Hello John,

And then you had this thread https://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,41305,41308#msg-41308 where the person wrote:

"Since I had given the car ferry a bad report based on my previous experience, I thought it would be important to give an update. My husband and I decided to go ahead and take the ferry to STJ even though our last experience was crazy.

I have to say there was a BIG improvement! We pulled right up were loaded on the ferry within about 5 minutes, greated with a great smile from the guys and lady on the boat. I have to say it was very easy. We were on Capt Vic coming and going. They did a great job!"

There were lots of good reports of car barge experiences following those reports. I posted in July that I drove up, swung into reverse and backed right onto the ferry with the assistance of a very nice Boyson employee. I did the same on the STJ side when returning (on Carnival day, no less!).

Of course, your other option is to rent your car on STJ and not ferry a vehicle over. That seems like a much more reasonable option than finding another island. You wouldn't find another like STJ, so you would have to change your entire vacation experience.

you think it would be better to rent another car in St. John? I am renting the one in St. Thomas and they told me that i could take it to St. John if i wish. What i am getting at is that what is more cost effective? Taking my rental from St. Thomas or renting another one from St. John?

Thank you,

John

In my opinion one of the greatest assets of renting on STJ is that most of the rental agencies allow you to park in their lots when you are in Cruz Bay. Parking can sometimes be very difficult in town.

John-

There is the "PC" answer and then the "fact of the matter" answer.

The PC answer is for you to rent on STJ (or rent from a "local" agent on STT, such as Dependable). The idea is to support the local economy and not dump your money into chains like Budget, Avis,etc.

And, yes, there really IS a benefit to renting on STJ and getting a parking spot.

That being said, cost is always a concern for me, and I have found that STJ rentals are more expensive. Thus, I rent on STT and barge over.

Shop around for your rental and weigh your options. If you decide that STJ rentals are too costly, consider a local STT agent before a chain. Also, give the STJ agents the first right of refusal if you are staying on STJ. Come up with a fair price and let them know your budget.

In the end I don't feel too guilty if I have to rent from a chain to save $$$. If I can visit several times a year because I save on each individual trip, it all works out.

Aren't you staying on STT anyway? Or, are you still exploring options?

Hello John,

Since you are staying on St. Thomas (which I am assuming by your question about Frenchman's Reef) and have a rental car there it doesn't really make 'cents' to have that rental car sitting in a parking space on St. Thomas while you head over to St. John on the passenger ferry (at $8 Red Hook ferry roundtrip or $16 Charlotte Amalie ferry roundtrip) and spend say $55-$60 on a day rental on St. John... when you can take your St. Thomas rental car, that you are already paying for, over on the car barge for $42 or $50 (depends on which car barge you take, they each have their own price) and you ride with the car at no extra charge.

--Islander

I will be staying in STT and renting from Thrifty car rental.

John

John,

This is a no brainer...DEFINITELY take you car over on the barge. It has eased up and they haven't gotten control of the situation. It makes no econmic sense for you to rent another car on STJ.

Have fun and keep left.

It has eased up? That's great news thank you.

John