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Hi,
I'm on the October 10th, 2005 sailing of the Empress of the Seas, out of Fort Lauderdale, my home. I don't know yet whether we will dock at Cam Bay or hopefully, Havensight, but I would like to go to St. John, by myself, as opposed to taking the ship excursion. I arrive on a Sunday. The Empress arrives at 7:00am and departs at 5:30pm. I have to be back at the pier at least one hour before its departure. Do you think this is something I can do on my own, or would you suggest taking the ship excursion. It's not that it's so much more expensive, but I want to feel like I'm on my own. I lived in St. Thomas back in 1963, and I loved it. Would you tell me if I can catch a ferry in downtown Charlotte Amalie on a Sunday to St. John?
Thanks for any feedback.
Best,
Bruce
You can do it. The last ferry back from Cruz Bay leaves at 3:45, gets you in town at 4:30. Taxis are usually standing by waiting for cruise ship folks.
RL
Hi Bruce,
You could catch the 9am downtown to STJ, arriving at approx 9:45am (if you were able to clear Immigrations on the ship in time) Returning there is a 2:15pm arriving at approx 3pm, cost is $14.00 round trip 🙂 I think it would be much cheaper than going through the ship.
Hi Pia and RL,
Thanks so much for the information and rapid reply. I was on the Zuiderdam in April, and we only got to spend 1 1/2 hours at Trunk Bay. It was so beautiful. Was so disappointed the time was so short. Could have stayed forever. That's why I prefer doing it on my own this time around. More time on the beach, and perhaps some time to explore.
Thanks again,
Best,
Bruce
This time take the taxi to Cinnammon Bay. Avoid the crowd at Trunk and it is equally beautiful as well. Same amenities. Those ships require you be back 1/2 hour before sailing, so you will have enough time if you take the later ferry, but if you are the worrying type, take the earlier one.
RL
Hi Ron,
Thanks for the additional info, re: Cinnammon Beach. I forgot to ask you a quesion in my first post. When you arrive at the dock in St. John, are there taxis waiting to take you to either beach, and how do you plan the return to the ferry dock? Are there taxis waiting at Cinnammon Bay, or do you have to ask the driver to return to pick you up?
Thanks for your feedback.
Best,
Bruce
I know you can't predict weather, but in your past experience, what's the weather like around mid October?
You bet, they will be there on both ends!
RL
Hi Ron,
You've been great.
Thanks so much.
Best,
Bruce
