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(@linward)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

My wife and I will be renting a car in St. Thomas and taking the car barge from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John for a 10-day stay. Some forum entries state that one should not buy a round-trip ticket as you may have to take another line's ferry back to Red Hook on day of departure. Yet another site stated that round-trip tickets for Global Marine's Tug Life aka Roanoke are acceptable for use on a return trip with Love City Car Ferries' Captain Vic. What is your experience and/or suggestions? Our flight out of St. Thomas leaves at 2:40 pm.

 
Posted : February 7, 2009 3:26 pm
(@sapphirebeach08)
Posts: 227
Estimable Member
 

I always pay the little extra for one way so I can take the first available ferry when I'm ready to go. I always feel sorry for those waiting in the hot parking lot because the "wrong" ferry is in port.

 
Posted : February 7, 2009 3:36 pm
 Pia
(@pia)
Posts: 1036
Noble Member
 

Captain Vic is out of service (for repairs I think) and has been out of service for several months.

Pia

 
Posted : February 7, 2009 5:45 pm
(@margy-z)
Posts: 313
Reputable Member
 

LOVE the Roanoke. There are two observation decks, you can get ice cream, soft drinks, cold Carib, there is always good music playing, and there are palm trees growing on deck. Here's a picture of three car barges parked at Enighed (the STJ side of the trip) - the Roanoke is in the middle (click the picture to enlarge).

 
Posted : February 7, 2009 6:18 pm
(@stt-resident)
Posts: 3316
Famed Member
 

The price difference really isn't a deal breaker and, for peace of mind. buy the one-way. Cheers and have a great vacation!

 
Posted : February 7, 2009 10:17 pm
(@dbkeele)
Posts: 1
New Member
 

I travel between St Thomas and St John once a week on the barges and have never seen the three docked at one time. Good picture.

 
Posted : February 8, 2009 11:17 am
(@margy-z)
Posts: 313
Reputable Member
 

db - I wish I could take credit for that picture. I think I found this one out on Webshots some time ago when I was trying to decribe this car barge process to some girlfriends before our trip.

 
Posted : February 9, 2009 6:58 pm
(@stjohnjulie)
Posts: 272
Reputable Member
 

The Vic and Roanoke accept each others tickets. The Mr. B does not, and they have the much larger and faster boat. The Vic is down right now (at last check anyhow!) I suggest you buy a one way and go with whoever is in port ready to leave. If you buy a round trip, there is a chance that you will be waiting over an hour for "your" boat to arrive. Either that, or know the schedule and show up in plenty of time to catch the boat you want. The Mr. B doesn't fill up very fast, but the other smaller boats do fill up fast.

 
Posted : February 10, 2009 7:04 am
(@sandrasjunk)
Posts: 37
Eminent Member
 

Is there a limit on the number of people that can ride with the vehicle?

 
Posted : February 10, 2009 12:48 pm
(@mahojim)
Posts: 284
Reputable Member
 

sandrasjunk wrote:
Is there a limit on the number of people that can ride with the vehicle?

I highly doubt that.
I'm not sure which boat it was, but we hopped out of the car and enjoyed a few chilly beers that they sold on the top deck.
Also- across the road from the far end of the lot/driveway is a small eatery with heavenly Johnny Cakes! (I think it's called Hercules-)
Not to be missed!
Have fun!
Smiles-
MJ

 
Posted : February 10, 2009 4:00 pm
(@sandrasjunk)
Posts: 37
Eminent Member
 

MJ-We will be sure to check out the beers. Thanks!

 
Posted : February 11, 2009 11:07 am
(@sister1116)
Posts: 8
Active Member
 

Does anyone know whether you have to make a reservation for the car barge?

Lisa

 
Posted : February 11, 2009 2:10 pm
(@waterguy)
Posts: 455
Reputable Member
 

Lisa
No you don't just pull up back on and pay the man.
you are on your way.
Tom

 
Posted : February 12, 2009 4:27 pm

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