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Can you stand another Ferry question.... #49755
04/08/2015 04:51 PM
04/08/2015 04:51 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 297
ORIENTAL,NC
D
DaveZ Offline OP
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DaveZ  Offline OP
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 297
ORIENTAL,NC
I have a 3:50pm flight out of STT on Saturday 4/18. Any issues if I take the RTFF at 12pm to CA? I have heard the horror stories and then when I was asking about water taxis a few weeks ago I got a few responses that seemed to indicate ferry traffic would be light.
Insight appreciated.

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Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: DaveZ] #49756
04/08/2015 05:27 PM
04/08/2015 05:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 245
Charlotte
K
Knotthead Offline
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Knotthead  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 245
Charlotte
Between the lines at customs at the ferry dock and the lines at the airport on a Saturday I would vote for the 10 am ferry to make sure you get there in time.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: Knotthead] #49757
04/08/2015 05:39 PM
04/08/2015 05:39 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
SeaSeaRider Offline
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SeaSeaRider  Offline
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Posts: 896
You might make it, but it's risky and possibly even only a 50/50 chance. Much better to be relaxed and take the 10 AM RTFF or the 9:30 Smiths, get to STT around 11 and have a relaxing lunch in CA somewhere (we like Petite Pump Room right in the ferry terminal), then cab over to the airport at your leisure.


Rob
Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: DaveZ] #49758
04/08/2015 08:42 PM
04/08/2015 08:42 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
NO WAY would I do that..take the 10 am..no question about it...I hate being surrounded by the panicked screamers who thought they could cut it that fine..what a way to end a great vacation! Clear C and I give your bags to the taxi drivers to store, go upstairs to The Petite Pump Room, relax, early lunch and then head to the airport..no brainer!

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: Manpot] #49759
04/08/2015 08:46 PM
04/08/2015 08:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
^^^^^ what Mal said.


[Linked Image]

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: Winterstale] #49760
04/08/2015 11:10 PM
04/08/2015 11:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
R
Rhindley Offline
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Rhindley  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
I always take the earliest ferry just in case...

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: DaveZ] #49761
04/09/2015 10:11 AM
04/09/2015 10:11 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,925
Milton, MA
JudyG Offline
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JudyG  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,925
Milton, MA
Most definitely take the earlier ferry. We prefer a direct taxi to the Best Western Emerald Beach (right next to the airport for their on-the-beach restaurant with a table under the thatched roof, or even in a lounge chair in the sand (small fee) to enjoy lunch and relax amid palm trees and facing the sea.

If you have no heavy luggage, you can even walk to the airport...short walk but it is in the sun and we don't mind paying the taxi one last time to arrive cool and comfortable. If you have lots of luggage, the folks at the front desk will store it while you have lunch.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: JudyG] #49762
04/09/2015 10:52 AM
04/09/2015 10:52 AM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
J
jboothe Offline
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jboothe  Offline
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Posts: 252
Well since this got brought up...how much time should you give yourself to get through all the lines at STT? I was quite shocked last year to walk in the terminal and see that line. We had plenty of time but we still spend about two hours in line.

This year we have booked the 4:45 Useless Air flight from STT to CLT. I figured the 12pm ferry would be fine but...

12 leave RT - 12:50 arrive CA - Clear customs and get to STT about 1:30-1:45. That should give us about 3 hours to wait in line. Does that sound reasonable?

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: jboothe] #49763
04/09/2015 11:11 AM
04/09/2015 11:11 AM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
HillsideView Offline
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HillsideView  Offline
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Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
Depends on day of week and time of year. Weekends being the worst, especially near any holidays. Weekdays not so bad.


My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: HillsideView] #49764
04/09/2015 11:26 AM
04/09/2015 11:26 AM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
J
jboothe Offline
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jboothe  Offline
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J
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
Yea that definitely makes a difference. We are departing Saturday June 13th. We departed last year on a Saturday too on a 5pm Delta flight and I believe we took the 10am ferry. We had plenty of time. Just sucks having to return the boat so early to get the ferry.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: HillsideView] #49765
04/09/2015 11:26 AM
04/09/2015 11:26 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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tradewinds  Offline
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Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
If the line is long, get a porter. Best $$ you'll ever spend.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: tradewinds] #49766
04/09/2015 11:32 AM
04/09/2015 11:32 AM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
J
jboothe Offline
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jboothe  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
Quote
tradewinds said:
If the line is long, get a porter. Best $$ you'll ever spend.


