I used to work there, so I know it well. Since the "in-house" crew has left, the place isn't as fun with the parties and whatnot, but they still have a few parties. If you aren't the type to attend the functions that they have, then you won't even care. Get your VIP card when they offer and then just say "No, thanks" to the salesperson who tries to sell you a Fairfield points-based timeshare. The VIP card gets you lots of good discounts that Bluebeard's has set up. The New Horizons trip is dynamite! You get 2 for the price of one on that.. A bunch of other stuf, too. And the bottle of rum they will give you is great...and a nice souvenir, too (but mine never leasted through the night! Haha!)Depending on the room number you are in, it may be a little run down looking...or brand new and gorgeous. The 2 restaurants are fantastic! Then again, they are independently owned! Haha! The grounds are kept nicely, and the castle tower is still standing. Keep in mind that this is the oldest timeshare in the Caribbean, so some things are going to be very old. The place started as a hotel built around the watchtower in 1935 (I think that's the right date.).

Some people make coments about the staff being "rude" or "unfriendly". But, the people making those types of comments are usually the ones that have never ben here before. The local culture is different than the States. I liken it to Paris. People from the States always say how rude the French are. But, the French don't think they are rude, because, in their culture, that is the norm. That's kind of how it is here. If you don't start every conversation with a local with the standard "Good morning/afternoon/evening/night", then you are breaking their custom and showing disrespect. You will be treated rudely after that because you treated them rudely first. Get the idea?

Come on down and stay, and you will have a great time. Besides, how much time do you think you are going to be at the hotel anyway? Haha! Most likely you will only sleep there! The rest of the time you are going to be out and about. Beautiful islands. Come and enjoy them.

~Marty

I must say you helped make me feel better. I have been on my email talking to a local there who said they no longer sends visting friends/family there. In their words, "The place has gone to hell." I was also told that the area around the Castle is not that great and that we shouldn't venture out on the nearby roads at night.

This will be mine and my husband's first time out of the US and we are looking forward to it.

We have listened to the timeshare spills in the past for discounted tickets to attractions around Disney World. I feel bad telling them "no" but we did. The discounts they offer are usually great.

What is the Horizon trip?

The area around the Castle is just fine...as it sits on the top of Bluebeard's Hill! Haha! You won't want to be walking around at any time once you see the hill! Haha! But, they have a free shuttle to take you to their other resorts. Used to have one to town, but I think the Taxi Association nixed that. But it's only, like $3 to go into town.

Definitley listen to the timeshare pitch for the VIP card. The New Horizons is a full day sail boat trip, all inclusive. GREAT trip! Check it out at http://www.newhorizonsvi.com/

Any idea how much the Horizon trip costs? I saw on this website that there are several Horizon boats. Which one qualifies for the 2 for 1 deal with the VIP card?

What is the weather like there the end of December?

Beautiful summer like temperature, mid 80's with a usual trade wind gentling it's way through. Water temps are like bath water.

Come and enjoy - don't let all the negative things you read ruin a perfectly really really great place to come visit.

The weather sounds great considering it will be below zero where I live at that time of the year. I might not want to come back home!!

I have read so many nice things about all the different charter boats and the services they provide. My husband and I would love to take one or two. Are there any that do different things or are they all pretty much the same (go to the same places, etc.)?

The New Horizons is $110 p/p+ tip. So, $55 each for a whole day of sailing, snorkeling, drinking and fun ain't bad!!

Is it customary to tip on all the charter cruises there? How about the taxi drivers?

Re: Tipping,

On the charters - yes. Depending on the service you received, I would say the norm for a half-day trip would be $5-$20 per person tip. For a full day trip, that would depend on the type and amout of people on it. If it was, say, The Leylon Sneed (which carries about 50or 60 people), something like $5-10 would be fine. Something like the BOB boat with a max of 36 people, then $10-20 would be good. If it was a 6 person, full-day sail, then 15-20% of the cost of the trip would be the norm.

And, I forgot to mention that there are many different options when choosing a day charter. There are half- and full-day options, as well as sail or power, snorkeling or sightseeing, combination trips...the list goes on and on. You can even ride in a submarine!!

