Hello Bruce,

The hotel on Water Island was destroyed in 1989 during Hurricane Hugo. The lease on the property expired in 1992, Edward McArdle didn't renew. He had bought the lease from Walter Phillips in 1965 and expanded the hotel. The ruins were torn down, you can still see where the tennis courts were and some steps/platforms. The island was transfered to the territorial government on December 12th, 1996 making it the 4th member of the USVI. The island is largely, almost completely residential. The people that had homes there during the lease were allowed to buy their property when the transfer took place. There are a few vacation homes there for weekly rental. There is a small deli/store/bar called Pirates Ridge, just above Honeymoon and to the the right. Still a very neat place, quiet. Check out the Water Island guide we have on the site... there are some pictures, history, information you might enjoy.

Do you have any pictures from back in 1966 when you lived/worked here? 🙂 Flash back time, if you had them scanned that is.

--Islander

Hi Islander,

Thanks so much for your very informative history on Water Island. So sorry to hear of the devastation of the hotel, or any other places from Hugo. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from that period. Through my many moves, have lost them...But still have the memories, and sights in my mind. If I did, I would have been delighted to scan them to you.

I'm sailing on Holland America's Zuiderdam, tomorrow, April 9th, and will be in STT on Tuesday, April 12th. I can't wait. I'm sure the island has changed tremendously. Scheduled to dock at Crown Bay. I was really hoping to dock either at Havensight, hope I spelled that correctly, or even an anchorage in the bay to see Charlotte Amalie. I don't know what I'll see when pulling in to Crown Bay. Hope to take some nice pictures.

I remember working also for a place called The Seven Seas Gift Shop. Don't know whether or not that is still there. It was on Main Street I believe. I vividly remember ships coming in and selling to the passengers, while I was looking at the ships in the bay, and wishing I was on them. Time has afforeded me the opportunity.

Plan to take a shore excursion to St. John, Trunk Bay. And on the way back, I'll stay in Charlotte Amalie, to do some shopping and have a drink, and perhaps dinner.

If you're not busy, how about getting together? The Zuiderdam leaves at 9:00PM.

Againk, thanks for your reply.

Best,

As always,

Bruce

Hello Bruce,

Crown Bay is in subbase... some call the Crown Bay dock the subbase dock. So you are familiar with that area as per your post. It isn't picturesque like the Charlotte Amalie harbor is, but you have the whole day and can visit and get nice pictures of Charlotte Amalie from other spots. The dock area at Crown Bay is going through the end stages of getting a shopping area set up. There isn't much to do there unless of course you wanted to catch the Water Island ferry boat from the Crown Bay marina and head over there. An excursion to St. John sounds great. Although I can't make it for dinner or a drink I appreciate the invitation, thank you.

Perhaps pulling into and out of the Crown Bay/subbase area will remind you of your commute to Water Island all those years ago; you are just in a much bigger boat. 🙂

Be sure to share with us your thoughts on St. Thomas/St John when you return. Have a great cruise.

--Islander

Hi Islander,

Thanks again for your quick reply. Didn't realize that CB and the sub-base were one and the same. Yes, I certainly will write upon my return to Fort Lauderdale. There no doubt in my mind that although is has been many years since being in STT, I will love it as much as or perhaps better than in the 60ies.

Thanks again Islander.

Best,

As always,

Bruce