Got our cruise fix (sort of) with a land trip to St. Thomas

[LisaLisa87]

We returned from a week on St. Thomas on Sunday. This was a 50th birthday trip for DH that had already been rescheduled twice, so we were determined to make it happen. The USVIs require a negative Covid test and screening via an online portal within 5 days of arrival. Once there, we picked up our rental car and headed off to our villa on the northside. We've visited the island 6 times while on cruises, but this was our first time staying there. We did a few of the things we've done while on cruises, like spending time at Magens Bay, shopping in Charlotte Amalie, and snorkeling via a power cat tour. We also did some new things, like taking the ferry to St. John (once via the car ferry and once via the passenger ferry), checking out some different beaches, and trying out some of the top restaurants. Beaches we visited: Magens, Sapphire, and Lindquist on St. Thomas; Honeymoon Beach on Water Island; Cinnamon and Trunk on St. John.

 

The weather was great -- low to mid 80s during the day and mid 70s at night. Driving was an adventure since they drive on the left there, but DH mastered it by the second day. Everyone there took mask wearing while in public very seriously. It's clear that they want the islands to remain open for tourism. We chose restaurants with outside seating, and the two places where we ate dinner both did a great job spacing the tables out so we had plenty of room around us. We ate at Oceana in Frenchtown and Old Stone Farmhouse on the northside, and both were fantastic. We also had a private chef come to the house twice. He was great and his prices were reasonable, especially given the very generous portions. Happy to share that info if anyone is interested.

 

We went to Charlotte Amalie to shop twice. The first time we went late in the day and most of the stores were closed. The second time we made a point to go earlier and we found that most stores were open. There were other people shopping, but nowhere near the numbers you'd see with cruise ships in port.

 

Our snorkeling tour was with Seas the Day Charters. They took us to Buck Island to snorkel and then to Water Island where we anchored just off Honeymoon Beach. We were there long enough to enjoy lunch and a couple of adult beverages at Dinghy's. 😎 The tour was very well run, and the captain took mask wearing very seriously. We had to wear masks at all times except while eating or drinking or in the water.

 

All in all, it was a fantastic getaway and I would highly recommend a land trip to the USVIs for anyone contemplating travel at this time. Being on St. Thomas really did give us a much needed cruise fix, and we'll certainly know our way around the next time we're there for a port day!

 

Edited December 30, 2020 by LisaLisa87

[LisaLisa87]

Trunk Bay on Christmas Day.

 

Edited December 30, 2020 by LisaLisa87

[JeanieTheMom]

That sounds like fun!

 

"but DH mastered it by the second day."  Bet the first day was exciting 😁

[seaman11]

I had to get my fix in by going to play del carmen , last month. 

 

Edited December 31, 2020 by seaman11

[LisaLisa87]

8 hours ago, JeanieTheMom said:

That sounds like fun!

 

"but DH mastered it by the second day."  Bet the first day was exciting 😁

Yes — We had a close call on the way to the house from the airport!

[lkj1301]

We, also, just got our fix.  just returned from Cancun for 11 days.  We've also got reservations in late March in Playa del Carmen since cruising won't be a happening.

[farmersfight]

20 hours ago, seaman11 said:

I had to get my fix in by going to play del carmen , last month. 

 

 

Not only did you get your fix in, it looks like you also got your finger in (the picture). At least I hope that's your finger...

[cruisequeen4ever]

I’m so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your trip with us, so we can get a little taste of glorious travel!

[PTC DAWG]

On 12/31/2020 at 4:24 PM, lkj1301 said:

We, also, just got our fix.  just returned from Cancun for 11 days.  We've also got reservations in late March in Playa del Carmen since cruising won't be a happening.

What is Mexico requiring for entry from the US?  

[hamrag]

Just now, PTC DAWG said:

What is Mexico requiring for entry from the US?  

 

Spending looooooooooooots of pesos!

[DCGuy64]

16 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

What is Mexico requiring for entry from the US?  

Zip....

 

[lkj1301]

On 1/3/2021 at 5:46 PM, PTC DAWG said:

What is Mexico requiring for entry from the US?  

Nothing but to wear your mask.

When we were in taxi's, the airport, going into a restaurant, stores masks were required. 

[Niffernay]

We just returned from a 7-Day trip to TRS Turquesa in Punta Cana.  Resort was at about 20% capacity and was very responsible, Covid-wise.  Not cruising, but a great vacation nonetheless.

[FLcruisergrl]

We’re going to get our fix in St Thomas in June. The original plan was 8 days on Jost Van Dyke, but between the BVI restrictions and the new international flight restrictions, we’d be taking a lot of COVID tests in a span of 2 weeks. So St Thomas it is! Very excited to get back to the Caribbean.

[GA Dave]

When my wife and I went to St. Thomas for our 25th wedding anniversary, she kept having to say "LEFT, LEFT" all the way from the airport to our resort, Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Resort.  🤣

I pretty much got it by the second day too.

We loved St. Thomas and had always hoped to go back.

[DCGuy64]

Mexico isn't requiring a negative COVID test to enter at this time, but you may need one to fly home. Fortunately, a number of hotel chains are offering the tests for guests free of charge.

 

https://www.traveloffpath.com/where-travelers-can-get-a-covid-test-in-mexico/

[dexddd]

Thanks lisalisa for posting and the pictures.