Yep, you can stay in your car if you want....

We took the top off the jeep and sat up on the roll bars. This way you were ready to go when it was time and got a better view. However, in the back of the ferry they have a platform with rails. It has a large bench on it and some Potted Palm Trees on it, nice place to relax. Also, there is an upstairs area over the office and it has chairs and a little balcony. You could go sit up there too. But as long as it does not get too hot in the car, I say stay put.

Actually, in my experience, the only way your'e allowed to ride on the car ferry is in your car...they don't want you getting out for safety reasons (like for example, if someone's car rolled, you could get pinned in between two vehicles).

There are 3 car ferries though, so the rules might vary.

Noone ever told us to stay in our car. I did take a nap ( too much sun that day )in the car while hubby had a drink with at the bar with the palm trees! You will have no problem w/baby

The choice is yours - all 3 ferries have seating areas should you want to sit outside and watch St John come closer and closer but absolutely you can stay in your car if you want 🙂
Pia

One thing to be very careful about is standing or walking between the cars if you get out. A couple cars were rolling a little bit with the waves, so I learned my lesson there. They try to pack those cars in as tight as possible to get the most people on.

We've sat in the car over, we've gotten out and looked over the sides of the Ferry and we have also walked up to the top deck and had a drink. Whatever you want to do is fine.

Just watch the kids between those cars.

Interesting Pia.

I've definitely been on the car ferry when they told people they couldn't get out of their cars. Maybe it just depends on who is working that day?

Is there really a bar on the car ferries? So we can have drinks even BEFORE we reach St John???? oh man, it's going to be a great vacation!!

Yes - but that ferry (only 1 has a bar on it) is out of service right now and will be for some time, so it depends when you are coming

Pia

Does anyone know how many car ferries are running now? are there still long delays ?
Heading down on Monday and would love to know what to expect.

thanks very much

When we went on the car ferry I just popped the trunk and pulled a Red Stripe out of the cooler. No one said anything and I guess I didn't know any different. I figured if you could drink a beer while you drive it should be OK to drink a beer while your riding on the ferry. We wandered all around the deck and looked over the sides and no one said a thing. I can see where it could be dangerous if a car shifted but it sure could get awfully hot if you sit in your car.

As of yesterday there were 3 ferries running (2xBoysen and Capt Vic) and the lines were fine - no line at all actually - but as you know all that can change in an instant just because it is running today is no guarantee it will be running tomorrow 🙂

Pia

I have seen folks staying in their cars with the engine running, windows up and, presumably, the a/c on. Before seeing that, we once were wedged in tightly between two trucks - one of them a fish delivery truck - and I wish I had known we could just keep the car running with the a/c going - lol

Pia-

Thanks very much for the ferry update, as ususal you are most helpful.

How long do you think the lines will be on a Saturday afternoon in April? I think there is only 1 cruise ship coming into ST Thomas that day. . . don't know if that matters or not. Our flight comes in around noon. . . .any idea on how long it will take to actually get over to st john?