Westin St John Master Thread - Part 3 [Dec. 2017 and forward]

[CPNY]

Westin ferry times back to red hook are 8am, 10:30a, 2:45p, 4:45p, and 6:45p.

 

[sharr7]

So this is...close to accurate:

https://vistana-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/vistana-web/destinations/schedules/WSJ-temporary-ferry-schedule.pdf

 

[CPNY]

So this is...close to accurate:

https://vistana-web-static.s3.amazonaws.com/vistana-web/destinations/schedules/WSJ-temporary-ferry-schedule.pdf

View attachment 35252

How long is the ferry from Westin to red hook and what is the drive to the airport? I’m wondering if it’s better to take a 10:30 ferry for a 1pm flight or maybe head over to Cruz bay and take a ferry to crown bay and take a cab from there

 

[Eric B]

The Westin St. John Resort Villas | Maps

Get directions and see resort maps for The Westin St. John Resort Villas.

www.vistana.com

Per the discussion here, the Westin ferry takes 15 minutes and its a 45 minute drive. That's for going from the airport to WSJ, though.

 

[sharr7]

Ferry is 15-20 min, taxi is about 30-40 min Red Hook to STT Airport.

May want to consider the Crown Bay ferry as well https://www.interislandboatservices.com/
Ferry about 35 min, taxi only 5 min. But you have to taxi to Cruz Bay from Westin too.

 

[CPNY]

Ferry is 15-20 min, taxi is about 30-40 min Red Hook to STT Airport.

May want to consider the Crown Bay ferry as well https://www.interislandboatservices.com/
Ferry about 35 min, taxi only 5 min. But you have to taxi to Cruz Bay from Westin too.

I was just looking at the option. The issue is I have an 1pm flight and the first ferry leaves at 11am (I don’t think this would be enough time). I have friends with a rental car so they can drive me to the ferry terminal that morning. If I do the 3PM connecting flight, this would be enough time (I think too much time)

 

[sharr7]

Yeah the 11AM is probably too tight. The 10:30 Westin is probably enough time, so long as they don't enforce anything like the ferry they put you on must be >3 hr before your departure time (though there's probably ways around this if they do have any rules like that...)

I would keep the direct flight and the 1PM time slot. I've been planning for a trip in June and based on the (Saturday) departure times of major flights, you're less likely to run into 2-hour lines at the airport at 1PM than 3PM - most departures are from 3PM-6PM.

 

[CPNY]

Yeah the 11AM is probably too tight. The 10:30 Westin is probably enough time, so long as they don't enforce anything like the ferry they put you on must be >3 hr before your departure time (though there's probably ways around this if they do have any rules like that...)

I would keep the direct flight and the 1PM time slot. I've been planning for a trip in June and based on the (Saturday) departure times of major flights, you're less likely to run into 2-hour lines at the airport at 1PM than 3PM - most departures are from 3PM-6PM.

Great point. I’ll stick with the 1pm direct.

Do you think the 11am ferry going into crown bay is a better option? I hear the ride to the airport is much closer from crown bay ~5 minute drive? That could get me to the airport by 11:45 for a 1:05 flight?

 

[sharr7]

Maybe someone who tried something similar recently could chime in but I'd hate to tell you to do that, it does go against general flight arrival guidelines and recent anecdotes of horrendous airport lines. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing it. The 30 min difference of the westin departure is just enough that I wouldn't stress about every minor delay on the way there.

You could call that ferry company and see what they say. They occasionally add a 9AM trip.

 

[GrayFal]

Maybe someone who tried something similar recently could chime in but I'd hate to tell you to do that, it does go against general flight arrival guidelines and recent anecdotes of horrendous airport lines. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing it. The 30 min difference of the westin departure is just enough that I wouldn't stress about every minor delay on the way there.

You could call that ferry company and see what they say. They occasionally add a 9AM trip.

