1. Yes.

2. There are actually quite a few reasonable places to eat. (My favorite is INDiGO at Magens Point Resort...fantastic! And the most expensive thing on their regular menu is the bacon-wrapped filet mignon for $22!!) Pick up a "Menu,please." (dining guide magazine which also has a legend to give you an idea of the prices) at the airport or at your hotel.

3. Yes, but I'm not sure of the date that it resumes running (only runs during season). Pick up one of the yellow magazines called St. Thomas/St. John This week at the airport ,and it will have all of the ferry schedules in it, as well as a bunch of other good info. You can always take the seaplane over....that's a treat in itself! Seaborne Airlines will have an ad in the STT/STJ This Week magazine.

26 years and no vacation!! :-O You are really due!
1. The maps at the airport will help if you are going to a hotel. If you are going to a villa, you might want to get written instructions from the rental agency. Many roads are not marked, and locals go more by physical landmarks than street numbers.
2. A few of the less expensive restaurants on the east end: Molly Molones's, Sopchoppy's, Pirate's Cove, Jack's... although most places are less expensive if you order apps or split an entree. You can wander through Frenchtown or Red Hook and see what appeals to you.
3. As Marty said, the ferry hasn't advertised their starting day. Seaborne Seaplane is highly recommended for both fun and speed of getting you there...

If St. Croix becomes an issue with no ferry, I highly recommend a trip to St. John, which is much closer. The ferry is cheap and runs regularly. After 26 years, St. John is well worth it!!

I agree 100% with Chris. St. John is my definition of tropical paradise. Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks to all for the tips!
Yep, we agree that it's time for a vacation!

Sitter
As you will have a car, you can take the car ferry to STJ and get to see quite a bit without actually staying there. Saves the hassle of taxi location and provides more freedom to see the less traveled beaches. Be aware that some rental companies do not permit you to leave STT with the car while others OK it but do not offer any emergency service off island. Check with your company for specifics.

Here are some tips and recos:

- If you need a hotel...we like the Bluebeard's Beach Club...check rates on expedia.com...the resort was huge back in the late 1980's and they have been updating it over the past few years...if you are looking for "value" and would like a good view with a kitchette for about $100 a night we highly recommend. Most of the beaches are rocky at the resorts. Marriott and the Ritz have better beaches but they are $250+ a night resorts....food is pricey at these places and just average. These big hotels are great and beautiful but plan on $50 for breakfast, $50 lunch and $100 for dinner plus your pricey room. If money is no object go for it.

- Do a dinner at the Banana Tree? at Bluebeard's Castle hotel. Great view.

- Do a special dinner at the Farm House. Gourmet! This would be 5 star in a big city. Worth the extra $.

- Bonnie's at the Elysian. They have a band on some nights. Also themed buffets.

- We rent our cars from budget rent a car at the STT airport. Coupon book saves us over $200 on boating. We use the coupon for the Nightwind Day Sail. $100 for 2 people and all food and drink included. We also do the New Horizons II motor boat trip to the BVI. You need a passport for this ride. It is priceier but you will goto exclusive islands and the Baths.

Email me if you have questions.

Thanks Amy....we were gonna stay there, but seems the price for that package went up more than Antilles at Sapphire Beach, so we chose that one. I still am doing research for the best & cheapest places to eat & explore. We will be bringing snorkeling gear with, tho I have never snorkeled before. I am looking forward to a nice quiet week with no phone or t.v!!

my husband & i are celebrating our 25th anniversary . we will be going to stt for the first time. we will be staying at the bluebeard's castle. do you know anything about it? any info will be appreciated

Congrats on your anniversary too!!
I was gonna book at Bluebeards, but by the time I actually got around to booking my vacation, it wasn't the cheapest anymore! I do wanna go there when I get to the island to see it tho! Looks awesome! Hope you both have a great time. I did alot of research before I booked. Go to "Trip Advisor.com" & see what others have said about Bluebeards. Also "Fodors.com" has input from others. This board is VERY informative also. Go back & read some other postings.
How long are you staying?