Westin St John [Master Thread] - Part 2 (June 2014 and forward)

[GrayFal]

And your worth it! But realistically you could have done 4 people for that price, correct????

Do you go to that fabulous island off the east end???? dAvid?? I forgot the name. Where you saw the little shark and I saw the BIG shark????

So it is actually for two, and the next size up can do 6 (the one we did in August?)

Found it. Prices plus additional fuel cost.

FULL DAY CHARTERS: (8:30am-4:00pm)

20′ Angler Cat “Island Surfari” $400 (capacity for two passengers)

25′ World Cat “Island Roots” $600 (up to six passengers)

33′ World Cat “Catzilla” $750 (up to eight passengers)

$50 per additional passenger up to twelve
EXTENDED DAY CHARTER: + $100 (8:30am-5:30pm)

 

[czar]

So it is actually for two, and the next size up can do 6 (the one we did in August?)

Found it. Prices plus additional fuel cost.

FULL DAY CHARTERS: (8:30am-4:00pm)

20′ Angler Cat “Island Surfari” $400 (capacity for two passengers)

25′ World Cat “Island Roots” $600 (up to six passengers)

33′ World Cat “Catzilla” $750 (up to eight passengers)

$50 per additional passenger up to twelve
EXTENDED DAY CHARTER: + $100 (8:30am-5:30pm)

We splurged on this two years ago and it remains not only one of my best memories of St. John, but also one of my best memories with my young family. Jason is top notch, very flexible and easy to get along with, and knows the area super well. Also interesting to hear his experiences about being a kid growing up in the area and what it was like.

 

[EricAndCarol]

Good to know about the smaller boat for Island Roots - normally there are 4 of us, but 2 is good option (albeit at a premium).

It looks like there is an 8 pax 33' option this year too. We have another couple joining us so that might come in handy. We definitely had a great time with Island Roots last year and look forward to going out again.

 

[DavidnRobin]

It looks like there is an 8 pax 33' option this year too. We have another couple joining us so that might come in handy. We definitely had a great time with Island Roots last year and look forward to going out again.

We look forward to seeing you guys in June (soon come). At this point, most likely just going to be the 2 of us. We are up for a couple of water days as always. I am sure Joy (Ferndale) will be doing a lot of scuba trips - she will probably check-in here soon.

 

[SandyPGravel]

For those that take the car barge this may affect you...

http://newsofstjohn.com/2016/01/25/u-s-marshals-seize-mister-b-barge/

Has anyone heard an update on this situation? Has the car barge schedule changed since there is one less boat? I checked the VI ferry website, it looks the same as it always has to me, but if one less barge is available....

I can't find any update by googling it either.

Since the airlines websites states we have to be there 3 hours before departure we need to plan accordingly.

TIA

 

[SMHarman]

Has anyone heard an update on this situation? Has the car barge schedule changed since there is one less boat? I checked the VI ferry website, it looks the same as it always has to me, but if one less barge is available....

I can't find any update by googling it either.

Since the airlines websites states we have to be there 3 hours before departure we need to plan accordingly.

TIA

STT check-in at least on the United desks is a complete shambles so the 3 hours is fairly necessary.

 

[LisaRex]

Acc to VINOW.com travel forums:

"Problem solved for now. Love City Ferries has repositioned their barge from SubBase to ply the Red Hook/Cruz Bay passage so there will now be three barges running to compensate for the loss of the Mister B."

Another poster reported a 2 hour delay (4:30 departure delayed to 6:30pm), so I would definitely take caution and plan to depart 60 minutes earlier. YMMV.

 

[SandyPGravel]

Acc to VINOW.com travel forums:

"Problem solved for now. Love City Ferries has repositioned their barge from SubBase to ply the Red Hook/Cruz Bay passage so there will now be three barges running to compensate for the loss of the Mister B."

Another poster reported a 2 hour delay (4:30 departure delayed to 6:30pm), so I would definitely take caution and plan to depart 60 minutes earlier. YMMV.

Yikes! Scary thought. Not sure what we will do if the car barge runs out of room and we can't get to St. John. If the 4:30 cars end up on the 6:30 barge what happens to the 6:30 cars?? Has anyone ever experienced too many cars to make to boat and being SOL? I know this is where the Westin Ferry proponents will prevail, but I like Amalie picking us up at the airport. Going back I was planning on the 9:30 ferry to Red Hook, arrive at 10, 30 - 45 min to airport arrive by 11 for 2 pm flight. Maybe we should plan on 9 am?

 

[LisaRex]

Yikes! Scary thought. Not sure what we will do if the car barge runs out of room and we can't get to St. John. If the 4:30 cars end up on the 6:30 barge what happens to the 6:30 cars?? Has anyone ever experienced too many cars to make to boat and being SOL? I know this is where the Westin Ferry proponents will prevail, but I like Amalie picking us up at the airport. Going back I was planning on the 9:30 ferry to Red Hook, arrive at 10, 30 - 45 min to airport arrive by 11 for 2 pm flight. Maybe we should plan on 9 am?

