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WSJ: 3 weeks and counting

LisaRex

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Tomorrow, it'll be 3 weeks til we leave for WSJ, we being my husband and another couple (the ones who brought their family to HI with us in the summer -- they love our TS purchase almost as much as we do. :))

Woo hoo!!

I've checked out the sites recommended here and ordered the books (and plan to read them this weekend.) I've pre-booked the all-day hike at the National Park. I'm checking out prices for chartering a boat for an all day sail/snorkel trip.

Questions:

Can anyone think of any other activity I should pre-book? Can you rent jetskis on property?

Has anyone golfed on St. Thomas? My friends and husband may want to do this. I've never golfed but would go along for the ride (I don't think St. Thomas is the place to learn.)

With the $25 second baggage charge, is there any compelling reason to try and bring my own steaks, as others have suggested? Note that we're in a 2 bdrm loft so I think we're in the section that doesn't have grills. Will it be convenient for us to grill or should we forget about it?

We've entered the transportation info on the WSJ website but I've yet to get an email confirmation. Should I call? Do I need to take a taxi from the ferry to the Westin?

We're planning on renting a jeep from OConnors. Is there a price break for renting by the week? Otherwise we'll do a combination of taxis and daily rentals.

How far away is the nearest grocery store or should we simply pre-order?

If our plane lands at 2:45pm, about what time do you think we'll get into our rooms? Should I make dinner reservations somewhere?

Thanks a lot!!
 

tomandrobin

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No advice, just wanted to let you know I am glad you got the exchange into St John. Have a great time and I am looking forward to your trip report in a few weeks!
 

Johnsky

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Tomorrow, it'll be 3 weeks til we leave for WSJ, we being my husband and another couple (the ones who brought their family to HI with us in the summer -- they love our TS purchase almost as much as we do. :))

Woo hoo!!

I've checked out the sites recommended here and ordered the books (and plan to read them this weekend.) I've pre-booked the all-day hike at the National Park. I'm checking out prices for chartering a boat for an all day sail/snorkel trip.

Questions:

Can anyone think of any other activity I should pre-book? Can you rent jetskis on property?

Has anyone golfed on St. Thomas? My friends and husband may want to do this. I've never golfed but would go along for the ride (I don't think St. Thomas is the place to learn.)

With the $25 second baggage charge, is there any compelling reason to try and bring my own steaks, as others have suggested? Note that we're in a 2 bdrm loft so I think we're in the section that doesn't have grills. Will it be convenient for us to grill or should we forget about it?

We've entered the transportation info on the WSJ website but I've yet to get an email confirmation. Should I call? Do I need to take a taxi from the ferry to the Westin?

We're planning on renting a jeep from OConnors. Is there a price break for renting by the week? Otherwise we'll do a combination of taxis and daily rentals.

How far away is the nearest grocery store or should we simply pre-order?

If our plane lands at 2:45pm, about what time do you think we'll get into our rooms? Should I make dinner reservations somewhere?

Thanks a lot!!

You will love St. John. The beaches and snorkeling are so beautiful. We stayed in a 2-BR villa that had grills. I can't speak about the lofts. Call the Westin Concierge to get the current transportation schedule. If you take the Westin water taxi, it drops you directly at the Westin. If you take the public one, it take you to the public pier and you will need a short taxi ride to the Westin. I was there a year ago and if memory serves, the O'Connor weekly rate equalled about one free day as compared to the daily rate. The closest grocery is less than a mile away. You could probably walk it, but it is up and over a fairly steep hill. Once you get the transport schedule from the concierge, you should be able to predict your arrival time. Have a great time!!!
 

DavidnRobin

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How exciting.

You will stick-out like a sore thumb if you jet-ski - they really do not go with the ambience of STJ. I do not think they rent jet skis at WSJ - you really do not see them.

No opinion on golf except I get the idea they will be disappointed based on what I have heard (by the time they get there and set-up to play - yikes! it will be hot/humid - are they really going to bring golf clubs...? IMO - a waste of effort - golf bags are not something you see at STT (like you do at OGG).

Grilling is fantastic for the Hillside villas - we bring steaks - I do not know for the lower villas. Bring half the clothes/shoes that you think you need. If you decide to grill - pack the frozen steaks in a soft-sided cold pack in your luggage. Quality red meat is not available on STJ (IMO).

