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Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
#128710
04/28/2017 11:31 AM
04/28/2017 11:31 AM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,122 Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,122
Petoskey, MI
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I'll write a full trip report soon, but wanted to give everyone the benefit of our experience with the ferry service and the STT airport yesterday. This was our 6th trip to the BVI's. We've never experienced an issue with the ferry service or the airport lines before, so I guess our good luck ran out and it was our turn. We boarded the 10 am Roadtown Fast Ferry to St. Thomas. When we arrived at the ferry dock in St. Thomas, the new ferry Ocean Dreams (operating under Smith's) was at the dock. The Fast Ferry crew told us that Ocean Dreams has scheduled their departures from RT 15 mins before the Fast Ferry, they stop in West End, and still make it to STT before the Fast Ferry. They take FOREVER to unload passengers. We arrived at the ferry dock at 11:00 and spent 40 minutes holding in the harbor until Ocean Dreams was unloaded. The Fast Ferry guys seem to believe Ocean Dreams is doing this on purpose to draw customers away from Fast Ferry (I have no idea if this is truth, rumor or a bit of both, but just passing on their opinions). Finally disembark the ferry, taxi situation is a mess because everyone's running late but luckily we had prearranged with Kevin. He was taking a full van of people so he referred us to a private taxi who rushed us to the airport ($40 for 4 people - great!). Thank goodness for Delta sky priority - only 4 people in line in front of us. Then I see the line to get into customs and TSA - it's literally wound all the way down the line and around - must've been hundreds of people in line. So I quickly grab a Red Cap and ask if we use them can we skip that long line - she says yes. Great! Now at this point I have no idea what Red Cap is going to cost or if it's just tips, but whatever it is it's going to be worth not missing our flight. She takes our bags and puts us in a shorter line for customs - about 15 people in front of us. Two of our crew have Global Entry so she takes them to that line - they got right through. We waited for another TSA agent to show up before our line really started moving. Line for TSA priority precheck was totally open and we made it into the terminal as they were calling boarding for our flight at 1:30 pm. What a mess!! Thanks to Delta sky priority, red cap service (tipped $40) and TSA precheck we made our flight. Otherwise, we would have been stuck.
Just a heads up, that 3 hours everyone talks about - yeah you might need it. Julie
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: CottageGirl]
#128720
04/28/2017 02:39 PM
04/28/2017 02:39 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021 New Hampshire
map
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
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Only $40 from the ferry dock on CA to the airport? Is there any kind of rate or just depends on who you get? We were charged $60 from the airport to the ferry dock. And I'm glad I was convinced to switch to the 7am ferry when we leave based on this. Also I booked in advance for what I thought was the new ferry and ended up on the Bomba Charger! They said if we wanted to wait until 3:30 we could be on the new ferry. Well sorry but that was not the schedule that was advertised. Bottom line you get what they give you! Disappointed but damn happy to be here! Mappy <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
~As you navigate through life, take time to play in the waves~
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: map]
#128721
04/28/2017 04:35 PM
04/28/2017 04:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,122 Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,122
Petoskey, MI
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Mappy, yes. I had originally arranged for Kevin to meet us; but because the ferry disembarking of 2 boats one right after the other caused a major commotion in people rushing to get taxis, Kevin had a van full. He sent us to another guy who took the 4 of us from the ferry dock to the airport for $40. No extra charge for bags. Sorry, I don't know who it was.
Originally the Global Entry was closed, but it opened magically. Probably because they had to start pushing people through some other line!
Seriously going to look into flying in to EIS next time. Ferries and fees are getting ridiculous. March 2015 - from STT to Tortola Road Town fast ferry is $45/pp, no extra fees or bag fees Nov 2015 - from Tortola to STT fast ferry is $35/pp + $3 per bag + $20 pp departure tax April 2016 - from STT to Tortola fast ferry is $50/pp includes bag fees April 2017 - from STT to Tortola on Bomba Charger is $50/pp + $10p// VI Port Authority Fee + 1 bag at $3 + 1 bag at $10 bec it's over 40 pounds April 2017 - from Tortola to STT on Fast Ferry $40/pp + $6 for 2 bags + $20 pp departure tax
I'm really suspect of the Bomba ferry ride; most expensive ride + "VI Port Authority" fee? Plus extra bec the bag is over 40 pounds? And it's a crappy boat?
