Here's a link to a map that will probably be helpful:

http://www.virgin.islands.national-park.com/map.htm

Every time we go to STJ we seem to do a little less and take more time doing it.

If you don't see the turltes you desire while on Francis then stop at Caneel Bay on the way back and snorkel the sea grass beds in Turtle Bay (I think that's what they call it...) We swam watching 5-7 rays at a time and a group of 3 sea turtles and it was awesome! I'm sure timing is important, but our guide told us that the sea turtles liked the sea grass beds. Also, the water was really deep for not being so far off shore, that may have helped as well.

We had good luck with taxis there as well. We were dropped off all the way out at Leinster Bay and the taxi driver said he'd be back at 4. Sure enough, he was. I liked him a lot, really nice man, probably the nicest person I've ever met. He had such a warm smile.

Have a fun time! No matter where you go, you'll have a blast!

Leinster is really close to Francis...it's not THAT far from town. Really, it's the other side of the island where I would worry about relying on a taxi to pick me up. I'd say once you pass the Leinster/Francis turn-off you need to be more concerned. Everywhere between town and Leinster is popular enough that you're bound to find a friendly tourist to help you out, if not a taxi. Again, the drive from town up to Leinster is a short one, relatively speaking, and any taxi driver should be willing to pick you up.

I have Cingular for my cell company. Is there anything special I have to do to use it there? How is the reception?
I'm looking forward to the day on St John more than I am the entire cruise! I'll probably come back for a land vacation one day.

You won't need to do anything special to use your cingular phone. However, you will not receive a signal on many beaches. Cell service is not very reliable on the island, unfortunately.

We, too, looked most forward to our St John day during our cruise. We stopped at Isla Margarita, Aruba, Grenada, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas. Fortunately St Thomas was our last stop (they had to do the cruise in reverse order due to a hurricane) because we were incredibly disappointed with every other destination. I will say, however, that our taxi driver dropped us off at a spectacular beach on Grenada...we had to walk through a hotel to get there, but we were practically the only people on the beach. Other than that, we were sort of disgusted with the other islands compared to St John. I'm glad we had the cruise experience, but if we ever cruise again, it will be for the celebratory atmosphere of the actual cruise rather than the places we visit. Keep your expectations low and you're sure to have a great time. I know that sounds awful, but it's true. I think we expected most of the caribbean to be as beautiful as STJ and we therefore didn't appreciate the other islands for their individuality...something difficult to experience in a handful of hours, anyway. Overall, I think cruises are more about having a good time on the ship than anything else. We met some great people and had such a great time while on the ship....but we'd take a land vacation over a sea vacation anyday! Just my opinion...

This will be my 5th cruise. I'm lucky that my grandparents like to have our family reunions on them! I agree about other islands. Nassau is the last day on our cruise. It's a sad day when I'd rather be packing instead of getting off the boat there. I've been to STT a few times before it was so popular. On my first cruise in 1989 we went there and I fell in love. It wasn't as congested as it is today. We are also going to San Juan from 5pm-12am. I really don't know what we are going to do there also. Been there a couple of times and just got off the boat and walked around the open air market for a bit but was back on the ship by dark. I had my son who was 4 with me so we didn't do much. I hear that it's a beautiful island once you get out of San Juan. Aruba was awesome, Guadelupe was like going back in time when I saw an ox pulling a cart in the middle of the city. In Grenada, we were tendered in and we only went shopping at the pier. It was a long night the night before *pre child*. This will be my first time on Antigua and Tortola. Excited about going to each of these. We've also been to Cozumel. Had to dock there overnight b/c Hurricane Dennis and Cindy were in the gulf. I'll just say this, I was alone with my son and would love to go back there with my gal pals! We had a blast snorkeling, but I'd like to experience the night life there. I can say one thing for sure, cruising has given me a variety of places to consider flying to for a week!

Sorry, didn't mean to give a trip report, just thought I'd give some background on myself. We travel quite a bit so I'm a little more laid back than someone who tries to fit it all in on a cruise. I did that the first 2 times and needed a vacation after my vacation! Now I just go with the flow. The day on St John will be a day that I take it all in, the good and the bad. The only expectations I have are beautiful beaches and relaxation. If I don't see a sea turtle, then that gives me an excuse to book a week there so I'll increase my chances!

I'm jealous that you get to go to Tortola...we have yet to check it out during our St John trips. We always stare at it across the water, but have never made the trip.

Since y'all have been such a great help to me, I'll report back and let you know how Tortola was. I'm hoping to go to the Baths and check it out. I'll probably have to take a ship excursion since we are only there from 0700-330. I just hate the thought of a ship excursion, but I really want to go there!

Francis is my favorite beach on STJ!. Usually there's a turtle swimming. Keep a good eye out for his head poking above the water.