They got the ferry reservation - they just do not respond - it is just that way in the islands... (get used to it) - besides the WSJ satellite office is at STT - just go there and drop your stuff off after confirming your reservation - and start the rum.

Depends on which ferry you get as to arriving at the villa - WSJ has a nice restuarant to eat at (along the water - not Chloe and Benards) - or you can taxi into town.

Watch-out for the no-seeums

I would not pre-orfer - Starfish Market is close by (taxi or drive) - it is a great market and well-stocked (relatively). DO NOT walk there - there is a section of road that is dangerous and steep and hot/humid.

Do not expect HI - you will be disappointed - STJ is much more tropical - and 3rd-world.

Are you renting a 4WD? If so, I hope you have reserved it already as there is a limited supply.

I have only been there in June - during June it is not overly crowded. The NPS tour is the only thing I have had to reserve in advance (along w/ a 4WD).

Read my long trip report from last June - to get a flavor of what to expect. Also checkout the links I put in the WSJ thread.

Enjoy - and Go Slow! (and STAY LEFT!)

Neat Sheet.
Waterlemon Cay! (if you are brave enough and the seas are calm - take a dinghy here - there are 2 dighny rentals - or walk from the entrance - flat but hot/humid).

Beach Bar.
Woody's for Happy Hour.

We took a trip on the Bad Kitty - smoothest ride to Virgin Gorda (the Baths) in the BVI - will need a passport - I highly recommend unless the cost is wrong for you. Have a Bushwacker at "One Love" on JVD.

Things are expensive!
 
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DavidnRobin

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It would be a good idea - which reminds me to do the same.
 

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I'm not positive, but I believe that the 2BR lofts are in the Bay Vista phase which would make sense since they were sold as floating weeks (allowing for easier exchanges). I saw one when I went to an owner's update, and they are amazing villas. I don't remember them having grills over there, but you can call the resort and ask them.

Enjoy your trip - I can't wait to get back there!

-tim
 

LisaRex

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I assume I contact Oconner's directly to reserve a 4WD? I guess I'll call them today and hope for the best.

Thanks for the advice. I have the neat sheet in my "WSJ" box, along with snorkeling equipment, WSJ books, and our new snorkeling vests. (You can inflate them by mouth with a tube if you ever feel like you're getting too tired to make it to shore. My husband thinks I"m a ninny, but he's a great swimmer; I'm not.)

I'll hold off on groceries til we get there.

So you just put the steaks in a plastic bag and a soft-sided cooler and pack it in your regular luggage? How very odd. :)
 

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I assume I contact Oconner's directly to reserve a 4WD? I guess I'll call them today and hope for the best.

Thanks for the advice. I have the neat sheet in my "WSJ" box, along with snorkeling equipment, WSJ books, and our new snorkeling vests. (You can inflate them by mouth with a tube if you ever feel like you're getting too tired to make it to shore. My husband thinks I"m a ninny, but he's a great swimmer; I'm not.)

I'll hold off on groceries til we get there.

So you just put the steaks in a plastic bag and a soft-sided cooler and pack it in your regular luggage? How very odd. :)


Yes - contact them directly - they are on-site at WSJ. There are other rental agencies in Cruz Bay - but they are essentially all the same (cost-wise) with some having better/newer vehicles than others. The newer the car - the less bashed up it will be. I take photos of the vehicle during the check-out inspection - do not leave loads of sand in the the vehicle (they will charge you) - if you get an empty water jug (of some type) - carry that in the car to wash off sand (I saw folks doing this in HI and thought it was a great idea).

I bought a snorkle vest on-line - and I love it. I rarely use it - unless I just want to float - but the security makes it worth it - especially if you find an unwanted current far from land. It allows me to go further out without feeling uncomfortable. A few years ago I got caught in a strong current off of Poipu beach in Kauai (and lost a flipper) and ended up on a small reef (I still have a scar from this...) - I decided to get one after we used one on our Bad Kitty charter (required) we we went to the Norman Caves. There was no issue - I just discovered that I like the security - especially if I start to worry about Robin (for example - during our last stay at WKORV - she was having issues with her mask - and instead of coming in - she was able to hang onto me and fix the problem). I do not care if I look like a geek - better safe than sorry - because the sea doesn't care.