I've read that too. How does that work? Do they walk you through a different line or do they walk you to the front? About how much? We will probably do this.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: jboothe] #49767
04/09/2015 12:10 PM
04/09/2015 12:10 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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tradewinds  Offline
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Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
They walk you up to the front of the Customs line. I'm sure they take less, but we always give them $20. Saved our butts more than a few times, especially on a Sunday when we arrived 3 hours ahead of our flight.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: tradewinds] #49768
04/09/2015 12:51 PM
04/09/2015 12:51 PM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
J
jboothe Offline
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jboothe  Offline
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J
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
Thanks. Sounds like the way to go.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: jboothe] #49769
04/14/2015 05:35 PM
04/14/2015 05:35 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 990
Seattle, WA
CarrieO Offline
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CarrieO  Offline
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Posts: 990
Seattle, WA
OK....should I be worried that I am departing VG on the 8:30am ferry on Saturday June 20th to catch a flight out of STT at 12:30?

Y'all are making me nervous!!!

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: CarrieO] #49770
04/15/2015 08:03 AM
04/15/2015 08:03 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
Same day? I'd be nervous. You have to go through C&I at the ferry wharf and at the airport. The STT airport recommends being at the airport three hours before your flight. Optimistically, you'll be at the airport at 11:15. Pessimistically? Next day. Good news, you're on Speedy's ferry.

In order to have the best possible chance, go carryon only, preprint your board pass and have your immigration forms pre-filled.

http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Fillable%29_0.pdf

You'll need a plan B unless things go perfectly for you. We've done same day rebooking to a later flight when we've hit a travel delay. Have your airline on speed dial and your confirmation number handy. Barring that, Best Western Emerald Beach has a nice beach and is near the airport.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: RickG] #49771
04/15/2015 08:20 AM
04/15/2015 08:20 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
CarrieO, I would be less worried then Rick. Speedys is the most dependable ferry in BVI. The ferry is a little over an hour, which gives you plenty of time.We have never got to the airport more then 2 hours before departure, usually 1 1/2 hours and have never had a problem. If the lines are long, hire a porter. I will say if we have an early flight, we stay in St.Thomas overnight, to eliminate any worries.

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: sail2wind] #49772
04/15/2015 07:53 PM
04/15/2015 07:53 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
Ja, as much as I enjoy seeing sail2wind as the optimist, you could pull it off. If you have carryon or need to get a boarding pass the porter will save you a lot of time.

I'm liking a Plan B that adds a day in St. Thomas. Lots of good restaurants, cocktails and a DNS (does not suck) beach at Best Western Emerald Beach.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: RickG] #49773
04/16/2015 12:07 PM
04/16/2015 12:07 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
We went through STT on Tuesday at 1 o clock and it was packed..long lines for C and I, bag recheck and security ..we had a 4 o clock flight and by about 2.30 the place was half full and calm. BTW we overnighted at Windward Passage, nice rooms ..not so good service..had a marvelous dinner at Oceana and a lovely lunch at Hook, Line and Sinker..So..if you are heading to STT give yourself plenty of time..saw several very panicked people in line..

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: Manpot] #49774
04/17/2015 09:26 AM
04/17/2015 09:26 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,105
Syracuse NY
sandsea Offline
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sandsea  Offline
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Posts: 1,105
Syracuse NY
So the ferry ride from VG to STT is only about an hour?

I thought I read two hours somewhere along the line...

Lisa

Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: sandsea] #49775
04/17/2015 11:32 AM
04/17/2015 11:32 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,482
Williamsville, NY
Dugg Offline
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Dugg  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,482
Williamsville, NY
Hi

As an answer, you might check the questions section of the bestofbvi page on ferries. They list the time from VG to STT via Road Town as being 1 hour and 40 minutes, which is just about what we experienced with the 6:30 AM Speedy ferry from Spanish Town last year.

Peace
Dugg & Chris
Our VI pics are at http://picasaweb.google.com/papadugg/ - haven’t started on our ‘14 pics for Picasa. Having trouble getting ‘13 on the site.


The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
and no shoes, no shirt, and no problems...KC
Re: Can you stand another Ferry question.... [Re: Dugg] #49776
04/17/2015 12:35 PM
04/17/2015 12:35 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Offline
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RickinAtlanta  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
The direct Speedy's between Spanishtown and CA is approximately 1:30 to 1:45 depending on conditions. It does not stop in Roadtown.


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