You are correct. It isn't enough time. You want to be at that airport 10-10:30 for a 1 pm flight. When I was arriving 10/2019 we left airport at 1:30 on Westin transport for 2:30 ferry. Normally 30-40 ride. There was an accident that closed the two lane road near Bolongo Bay. Taxi had to turn around, go back into town and take the middle road past K-Mart arriving right at 2:30 as the Westin ferry pulled away. We could have gotten the 3 pm Public ferry but decide to sit and drink in our terminal with our new friends from Louisiana who had been traveling 2 days to get there because of weather related flight delays. We got the 4Pm Westin ferry.

It really is island time there, stuff happens and you can't do anything about it.

If you want you can take the Westin ferry one way and going home take the public ferry at 9 am to get to the airport between 10-10:30.

I can't wait to hear your travel stories

 

[jschmeling]

On our way Friday, last minute decision and availability lined up for six days! Drawback - no car rentals seem to be available, but we'll deal. When we have a car rental we usually bring our own beach chairs in a large duffel - they weigh about 17 pounds each - and then haul them to the beaches we snorkel at. Having to take taxis alters this equation a bit, I suspect, anyone think it'd be a problem for my wife and I to each lug one on the taxi? Awkward, but will it tick off drivers and others? They're like long boxes when folded up (canopy chairs). We'll leave them behind otherwise, but the canopies are pretty nice for keeping from sunburning!

Separately, how's the resort this month? Looks fully booked, so I'm expecting crowds at the pool and Snorkels. Accurate? We've been coming in September most years recently so lower crowds. How's mask wearing or not at the pool and outside? We're fully vaccinated, but used to wearing masks everywhere where we live, inside and outside. What else is different with COVID? We are going stir crazy at home and so ready to be on a beach and snorkeling and swimming!!!

 

[DavidnRobin]

What time should one plan on leaving WSJ to catch a 1pm flight?

Get a Porter at STT.
Early WSJ ferry is likely safest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CPNY]

Get a Porter at STT.
Early WSJ ferry is likely safest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was afraid if this lol

 

[alexadeparis]

On our way Friday, last minute decision and availability lined up for six days! Drawback - no car rentals seem to be available, but we'll deal. When we have a car rental we usually bring our own beach chairs in a large duffel - they weigh about 17 pounds each - and then haul them to the beaches we snorkel at. Having to take taxis alters this equation a bit, I suspect, anyone think it'd be a problem for my wife and I to each lug one on the taxi? Awkward, but will it tick off drivers and others? They're like long boxes when folded up (canopy chairs). We'll leave them behind otherwise, but the canopies are pretty nice for keeping from sunburning!

Separately, how's the resort this month? Looks fully booked, so I'm expecting crowds at the pool and Snorkels. Accurate? We've been coming in September most years recently so lower crowds. How's mask wearing or not at the pool and outside? We're fully vaccinated, but used to wearing masks everywhere where we live, inside and outside. What else is different with COVID? We are going stir crazy at home and so ready to be on a beach and snorkeling and swimming!!!

They will charge you like luggage for the chairs in the taxi a couple bucks each ride

 

[DavidnRobin]

VGV Property Tax Notice:

May 24, 2021

The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands recently posted a reminder to all property owners on its Lieutenant Governor’s website of the current amnesty of all interest and penalties assessed against all outstanding U.S. Virgin Islands real property taxes. This waiver will expire on June 30, 2021.

“The amnesty is extended to all property owners covering all delinquent tax years and is intended to provide a waiver of 100% of all interest and penalties,” said Lieutenant Governor Roach. Read more on the amnesty offer from the U.S. Virgin Islands Government. Property tax payments can be paid online at propertytax.vi.gov.

For additional information regarding property tax payments, please contact the Office of the Tax Collector on St. John at 340-774-2991.

Sincerely,
Vistana Management, Inc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dawnwrey]

Get a Porter at STT.
Early WSJ ferry is likely safest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We just left there Saturday. We took the 10:30am Westin ferry, and were not at the gate until 1:08pm. That was with first class checking in on delta and TSA precheck. Never seen it so busy! Saw many people miss their flight. Plan ahead!

 

[CPNY]

We just left there Saturday. We took the 10:30am Westin ferry, and were not at the gate until 1:08pm. That was with first class checking in on delta and TSA precheck. Never seen it so busy! Saw many people miss their flight. Plan ahead!