I bring NY strip steaks frozen in a ziplock freezer bag (2 per bag) containing garlic and black-pepper sauce - then I put that in a soft-sided cooler bag - and put in my luggage. The steaks are still frozen when we arrive - and we use the soft-sided cooler bag for our beach trips.

Love the Neat Sheet (we bought a 2-pack) - it s 'neat' AND its a 'sheet'.

Among other things - we bring a king-size fitted sheet (soft cotton w/ high thread count) because we hate that they used a flat sheet on the bed.

Bring something for the no-seeums (deet or picaradin {sp?}) - while I hate using bug repellent - if you want to be on the beach at sunset - they will bite and make you miserable for days.

Also - I find the 'Ozone' (forgot the brand) sun protectant spray to be the best for the face/head - it doesn't sting when it gets in your eyes during snorkling like the others do.
 

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Supermarket option

I am excited for you...I hope you have a wonderful trip!

In terms of "How far away is the nearest grocery store or should we simply pre-order?", I love Starfish Market overall as well as the gourmet food and liquor shop next to it. There is another option, the Pine Peace Market, and it is halfway between the resort and Starfish. The Pine Peace is a locals' supermarket and for the all of the basics and liquor, it is much less expensive. My husband loves that place, both the prices and the local feel.

As someone else mentioned, it is not a particularly safe walk to either market because of the narrow, windy roads and limited sidewalks, so please drive or grab a taxi.

Enjoy!
 

LisaRex

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Okay, I called the concierge and *think* I have a car booked. The car rental place closes at 4:30pm, but she took all my information, which I hope will work. Thanks for the heads up to reserve in advance. I just assumed there would be cars available. Duh.

I also filled out the transportation form online for me and my 2 friends (who are taking a separate flight that they got for $600 cheaper than we got ours. Grr.) and never got an email confirmation. I inquired about it and they didn't have my information. I'm picturing my reservation sitting on some server that no one ever accesses. :)
 

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I just found this in a file that I had (copied below) - NOTE - this is old - so some restaurants may no longer exist...


Restaurants
Polli’s (cheap)
Fish Trap (cheap)
La Tapa (cheap)
Morgans Mango (cheap)
Woody's (cheap)
Rhumb Lines
Miss Lucy's
Shipwreck Landing
Island Blues
Lime Inn
Chilly Billy's (breakfast)
Donkey Diner (Coral Bay)
Asolare
Tage
Chloe and Bernards
Deli Grotto (breakfast)
Zozo's
Chateau Bordeaux
Panini Beach
Equator (Caneel Bay)

Restaurants on St. John
Not a comprehensive list, but at least a good start. Please note the dollar signs after the name: one $ indicates inexpensive, two $$ indicates moderate, and three $$$ indicates rather pricey, all relative to island standards, of course.

Skinny Legs $ Legendary island dive in Coral Bay, not to be missed. Great burgers, no fries; chips. Lives have changed here.

Uncle Joes BBQ $ On the corner across from the Post Office. Don't let the simple appearance fool you, some of the best BBQ take-out in the world. Chicken or ribs with a couple of sides for $8.95. For those nights when you just want to kick back and relax by the pool. Call & order ahead.

The Balcony on Cruz Bay $$ Eclectic dining, fine wines & cigars, on the waterfront in Cruz Bay. Try the sea bass, and coconut creme' brulee for dessert!

The Fish Trap $$ Voted “Best Seafood in the VI”, in a casual and tropical open-air setting. If you've never tasted Corvina, this is the place to try it.

Lime Inn $$ Order the Bleu Cheese Steak, then the Chocolate Mousse, then you can die… No wait – come back tomorrow for the grilled lobster, then you can die. Reservations recommended.

The Banana Deck $$ Casual outdoor dining, great bar.

Morgan’s Mango $$ Caribbean cuisine & tropical drinks. Can’t go wrong. Reservations recommended.

Asolare $$$ Beautiful view overlooking Cruz Bay harbor and St. Thomas. European/Asian fusion cuisine. Reservations recommended.

Chateau Bordeaux $$$ Sophisticated menu with an unforgettable view of the British Virgin Islands from atop St. John’s highest point. If you can’t fall in love here, you’re hopeless. Reservations recommended.

