Sheri: There are fewer and fewer ships even now- many leave the middle or end of April. I wouldn't worry about them in June. You can always look in the paper to see how many boats will be in town each day...

The bug problem is pretty much taken care of with some Off- most open air restaurants and bars will have some if they start nibbling on you!! It is at twilight that you will notice it, if you do.

Re: sun protection- we are a lot closer to the equator than Florida, so the sun is more intense. Stay out of the direct sun in the hours around noon. Apply sunscreen frequently and watch places like ears, top of feet, back of legs. A long sleeve rash guard is extra protection around the water. Remember that even in the shade, the reflected rays can burn...

Do your kids like to hike? The guided Reef Bay Trail hike with the Park Service is an entire biology/ecology/history/anthropology/architecture class. There is a fishing tournament around the full moon in June and visiting the dock at American Yacht Harbor as the boats come in with their catch and release flags, stories etc. might be fun for the fisherman. Coral World has a new exhibit of "Glow Fish"- DNA enhanced fish that glow in the dark- should be pretty interesting!!!!

You can view the cruise ship schedule by using the link on the main vinow page. I would avoid town when more than 2 ships are in.....I personally avoid town when ANY ships are in. Also, there tens to be a lot of Disney cruise kids at Sapphire when they are in.....so if you want to find a dozen other 7 yr olds for your daughter to play with, head to Sapphire on that day.

On the topic of bugs.....bring repellent whenever you go to dinner at an al fresco place. Many of the al fresco restaurants will have some on hand if you need it. Also, I buy the coils to burn at night. I tend to get bitten more than most, so I have to take extra caution. I spray myself down with repellent before bed (very sexy! LOL NOT!) and also burn the coils overnight.

We brought my daughter and son to St. Thomas for the first time several years ago. She was 8 and he was 15. They had a great time. We went on a day sail aboard New Horizons (sailing), did the Reef Bay Trail (on our own) and hit Coral World (Coki also). To assist my daughter with swimming and snorkeling (she learned how there) we purchased a shortie wetsuit back home. It kept her afloat and reduced exposure to the sun. We also had to use plenty of sunblock (SPF 1,000,000 or something like that). The only real problem we have had with bugs are the no see ums at the beach in the evening. I got bit by a mosquito once or twice and they are killers. Bugs don't seem to be an issue at most of the open air places we have eaten.

Hello Sheri,

I looked at June 2003 ship schedule as a reference and there were about 9 days with no ships and then all the other days had 1 to 4 ships (about an equal number of days with each number). 1 or 2 ships isn't bad; but if there are days with no ships in port while you are here then you can shop downtown on those days and visit Magens Bay and Coki Beach on those days. The three places that come to mind on St. Thomas that get the most busy when ships are in port are town/havensight shopping areas, Magens Bay and Coki Beach.

Mosquitos aren't a big problem but they are here so you can bring some bug repellent with you or pick some up here if you do have a problem with them biting.

Yes use lots of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses. If your daughter gets braids in her hair make sure to protect where her hair is parted along the braids because getting a sunburn on your scalp is quite painful.

--Islander

I know I'll get some flame for this....
Why is it that the cruise ship passengers make the biggest ruckus when they are on their excursions on the island? I have never been on a cruise ship. And, after seeing how some of the passengers behave on the island, I don't want to cruise! Does it have to do with being couped up on the ship for so many days? It just seems like many of the guys are sooo darn loud......and drunk......and want to play football or frisbee all over the beach and kick up all of the sand! It isn't everyone. But, the few fools who do it make up for the coolness of everyone else! UGH!

Hello Steff,

The drunk, loud tourist scenes I have seen are usually on party excursions like Kon Tiki. I think perhaps the loudness is more visable because cruise ship guest are present in larger numbers where as on-island guest are often with their spouse, kids/family or alone.

--Islander

Speaking of drunk, loud scenes....

I was one of the unfortunate guests staying at Sapphire a few years back when the USS Roosevelt was in....I'm sure this happens more often than I realize...the island crawling with sailors. Talk about LOUD!

Addendum to No-Seeums -
Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel, as it says on the bottle, "stops your tich at the source by blocking the histamine that causes itch. I strongly suggest the Gel as you can more directly and economically apply it topically than the spray version.

