Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
We will be on STT the last week in May. So far the cruise ship schedule shows an average of 2 ships per day with 1 day having 3 in port. I had read that when the ships are in to go elsewhere. Would this still be a good idea with that few of ships in port or will it not have that big an impact? When there are several in port, would that be a good day to do a day trip to BVI or where would you suggest?
Hello Kathy,
What you are asking is whats a busy ship day, or whats a lot of ships; St. Thomas during high season often has 4,5,6 sometimes 8 ships in port.... does day for sure avoid town if you want to shop or really popular sites like Magens Bay... however no need to leave the island and head somewhere else. 🙂 Just means to stay out of town really.
2 ships is not an extemely busy day. You might shop in town if you want to do this on the days there are 2 ships rather then 3. The day with 3 ships is fine to to the BVI or to do a charter maybe go over to St. John. But not that critical. If there were 5 or 6 ships definietly would say to find a little bit of quiet by heading somewhere less frequented by cruise ship tours, a more quiet beach and so forth. I don't expect you to be to troubled by 2 ships.
In terms of suggestions, on the day with 3 ships don't opt to go in town or the cruise ship tour spots.... Otherwise just plan your vacation with all the things you would like to do each day.... 🙂 cruise ship as not a huge concern.
--Islander
PS. If you are here the last week of May there are actually 2 days with NO ships... the 30th and 31st. The 23rd also no ships and the 24th just one.....
Hi Islander-
Thanks so much for your input! I didn't think 2-3 ships were much and that we'd have to be concerned, but I've never been to STT nor have I even thought about the cruise ships before. We are planning to see alot of beaches, snorkeling sites, etc. and I just want to try to avoid the crowds as much as possible. Also, I have learned so much from this message board. Thanks again, your opinions and advice are a huge help.
Kathy
Have a great trip Kathy!!
--Islander
We had checked the schedule to see how many cruise ships would be in port and went on the day there were suposed to be two. We made a mistake. Unbeknowest to us, it turns out that they can come on short notice. We discovered that the hotel staff does seem to know, but we didn't ask. It was so crowded that we finally just gave up and went to Bumpa's for lunch. Made the shopping experience much better. Our friends returned on another day. We chose to enjoy the beach and felt better for it. But, anyway, do check on the day you want to go.
Thhe only trouble on the no cruise ship days, is that some of the stores elect to close!
Ronnie
Very true Ronnie.... so on the no ship days head to the beach - Like Magens Bay or Trunk Bay--- beaches that lots of cruise folks usually go to.
--Islander