Paradiso $$$ Fine dining with great service in a stonework and mahogany dining room. The soufflés alone are worth a trip to the island. Reservations recommended.

Stone Terrace $$$ Excellent eclectic international-style cuisine, great wine list, lovely view overlooking the harbor of Cruz Bay. Reservations recommended.

Tage $$$ Neo-Northern California cuisine across from the ball park in downtown. The most eclectic wine cellar on the island.

Zozo's Ristorante $$$ At Gallows Point Resort. Elegant Italian fare with a great view of the harbor and the lights of St. Thomas shimmering in the distance.

Woody's Seafood Saloon $ Downtown Cruz Bay across from the bank. Famous happy hour and only late night eatery, largely seafood menu. It's where you had to drive around all the folks hanging out on/in the street.

Snorkeling
Waterlemon
Francis
Lameshur
Salt Pond Bay
Haulover
Jumbie
Trunk
Cinnamon
East wall of Gibney
Between Maho Beach on the highway and Francis
Waterlemon (Sea Turtles)


Leinster / Waterlemon (great spot): Starfish, Turtle, Stingray, Parrot Fish, Bluehead wrasse and many more.
Francis Bay : Nurse Shark, Queen Angel, lobster, Parrotfish lots of beautfiful small fish, shallow reef
Trunk Bay (go early, real nice): Thousands of feeder fish, Tarpon, 5 foot baracuda, stingray, turtle, gray angelfish, parrots and etc.
Jumbie Bay (not my favorite) :Lots of nice coral, not a lot of fish.
Honeymoon / Solomon Bay (10 minute hike): beautiful beach, turtle, stingray, crab, flounder school of blue tang and etc.
Little Lameshure (Coral bay): Conch, few fish….not great
Salt Pond (great spot): Eagle Ray, Stingray, squid, turtle, sanddollar, lots of fish.
Indians (charter): awesome coral formation, crevices, small eel, big sanddiver, schools of tang, trumpet fish feeder fish, queen angel and lots of other fish.
May Caves (charter): Cool caves, 5 foot barracuda, jellyfish and small fish.
May Carvel Rock (charter): Turtle, Tarpon, schools of feeder fish, parrots, barracuda and etc.
Hawksnest: not a great reef, shallow. Had great luck - squid, turtle with remora, lobster and lots of small fish like bluehead wrasse, grunts, fairy basslet.
Jost Van Dyke Trip (Cruz Bay): Lots of Parrots, octopus, barracuda, scrawled filefish, big sanddiver and lots of other nice fish. Can't remember snorkel spot, close to STJ.
 

LisaRex

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Thanks for all the tips, David. I'll sure use them.

Did you book your charter before you got there? I've been looking into some but not sure I should commit to $1k ahead of time.
 

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Thanks for all the tips, David. I'll sure use them.

Did you book your charter before you got there? I've been looking into some but not sure I should commit to $1k ahead of time.

We did book the Bad Kitty before we left, but they have a cancellation policy (24 or 48 hours - can't recall - for the weather) - the Bad Kitty is moored in Great Cruz Bay. Be aware that there have been recent changes in security procedures (911 associated) that affect pick-ups/drop-offs. Make sure whoever you charter with confirms the process. The dock at the Westin is security cleared, but before The Bad Kitty wasn't allowed to use them - along with some others - and we were picked up on the beach (which is no longer allowed - supposedly)

I heard that the NPS dock in Cruz Bay was no longer allowing pick-ups and drop-offs.

The year before we 'hired' a captain and rented a bare-boat - but that was just to JVD and a few snorkle spots (Waterlemon - Carvel Rock - and one of the Cays between STT and STJ). If you go to the Baths (on Virgin Gorda) - you will want a steady boat like the Bad Kitty. We did New Horizons II 3 years ago, and while it was fine - Bad Kitty was smoother and faster.
 
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DavidnRobin

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If you go to Honeymoon beach - walk in from Caneel - much easier.
 

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We are starting our planning for June. I called the resort to get the ferry rates. I was disappointed that they went up to $95 pp this year.

Still trying to figure out how many days are we going to rent a vehicle, or just get one for the week. Has anyone ever rented the bus/taxi service...seats upto 21 people?
 

