Where are you flying into STT from? Arrival time?
We have been flying into STT and using the ferries for 20 years. While we have had a few hiccups along the way, we have never experienced a nightmare or been out any money. It has always been my thought that the more connecting flights you add and the more legs of the journey, the more potential there is for problems. Especially now with so many airline issues.
We are also arriving on Dec 26th and heading to VG. We always plan on the first ferry possible and leave a backup plan. Luckily for a VG arrival, plan B includes later options out of Trellis. It is always a long day but I much prefer to get there in one travel day. I am usually on the ferry drinking a Carib by 2:45.