If you're talking about a Saturday flight, then I will warn you that there is a significant difference between arriving at 10:30 vs. 11am. Seems everyone and their brother plan to arrive at 11am, because most airlines have early afternoon flights back to the States. 15 minutes can mean the difference between getting through check-in/TSA/Customs in 45 minutes and 2 hours.

(Note: If you do arrive late, then by all means, accept the help of the people with the clipboard. For a small tip, you'll get escorted to the front of the line to get your baggage checked in. But for TSA & Customs, you're on your own)

Now if you're talking about a Friday or Sunday, then I'd say you don't have to be quite so cautious. But Saturday is a buggah.

 

[SandyPGravel]

If you're talking about a Saturday flight, then I will warn you that there is a significant difference between arriving at 10:30 vs. 11am. Seems everyone and their brother plan to arrive at 11am, because most airlines have early afternoon flights back to the States. 15 minutes can mean the difference between getting through check-in/TSA/Customs in 45 minutes and 2 hours.

(Note: If you do arrive late, then by all means, accept the help of the people with the clipboard. For a small tip, you'll get escorted to the front of the line to get your baggage checked in. But for TSA & Customs, you're on your own)

Now if you're talking about a Friday or Sunday, then I'd say you don't have to be quite so cautious. But Saturday is a buggah.

Thanx, I should thank my lucky stars that my fixed is Fri to Fri. Hate having to use the extra day off work, but if the airport is less congested...

 

[DavidnRobin]

Barge update.

http://newsofstjohn.com/2016/02/24/an-update-on-the-car-barge-situation/

 

[SandyPGravel]

Barge update.

http://newsofstjohn.com/2016/02/24/an-update-on-the-car-barge-situation/

How timely...Thanx, David!

 

[LisaRex]

Hmm, I see that they're upping the ante by charging $35 for one way and $50 for round trip. I'd still buy two one-ways so that I wasn't committed to one company, but with only 2 companies in play, some might find it worthwhile.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hmm, I see that they're upping the ante by charging $35 for one way and $50 for round trip. I'd still buy two one-ways so that I wasn't committed to one company, but with only 2 companies in play, some might find it worthwhile.

If you know their schedule - otherwise you may be sitting in hot parking lot for an hour waiting for correct car barge.

 

[dsmrp]

If you're talking about a Saturday flight, then I will warn you that there is a significant difference between arriving at 10:30 vs. 11am. Seems everyone and their brother plan to arrive at 11am, because most airlines have early afternoon flights back to the States. 15 minutes can mean the difference between getting through check-in/TSA/Customs in 45 minutes and 2 hours.

(Note: If you do arrive late, then by all means, accept the help of the people with the clipboard. For a small tip, you'll get escorted to the front of the line to get your baggage checked in. But for TSA & Customs, you're on your own)

Now if you're talking about a Friday or Sunday, then I'd say you don't have to be quite so cautious. But Saturday is a buggah.

Does TSA Pre-check help at all?
I looked on US Customs site, but no Global Entry at STT, too bad...

 

[SMHarman]

Does TSA Pre-check help at all?
I looked on US Customs site, but no Global Entry at STT, too bad...

Passports help. They can scan them. Else they type the driver licence data. That's what the tsa guy told me.

 

[SandyPGravel]

Car barge

The situation isn't what the news of St John made it out to be. We arrived at Red Hook at 6:07 pm so we obviously missed the 6 pm ferry. The next one arrived at 7, took until 8 pm to get to Cruz bay. (our flight arrived at 4:30). Talking to a local he said the ferry at 6 was small, he was there, but ferry ran out of room. They might be running later than the scheduled times though, the cars that didn't fit on our ferry were backed up waiting and we passed the smaller ferry heading back to Red Hook. I also talked to the women at the Westin reception desk and they confirmed only two ferry barges running...and one is small. Plan accordingly as best you can.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Gina -

Check out NPS dock in Cruz Bay today. This is a unique StJ experience - try and catch it.
Hokulea (Tahitian/Polynesian Sailing vessel) is there today (now...) - wish I were.

http://www.hokulea.com/
http://www.hokulea.com/track-the-voyage/

Added - we had the opportunity to see 2 of the sailing ships in Hanalei, Kauai in September 2013 during our WPORV incarceration . Interesting history - if you have ever seen the phrase "Eddie would go" {Hawaiian Hero and Legend} it is tied to creation and building of these ancient Polynesian sailing vessels, and unfortunate capsize in horrific seas in a HI channel with Eddie paddling towards land to save the souls aboard - never to be seen again. Quite a story.

