In my opinion a boat is the way to go...but I'm a boat girl and an adventurer.

If you are doing a boat, in my experience, the USVI is less expensive .

Examples:

Average extra cruising fees for BVI waters for 6 people for 7 days: $250
No fishing license required in the USVI
Ferry to get from STT to BVI and back: at least $150 per person
Groceries: I have found that it is cheaper to go to Cost U Less in St. Thomas than Riteway in Tortola

That being said, I love the BVI and always will (we go there multiple times a year) but I also love cruising the USVI.

If you want to PM me for a recommendation on a less expensive (compared to others) crewed 44ft Leopard in the USVI, I can give you more information. For full disclosure it is my brother's boat but I don't profit from it.

I can also give you some recommendations of things to do and places to go when cruising the USVI.