Yup, def looking into flying into EIS next time.
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: CottageGirl]
#128722
04/28/2017 05:45 PM
04/28/2017 05:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021 New Hampshire
map
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
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We just talked about that today as well and I agree totally! The difference in price is getting close. Crazy for sure! Mappy <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
~As you navigate through life, take time to play in the waves~
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: HoosierDaddy]
#128724
04/28/2017 06:33 PM
04/28/2017 06:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,448 Miramichi NB Canada
Sandsailsun
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,448
Miramichi NB Canada
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Have always gone the EIS route since our stop and start point is VG...did cape air to Virgin Gorda for the first time this past trip......just incredible
Kim
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: LauraTheTshirtGal]
#128726
04/28/2017 07:58 PM
04/28/2017 07:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
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Not that I have found this anywhere in "official print" but after 30 some odd years of ferry travel, the berthing order "rights" On the Tortola/CA route seem to be: #1 Native Son, #2 Smith's, #3 RTFF. I have never waited to dock when on a Native Son boat, and other ferries had stood off even if they arrived prior.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: sunshine44]
#128729
04/29/2017 06:33 PM
04/29/2017 06:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
dkenny
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
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We went the day before (the 26th) on the same 10:00am ferry and we would have difficulty making a 1:30pm flight without extra help (Red Cap and TSA Pre-check). Although there were no major problems, the time still disappeared and it took about 3.5 hours from leaving the dock in Tortola to being in the terminal waiting for our flight.
The 9:45 also beat our boat in by about 3 minutes (watched it pull in the harbor in front of us) and we waited about 25 minutes before pulling up to the dock. While I’m sure they play some games (including schedule times), the delay in this case was Customs. . .you could see them doing a walk-around of the boat after it had been on the dock for 20 minutes. We ran into the same problem on the way to Tortola with the boat in front of our ferry having a Customs inspection in St. Thomas (they can only accommodate one boat at the inbound dock) while our boat sat in the harbor for 20 minutes waiting for it to clear before they could pull up to unload and then move forward to load us. We were towards the front of the line to get off the ferry, but with the shuffle off the boat and a few people pushing past us, we ended up 5 or 6 parties back. Combine this with the non-resident line seaming to get priority and add 25 minutes. After all was said and done, it was after 12:00pm before we walked out to the cab line.
We had a 3:30pm flight, so we stored our bags and walked to McDonalds (kid’s choice). Back a little after 12:30, but it was 12:45 before we left for the airport (a few minutes loading luggage and a few minutes waiting for another party to be added). Even with no line at the Jet Blue counter, no line to drop our checked bags and relatively small line at security (queue was only about ½ to ¾ full, but not down the hall like I’ve seen it, but still took 30 minutes to get through) it was still a little after 2:00pm before we got into the terminal.
At each step on the way, I kept saying this really isn’t bad. But when all was said and done, it was 3.5 hours. . .we left at 10:00am and were not in the terminal until after 2:00pm (minus 30 minutes for our trip to McDonalds). Looking back, I think the issue is more the limitations with US C&I/Security than the ferries. . . it was an hour from the time we pulled near dock until we got through C&I at ferry terminal and 30 minutes in line at airport security.
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: Manpot]
#128731
04/30/2017 12:37 PM
04/30/2017 12:37 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347 USVI
LocalSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
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Manpot said: ..BTW they will be adding C and I at Red Hook soon and building is underway.. As a lifelong USVI resident and sailor -- I will assert that "soon" is a word used here only with laughable expectations and no one should expect to see C&I in Red Hook in any foreseeable trip planning. I have seen "SOON COME" signs posted that have rusted away like a junkyard car with no finished projects.
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: Manpot]
#128732
04/30/2017 12:59 PM
04/30/2017 12:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040 Charlotte, NC
NCSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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Manpot said: More and more I like taking Inter Island ferry ( extremely friendly and reliable)..clear in at St John ten mins to STT and then a 30 min cab ride to the terminal. We have lunch or breakfast at " Fishtail;s" by the dock at Red Hook, leaving bags with the cabbies..its so much more relaxing. Ten mins max through C and I in St John..BTW they will be adding C and I at Red Hook soon and building is underway.. I agree with the Interisland Ferry route. The past 7 years our routine has been to drop off the boat and get the noon ferry to STJ. Spend the night on STJ and then take the morning ferry over to STT. Great dining options in Cruz Bay and it has more of an island feel than STT. No lines, no fuss until you get to the airport.