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I am not surprised of the ferry rates going up - energy and security costs for operating ferries have gone up considerable (Al Qaeda is a big threat to STJ {sarcasm}). The public ferries are much cheaper, but they are having trouble staying in business and running consistantly. The dock at the Westin (Great Cruz Bay) is a security approved dock - two other main docks do not have this clearance. Most importantly - the NPS dock is no longer allowed for BVI charters (supposedly) - not sure how charters are dealing with this, but you can be assured it will be reflected in a price increase.

At some cost-point it may be better to use the public ferry - we did this our first visit. While inexpensive, it doen't come w/o its own hassles (esp after long travel).

Was the $95 the normal cost or the Owner's cost? WSJ Owners get a discount, if I recall correctly, it was $85pp last year.

Sorry - can't help with getting a very large group around. Since I do not like 'herding cats'- I would break it up for large groups and if there is something the entire group wants to do together - make a deal with a bus-taxi. Consider posting this on the VINOW.com BBS - some locals may have an idea.
 

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Regular Westin ferry rate is $100, owner discount is $95.

We were doing some cost comparison of public vs Westin ferry. The Westin is $95 and the Public (including taxi, etc) is about $60-65. We think the extra money for direct service to the Westin Dock is worth it. I am not sure if we would use the free "shopping" trip over to St Thomas or not, but I like having that option available. Maybe guys can fish, girls can shop one day.
 

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We did a boat trip to Jost Van Dyke when we were there and it was the highlight of our vacation. I highly recommend it. See some photos

http://picasaweb.google.com/rlogo142/StJohn2007#

Also the Capt. who took us around has started his own charter. I can PM you his information if you are interested.
 
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tomandrobin

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We did at boat trip to Jost Van Dyke when we were there and it was the highlight of our vacation.

Also the Capt. who took us around has started his own charter. I can PM you his information if you are interested.

Any information is appreciated. We have only 6 full days and I want to make them count.
 

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(for an adult)
STT-CA taxi ~$12pp RT
CA-CB ferry ~$30pp RT
CB-WSJ taxi ~$10pp RT

so an ~$43 savings per adult over the $95pp RT cost for the WSJ ferry.

I would have to agree - that the WSJ ferry may be worth the extra $43 cost considering that you drop your bags off at the WSJ office at STT and they show up in the villa - plus you get the cool towels and free water - and it is quicker...

I guess you need to find out if you can rent a van on STT and taking the car ferry to WSJ - and compare that cost.

I have yet to use the ferry the get back and forth from WSJ-STT during our stay mid-week, but maybe this year now that we will be there for 2 weeks (yea!).

STJ-JVD is easy to get to - short trip (bring passports!) - if you go to The Baths (Virgin Gorda) then consider 'The Bad Kitty' - especially those that may suffer from sea-sickness.
 

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(for an adult)
STT-CA taxi ~$12pp RT
CA-CB ferry ~$30pp RT
CB-WSJ taxi ~$10pp RT

so an ~$43 savings per adult over the $95pp RT cost for the WSJ ferry.

I would have to agree - that the WSJ ferry may be worth the extra $43 cost considering that you drop your bags off at the WSJ office at STT and they show up in the villa - plus you get the cool towels and free water - and it is quicker...

I guess you need to find out if you can rent a van on STT and taking the car ferry to WSJ - and compare that cost.

I have yet to use the ferry the get back and forth from WSJ-STT during our stay mid-week, but maybe this year now that we will be there for 2 weeks (yea!).

STJ-JVD is easy to get to - short trip (bring passports!) - if you go to The Baths (Virgin Gorda) then consider 'The Bad Kitty' - especially those that may suffer from sea-sickness.

There is also a $2.50 luggage charge per trip for each piece of luggage, we'll have two each.

We are definitely going to the Baths. We already have Bad Kitty bookmarked. Robin and I have been there before, but no one else. It was a "highlight" of our trip last time, five years ago.
 

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I included the luggage charge for 1 bag each on the ferry (really should only have one bag each - or bringing too much...)
but... it does seem that WSJ ferry stillmakes the grade.

our first trip (3 years ago) we picked up our 4WD in Cruz Bay - so that eliminated the taxi cost from CB to WSJ - it was about $30pp.

