Thank you "Islander" for updating the Stt/Stx ferry schedule information on ViNow :@)

Now we won't have to keep repeating that there is NO ferry service between Stt & Stx 😀

Aside from the wreck, the primary reason is isn't running is it isn't practical financially. The 40 miles between the islands and the deep trench between the islands makes for a long, rough, costly (fuel-wise) trip. During our 9 years on the island, we saw two companies, despite some government support, go out of business.

Linda J wrote:
Aside from the wreck, the primary reason is isn't running is it isn't practical financially. The 40 miles between the islands and the deep trench between the islands makes for a long, rough, costly (fuel-wise) trip. During our 9 years on the island, we saw two companies, despite some government support, go out of business.

I recall four or five - maybe even more as some of them lasted only a very short while. It's just not fiscally feasible even with government subsidies as there just aren't enough visitors who want to make the trip and the locals (apart from those going over for holiday events) take a flight rather than the 45 minute sea passage. The last operator was (like its predecessors) in big financial difficulty even before its crew managed to run it aground. Note also that the ferries have always been affectionately known locally as either, "The Barf Barge" or "Vomit Comet". The long and deep expanse of sea is often very rough and the operating companies generously supply barf bags to the passengers.

So, dano50, now you know that it's not "stupid" at all that a ferry doesn't run.

The seaplane really is a more practical and time saving way to go.
Qiute nice views too, whether you fly to Old San Juan or STX.

With the level of professionalism that ferry operators presently provide, (note the number of accidents that involve ferries and car barges in our immediate area) I doubt I would choose a long, rough, deep sea ride to STX on one, if there was any other option available, which there is, luckily!

Um, the seaplane no longer flies into Old San Juan. It flies into that little airport in San Juan that I can't remember the name of right now. Not nearly as convenient as Old San Juan, and may be more convenient for those continuing on to Vieques/Culebra, because I think flights to those islands leave from there.

dano50 wrote:
well if i recall last summer when i was planning my trip the travel book (fodors i think ) pretty much said ferries were the cheap way to travel, heck i thought about flying to san juan & taking the ferry to st thomas! (glad i didnt). also the ferry schedule said they were running so as a stupid tourist why wouldnt i think they were a good option?

Travel books such as Fodors are printed way in advance and aren't always up to date with their information which is why one should always check either the source or travel websites for current information. I'm glad you didn't decide to fly to SJ and then ferry to STT without checking, either. That ferry hasn't run on a regular schedule for years and, even when it did, it ran only on weekends. I don't find tourists generally stupid at all but am sorry if you think you're one! 😀

ms411 wrote:
Um, the seaplane no longer flies into Old San Juan. It flies into that little airport in San Juan that I can't remember the name of right now. Not nearly as convenient as Old San Juan, and may be more convenient for those continuing on to Vieques/Culebra, because I think flights to those islands leave from there.

Seaborne doesn't fly the Seaplanes to Puerto Rico. Seaborne Airlines has wheeled (vs float) aircraft for their flights to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). They no longer use that airport that you can't remember, San Juan's Isla Grande Airport (SIG).

Rocky Dock
Water Island

Actually the ferries are a cheeper way to travel (v.s. air) to and from some islands. STT - Tortola or Virgin Gorda.. PR - Vieques, Culreba (only $2!!) A ferrry did run periodically form STT to PR.

ms411 wrote:
Um, the seaplane no longer flies into Old San Juan. It flies into that little airport in San Juan that I can't remember the name of right now. Not nearly as convenient as Old San Juan, and may be more convenient for those continuing on to Vieques/Culebra, because I think flights to those islands leave from there.

Thanks for the update. I didn't realize that they no longer flew to Old San Juan. It's too bad as it was a great way to go and avoid the airport.

Glad to hear they stopped flying into Isla Grande! Thanks.

SeaTrans Loses St. Croix Ferry Franchise

http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2012/09/24/seatrans-loses-st-croix-ferry-franchise

Alana33 wrote:
SeaTrans Loses St. Croix Ferry Franchise

http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2012/09/24/seatrans-loses-st-croix-ferry-franchise

Totally expected after the last meeting. The route will now be open for bids from other prospective operators. Here we go again!