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: CottageGirl]
#128735
05/01/2017 11:21 AM
05/01/2017 11:21 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312 Canton, GA
Felix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Canton, GA
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We avoid the ferries in CA whenever possible, for all the reasons listed above. Whether I'm going to STJ, JVD, or Tortola, I always try to go from Red Hook if possible. Yes, it's a longer taxi ride, but I've just never had a good experience trying to do anything in/out of CA.
The last time, we were running late due to a late flight and trying to catch the last ferry out. Taxi driver called ahead to hold the ferry, and as I was signing the slip I noticed we were charged a "Departure Tax" - out of CA? When I questioned it I was told "BVI does it, we're gonna do it too". I tried arguing it, but the boat was leaving, so there wasn't time.
Felix
* What we do in life echoes in eternity *
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: cchalcomb]
#128738
05/01/2017 11:44 AM
05/01/2017 11:44 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,155 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,155
GA/NC
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10.00 unless they raise it which I am sure is coming. Can't let the BVI get ahead!
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 05/01/2017 11:45 AM.
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: CottageGirl]
#128741
05/04/2017 09:28 AM
05/04/2017 09:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021 New Hampshire
map
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
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I just called to confirm our 7:15 ferry to CA tomorrow only to find out there is no ferry running at 7:15 out of West End! I have the tickets and the reservation number and they can't find it in the system anywhere! Waiting to hear what they can or cannot do for us! Ok thinking this is our last ferry experience! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
~As you navigate through life, take time to play in the waves~
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: map]
#128743
05/04/2017 11:15 AM
05/04/2017 11:15 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 633
BaardJ
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 633
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map said: I just called to confirm our 7:15 ferry to CA tomorrow only to find out there is no ferry running at 7:15 out of West End! I have the tickets and the reservation number and they can't find it in the system anywhere! Waiting to hear what they can or cannot do for us! Ok thinking this is our last ferry experience! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> How about the Native Son ferry from West End to Redhook advertised for 6:45 am departure, or the Roadtown Fast Ferry from Roadtown to CA direct advertised as 7:00 am departure?
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Re: Ferry/Airport Experience - 4/27
[Re: JudyG]
#128748
05/07/2017 03:19 PM
05/07/2017 03:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 6 Edisto Island, SC
EdistoEllen
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 6
Edisto Island, SC
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We just returned yesterday, taking the ferry from from Road Town to CA. Maybe because it was Saturday, everything was crowded and chaotic. We arrived at the ferry dock at 11:15am and were given conflicting information on which ferry to choose - both the direct (which left 30 minutes later) and the one with a stop in West End promised to get us there first. We choose the latter, and rode on the Bomba Charger, which was packed and enclosed. At least the AC worked - sort of. We left RT at 11:35am and did not get off the boat at CA until 1:00pm. (I don't know why it was so much slower than the ferry we took going over.) Fortunately, our flight was at 4:40pm, so we had some cushion from that perspective. Luckily, we were some of the first off the boat, and found going through US Customs to be straight-forward with no delays. There were plenty of taxis available and we didn't have to wait long for it to fill up with folks and leave.
The airport was jam-packed!! Too many flights leaving about the same time, and too many folks getting there early, as required by AA. We checked in (with one checked bag) at 1:45pm, right at the three hour mark. Some observations and advice from our experience: when you enter the Customs area the line to the left is shorter; TSA Pre-Check saves a lot of time and is worth every penny it costs (That put us ahead of probably 150 folks waiting in a line that snaked back and forth!); the waiting area was ridiculously crowded with nowhere to sit; the small restaurant was full, but the service was quick; and by 3:00 the crowds started to thin out. The whole ferry/airport experience felt like a marathon of endurance!
My suggestions for minimizing the trauma of leaving BVI: don't leave on a Saturday; get TSA Pre-Check approval before you travel if you're flying out of STT (we also have Global Entry, but that was not an option at the airport); allow plenty of time for the ferry and for the airport; fly into/out of Beef Island if possible.
Bottom line: returning to the US from BVI isn't easy or simple, but it's a price we're willing to pay for an amazing vacation in paradise!
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