STT blows Aruba away! MUCH more to see/do here! You can hop from island to island, we have 43 beaches just on STT, so you can find just the right one for you, the diving is incredible, sailing abounds, fishing, sightseeing, nightlife, gambling on STX (or at any of the bars that have video crack machines on STT and STJ), awesome restaurants, loads of cultural differences to enjoy, we are mountainous instead of flat, we have unbelievable weather...oh, the list just goes on and on! Come here, you won't be disaapointed!

The Ritz is great, but pricey. Marriott is cheaper, but still great (run by the same company). If money isn't an issue, go with the Ritz. Rent a car for the convenience and savings.

Click on the appropriate 'Select Topic' at the top of the page just under the changing banner for a bunch of good info.

What do you like to do on vacation? Give us some ideas and we can recommend all sorts of things to make it a fabulous vacation.

Just my opinion, of course!

Having been to both Aruba and STT, I prefer the USVI. Not that I didn't like Aruba, I just think the USVI has more to offer. Aruba is an island of desert and rocks. The hotel is the only place you will find lush vegetation and that was shipped in from elsewhere. Aruba is also very expensive. The only thing Aruba has over USVI is that it has virtually no crime.

USVI has Better beaches, more beaches, clearer water, better visibility snorkeling, less expensive, great restaurants, great variety, lots of sightseeing and things to do. STT and STJ are only a stones throw away from eachother so you get to explore and experience more.

Do not let the threads about crime scare you into not coming to the USVI. Most often theses are USVI travel veterans and locals discussing recent incidents. Sometimes these threads get out-of-hand as people vent and express their opinions. I can see how it can have a negative impact on people plannig to visit.

tmax

Just returned from St. Thomas. Was in Aruba in Sept 04. No question! St. Thomas for sure. I felt no less safe in St. Thomas as I did in Aruba. The locals in St. Thomas are soooo nice. Sometimes you encounter 1 bad apple but it usually isn't a problem. The way of life is much slower so you will sometimes feel like nobody is paying attention to you. You need to get used to that.

The beaches are incredible in St. Thomas and even more so on St. John. Coki beach was our all time favorite out of a lot we visited. The locals there are very genuine, kind and will go out of their way to make your experience one of a kind.

The food was wonderful everywhere we ate.

Aruba is lacking in greenery and landscape. It's very flat and blahhh. Don't get me wrong, much better than Cincinnati but not close to USVI.

Please, go to St. thomas and save Aruba for another time.

Enjoy.

Thanks everyone! I just book the trip to St Thomas for July 18! I was just getting a little nervous about the mention of crime and other negative remarks about St Thomas. We are looking forward to a relaxing vacation on a beautiful island. I will be looking forward to all of your suggestions on day trips and restaurants.

Day trips I like:
-BOB Underwater Adventure
-New Horizons Full Day Sail
-New Horizons II BVI tip
-Captain Nautica BVI trip
-Doubloon 1/2 day sail
-Atlantis Submarine
-Helicopter Tour
-Seaplane Tour
-"Discover SCUBA" at Coki Beach Dive Club

I could go one and on! Haha!

Restaurants I like:
-INDiGO
-Havana Blue
-Agave Terrace
-Room w/ a View
-Bannana Tree Grill
-Craig and Sally's
-Fagioli's
-Oceana
-Beni Iguana's
-Tavern on the Waterfront
-The Schnitzel Haus
-Charlotte Tamales
-Mim's Bistro
-Old Stone Farmhouse
-East End Cafe
-Frigate East (are they still open since he died?)
-Bonnie's by the Sea

Oh, this one could go on for a while! haha! I'm sure others will chime in!

You're gonna have a GREAT time!!

Thanks Marty! I think we will book the New Horizons II BVI day trip. Do we need to book that now?

Can't hurt! www.newhorizonscharters or 340-775-1171 and ask for Holly (the owner).

Have fun!!