Crown Bay to STJ Ferry

Edit - just saw on Tripadvisor forums it has been cancelled...

Has anyone tried or have feedback on the new Crown Bay to STJ ferry? We are arriving 6/10 at 12:15 pm (carry on only) and wondering whether this is an option to consider. Would the taxi dispatcher know the best option based on arrival time? Or best to make our own decision?

I assume under "ideal" circumstances we might be able to make the 1 pm out of Red Hook, and I believe there is a 1:30 pm out of Crown Bay.

Rick

Strictly personal opinion, and based on 4 decades of traveling to STJ it is usually not worth the rush or pressure – unless you are trying to have an Amazing Race experience. We always do carry on, but where you are sitting on the airplane will usually determine if you can make the first ferry of opportunity. We have landed and made a ferry in Red Hook in 45 minutes (sitting next to exit door), but all the stars must align with lights, traffic, and the driver’s willingness to push it. Having said that… hopefully you are coming to the island to chill and relax enjoying island time and pace of life - does an hour matter?

I read on a different forum the service has been suspended for the time being. Reasons were vague but an island resident said the launch of the service was premature and they need to work out some issues before resuming scheduled service.

The "new" ferry is operated by Inter Island Boat Service, the boats that go from Red Hook to Jost and Virgin Gorda. The way the schedule reads, it looks like it is aimed at cruise ship passengers as they have different times when a ship is in Crown Bay, and they stop at the WICO dock. I don't have any insight why it isn't running, though.

if it were dependable, it's a great idea, dependable is the key word

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We are in no rush and will take a nice relaxing ride to Red Hook. Looking forward to the trip in a few days.

Inter Island is dependable. However, it sounds as if they are at odds with the other ferry operators.

And the cab drivers, and the jewelry stores. God forbid cruise ship passengers should have free will to visit where they want when they want without being fleeced by the taxis.

There is an article in the Daily News indicating that Port Authority has closed them down. I will see if I can link it later, but the Daily News makes it difficult.

I tried to read that article and could only see part of it, but the part I was able to read says that legislation passed stated that effective May 31, 2016, there was an exclusive contract with Transportation Services of St. John and Varland Ventures and the new company was issued a cease and desist order.

Here's the link to the Bill, subsequently revised from a 20 year to a 15 year exclusive franchise (Senators thought US Govt might frown upon USVI granting a 20 year exclusive franchise that is Govt subsidized!)

http://viconsortium.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/liburd-Bill-No-31-0332.pdf

The Bill is very specific to carriage between Redhook and Cruz Bay, and Downtown Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay. Crown Bay Marina is a few miles from Downtown Charlotte Amalie. I think Inter Island has a valid claim to fight this.

The Daily News won't let you read the full article on line unless you have a subscription. I don't see it in the Source, but will link it if it shows up. But basically,all the ferry companies are fighting. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duel.gif" alt="" />