Too bad the rowdiness of cruise ship passengers would prevent Steff from wanting to take a cruise. I would suggest that when you are ready to try a cruise you consider some of the smaller ships, like Clipper Cruise Lines that have a maximum of 125 passengers, a really great crusie ship line with very interesting tours.

I've also been told that because the cruise ships are offering below normal fares in peak season, that we do perhaps have a few more passengers that are, shall we say, less...........something..........than in the old days. Does this make them more rowdy? Maybe, but they definately spend less money onshore!

Paul-

Actually, I don't think it's really the rowdiness of the passengers that keeps me off of cruise ships. It's more about my love of islands. I could NEVER arrive by ship and be told that I had 8 hours, or so, to explore and then had to come back to the ship. I would be AWOL! LOL Plus, I am not into all that glitz and glam.....dressing up for dinner........and there are waaaay too many people on those ships........

You are right about the small ships. I have though of doing a windjammer barefoot singles cruise, but I've heard that they are big 'hook up" parties afloat. I'm single...not desperate:) I think a chartered sailboat in the Grenadines or BVI would be more of my speed. I would have done it by now...but I honestly can't find a guy who likes water and boats as much as I to be on the water for a week. I dated a guy last summer who owned a beautiful 40' boat....then I found out he can't SWIM! UGH!!!!! LOL

Maybe I'll just call up and order a charter for ONE and ask for a handsome captain.

To Steff

I agree with you about the cruise ship deal. My husband and I were considering the cruise 8 days 4 islands 8-10 hours per island. That would make me insane!!! A place like the Virgin Islands, you need to time to explore and see all the spectacular wonders these islands have to offer.
We have know decided to divide our 9 day vacation into Water Island, St Thomas and St John. I think also that it would drive me insane to live in such a beautiful place to see tourist come to my home and make a fool out of themselves! I promise you that all tourist are not that way. I belive that a mutual respect for other peoples land must be adhered to!
6 weeks and counting to my dream comes true...to visit the most beautiful place on earth!
Hope to see ya when I'm there!

Chimene Linder
Dallas, Texas

Islander, Steff, Island Paul

Since this thread has been commenting on cruises, cruisers, and their sometime less than desirable behavior and spending habits, as a (former) avid cruiser (17 in 20 years with 5 to the VI), I would like to offer my observations on the subject.

Cruising is like going to a buffet; sample a lot of various fare in a short period of time. An Island or similar vacation is like sitting down to dinner; make your choice and savor it.

Unfortunately like at a buffet, some cruisers push ahead and to try stuff in everything in sight without regard to others. With the introduction of the mega ships and the marketing of low price ‘FUN’ cruises over the past 10 years or so, the demographics of cruisers has changed dramatically especially on the 7 day cruises which are like shuttles to the Islands. It has driven the more mature clientele (with more disposable income) out of this market and thus resulting in less on-shore spending. I would venture to guess that if there was a way to measure the on-shore income (less bar spending) when a Radisson or Holland America ship was in port versus a Carnival, Disney, or Royal Caribbean, you would find a significant difference.

Three weeks and counting to St. John!

Speaking from exp, Iam in total agreement , 7 hours is not enough. I was in St.John two years ago , and we went to Hawksnest Beach to get married it was beautiful , but too short and till this day I can still imagine the oceans and hills , green everywhere , no place like it , ps the people are very friendly for all those who say that they are not . Iam about go myself, june's first week and Iam so excited . Iam counting down my days. I cant wait to see the islands from my seat on american Airlines. I will be sending a report to this board. Anyone else going around that time?

Islander: Where did you locate the June cruise ship schedule. I've been searching for the May schedule but thought I'd have to wait until the very end of April. I'm anxious to plan my shopping days during the week of 17, and want to make sure there are no cruise ship passengers to compete with.

I'd appreciate a link to the May 04 schedule if you can provide one.

Thanks,
Shar

Hello Shar,

The June schedule is 2003 (last years) that I looked at just to give an idea of what the ship traffic is like in June. I don't have the 2004 schedule yet for any months past April, they are released monthly. The May schedule is a little late, we haven't received it yet, hopefully tommorrow.

--Islander