WOW! Unfortunately I’m leaving on a Saturday as well. I’m guessing I’ll be leaving at 8AM from Westin to be safe.

 

[CPNY]

Anyone having an issue getting into the USVI travel portal? If I’m leaving on Sunday, is it acceptable to get my test today?

 

[DanCali]

Does anyone know if these home tests are accepted by the USVI portal?

They apparently have a partnership with United (I got a targeted email due to an international itinerary I have). Supposedly they are good for coming back into the US from overseas, so I'd think USVI should accept them. However, from what I can tell the results are received via app so not sure how you present them to USVI portal.

Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag At-Home Test Kit 6 Pack (emed.com)

 

[seagila]

Anyone having an issue getting into the USVI travel portal? If I’m leaving on Sunday, is it acceptable to get my test today?

I believe so or at least I hope so. USVI travel guidance says RT-PCR test taken and negative test results received "both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory".

Our flight leaves mainland US and arrives in STT on Saturday, May 29th, so took the Covid test yesterday, May 24th, and just uploaded the negative results to https://usvitravelportal.com about 15 minutes ago. Now waiting on their approval.

 

[CPNY]

I believe so or at least I hope so. USVI travel guidance says RT-PCR test taken and negative test results received "both within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory".

Our flight leaves mainland US and arrives in STT on Saturday, May 29th, so took the Covid test yesterday, May 24th, and just uploaded the negative results to https://usvitravelportal.com about 15 minutes ago. Now waiting on their approval.

I can’t get into the portal for some reason. I keep getting spam pop ups

 

[tborr123]

VGV Property Tax Notice:

May 24, 2021

The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands recently posted a reminder to all property owners on its Lieutenant Governor’s website of the current amnesty of all interest and penalties assessed against all outstanding U.S. Virgin Islands real property taxes. This waiver will expire on June 30, 2021.

“The amnesty is extended to all property owners covering all delinquent tax years and is intended to provide a waiver of 100% of all interest and penalties,” said Lieutenant Governor Roach. Read more on the amnesty offer from the U.S. Virgin Islands Government. Property tax payments can be paid online at propertytax.vi.gov.

For additional information regarding property tax payments, please contact the Office of the Tax Collector on St. John at 340-774-2991.

Sincerely,
Vistana Management, Inc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How does one find out what and how much is owing?

 

[daviator]

VGV Property Tax Notice:

May 24, 2021

The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands recently posted a reminder to all property owners on its Lieutenant Governor’s website of the current amnesty of all interest and penalties assessed against all outstanding U.S. Virgin Islands real property taxes. This waiver will expire on June 30, 2021.

“The amnesty is extended to all property owners covering all delinquent tax years and is intended to provide a waiver of 100% of all interest and penalties,” said Lieutenant Governor Roach. Read more on the amnesty offer from the U.S. Virgin Islands Government. Property tax payments can be paid online at propertytax.vi.gov.

For additional information regarding property tax payments, please contact the Office of the Tax Collector on St. John at 340-774-2991.

Sincerely,
Vistana Management, Inc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do owners at WSJ have to pay property taxes directly, separately from their maintenance fees? Hard to imagine why the local government would want to chase thousands of timeshare owners instead of just collecting from Vistana and having the taxes rolled into maintenance fees like all (?) the other Vistana properties. Seems like that's also a pain for owners, one more bill to keep track of and pay every year.

I guess I shouldn't try to find logic behind governmental decisions...

 

[SandyPGravel]

Do owners at WSJ have to pay property taxes directly, separately from their maintenance fees? Hard to imagine why the local government would want to chase thousands of timeshare owners instead of just collecting from Vistana and having the taxes rolled into maintenance fees like all (?) the other Vistana properties. Seems like that's also a pain for owners, one more bill to keep track of and pay every year.

I guess I shouldn't try to find logic behind governmental decisions...

Only the owners in the Virgin Grand Section. (Of course the VGV section is the only mandatory section at WSJ.)

 

[GrayFal]

I can’t get into the portal for some reason. I keep getting spam pop ups

Did you finally get in?