You can go directly to the port of entry that you want to use as long as you don't stop along the way. It sounds like they cracked down on New Years as customs is a zoo. There are a lot of day boats that basically become water taxi's on New Years from St Thomas to Jost.

You need to have the boat in the anchorage in sight of customs in case they decide to inspect the boat and passengers. You should have your crew stand by at the vessel or directly out side the customs office. You can not drop them off or have them go shopping prior to clearance. Don't send them to Foxy's to shop. They have cracked down on this before. It looks like they wanted to make some examples.