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Hi everybody! My recent post hasn't received much attention so I'm trying again. We will be honeymooning to USVI in late July. We're staying on STT for 5 nights at Frenchmans Morning Star and will be using the car barge to travel to STJ for one or two day trips. Reviews of Morning Star from past stays are helpful to get a feel on what to expect. Also looking for best beaches on both islands to relax and do some snorkeling. I know my fiance is going to want to spend half a day at Charlotte Amalie for some shopping. What are some good local restaurants that we can find fresh seafood and good entertainment. (I love to hear steel drums) We also are interested in finding some fun activities that are not over priced. One thing that has concerned me is that from what I understand July is part of hurricane season and the off season, should we worry a whole lot about rain and are the islands going to have a ghost town atmosphere around this time? And lastly, crime on STT? How bad is it, we're from Atlanta so surely it can't be any worse than here? Is sticking to good street smarts and being aware of your surroundings all we need to be worried about? Thanks again. (Please don't be shy to post, any knowledge of USVI from first hand visits is more than we have now)
OK, I'll try. At this time of year many people are 'off island' and the opening of some shops usually depends on whether or not there are ships in port that day. Even with ships in port you may see abbreviated hours at some of the shops. You can find a cruise ship schedule in the upper right corner of www.vinow.com
I haven't stayed at the Marriott but understand the beach is very nice. I also have read that cruise passengers can be shuttled to the beach causing some congestion. You can see the facility in one of the pans of this webcam. It might be that you can flee to STJ on the days ships are in.
http://www.webcamsmania.com/webcam/st.thomasskyridetoparadisepoint
As far as hurricane season - yes it is. We just booked a zip trip down at the end of July and made sure we had trip insurance. Here is a link I use to watch fronts and STT Resident also has a good one.
I don't think the crime is any worse there than you'll find in ATL or Chicago or Indy or U-name-it. There are places that you'll know that you have no business there - don't go. There are plenty of places that are safe and welcoming and plenty of people who are warm and friendly. Maybe we'll see you there. Enjoy!!
Ryan730,
You will enjoy Morning Star at Frenchmen's Reef. I believe all Marriott amenities are available, including Frenchmen's Cove that is adjacent to Morning Star and a shuttle is available. Marriott also runs a water taxi from the resort to the water front in Charlotte Amalie. Many good restaurants downtown; Herve's is one of the best, excellent food and service and a great view, but pricey. You can check out their menu on line. Cuzzin's on Back St. is very good for local Caribbean food and reasonably priced. We make it a point to visit every year.
Beaches; on STT - Megan's Bay is nice along with Sapphire Beach. Coki Beach is good for snorkeling. On STJ there are many beaches and they are all good.
While crime exists on STT and STJ, I have never felt unsafe. Like any where you go, be aware of your surroundings. Never been to Atlanta, so I can't compare, but STT and STJ is safer than metro areas of Connecticut.
Hi there and congratulations!
I'm positive you will enjoy your trip. Don't worry about hurricanes, but that said, we always get trip insurance when visiting the islands, and have done so for many years. Even if you get stuck with airports closed on the island you will be safe at Frenchmans because they have a hurricane action plan.
I stayed there once 2 or 3 years ago, you can look up my trip report. Even if it's not my favorite resort of all time, many newlyweds do stay there and, being a full service resort you will have lots of options. Personally for 5 days on a first time trip you may not use your rental car a lot. I know people always say to drive around, but being that it's your honeymoon you may just want to chill and enjoy the ride in a taxi.
There are 3 restaurants at Frenchmans. One really hip bar/restaurant at the beach only opened for dinner. A beach bar/restaurant who has a caribbean review once a week. Main hotel Windows on the harbor restaurant, opened for breakfast and dinner. Managers cocktail party once a week. Big patio for cocktails while watching cruise ships go past.
The beach is easy to walk to from the main hotel for most people. That beach is really hot with hardly any breeze compared to most others. Visit other beaches. Banana Tree Grill at Bluebeards is great for dinner and view. Look in the This week in St Thomas for Caribbean music and call first. Agave (great food and view) usually has steel pans on one night, and the Ritz Carlton has a Caribbean review usually Monday, so you can go for dinner/drinks there and enjoy the show.
Enjoy your trip
LB
How about car rental. I'm still undecided and keep putting of reservations to rent. Do I rent on STT and car barge to STJ? Or should we taxi STT and rent only on STJ? I want to be able to visit STT freely but think I will be limited with a taxi? Thanks again for everyones advice!!!
LB wrote: Main hotel Windows on the harbor restaurant, opened for breakfast and dinner.
Frenchman's Reef is currently undergoing major renovations and this restaurant won't be open when the OP is here in July.
To the OP, definitely rent a car. Don't even think twice about it. St Thomas is a traveling island and easy to navigate. There are way better beaches than that at Morningstar and an abundance of good restaurants in all price ranges to choose from. Taxis charge per person (see link to taxi rates by clicking on "St Thomas" top of this page and scrolling down to "transportation" and then "taxis". Dependable and Amalie both receive excellent reviews and allow their vehicles to be taken to STJ on the car barge for day trips (see "ferry schedules" under Quick Links top right this page.
Hope this helps, enjoy a wedding day to remember and have a wonderful visit here!
make sure that your car can be taken to STJ.
Billd
The only car rental agency which doesn't allow their cars to go to STJ is Hertz.
Sadly, Herve restaraunt is closed. But try Glady's for authentic Island food, she is only open for brakfast and lunch. Also, b
e sure and check with the Resort Adventure Center and ask about Catamaran Adventures special.
