bob&karen

Haven't been on the CC boards in forever but decided to check in to read the posts on the St. Croix forum. Glad I read this post. Whatever you do, DON'T skip out on the chance to see this wonderful island !!!

We've been on enough cruises (two more in addition to the ones listed on our profile) that we've seen all the Caribbean ports of call, most of them multiple times. STX is a hidden gem and for the island's own sake I hope it NEVER becomes as overrun with tourists as St. Thomas or St. Maarten or all the other usual suspects. With the possible exception of Grand Turk it is the most untouristified of the ports of call and one of your few chances to get a feel for what the islands were like in the days before the cruise ship invasion. About 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, it's rain forest on the west end (where the ships dock), desert on the far east end, and mostly gorgeous everywhere.

A quick web search will kick up more fun options for spending a day than you will possibly have time to fit in. We've been staying on island for a couple weeks each year for the past three years and there's still much on our list that we haven't seen yet. If you really want to do it right I would suggest renting a jeep or hiring a driver to maximize the experience. Our first time on-island was a cruise ship stop in '02, we rented a roller-skate sized Toyota Echo and had the absolute time of our lives. Don't be afraid of driving on the left-hand side of the road, just recite "keep your shoulder to the shoulder" every so often and you'll be fine. I suggest bringing a GPS or programming your cell phone ahead of time but the island is small enough that if you get lost you can't drive very far without hitting civilization. Even if you hire a driver the cost will be less per person than many of the other single activities you would sign up for aboard ship.

If you go this route our must-sees for the first timer would include:

- Cruising the shops in downtown Christiansted. Be sure to stop at RumRunners on the Pier and sip down a Cruzan Confusion. Be amazed by the giant tarpon that school at the pier.

- Cruzan Rum Factory Tour (note the tour itself is not available during the first part of January but the rum tasting is still open). Say hi to Karen Nalthrop, head of Cruzan P.R. and 7th-generation member of the family that founded the distillery in 1760. MUCH more of a down-home local feel than the corporate distillery across the street.

- See the beer-swilling pigs of the Mt. Pellier Domino Club. Say hi to Norma the family patriarch. Feed beer to the pigs. Your daughter will love it. I promise.

- Fielder's choice: Whim Estate / Lawaetz Museum / St. George Botanical Garden.

- Build in to your loop a cruise through the desert of the east end.

There's also the Divi Bay Casino if you're in to that sort of thing - just keep in mind you can spend the whole cruise in the ship's casino, but the beauty of St Croix is once in a lifetime. Just sayin'.

If you have questions or would like more info from an admitted STX addict feel free to write me at: robertmageecny@gmail.com

A taxi from the dock to the Whim Plantation for 1-2 people cost $9 according to the VINow web site, or $5 each for 3+ pax. Given the proximity of the Lawaetz Museum I imagine the total loop would cost around $25. If you give your driver your itinerary it has been my experience that they will return and be waiting for you faithfully to take you to the next leg of your trip. Probably not a bad idea to get his cell number, just be aware that roaming rates are about $2 a minute if you are on Verizon or ATT; Sprint and Cingular are regular rate.

If you're not sure how long to allow for each stop just ask the driver for his opinion; I think you will want to allow a couple hours for each stop to really take it all in.

More info at the VINow web site, you can find it with a simple Google search.

Sonya's may run a little more than some of the other vendors but they're absolutely worth it. Sonya originated the STX hook bracelet in the '60's - she is gone now but her daughter runs the operation.

Your cost will vary a LOT depending on size - I have a men's 8mm, silver with gold wire trim and I paid $200 for it a year ago. A slim lady's bracelet will run much, much less. As you will note on the web site there are designs other than the traditional hook if you are so inclined, including a surf-wave design and an Anole (a small, friendly gecko-like critter that you will see pretty much everywhere on the island; the bracelet is much prettier than the description would suggest).

Sonya's will also give you a lifetime price guarantee: If you ever return to the island and decide you'd like to upgrade, they will give you full purchase credit toward your new bracelet. Just save your receipt.

Completely agree with LoveSTX about simply contacting the tour operator ahead of time to explain your situation. Of the many, many things we love about this island, the concept of operating on Island Time is near the top of the list. We're sure they will accommodate you.

PLEASE write back after your cruise to tell us all your impressions of St. Croix, we'd love to hear.