over to the dock at WSJ. While you wait for the ferry - you can start drinking at Tickles next to the dock (if you haven't aleady had some free flavored Cruzan rum shots at STT) - you then get on the ferry where they will give you cool towels to wipe the sweat from your brow (because it is hot/humid) and free cold water.

After they drop you off at the Westin dock - there you will be offered more rum punch (sensing a trend here?) - they will give you your room keys (no wait) and shuttle you to your villa. You luggage will arrive shortly - doesn't get easier.

Please start relaxing and put your worries aside - remember that things move VERY slowly in the USVI - so do not expect hand&foot service - as you will be disappointed. Say "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening" to the islanders and show patience. Idle chit-chat and humor works well before requesting anything - I make a game of it - to see if I can get a smile before any request.

Another odd thing about the islanders is that they are already at the second level while you are at the first. Hard to explain - but lets say you are waiting to order a drink at the bar - do not say " Good Evening - I would like a drink" - since why are you there in the first place? Say "G' evening I would like a Painkiller (or drink of your choice)" It is bit strange to explain - but you will understand. It is like standing at the car rental desk and asking if they rent cars - of course they do - otherwise why would they be at the desk.

Also - sometimes it is difficult to tell if they are talking to you or someone else - especially with the heavy island accents - since they sometimes will not talk while looking in your eyes - when in doubt - assume they are.

It is hard to make the islanders smile and laugh - but when you do - their faces light up and they laughs are deep.

Follow your tag line - "if life gives you limes..." and things will work out.

A while back a did a photo sequence of our arrival - look for a thread in late June.

I tip because the people there are relatively poor - and a buck or two means less for us than it does for them.

Carolyn · Nov 7, 2008

So I guess at some point we will go to the front desk and give them our Starwod AMEX number. Thanks for the feedback!

Carolyn

Dave M · Nov 7, 2008

No, you'll do that at the Westin office in STT. That's your Weston check-in desk - before you get to the ferry.

Transit · Nov 7, 2008

It's a very smooth check in. likely the easiest i've been through.Everythings done before you arrive to the resort.

DavidnRobin · Nov 7, 2008

I just made our plane flights (on Delta SFO-ATL-STT) for weeks 23-24 in 2009.

For some reason our AMEX SPG card would not go through on-line at Delta.com - so I had to put on VISA. I called AMEX SPG and they gave us 2500 SPs for the 'trouble'- gotta love it. The flight was around $900pp RT. AA wanted $100 more as goes thru MIA (with a long layover) and later arrival at STT.

Can't wait....

James1975NY · Nov 7, 2008

Carolyn said:
What is the protocol once we arrive at the Westin on the Ferry? Does everyone have to check in at the same time? I am invisioning long lines if this is the case. Also the $85 charge stated this included tips. Is this really the case or should we tip when our bags are brought to the Villa and how long does it take to get our luggage? Thanks again for everyone's help!

Carolyn

Basically, let the plane land (you are not going to believe how short the runway is in St. Thomas) and then check-in at the Westin Desk. From there, just let it happen!

Have a great time!!!!