ESPN 30:30 did a segment on Eddie, and a large wave surfing competition in his name (Eddie Aikau) just happened a few days ago - supposed 60ft waves. Crazy photos/videos.
https://www.facebook.com/WSL/videos/10153468496877058/

 

[ktmorgan]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. I am a (fairly) new owner at the Westin St. John. We vacationed there this past summer and purchased a Coral Vista annual float week. Now that I have survived the holidays and paid my first maintenance fees I figured it was time to start looking into booking my next trip!! Well, all I can say is please be prepared for all of the dumb newbie questions that will be coming your way. Right now I feel thoroughly confused.

I wanted this mostly to be an introduction post but I do have one question. I was told that I would be able to book 12 months out at my home resort. When I look right now it only shows me available to book something that is 8 months out. Can anyone figure out why that would be?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading many posts on here!

 

[SMHarman]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. I am a (fairly) new owner at the Westin St. John. We vacationed there this past summer and purchased a Coral Vista annual float week. Now that I have survived the holidays and paid my first maintenance fees I figured it was time to start looking into booking my next trip!! Well, all I can say is please be prepared for all of the dumb newbie questions that will be coming your way. Right now I feel thoroughly confused.

I wanted this mostly to be an introduction post but I do have one question. I was told that I would be able to book 12 months out at my home resort. When I look right now it only shows me available to book something that is 8 months out. Can anyone figure out why that would be?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading many posts on here!

You can book at 12 months in the Coral Vista phase (your resort) in the time designation you own, e.g. Platinum Plus.

 

[GrayFal]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. I am a (fairly) new owner at the Westin St. John. We vacationed there this past summer and purchased a Coral Vista annual float week. Now that I have survived the holidays and paid my first maintenance fees I figured it was time to start looking into booking my next trip!! Well, all I can say is please be prepared for all of the dumb newbie questions that will be coming your way. Right now I feel thoroughly confused.

I wanted this mostly to be an introduction post but I do have one question. I was told that I would be able to book 12 months out at my home resort. When I look right now it only shows me available to book something that is 8 months out. Can anyone figure out why that would be?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading many posts on here!

Hello and welcome. I also own Coral Vista. There are two seasons high (51-18ish) and low (19-50) maybe called Diamond and Resort, I forget!

You can book 12 months out in your season so if you own high season, you should be able to see week 51, 2016 thru February 28?2017 based on availability. You would not be able to see low season November December until 8 months out using home options.

If you own low season you should be able to see May 1,2016 thru week 50, 2016 subject to availability. You would not be able to see high season dates until 8 months out using your home options.

If you purchased resale, there is always the possibility they have your ownership coded incorrectly especially if you own another mandatory SVN ownership. See this thread. http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237798

Or if you purchased directly, something is wrong.
Give them a call...and what season do you own?

 

[ktmorgan]

Hello and welcome. I also own Coral Vista. There are two seasons high (51-18ish) and low (19-50) maybe called Diamond and Resort, I forget!

You can book 12 months out in your season so if you own high season, you should be able to see week 51, 2016 thru February 28?2017 based on availability. You would not be able to see low season November December until 8 months out using home options.

If you own low season you should be able to see May 1,2016 thru week 50, 2016 subject to availability. You would not be able to see high season dates until 8 months out using your home options.

If you purchased resale, there is always the possibility they have your ownership coded incorrectly especially if you own another mandatory SVN ownership. See this thread. http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237798

Or if you purchased directly, something is wrong.
Give them a call...and what season do you own?

Thanks for the reply! I own a floating week so I'm not sure exactly what "season" that would be associated with but I think I remember hearing it was a "Gold" membership? We purchased it in July of 2015 and told them we would generally use it in July.

And this was purchased directly.

 

[okwiater]

Thanks for the reply! I own a floating week so I'm not sure exactly what "season" that would be associated with but I think I remember hearing it was a "Gold" membership? We purchased it in July of 2015 and told them we would generally use it in July.

And this was purchased directly.

If you told them you would generally use it in July, it's likely you have a Resort season ownership which can only book 12 months out within that season. The winter weeks are reserved for Diamond season owners until 8 months out, when anyone with HomeOptions or StarOptions can book the remaining inventory (first come, first served).

 

[SMHarman]

So, 12 months out from today is March 2017 = Platinum season.

In June 2016 you will see availability for June 2017.

In fact if you search on villa finder for your July week it should say home and available to book July 1 2016 for example. If you did the WSJ and say Canun WLR along side that the WLR week would be telling you it was available to book in November (8 months out)

 

[DavidnRobin]

Thanks for the reply! I own a floating week so I'm not sure exactly what "season" that would be associated with but I think I remember hearing it was a "Gold" membership? We purchased it in July of 2015 and told them we would generally use it in July.

And this was purchased directly.

Looks like you own Resort (low) season at CV since you intend to visit in July. As mentioned - you can't see those days available to be reserved until 12 months in advance. You should know what you own - season and # of HomeResort Options.

That 'Gold' membership is for SPG. Elite level (3*, 4* and 5*) are for SVO and depends on number of Options bought (or requalified) from SVO.