I thought of another question......How is the cell phone service on the island. While my husband and I are there, our two kids will be in the states and want to call to check on them. We were hoping not to have to use the phone at the resort. Just more charges we want to avoid.

Hi Roka,

I was checking the latest convo on this site and noticed this string. I totally understand your concerns as my boyfriend and I will be traveling to Bluebeard's Castle this Saturday. I too, read/heard mixed messages and was very concerned. But as Marty says, rest assured as A: it's a place to put your head to sleep and B: How much time will you be spending in the room anyway.

When we return, I'll definitely give you the full blow-by-blow stats on this place! Just stay positive and look forward to heading to a beautiful place for vacation. This is my third trip there, and I know I will love it regardless of where we stay!

Thank you for your reply. I look forward to hearing all about the location from you when you return. Have a safe, pleasant trip!!!

Hello Roka,

Sprint PCS & Cingular Wireless should work no problem, they are both carriers here. Verizon works for some and not for others and some with roaming and somtimes without. ATT works for some also.

--Islander

Thanks Islander. We have A T & T. Hopefully we can get a good enough reception to check on out kids a few times while we are there. Wouldn't want anyone to think we forgot about them.

I have been reading so many things about charter boats. Can someone fill me in on what the differences are in some of them and which ones would be worth our time and money. I would hate to take two cruises that are basically the same. We were told to look up a place called Dobloons (?spelling) where they take you to snorkel with turtles. Anyone heard of this. Sounds interesting to us.

Hello Roka,

Many of the 6 packs that operate out of Red Hook with cruising grounds around Pilsbury Sound and St. John are similar; sailing, lunch, snorkeling, beach/swimming stop. The personality of the captain and crew of course play a big role as well as sailing conditions, seas, the boat itself ect. You might contact a few charters by phone and speak to them, see if you find one that suits what you are looking for. If you search the board, using the search option up top - there are a few reviews that you might enjoy concerning charters.

What you might consider doing is one to St. John and one to the BVIs or to Buck Island. The Buck Island trip is mostly done with cruise passengers because its close to where the ships dock in Havensight. A side note: the Buck Island off of St. Thomas is not to be confused with the Buck Island Underwater Reserve - National Park off of St. Croix.The Doubloon trip has a bit of a pirate theme, the snorkeling off of Buck Island is good but if you are with a big group expect a lot of fins flopping around :-). Seeing the turtles is definately neat!!

--Islander

Boubloons definitely sounds like something we will do. I also wanted to go on a Limnos Cruise. I talked with someone there and it sounds really nice and they are keeping there off-season prices. Of course, if I can get half off the Horizons cruise with a VIP card, that might become priority.

How busy is it in St. Thomas the week between Christmas and New Year's. I heard it is pretty crazy!! Which, I assume, is why we are having trouble finding a car for rent.

Just came back from spending two weeks (15-27 Nov) at Bluebeards Castle and loved it. Also spent a week there last year and loved it. To us it is the perfect location you can walk to town and Havensight for breakfast or shopping, if you are lucky you can watch the cruise ships come in from your balcony depending on your room view. You can even walk to French Town if you desired. As far as the rooms go I have stayed in three diferent types and they have all been nice. Granted some of them are getting old and could do with a touch up but they are clean and have everything you need. As far as entertainment in the evenings it does not exist, but as I said perfect location for getting out and about. We did not use their facilities once. Both restaurants are very good a little bit pricey but then all the good restaurants on the Island are pricey. In the evening drive to French town to Craig & Sally's, Hook Line and Sinker or Noche restaurants very good. You are also close to KMart and Peublo Grocery store if you need supplies

Just came back from St Thomas 15-17 Nov I have Alltell Cell and it worked perfectly. Also suggest Limnos Cruises we had a fabulous time with them

Thanks, Janette, for your reply about Bluebeard's. It makes me feel better reading that. My husband and I are going to be staying in a hotel-type room at Bluebeards. I guess it won't have a kitchen in it. I wasn't planning on spending much time cooking so that doesn't bother me.

I have been looking into Limno's. I have all their information printed out at home. How important is it that we make reservations before we get there. My mother-in-law always books events when she arrives on the island and she said they have never had any problems. I would rather wait and make reservations when we arrive.