Can you stand another Ferry question....

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.

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.

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.

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!

^^^^^ what Mal said.

I always take the earliest ferry just in case...

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.

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?

Depends on day of week and time of year. Weekends being the worst, especially near any holidays. Weekdays not so bad.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks. Sounds like the way to go.

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!!!

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

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.

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

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..

So the ferry ride from VG to STT is only about an hour?

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

Lisa

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 direct Speedy's between Spanishtown and CA is approximately 1:30 to 1:45 depending on conditions. It does not stop in Roadtown.