State of the ferries

We are flying in to STT the first Wednesday in January. Arrival is at 2:50pm and will want to make the last ferry to either WE or RT. Just wondering if the ferry schedule reliability has improved since our last visit three years ago?

Also, how long is checked baggage likely to slow us down in STT?

Thanks for any advice

Tim

I don't think the ferry schedule reliability has changed much.

I feel pretty good about catching the CA ferry if we arrive by 3.

Over about 10 trips I'd say baggage took around 15 minutes, give or take.

What beerMe said.

Waiting for baggage is the hardest part for me......

The biggest factor if you arrive on time is the baggage and the Taxi load/wait time. I would have Kevin (Taxi) at the ready and he will make sure you arrive at the ferry dock in time for the ferry and a painkiller.

I have been highly critical of the ferries. I will say the last two trips were on time with no issues. Not enough data for a trend but a big improvement over what I have noted in the past.
G

In my 10 or 11 trips flying into St. Thomas, we have never missed a same day ferry to Tortola. The first trip, our flight got to St. Thomas late. After claiming our bags, the guy in charge of pointing people to taxis knew the drill and a group of us were taxied off to Red Hook. The rest of the trips we ferried out of Charlotte Amelie (SP?).
Waiting for bags at STT airport probably averages out to 15 minutes. It just feels longer than that because of my anxiousness to get to the ferry so I can get to the boat and start my vacation.

Waiting for the bags never bothers us as we get our 1st "land based drink" at the bar by baggage claim. Time to relax. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for tip. I had forgotten about Kevin. I sent him an email a couple of days ago but haven't heard back. It's been three years since our last trip and I'm wondering if he has a new email address?

Thanks
Tim

For Kevin I'd text him at this #: 340-643-0025
I spoke with him this week so he's around, I believe.

We just got to BVI via STT. Flight (1:38 pm arrival ) was a few minutes late and our bags were very last coming off plane(of course). Kevin met us at the Blue Marlin (Baggage claim) and we made the ferry. He called (His contact at the ferry) ahead and told them we were on the way...
Text him is best way to reach him and he (or one of his guys) will take care of you...

Tell him "Sea Tiger" crew said to call him

And give him at least a couple of days notice. Some wait to text him when they land and think he'll drop everything to pick them up.

Who is thIs Kevin that everyone seems so high on?

Hi, my name is Karen and I'm high on Kevin <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Kevin owns a taxi (van) and will pick you and your group up at the airport, get you to the ferry (and call ahead to have it held for you). If you arrive late he will know which ferry CA or RH is available. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

If you are flying home from STT, he will calm your nerves about the "3 hour" arrival at the airport demanded by AA, and get you to the curb with no problems. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

If you like. you can text him a week or two prior to your arrival in St Thomas and arrange a pick up at the airport. It will be your party in the van and not 10+ squeezed into a regular taxi van at the airport. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Hubbie is just texting Kevin and he is working his usual magic ... another shout out to TTOL community for hooking us up with Kevin .... your great advise is so much appreciated.
Cheers
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

I can vouch for Kevin, We used him last May in an emergency to catch the last ferry out of CA when our Delta flight from Newark was delayed and we didn't arrive until about 3:30! quickly contacted Kevin through the numbers provided by TTOL and he worked his magic!