How is The Kitty dealing w/ pick-ups? Is the WSJ dock allowing them to use it for pick-up/drop-off? Last year - we had a beach pick-up/drop-off since the BK is moored in GCB, but I hear that this is no longer allowed (which doesn't mean they are not still doing it...)

If you have done the Baths before - consider snorkling around the outside of the Baths while the others do the Bath tour.
 
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tomandrobin

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If you have done the Baths before - consider snorkling around the outside of the Baths while the others do the Bath tour.

Last trip we took the public ferry and spent 4-5 hours there. We went thrru, over and around the Baths. Ate lunch on top the hill at the restaurant.
 

DavidnRobin

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Text from transportation letter that I received from WSJ
{btw - the public transportation cost I estimated was to CA not RedHook - RedHook is cheaper - but I prefer to get to water asap}

The email started off with:
Due to the possibility of flight changes and delays, we do not make advanced reservations for our ferry, "The Westin Breeze."
{As we have reserved before - I hope that this is not because of our experience last year}

WESTIN CUSTOMIZED TRANSPORTATION

Thank you for choosing The Westin St. John! Below you will find a brief summary of the customized service you will experience upon your arrival to Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas Island.

As you disembark from the aircraft and enter the gates of the airport, please claim your luggage and proceed to The Westin Airport Lounge. Your unique Westin vacation will begin with a friendly welcome and a refreshing bottle of water from our Hospitality Team. Our team will register you, take your luggage, and provide you with a ferry pass (the transfer charges will be added to your room bill).

2009 ROUNDTRIP TRANSFER CHARGES

Adults……………………… $100
Youth (ages 4-12)……… $80
Children (ages 3 and under)….Complimentary

Depending on your arrival time you may have a short wait. This provides you with the special opportunity to review the exciting activities packet created by our Director of Fun to assist you in observing our property map, familiarizing yourself with our various outlets and personalizing your visit.

Our Westin Airport Team will provide a last boarding call at which time you will board the taxi and be driven ten minutes to Crown Bay Marina, weather permitting. At this location, our ferry, “The Westin Breeze,” will be waiting to transport you on an exhilarating forty-five minute ride to our intimate resort. Please be aware that in order to take the ferry at one of the following times, your flight must arrive forty-five minutes prior to that time. This allows adequate time to collect your luggage, check-in and be transported to the dock.


2009 ONE WAY TRANSFER CHARGES
Adults………………… $55
Youth (ages 4-12) … $50
Children (ages 3 and under)..Complimentary

WESTIN BREEZE TIMES OF DEPARTURE
FROM CROWN BAY MARINA
12:15 pm
2:45 pm
5:15 pm

Times are subject to change based on local conditions.

Upon arrival to The Westin St. John, you will be welcomed by our friendly staff, offered rum or fruit punch, and be escorted to your room. Please note that check-in time for resort accommodations is 3:00pm and for villa accommodations it is 4:00pm. If you arrive earlier than check-in we will gladly direct you to Snorkels, our poolside/beachside bar and grill. Here you can enjoy a delicious lunch, sip on our famous smoothies, or recharge from your long journey with a dip in the pool.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

If you choose not to take advantage of the customized service offered by The Westin St. John, then public transportation is also available. After claiming your luggage, you will need to exit the airport and take a taxi to Red Hook, which is a 45 minute ride through St. Thomas. You will then board a ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John. Upon your arrival to Cruz Bay you will need to take another taxi to bring you to The Westin St. John. Upon arrival to The Westin St. John, please proceed to the Lobby Front Desk where our Hospitality Team will register you and take your luggage. Please note that if you arrive prior to check-in time our staff will direct you to Snorkel’s and let you know approximately what time to return for your room keys.

COSTS FOR THE PUBLIC TAXIS AND FERRIES

Taxi (Airport to Red Hook).....................$15 per person
Ferry (Red Hook to Cruz Bay)…………..$6.10 per person
Taxi (Cruz Bay to The Westin St. John)…$5 per person

LUGGAGE FEE
Please note that each service will charge you $2.50 per piece of luggage.

Public transportation does not include roundtrips, thus you will be charged both ways each time you wish to travel between The Westin St. John and St. Thomas. These prices are subject to change.
 
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