I don't have an answer to your question, I just wanted to let you know that I have been wondering the same thing. I have been searching for cost saving ideas for about a month now. My fiance and I are wanting to get married on St. Johns and have been looking for places to stay. I am very excited for you. Are you getting married there?

Have a great day!

-Sarah Swicegood

Mandy, there are 2 food stores on St. John. Both are within a 5 minute drive of the ferry dock. You will probably find food prices to be at least 25% more than state side stores. There is also a general store at Maho that carries some basics but not much selection.
I think the ice chest is a good idea for storing your food after you purchase it. As far as flying down with the chest full of food, I do not think that the effort is worth the reward.
There is no restriction on bringing food items into the USVI, taking them out is another story (no plants or fruits may leave).

Hi,

My husband and I went back and forth on this issue before we left. We finally decided not to bring food with us. We did not find the prices in Starfish Market to be too outrageous. I guess it really depends on what part of the country you are from and what the cost of living is in your area. There were a few items that were considerably higher (wine for example). However, we found the prices to be ok.

Hi,

I'll agree with the advise you have been given so far. I do not think that the amount you save by carting food down to STJ will be worth the effort. If you really want to save money on food it would make more sense to hit a grocery on either STT or STJ and stock up on inexpensive items like mac & cheese and dogs & burgers. The same things you would eat up here if you were trying to save money. Plus you can get pizza, deli sandwiches and the like ifyou want something 'fancier' without spending a lot of money. If you really want to splurge, head over to STT and hit Micky D's.

Schultz

Hi,

My wife and I made our 5th trip to St John in August. We stayed at Maho Bay on two previous trips. We packed things like cup of soups and mac/cheese as previously mentioned and also some coffee. The store at Maho had some outrageous prices the last time we were there. Star Market definitely is the way to go for supplies. If you want to splurg a little, they even have a nice selection of Ben and Jerry's!!!! There should be a cooler in the Maho tent, but again, they used to charge a pretty penny for ice so you might get that at Star, too. You'll also want to pick up some bottled water at Star Market.

As far as budget meals go, Skinny Legs in Coral Bay has some great sandwiches at stateside prices and some of the bars in Cruz Bay (Duffy's and Woody's) have happy hours that will save you on drinks and food.

Have a great trip....we all ready have reservations for next May. Its the only place we'll vacation anymore...

Kurt

Thanks for all of the advice! I don't mind throwing tidbits in my luggage like you guys suggested, but was surprised to read (previously) of the group that takes their own ice chest (an expedition group's website). When we travel, we have a rule-of-thumb to NOT eat at a 'chain restaurant' - anything we have back in Big D. Thanks for suggestions on price guidelines and where to go for grocery-type foods. We'll be there over Thanksgiving, so that will be a new adventure!! (Figured Thanksgiving on a beach would be just fine!!)

Sarah - Yes, we are getting married in St John. We are doing it while on a 7-night cruise out of Miami, and will marry the day we are in port. I am not using a wedding coordinator (think I am saving a little bit of money, which helps), but have contacted some absolutely fabulous people when making arrangements. (Spent many hours reading everything possible on the internet!!) It is still a work in progress though, but have almost 6 months still. We have about 14 family members / friends going, many of whom have never left the states, and MOST of whom have never cruised. So, I am cashing in all of my AAdvantage miles for this trip in November to finalize all wedding details. Figured it was a great excuse for a vacation in paradise!!

Kurt - I have read SO many reviews similar to your's... after vacationing in St John, nothing else will do. I am extremely excited about staying at Maho, albeit the Concordia ecotents. I read about them several years ago, and have always wanted to visit. 🙂 These two trips (Nov/March) are helping break of my teaching year!! I'm always thinking "two more months until St John" or "six more months til wedding"... I am tremendously looking forward to both!!

🙂

Thanks again...

-Mandy in Dallas